WHO IS THIS FOR? - Fender Ultra II Stratocaster

[@3Storms]

It's for the Iron Maiden/Warren DiMartini/Yngywie types that want to rock but are in love with the look and feel of a classic strat.

[@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw]

Like me then. 😃

[@friedrudibega6384]

I would be more interested if they made them look like an average Strat. Totally looking stock. No fancy pickguard and regular single coils. It looks like someone did a bunch of upgrades on a MIM.

[@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw]

@@friedrudibega6384 Humbuckers and black pickguards have been on Strats for decades. Until you start adding active circuits, coiltaps and locking trems it's still an average Strat to me.

[@friedrudibega6384]

@@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw I hear ya. When I think of a stock strat, I think it’s perfectly normal to describe it the way that I did. Who hurt you? Who?

[@georgedomse]

Exactly what I thought.

[@NeilWatson]

That was some awesome playing man some of the best I’ve heard you do

[@metalzonemt-2]

That color is awesome.

[@mb102]

It needs a funky purple pick guard

[@pooritech]

I find the guitar very ugly! A purple pickguard I agree could help. A darker baked neck maybe. As is I wouldn't pick it from a wall.

[@mikemccann978]

G&L have been doing this color for years.

[@Matt_Holcomb]

right. i like how the pick guard is flat black. it makes the gold pop more

[@MotoMarios]

The music I hear from youtubers in their videos is far better than what I hear in contemporary albums. Well done.

[@IStabz]

kickass intro! and playing throughout.

[@johnnysully2689]

Dude your phrasing and note choice are fucking IMPECCABLE

[@Swampster70]

I wasn't expecting it from this guitar but that was some of the best lead tones I've heard from you. Nice job.

[@Durkhead]

Its for me ill take it.

[@Rachel-t9y]

I love this guitar. Best thing from Fender in a long time.

[@Rachel-t9y]

it is. I bought the Telecaster. It's my favorite guitar now. 2400 out the door with tax was a lot for me but I am paying it in 12 payments . I actually think it is totally worth the money or even underpriced,

[@Oireg]

ME! Just picked up my noble blue HSS Ultra II yesterday

[@PirateStyle2013]

OMG that solo Rocked Man!

[@huffdm]

Fender and Jackson are just slaying it in 2024, looks like yet another quality release here. Love the color too. ❤

[@Music-tx5jl]

Check out what Schecter offer. Absolutely destroyes everythinf else out there right now in my opinion. Dual action truss rods even in the cheapest models

[@KeesDusink]

I just ordered one in Sinister Red, amazing guitar that I will be using for playing the blues. I really appreciate all the many modern features.

[@ncdozer3103]

@@KeesDusink how do you like it?

[@GutoGibsonGuitar]

Bro for real. U Do sound great with this guitar. The tone and playing. Sounds great

[@grandpabambam]

Looks and sounds amazing!

[@brenx9048]

So nice I had listen to that intro twice 😎

[@danielgallardo7249]

I was playing one of these guitars at a local Guitar Center, and boy oh boy. I couldn't keep my hands off of it. I loved the feel and the tone coming out of it, and I'm a rock/CCM player. I am saving up money for this guitar.

[@Metalbass1979]

Your tone and playing on that thing just sounds amazing.

[@Lord_Raptor]

I love Fenders and I love that finish.

[@Ottophil]

Solar Flare lol. I see what they did there

[@ianmartens5286]

Sounds great! All those tones are sick! I’m a Fender fan and I dig it when people do metal with more traditional instruments.

[@patrickkeenan6331]

It is CLEARLY designed for prog rock guitarists who play out in bands. The variety of tones, the useful trem, the contours--in my opinion, the selling point is the versatility.

[@danoteck]

Versatility +1.

[@qrcodmacke9864]

And its still Fender thus we need to pay a car worth of a price to get ergonomic instrument with long lasting features on it still, bolt on cut which was only on 2500e+ models is an improvement decades later they figured it out finally due to market competition, bronze frets which won't last kinda aren't, i tried it, its well build, sounds amazing though, quite versatile but price is too high for my taste.

