Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS MN SRD

Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS MN SRD review

The Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS MN SRD is an American-made Stratocaster built around an alder body, a maple neck and fingerboard, and an HSS pickup layout. It has a Haymaker humbucker at the bridge and two Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat single coils in the middle and neck positions. The combination gives players familiar Strat-style sounds alongside a higher-output bridge option.

The guitar has been available since October 2024. Its listed price is 2169. The reviewed configuration is finished in Sinister Red, with a black anodized aluminum pickguard and nickel/chrome hardware. It includes a Deluxe molded case, rather than a gig bag.

Neck and playing feel

The maple neck uses a Modern D profile and a satin natural finish. One owner describes the back of the neck as smooth under the fretting hand, with little tendency to feel sticky during fast playing. Another, comparing it with a 1990 American Standard Stratocaster, found the neck especially comfortable and said access to the upper frets felt easier. These are subjective impressions, but they point to the neck as a major part of the guitar's appeal.

The fingerboard has a compound radius that transitions from 10 inches to 14 inches, with 22 medium-jumbo frets and black pearloid dot inlays. That radius and fret count are clearly specified; how the guitar feels in bends or chord work will still depend on setup and playing style. The nut is made from Graph Tech TUSQ, and its width is 42.8 mm. The 648 mm scale is the standard full-length format used on this model.

Pickup layout and controls

The HSS arrangement is designed to cover several familiar electric-guitar roles. The two noiseless single coils handle the neck and middle positions, while the Haymaker humbucker occupies the bridge position. The control layout consists of a master volume with an S-1 switch, Tone 1 for the neck and middle pickups, and Tone 2 for the bridge pickup. A five-way selector provides the main pickup combinations.

One buyer reports being pleased with the sounds from all three pickups and particularly likes the bridge humbucker's added brightness and gain. The same player found that exploring the combinations and controls took more adjustment than on a simpler Strat-style guitar. That is a useful expectation: the HSS configuration and S-1 switch offer more options, but players may need time to learn what each setting does. The supplied coil and pickup-position information was appreciated, though the owner wanted clearer guidance on adjusting the tremolo arm.

Tremolo and hardware

The bridge is a two-point American Ultra synchronized tremolo with polished stainless steel block saddles and a cold-rolled steel block. The guitar also has closed Deluxe cast locking tuners. An owner who previously played another American Strat described the locking tuners as a particularly welcome change. The guitar ships with Fender USA 250L nickel-plated steel strings in.009 to.042 gauge.

There is one small setup detail worth knowing. An owner found that the adjustment screw for the tremolo arm was not explained in the included documentation. To expose it, press the tremolo toward the strings; the screw becomes visible at the rear. The required Allen keys were included. This is a minor documentation gap rather than a reported fault with the hardware, but new owners may appreciate knowing where to look.

Finish, case, and ownership impressions

Owners describe the finish and overall workmanship positively. Comments mention the vivid red color, the satin maple neck, and the black anodized aluminum pickguard as a successful visual combination. One buyer said the instrument arrived well packed and remained reasonably in tune after shipping. The Deluxe molded case also drew favorable remarks. Those reports reflect individual purchases rather than a guarantee of how every shipment will arrive.

The listed product details identify this as a one-piece sales unit made in the USA. The body is alder, with no separate top. The package includes a case, but not a bag. Those details matter if you are comparing configurations or planning how to transport the instrument.

Verdict

The Fender Am Ultra II Strat HSS MN SRD brings a familiar Strat format together with a bridge humbucker, noiseless single coils, a compound-radius maple fingerboard, locking tuners, and a two-point tremolo. Owner feedback consistently praises its playing comfort, finish, and range of sounds. The main caveat in the reports is that the added switching options take some exploring, and the tremolo-arm adjustment could be documented more clearly. For players who want an American-made Strat with this specific HSS setup and upgraded hardware, it makes a strong case for itself.