Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS EB UBST

Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS EB UBST review

The Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS EB UBST is a USA-made Stratocaster built around a familiar outline with a distinctly modern set of appointments. Its alder body comes in Ultraburst, with a gold-anodized aluminum pickguard and an ebony fingerboard. The combination looks sharp without changing the basic Strat layout. At a listed price of 2169, buyers are paying for premium hardware, a locking tuning system, a shaped hard case, and a pickup setup intended to cover more than classic single-coil territory.

Owner impressions point to a guitar that feels ready to play straight from the case, though setup preferences vary. One player reported low action, clean fretwork, and no rough edges. Another needed to adjust pickup height and tremolo spring tension. Those are personal setup choices, but the contrast is useful: the instrument can arrive in good playing condition, while a careful final setup may still be worthwhile.

Neck and playing feel

The maple neck has a Modern D profile and a compound fingerboard radius that runs from 10 to 14 inches. That flatter feel toward the upper frets supports bends and can help reduce choking during higher-register playing. The 42.8 mm nut width, 22 medium-jumbo frets, and 648 mm scale keep the layout within familiar Stratocaster dimensions. White pearloid dot inlays mark the ebony fingerboard.

Players describe the neck as slim, comfortable, and quick, with a profile that feels flatter across the back than a traditional rounded shape. The rolled fingerboard edges add to the smooth feel, while the sculpted neck heel improves access to the upper frets. The angled transition between neck and body was also praised in user feedback. The ebony board makes a strong visual contrast with the finish; one player noticed a slightly snappier response, while another found little practical difference from maple.

Pickup character and controls

The HSS layout combines a Haymaker humbucker at the bridge with two Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat single-coils in the middle and neck positions. The noiseless pickups are a consistent strength in the listening reports. One owner liked that they retained a recognizable American Strat character without the usual hum. Another described the overall sound as clear and clean, though sometimes somewhat dark. That spread of impressions suggests it is worth auditioning the guitar through your own amplifier and effects rather than relying on a demo alone.

The bridge humbucker draws more divided reactions. Some players found it articulate and controlled under gain, with enough definition for modern rock or fusion sounds. Others felt it lacked character, sounded dull, or sat below expectations for the price. One reviewer also reported lower output than other Fender guitars and a noticeable volume difference between switch positions 1 and 5. Those are individual reports, not guaranteed behavior on every instrument, but they matter if you regularly switch guitars during a set or need consistent levels across pickup selections.

Controls include a master volume with an S-1 switch, two tone controls, and a five-way pickup selector. The S-1 feature adds another available wiring option, including a way to combine the humbucker with other pickups. Players who enjoy experimenting may appreciate that flexibility. Those who want a specific bridge-humbucker sound should listen closely before buying, since some owners preferred replacing it with a different pickup. The S-1 switch itself was generally viewed as useful, though not a substitute for a bridge pickup that matches your needs.

Hardware, finish, and practical details

The two-point synchronized tremolo uses polished stainless-steel block saddles and a cold-rolled steel block. A player who tested the bar moderately reported stable tuning, while another adjusted the spring tension to suit personal preference. Closed deluxe cast locking tuners complete the setup. The instrument ships with Fender USA nickel-plated steel strings in.009,.042 gauge and includes a deluxe shaped case. It does not include a gig bag.

Reports on construction are largely positive. Owners praised the finish, materials, and overall feel, and one described the guitar as light and carefully finished. The included hard case also received favorable comments. At this price, expectations are high, and some players felt the pickup balance needed attention before the guitar delivered the sound they wanted. A professional setup or pickup change is a possible extra cost, not a requirement established by the specifications.

Verdict

The Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS EB UBST makes its strongest case through its comfortable neck, easy upper-fret access, quiet neck and middle pickups, and flexible HSS format. Its tremolo and locking tuners add practical performance features, and the hard case is included. The main reservation is the bridge humbucker: reactions range from controlled and versatile to underwhelming, with some reports of uneven output between positions.

For players seeking a polished, modern Strat with low-noise single-coil sounds and a fast-feeling neck, this model merits a hands-on test. Vintage-focused players may prefer a more traditional setup, while buyers who depend on a strong bridge humbucker should compare its sound and volume directly with their other instruments. Overall, the build and playability earn praise, but the pickup balance deserves a careful check before purchase.