The 2020 Fender American Professional II Stratocaster...first reaction and review!

[@dibuccio]

Fender. Possibly one of the best reviews I’ve ever watched. Can you say genuine enthusiasm. Do the right thing and pay the man!

[@JeremySheppard]

They're paying! I just don't get to keep it. I do want to though.

[@dibuccio]

@@JeremySheppard Shhhhhhh. I’m working 4U

[@JeremySheppard]

Hahah

[@pickersgrip]

Dear Fender, Jeremy did an awesome honest review. I think it would be a good marketing gesture to let him keep it. This video alone would sell you a quick dozen or two when it's said and done. Well worth the investment I say.

[@JeremySheppard]

Too kind! They paid me but I would love to keep it!

[@alb1306]

This video broke the Am Pro II news to me, and based on what's been said and played here (among other research) I think I'll be ordering one this week from the dealer around here. Great video Jeremy, and not just this one but all the videos. I know its business but, hopefully we see that blue strat in the background of future videos for a while...

[@warfire24]

Great video on this sweet version of the latest strat. Love the tones you were able to pull out of it. Pretty cool that Fender added the Made in Corona, CA part since I literally live right there! I just ordered one in darknight w/ maple from Sweetwater and can't wait for it to arrive!

[@heatherslining3319]

I just had to add this comment, I totally know nothing about this guitars, but i love Jeremey's video . The color is so cool and i love seeing he and his wife at our small group at church! Sorry , if I offended you guitar lovers.

[@JohannesLabusch]

Yes, your friendliness is totally offensive. How dare you!

[@prestonlangston6514]

Sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my login password. I love any help you can give me!

[@damianisrael3373]

@Preston Langston Instablaster ;)

[@prestonlangston6514]

@Damian Israel i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@prestonlangston6514]

@Damian Israel it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@jhandle4196]

I just recently bought one of these guitars. I have to admit, being the proud owner of a vintage strat that is all you'd expect it to be, I'm pretty spoiled by that. Still I've been looking for a strat-style guitar that played similar, but without the heirloom value. I'm pretty pleased. It's enough the same, and enough different that it's expanded possibilities.

[@jkay6361]

I’ve been playing 30 of my 36 years. Grew up playing fender and ventured off for the last 15 years to Gibson. However, this guitar has really made me fall back in love with all my fenders. I’m excited to get this guitar. I got the same color and rosewood. Can’t wait to write and record. Thanks for the great video!

[@JeremySheppard]

Send me pics and a video! [e-mail]

[@sathira_anuk5179]

MC fan?

[@LKpixels]

Hi, did you end up to get this guitar? what's your thought?

[@jkay6361]

@@LKpixelsyes I still have the guitar. It’s my go to Stratocaster. I highly recommend this!

[@LKpixels]

@@jkay6361 Glad to hear! I'm getting the mystic surf green color with rosewood!

[@joshs3905]

I went to the store 3 times to spend hours swapping this and the ultra, there was something about the pro ii for me. The ultra has a super slim neck but this neck is just so freaking comfortable and yet fast, went home with the Mystic surf green pro II, I wanted to leave with the ultra but there was absolutely nothing pulling me to the ultra that was worth turning down this strat. I have 6 older American strats and this has quickly become my favorite guitar

[@andyleotell]

Something special about the AP2!! You’re not alone!!

[@gregs8685]

They’re really great guitars. My only issue with my HSS AP ii is the pickups. I prefer the Fat 50s and Shawbucker that came on the 2015-2016 American Standards to these V Mods.

[@denbodg9311]

I love your enthusiasm for this guitar. I scrolled through and saw you kept it too. I’m a committed Strataholic of 60 years, and I have 4, including 2 Strat Pro 2’s, Dark Knight with Maple, & Miami Blue with Rosewood. You make a great point about Fender, trying various routes to alter & improve what is basically a great first attempt. IMO the Strat Pro 2 is the best iteration of this design since inception. Only the Vintage re-issues have come anywhere near as good to play. BTW, the other 2 are a 1982 ‘57 AVRI, & a 2022 ‘61 Vintage ii. Great review!