[@IshanAditya]

@@qrcodmacke9864 C'mon people drop 1.5k on an iPhone these days. Fenders were 2.5k back when phones were still 500 bucks.

[@falagar1929]

hey man. thanks for the video.. keep on rockin...

[@nomad100hd]

Sounds great!

[@MaxHeadroom65]

I love Strats and you just proved that they are still cool.

[@alienphire1949]

5:45 i was shocked to hear this song good video

[@martysmetal]

that tone was smooth solefull nice man

[@piotrkamienowski3737]

its amazing how you enjoy playing this guitar, strat is strat...- timeless guitar :) yeeees i would like to have one 😍😍

[@williamrose662]

Iron Maiden's Dave Murry would and has been playing a humbucker strat for 40 plus years....

[@SpreeTX]

That guitar is for me. I’m a metal guy that has always played modded Fender Stratocasters. This is a no modding necessary release in my opinion.

[@AnimusPossidendi]

Wow its fantastic. love it!

[@place_desjardins]

Nice play-through in the intro.

[@jeffpogan2950]

I just got a strat ultra - I love it! It’s good for all around playing, I call it my “general duty guitar”

[@howardthrust]

Good call on the "timing" of this vid, Ola (same 4 my comment)! I think you've made a very fair assessment of "The Subject", also. You achieved an excellent "Hard Rock--almost Metal" sound with the Pickguard-mounted P'ups. Still nothing beats Body-mounted for "Full Metal" (as we all know). Solidarity on the "Nickel Fret" thoughts, too! I've not had any "wear issues" with mine (could be that we use lighter finger pressure...like we're SUPPOSED TO!!) 🤘

[@josh-bodnar]

I ordered one of these before discovering this video. Thanks for giving me the confirmation I needed!!

[@thepetesuprize3126]

That blinking red light is a nightmare

[@Chris_Brah]

Cannot be unseen

[@zidane6520]

I didn’t even notice it until I read your comment

[@mmiller6873]

I love the color on that bad boy. It sounds like a gem. I would totally rock one.

[@jessehutchings]

If it was free lol

[@ThomasB_N4G]

Best production Strat Fender has come out with in a very long time!

[@gvtshorts2024]

It looks beautiful

[@PrestonSmithsMusic]

If I could afford such a thing, I would play a lot of Iron Maiden (my go-to jam). Sounds amazing. Well done, Ola! 🤘😎

[@k3taine229]

I really love that colour! I feel like they should have gone a little darker for the logo on the neck but a cool looking guitar! Cheers! 🫡

[@Turba80]

Sick guitar! Love the tones you get out of it. It does it all! It’s gorgeous too

[@julianmauro777]

5:34 thanks for always having dimebag present. 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@cristiancastaneda5963]

Beautiful Guitar! 🤩🤩

[@roadwarrior2348]

Hola Ola ..!! Its a nice looking axe, appears to be very versatile. You can play whatever it is your playing, blues, rock, metal...and it'll sound good. I vote YES. Ill take one..

[@KrispyCoins]

Thanks Ola! I've been looking at one of these and really want one but obviously I'm into metal. I feel I need one good strat in the collection and this might be it!

[@PatrickEnnis-my4ul]

I picked an Ultra 2 up from my guitar shop pre release date and love, love love it!!! Psychedelic blues all the way baby. Lots of tone options so for people who dabble in a bit of everything and just have to have a great strat. This is it!!!

[@eduardomontes2749]

This will be my next purchase

[@DennyBob521]

I have a 1985 MIJ HSS “Contemporary” Stratocaster, made by FujiGen (they make Ibanez Jcraft now), and this really reminds me of it. I played 80s/90s metal/hard rock covers and our originals for two decades with it until I retired it for a US PRS.

[@xboxnissan]

Great review!

[@FEAROWNAGE]

The Haymaker has that crunchy, Mick Mars kind of crackle-grind.

