New Gear: Aguilar amPlug3 Tone Hammer and Updated Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) continues its industry-defining innovation, launching the next iteration of the coveted American Ultra series—Fender’s most advanced series of electric guitars and basses – by taking that hyper-modern recipe and turning it up to 11 for American Ultra II.
At a time when projections indicate the electric guitar market is set to grow by USD 1.45 billion from 2024-2028, driven by increasing demand for music-related leisure activities¹, the introduction of the American Ultra II series exemplifies a steadfast commitment to innovation, with every detail reflecting a relentless pursuit of perfection. At Fender, innovation is an ongoing, dynamic process fueled by a deep passion for enhancing the playing experience. Long before the American Ultra series hit the market, discussions were already underway about future possibilities, sparked by spontaneous experiments and real-world feedback from the innovators who play these guitars.
The American Ultra II series is built in Fender’s iconic California factory where guitars are meticulously crafted using a blend of time-honored techniques and state-of-the-art CNC technology, ensuring every instrument embodies the perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Massive green punch presses and decades-old tools, some dating back to the 1950s, sit alongside advanced machinery that allows for precise shaping and flawless consistency.
The collection includes:
American Ultra II Precision Bass®
The Fender American Ultra II Precision Bass features a select alder body with sculpted body contours. For effortless playability, the quartersawn maple neck features our Modern “D” profile and smooth Ultra Satin finish. Ebony or quartersawn maple 10”-14” compound radius fingerboards feature Ultra rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, Luminlay side dots and GraphTech® TUSQ® nuts. The tapered neck heel and sculpted body contours allow unparalleled access to the higher register, while the truss rod access at the headstock provides convenient and easy setup and adjustment. Outfitted with a set of specially designed Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage pickups, this bass delivers a massive tonal range, from vintage warmth to modern snap, all without a hint of hum. The redesigned preamp features unprecedented control to unlock endless tonal possibilities. Key features include S-1™ switching for active/passive operation, passive tone control and 3-band active EQ with switchable midrange frequency. Additional road-ready features including an adjustable HiMass™ top-load or string-through-body bridge, Fender® lightweight tuners with tapered shafts, knurled aluminum knobs and 1-ply anodized aluminum pickguard. Available in Avalanche, Texas Tea, Ultraburst, and Noble Blue.
American Ultra II Jazz Bass®
The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass features a select alder body with sculpted body contours. For effortless playability, the quartersawn maple neck features our Modern “D” profile and smooth Ultra Satin finish. Ebony or quartersawn maple 10”-14” compound radius fingerboards feature Ultra rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, Luminlay side dots and GraphTech® TUSQ® nuts. The tapered neck heel and sculpted body contours allow unparalleled access to the higher register, while the truss rod access at the headstock provides convenient and easy setup and adjustment. Outfitted with a set of specially designed Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Jazz Bass® pickups, this bass delivers a massive tonal range, from vintage warmth to modern snap, all without a hint of hum. The redesigned preamp features unprecedented control to unlock endless tonal possibilities. Key features include S-1™ switching for active/passive operation, passive tone control and 3-band active EQ with switchable midrange frequency. Additional road-ready features including an adjustable HiMass™ top-load or string-through-body bridge, Fender® lightweight tuners with tapered shafts, knurled aluminum knobs and 1-ply anodized aluminum pickguard. Available in Ultraburst, Texas Tea, Sinister Red and Noble Blue.
American Ultra II Jazz Bass® V
The Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass V features a select alder body with sculpted body contours. For effortless playability, the quartersawn maple neck features our Modern “D” profile and smooth Ultra Satin finish. Ebony or quartersawn maple 10”-14” compound radius fingerboards feature Ultra rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, Luminlay side dots and GraphTech® TUSQ® nuts. The tapered neck heel and sculpted body contours allow unparalleled access to the higher register, while the truss rod access at the headstock provides convenient and easy setup and adjustment. Outfitted with a set of specially designed Ultra II Noiseless™ Vintage Jazz Bass® pickups, this bass delivers a massive tonal range, from vintage warmth to modern snap, all without a hint of hum. The redesigned preamp features unprecedented control to unlock endless tonal possibilities. Key features include S-1™ switching for active/passive operation, passive tone control and 3-band active EQ with switchable midrange frequency. Additional road-ready features including an adjustable HiMass™ top-load or string-through-body bridge, Fender® lightweight tuners with tapered shafts, knurled aluminum knobs and 1-ply anodized aluminum pickguard. Available in Sinister Red, Avalanche and Ultraburst.
American Ultra II Meteora® Bass The Fender American Ultra II Meteora Bass features a select alder body with sculpted body contours. For effortless playability, the quartersawn maple neck features our Modern “D” profile and smooth Ultra Satin finish. Ebony or quartersawn maple 10”-14” compound radius fingerboards feature Ultra rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, Luminlay side dots and GraphTech® TUSQ® nuts. The tapered neck heel and sculpted body contours allow unparalleled access to the higher register, while the truss rod access at the headstock provides convenient and easy setup and adjustment. Outfitted with a set of specially designed Haymaker™ bass humbuckers, this bass delivers a massive tonal range with seismic lows, hard-hitting mids and sweet, articulate highs, all without a hint of hum. The redesigned preamp features unprecedented control to unlock endless tonal possibilities. Key features include S-1™ switching for active/passive operation, passive tone control and 3-band active EQ with switchable midrange frequency. Additional road-ready features including an adjustable HiMass™ top-load or string-through-body bridge, Fender® lightweight tuners with tapered shafts, knurled aluminum knobs and 1-ply anodized aluminum pickguard. Available in Solar Flare, Texas Tea and Ultraburst.