[@fendercove]

I bought one. Thanks for the killer review. I love mine. I got it in roasted pine with a maple neck. Its my dream guitar. Always wanted a Fender and was finally able to get one.

[@JeremySheppard]

Love it! What a cool guitar. Roasted pine, hubbuh hubbuh.

[@fendercove]

@@JeremySheppard Out of curiosity, since you noticed the push-push knob after this video. Would you say the wiring is more complex than originally thought or still better than the S1 switch?

[@jessesherk5335]

Jeremy, I totally agree. I used to have a 1994 MiM HHS deLuxe strat that was stolen in 2006. I did not know the specs but i loved how it played and I grew to know it like that back of my hand. Since then, I have been trying to find a fender that felt like my first love. I investigated the Ultra, The Pro, the Player. I bought the Road house deluxe and Jazzmaster but, nothing felt "natural".....until I picked up the Pro II. THIS, feels like a special guitar to me. I will be buying the Miami blue, maple version.

[@JeremySheppard]

Three thoughts: 1. (roadhouse meme) 2. I totally agree. My first good electric guitar was a wine red rosewood board strat and I loved it. The American pro II is stellar. Fender is letting me keep this one! 3. If you don't have a dealer in mind, get one from Sweetwater, they're great. You can also use this link( imp.i114863.net/xxxnv ) and I will get a small commission that painless to you and you'll get the full benefit of Sweetwater's inspection and customer service. Send me pictures on Instagram, @jeremytheguitarhunter, when you get it! I'm excited for you!

[@monkofwar]

The APii series of Fender guitars will be highly sought after in the future because of how great they are. I own a Telecaster Deluxe APii and a Stratocaster APii, my favorite guitars. I plan on buying the whole series.

[@stevebrusseau3301]

Just bought a pro 2 strat and like the way it plays better than my Gibson, crazy nice guitar

[@brealguitarguy762]

Bought the dark night version. I agree! I think Leo would be proud of this guitar. The push push knob is also a very cool way to bring in the neck pickup ! Really appreciate your enthusiasm! If you haven't already do yourself a favor and buy one

[@JeremySheppard]

Fender ended up letting me keep this one and I still play it most days.

[@CircusNormal]

I'm buying one today purely on the basis of this review. Love this guy, he seems like a top bloke!

[@elliottsmith7173]

Gibson and Fender are both great, imo you need both to appreciate the differences. Agree with the Gibson QC in years past however the custom shop is a completely different facility to the regular models, I own a 58 custom shop Blues Master Les Paul and the craftsmanship and attention to detail is second to none. Current Les Paul standards are expensive but Gibson have really upped their game in recent years and you cant compare the pricing to an American Professional Strat as they're 2 very different guitars both wonderful in their own right.

[@gregdenis5191]

Good post.

[@daniereenwolfdutoit6743]

Literally going to look at one now. Thank you!

[@shannonhondo260]

This seriously is one of the sexiest strats ive ever seen in my 45 years on this planet!! That color is heaven

[@gr637]

I’ve just bought one for my 11 year old son. He can’t wait for its delivery.

[@JeremySheppard]

Man! Best parent of the year!!

[@goffdroid]

I got the one with the maple neck... Homina homina. 🇺🇸🦅🤘

[@martinmoon7944]

If I did not already own an American Pro Strat, I would definitely buy an American Pro II. My American Pro without the few added perks of the Pro II is an amazing guitar. Worth every penny. Fender did it right with the Pro Series line up.