[@ivybeard8337]

Great playing Ola! Could I request something? When trying out a clean tone, could you not have reverb on? It would be nice to hear the guitar without effects. Thank you! Ha det gött! :)

[@steve1982n]

Love thath color and finish 👌

[@mastathrash5609]

I’d wait till the price comes down, over 2 grand is a lot for a non custom. But they hold value and sound pretty sweet

[@M-Guitars]

I recently bought an 80s Japanese Fender Contemporary with a bridge humbucker and a Kahler and I'll never go back to anything else. The guitar I didn't know I need.

[@ericlobdell6484]

Apparently it's for me, mine arrives tomorrow 🙃

[@tertiusspengler]

Dude that intro was amazing... I loved the solo

[@cryptotalksnetwork]

Those cleans are... clean, warm.. love it. wau

[@lord_MangZ]

I love my fender ultras. Best made guitars I own.

[@someguywithaphone5921]

Ola the Trustworthy. If I could throw a "Will it Chug" suggestion... JHS Pedals Series 3 Distortion... it's only $100 USD.

[@LiesThatBind]

Only 2 cups of coffee.

[@E.C.Robson]

Probably one of the best Fender USA Model besides them Custom shop ones, I guess, and these Ola Sounds features it perfectly

[@bajinno]

That clearly answers the ”Will It Chug?” question. Haymaker Prickup! Haha Very nice demo 🤘

[@chrispile3878]

Handsome axe, for sure. And it chugs. Those Fender Noiseless pickups are a great choice.

[@Andyanddiana467]

I'd absolutely get one (then again, I don't really play much metal anymore). But for Rock and punk, it looks and sounds great.

[@brunotrombetta9924]

Me. It's for me. I love it. I like how it looks. I want it.

[@toledo2983]

this is what TOP40 Band players need, as no noise and great sound variability.

[@denverrandy7143]

I love the look of that Strat. **Chef's kiss** Muah!!!

[@Eulogy32]

Yeah, it's for me. I bought one because it looks dope AF and plays unbelievably well. I've played exclusively Les Pauls for 20 years and this guitar blows me away. It provides me extra versatility that my LP and EMGs don't provide and actually feels faster to play. Tremolo picking feels way better though I am still getting used to that damn volume knob placement...

[@Eightch]

This was a great video for a great guitar! Yeah… I want one.

[@zd8202ap]

Fantastic Guitar 👍

[@chrisbec3313]

I totally dig the guitar!

[@robsko8144]

This will be my first guitar :D

[@ShredCo]

Not a good idea unless you are a multimillionaire

[@ReinhartSchneider]

The Haymaker can do a lot, it's in JB or perhaps SD Pegasus territory. I think the HSS was designed by Fender to sit between the two worlds of tamer rock and contemporary metal and it can definitely get there in either direction. Check out some of the tones people are getting with that humbucker, it's excellent for modern metal styles, the singles are also hot rodded and are hotter on the HSS model than on the SSS model.

[@driftthekaliyuga7502]

Sounds a lot like a JB to me. Has that stringy character to it.

[@ALTRON3]

sounds and looks amazing. id get that model but the red and black version.

[@dewwhatchadew1]

I have this guitar in blue an i love it.sounds an plays amazing

[@hztjtao]

It's a guitar for guitarist who do not to stick with specific set of music to play every night, do not have a specific kind of genre to adhere to, like a busy gig player.

[@ObviouslyKieran]

Been thinking out getting a Fender Ultra for years now but love the look of the Floyd HSS Model as well.

[@rutger4131]

Nothing heavier will ever be played on that particular guitar

[@lukasuz]

TRUE! that would only happen if it got into the hands of Trevor Peres

[@MikaTarkela]

Did you see John Browne's video on that guitar? 😁

[@rutger4131]

@@MikaTarkela I'd like to compare serial numbers to make sure they are the same guitars, not different guitars with the same finish ;)

[@dwightedwardtownsend7674]

@@rutger4131 wrong some hammerfall and dragonforce will be played on it

[@iyhgtyea8028]

I've used a Fender Floyd Rose Classic for years, I adore the ability to change from chunky bridge tones to snappy single coils. I find it very versatile.