[@BillyBlaze7]

My fav Fender of all time was the 2012 FSR Aztec Gold Strat, with compound radius fretboard, S1 switch with N3 pickups, contoured heel, deluxe bridge, locking tuners. I have bought it 4x already. The absolute best strat for me

[@JeremySheppard]

You had me at Aztec gold! 🤤

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@JeremySheppard came with the anodized aluminum pickguard and back plate too :-)

[@kanesword9528]

I bought the same guitar from C&M music in LA and they gave a free Plek job and full setup. I can't wait to get it tomorrow. I would highly recommend buying from them.

[@JeremySheppard]

C&M is great! Did you get it from Kenner or another store?

[@kanesword9528]

@@JeremySheppard from the Kenner store

[@oderusurdugus]

Just ordered it in this color but with a maple neck. Can't wait to have it in my hands.

[@jamesnortonofficial1566]

That colour is just amazing

[@neatspy]

Watched this review, ordered the guitar. You listening Fender?

[@JeremySheppard]

Love it! Same color and rosewood?

[@neatspy]

Same colour, but maple :) Difficult to find one.

[@dowaliby1]

Great review. Love your enthusiasm and playing. You're right about your comparison of Fender and Gibson. Fenders have so much value for the money, and Gibsons have let me down time after time. The LPs and 335 I owned wouldn't even stay in tune. Are the pickups on this Fender Pro II noisy due to 60 cycle hum?

[@tpalladino23]

Love the framed “We Must Have the Truth” pic in the background!

[@JeremySheppard]

Words to live by.

[@jambajoby32]

Nice I like this color! Just saw it and opened up the tube 📺 to see what I could fine

[@ChristopherAdam42]

I want one of these so bad, can’t decide if I like the maple neck or rosewood better. Such a beautiful guitar!!

[@theruzz]

One of the best guitar reviews I have seen. Btw just picked up one of these with a maple fretboard!

[@secretdaisy6484]

You got it all right! That is a beautiful guitar, I love the color. I recently purchased its predecessor, the American Pro. Mine is Dapne blue & has the full rosewood neck-headstock & all. I can't describe how it feels because it's not like anything else but I love it. It's one guitar I will never sell. It looks kinda strange next to all the other Strats with blonde head stocks but I love it. I plan to put brushed chrome Fender locking tuners on it because I will have it forever. You should get one to keep. I see them listed used here & there. My new one is the most expensive guitar I've ever purchased & it was totally worth it. 👍☮️🌞🎸

[@ralex3697]

Of course you will sell it, always something new comes along Gorgeous guitars I have a Sunburst Sienna Strat, going to go for the Tele now.

[@mikes51501]

Looking forward to buying mine when I return home. Best Strat I’ve ever played. Getting the Dark Knight finish which looks amazing. Thanks for the review man

[@guitarbenn58]

This guitar, same color with a maple neck, will be my next guitar!

[@jhandle4196]

Don't decide on color yet. The Midnight blue burst is gorgeous. They call it "dark night."

[@joeycordeiro3198]

got a 75th Anaversary 2021 september built blemished leftover today in Batman rosewood.. killer

[@hondarider100r]

Nice review. I just got mine today in Sienna Sunburst. Its awesome!

[@JeremySheppard]

I love sienna sunburst!!

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Keep it , say thank you , your a great guitar player and you have lots of viewers around the world . Excellent Quality Fender Guitar

[@craigthomson3621]

A more fair price comparison would be between a Fender USA Strat and a Gibson USA SG. The Les Paul is a more expensive guitar to manufacture.

[@gunkanjima3408]

I have a massive crush on the Miami Blue color….

[@davidturzi3236]

I love Stratocaster, I have two, one mexican and one American Pro 2

[@robertlennox3607]

Being a lefty, I’ve seen a few of these in the flesh. The rosewood board dark night would be my choice.

[@joebryant8500]

The only thing that could improve this for me is clean white plastics. I think that would be better against the blue than the mint guard and parchment knobs/covers.

[@calelsuper2725]

Ive got this sucker in hss and this colour. Made me sell off my hss schecter custom shop . It plays and sounds good .

[@mrdyvig]

Perfect! I have the same amp and a pro II on the way!.

[@igligodo8418]

Hi thank you for all your videos. Did you use this pedal, walrus audio fathom multi-function reverb pedal?

[@jambajoby32]

A nitro finish would make this perfect

[@soofitnsexy]

this does not have the magic the american original has

[@gregmican]

Yes I agree, but the poly finish on these is very well done. Doesn't seem overly thick like some poly finishes.

[@yudhistiramelody3449]

This will be my NEXT guitar!

[@JeremySheppard]

You can't lose!

[@andrewface]

that colour is unreal

[@LauraWallaceTHE]

I'm not usually into Strats, but I love the tone you're getting out of this one.

[@JeremySheppard]

Me too! I'm more of a tele player but I loved this one and the tones.

[@smeagol37]

14:56 sounds wonderful. It reminds me of Mats Haugen from Circus Maximus in the beginning of „Reach Within“.

[@smeagol37]

I bought the „Am Pro II“ in Mystic Seafoam Green because of your video. A dream of a guitar!

[@lo664]

What pedals did you use on this review? In particular, the overdrive at the end?

[@runnningonempty]

A two bolt trem,contoured heel and a string tree...INNOVATION!....yeay!

[@HSet77]

I'm 66 years old too. Iwantahtelecaster. That's a nice guitar though.

[@jimihendrix4376]

Yea he'll be there one day and probably still have a motor mouth!

[@jessesmith2906]

Hey Jeremy, thanks for all your videos and knowledge you share with us! I was curious if you’ve happened to try the American original 60’s strat as well? I’m trying to decide between the 2 i love the idea that it’ll relic and age with me on the original but i almost wonder if the pro ii is better suited as an all around guitar for every style and genre and maybe better playability.

[@derekuhm]

Great review. Got one in Dark Night finish and I can't put it down.

I prefer this review format any day over the "this has a bla bla radius with a bla bla thing". Thanks man!

[@gunkanjima3408]

I enjoyed this format too, but some of us care about fretboard radius

@@gunkanjima3408 I do too but that info is accessible in any other review :) Or anywhere else

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

Bought an Ibanez AZ2204N about a month ago and I'm not joking... My squire classic vibe strat sounded better. At high gain, it excels, however it will never compare to a real fender when it comes to those cleans... I guess what I'm getting at, is that I returned the Ibanez and just got the mystic surf green hss version of this guitar and I will never buy another brand of guitar again. Fender for life!

[@jjd2065]

Awesome review! But would have been perfect if clean tones would have been displayed

[@slimpicks2570]

That’s cool 😎 that they keep the classic colors but there’re there are a lot of players that want to keep the legendary tones of the guitar but want to live in the now and want some new fresh colors like the colors on super cars for example.

[@oahukane]

Jeremy what was that opening riff you played? Great review!

[@JeremySheppard]

High and dry by radiohead

[@oahukane]

@@JeremySheppard ty

[@theboofin]

Nice authentic review.

[@joelleklokkers4124]

Yeah, I do have a weakness for Stratocasters. With that being said, I need one 😍 With gold hardware 😍

[@JeremySheppard]

Okay, I guess I'm okay with that. (I'm building a guitar with gold hardware now...)

[@EHCreative]

Really Great review! Only problem now is to decide on what color... Miami Blue or Mercury Silver?

[@JeremySheppard]

I'm partial to my miami blue!

[@shawnadams1693]

DUDE!!! The bottom Tone knob is a Push/Push which adds the neck pickup to Position 1, giving you the Tele sound.

[@JeremySheppard]

Hahaha....I've had this for 6 weeks and missed that feature.

[@shawnadams1693]

@@JeremySheppard Aw man, time for a Part 2 video! Even a short one, we love all of your videos. Take care, man.

[@texhaines9957]

Yes, Gibsons differ from each other, consistency occurs with similar models built on the same day. That's why I wouldn't buy a sight unseen Gibson unless I had it from a good source that the specific instrument was a good Gibson. Electric or acoustic.