[@msh6865]

I like everything about i, with the possible exception of the jumbo frets. Would like to have seen it have medium jumbos. The color is awesome!

[@kyousuke8512]

I’ve handled a few ultra ii guitars and they just feel premium af. There is just something about them that feels more physically present and good to hold. The only thing holding me back is color - I don’t like any of the color ways of any of the models. Otherwise I’d probably get a meteora (I have the le and the mim and enjoy them) or a strat

[@bobkaiser8782]

Reminds me a little of the contemporary series from the mid 80's.

[@GearPhase]

I honestly appreciate you not putting out a review of gear at the same time as every other channel. Also, freaking sick playing man.

[@nicfabrizio1776]

Hss Strats are the best nasty intro track ola!

[@Swampster70]

One on those in a pearlescent white or "texas tea", with a custom scratch plate from Warmoth for humbucker and neck single coil and some EMG's, that'd be a mighty tasty guitar. Pearlescent white with a black scratch plate - channeling my inner Jake E Lee. Yes, his "charvel" was actually a Fender repainted and reprofiled headstock and given a Charvel sticker from his friend at the Charvel factory.

[@yamitanomura]

Mr. Ola can make any guitar be a metal machine !!

[@esprokr99]

That intro song had big Opeth vibes and I love it.

[@alpergoynusen2839]

great detailed review, clean parts are amazing, I personally understand why people choose fender during clean records. btw everyone have been waiting for baroque clothes and arpeggios from hell in lead section 😆

[@GavMcC7]

I'm into it. I'd do a couple mods that I'd do to any strat, but that guitar is definitely my jam.

[@B3ndernet]

Send it my way ❤😊

[@brianreid3494]

Super insane distortion

[@freddyheadbite3084]

It's definitely for me.

[@Rachel-t9y]

I just bought the tele. I love it. I am mainly a G+L USA player. Very impressed with the new Ultra 2 series. The Tele has ebony

[@terryohlsson2941]

Mine is coming this week!

[@nstrug]

Ultimate versatile live guitar for anyone playing progressive rock/pop. Over the years I've basically converted my MIM HSS into the equivalent in terms of functionality: Seymour-Duncan JB and rails pickups, locking tuners, bladerunner floating bridge, bridge tone mod, coil split. It's pretty good but I guess not a patch on this in terms of refinement and feel.

[@DENZELPH]

damn, its cool and the tone is rich....

[@jomiran1000]

Instead of the American Ultra II Telecaster, buy a Charvel So-Cal Style 2 HT. It is basically the same guitar with arguably better pickups and one third the price.

[@mikomusic1]

Love my Charvel SoCal!

[@CallousCoder]

You read my mind! And it saves you a lot of cash and no weird compromises.

[@timtetrault]

I came here to write exactly this.

[@SxSxG666]

Both are cool guitars but the Fender feels more high quality. I have a So-Cal and an American Pro II and love both.

[@CallousCoder]

@ I think it’s purely in your mind though. Becaue objectively they are the same body and wood. But you get less high quality stuff on this Fender. You have a plastic nut, which is nuts on this price point. You don’t have a highend Tremelo system, that you get on a Charvel (with a free locking but 😉)

[@rickbennett105]

The QC on American Fenders is top notch. I’m a metal guy and love Strats. I will wait for the hype to die down and probably get one of these.

[@raysaade]

Damn I need this thaaang

[@sirtogii5216]

Great presentation of the guitar. I am just as confused as you though. Perhaps more so with the Telecaster version. I thought the ppl drooling after a Tele and to some extent a traditional strat are looking for the old traditional styles. While shredders and younger folk go for the modern look and feel and modern specs. Dunno. Anyway, just about to book the trip down to Birmingham in January to see you and the two B's in action. Gonna be awesome.

[@obsidian7644]

I have a ultra strat 1 and love it they are the best build quality before custom shop NOS. Mine I upgraded all the pickups and put the original pickguard in a partscaster. It's not a beginners guitar. These are for the people who play alot and spend alot of time with the instrument.