[@rstuartcpa]

I love my American Strat! Great to see they are still improving on the perfect. Request -- I'd love to see what you think of the Yamaha Revstar RS502T...got a hankerin of some of them P-90's.

[@skeetschuler1859]

Beautiful Congratulations

[@MatthewFant]

There’s nothing as inspirational as a free guitar. 😉 lucky bastard. This new line from fender is pretty damn cool. I ironically do the exact same thing that you do with the tremolo bridge. I don’t really install the whammy. Just lean on it for color.

[@JeremySheppard]

Haha. I didn't know it was free at the time. It's a great guitar and bridges the gap between tradition and innovation really gracefully.

[@jessesmith2906]

I’m really interested in what you’d prefer between this pro ii and an original 60’s strat if you had the choice

[@JeremySheppard]

Pro II probably...I love the finishes and tonepot push push

[@granz8855]

Staggered height tuners are for the string angle over the nut, probably don't need that cool string tree :-)

[@JeremySheppard]

Haha...true. Maybe it's removing mass?

[@jdl2180]

How is it any different then the American special Stratocaster that they used to make?

[@adamp6401]

Do you think this is worth the extra money on top of the player series?

[@JeremySheppard]

I think so for sure. But the player is pretty special too. Don't sleep on the vintera.

[@diegoschwartz3519]

I literally have not played mine as much just because i wanna conserve the smell for longer, kind of a bummer, looool

[@JeremySheppard]

Haha, yesssss! I totally get that!

[@christosfragias592]

How did you get the Miami Blue with a rosewood fret board? We only get the maple fret board in Australia....AHHHH! Lovely guitar.

[@JeremySheppard]

We can trade maybe..... I asked for the maple board

[@ralex3697]

I like the Maple for that one, whatever, it is gorgeous any way

[@ZillianZilch]

It always amazes me how many people review Strats without even bothering to fit the term arm (never mind actually using it!). How can you review a guitar without using one of its main features?

[@JeremySheppard]

Fair point. I don't use the trem that often but I see your point for sure.

[@SoccerCoachJ]

I have owned an American strat for more than 10 years. The little piece of silver tape the the factory puts over the trim arm hole to keep the spring from falling out is still on it and that is where it will stay.

[@ZillianZilch]

@@SoccerCoachJ You’re missing out on all the fun.

[@blueufo9587]

Hey Jeremy!! Love all your videos, keep up the great work! Late to the party but I’m trying to decide between this one and an American Original 60s Strat. What do you think? Worth the extra 500 over this model? Thank you so much!

[@JeremySheppard]

I think so. Unless you really want a classic style. The main difference is the shaped neck heel and push push pot for the neck pickup in the bridge positions. Can't lose with either. The original series is so good.

[@blueufo9587]

@@JeremySheppard thank you for the quick reply! Much appreciated

[@jessesmith2906]

@@blueufo9587 what’d you end up deciding on?! I’m in the same boat! I love the neck on the pro ii! And it seems very versatile and easy to play. Love the vintage vibe to the originals and the nitro finish and neck shape but don’t care for the gloss as much on the back of the neck

[@sethcaine3659]

when you said "if it just had a maple neck" .. but isn't this a maple neck?

[@JeremySheppard]

Yes. I meant fretboard.

[@sethcaine3659]

@@JeremySheppard ohh ! is there a big difference? I thought I saw this model in maple fret... hmm

[@metalliholic]

I believe it’s a poly finish

[@JeremySheppard]

You're right. Whoops.

[@ralex3697]

Ventures on a beach in Cali Gorgeous axe

[@jettav88]

So as a lefty player, do you prefer this or the Ultra? Thanks!

[@robertlennox3607]

This is a nicer guitar than the ultra, which is a bit over priced.

[@jettav88]

@@robertlennox3607 Thank You

[@fairladyz9957]

Does the knob stick out when not using it. Like more than the regular ones?

[@JeremySheppard]

Only if it's pushed(adding neck pickup). I didn't know that was a feature until after my videos came out, haha.

[@Yumemaru.]

I wish the lefty Miami blue one had a maple fretboard.

[@andyleotell]

God and Fender hate lefties!

[@Ibanezrgplayer00]

What happened to Fluff's voice??

[@peterbatten596]

I finally got mine the other day. A brand new one in dark night with the rosewood fingerboard. \\m//(-_-)\\m//

[@jimihendrix4376]

And what about the Push/Push gimmick switching you neglected to mention?

[@JeremySheppard]

Haha,I didn't know it existed when I filmed this. Whoops.

[@JimmyRadloff]

I wonder how much it would cost to add the push push feature to the previous American professional strat?

[@andyleotell]

$20

[@thebluesguy7187]

the best is to SHOW US the real sound with NO PEDAL ..

[@Relicsun]

Let’s get it short, you like everything in that guitar😅

[@kernelspy]

I hear a Lincoln Brewster licks there man! 🥳😍 Church player I suppose ?

[@JeremySheppard]

I play in the church and have heard Lincoln Brewster but never learned any of his stuff. But we have some mutual influences for sure.

[@kernelspy]

@@JeremySheppard Awesome. The one that you did @14:12 that's the intro riff from "Another Hallelujah" by Lincoln Brewster 👏 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZzZpnyGrNukptk Keep it up brother! Btw, did you find that the frets were too tall? Im used to playing a Medium Jumbo frets...

[@JeremySheppard]

I was playing Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley. That's cool though.

[@msaintpc]

I wish fender would counter sink its backplates like Gibson does so that the screw heads wouldn't scratch and catch my clothing. Other than that it's a good guitar. And my new American Pro pro II Strat doesn't have a lacquer finish, it has the usual bad smelling polyurethane.

[@jakehardy5997]

Dude you sound EXACTLY like TheDudeInBlue 😂 fr tho, this review is cherry, thanks for the info!

[@JeremySheppard]

Thanks for watching! I'll look up the dude in blue

[@jambajoby32]

they just want free publicity FENDER: GIVE THE MAN THE GUITAR!!!!

[@JeremySheppard]

They sponsored the video, I just don't get to keep the guitar.

[@jambajoby32]

@@JeremySheppard I digress Still GIVE THE MAN THE GUITAR

[@soofitnsexy]

@@JeremySheppard those cheap bastards

[@hafstrat]

Wow!!!

[@ptrisonic]

Sorry it's not Nitro it's Gloss Polyester. P

[@JeremySheppard]

Thanks, P

[@jspic4907]

And.... it sounds like any other Strat.

[@ozoneswiftak]

Really, you need to get out more.

[@williamcharlesschneider4825]

A lot of guitars sound good, but not all FEEL good like this one

[@vernal6944]

And this is a bad thing?? lol

[@rickallen6378]

Do you get to keep it?

[@JeremySheppard]

No, but they sponsored the video.

[@Chilinoploppy]

"Needs less wraps.." shows winding post with more wraps than needed 🤣 just teasing lol. Cool review bro!

[@charles3200]

How about we hear the guitar and not all your pedals?

[@JeremySheppard]

There's tons of boring "how does this sound" videos, this is how I use it.

[@alexgarnett5373]

Do any professionals play these? Everyone I see plays vintage or reissue

[@danielsOFF]

❤

[@jeffreysurette1901]

Does it not have a nitro good smelling finish . It's polyhurithane😮

[@JeremySheppard]

I'm a dope. 😆

[@rubentrevino6288]

Ultra is better imo

[@Yumemaru.]

I mean yeah the Ultra is straight up better but it's at a different price range.

[@calelsuper2725]

I was deciding between the two and ended up buying the pro 2 without playing either . I really like it . Needs locking tuners imo.