Fender Am Ultra II Tele EB SFL

Fender Am Ultra II Tele EB SFL review

At $2,222, the Fender Am Ultra II Tele EB SFL is a substantial purchase. Its Solar Flare finish, ebony fingerboard, and American-made construction give it a distinctive look, while the player feedback points to a thoughtful set of practical details. The body has a sculpted contour reminiscent of a Stratocaster, a welcome touch for players who prefer a more shaped body against them. The black, single-ply anodized aluminum pickguard adds a crisp contrast to the yellow finish.

This Telecaster has an alder body and a bolt-on maple neck with a Modern D profile. The ebony fingerboard is one of the most noticeable departures from a conventional Tele setup, and the owner feedback was particularly positive about its appearance and feel. Its compound radius moves from 10 to 14 inches, with 22 medium-jumbo frets and white pearloid dot inlays. The neck itself was reported as comfortable to play, with no issues affecting performance.

Pickups and controls

Fender fits two Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Tele single-coil pickups. The feedback describes them as a strong point, with the S-1 switch drawing particular praise for its series setting. That option gives the player an additional pickup configuration beyond the standard three-way selector positions. The controls are a master volume with the S-1 switch and a master tone. Their finish and feel also drew positive comments, with the knobs described as especially well presented.

The pickup specification is aimed at players who want a Tele-style single-coil sound without the usual noise associated with that pickup type. The available information does not provide output measurements or detailed tonal comparisons, so the most useful real-world takeaway is the owner's clear satisfaction with the pickups and the series option.

Bridge and setup

The hardtail bridge uses six individual saddles, string-through-body construction, and chrome-plated brass saddles. The owner preferred this modern layout because it allows more precise intonation adjustment. For players who regularly fine-tune individual strings, that is a meaningful advantage over a simpler three-saddle design. The instrument has no tremolo system.

There are a couple of small setup and finishing caveats. The included Fender USA 250L nickel-plated steel strings are.009 to.042, but the owner found that set unsuitable and later changed to Elixir Polyweb.010 to.046 strings. That is a personal preference rather than evidence of a defect, but buyers with a preferred string gauge may want to budget for a change.

The overall finish was described as excellent, with two minor areas worth checking. The fret ends may benefit from additional filing around the edges, although the owner reported no playing discomfort and found the neck itself very comfortable. The small bridge saddle-height adjustment screws can also feel slightly sharp if the picking hand rests on them during palm muting. These are limited complaints, but they stand out on an instrument at this price.

Hardware and included case

Fender supplies closed Deluxe cast locking tuners, nickel and chrome hardware, and a Graph Tech TUSQ nut. The instrument comes with a molded Deluxe case, which received especially favorable feedback for being practical, lightweight, sturdy, and attractive. Two adjustment tools are included, one for the truss rod and one for the bridge. A strap is not included, a minor omission that may feel surprising at this price.

The model has been available since October 2024 and carries item number 595900. It is made in the United States and ships as one guitar with the case. No gig bag is included separately.

Verdict

The Fender Am Ultra II Tele EB SFL combines a striking Solar Flare finish and ebony fingerboard with quiet single-coil pickups, a useful S-1 series option, and a six-saddle bridge that supports fine intonation adjustment. The sculpted body contour and comfortable neck add to its appeal, while the molded case is a solid inclusion. The reported sharp saddle screws and fret edges are worth inspecting, and the supplied strings may not suit every player. At $2,222, it is best suited to buyers who value its specific finish, playing feel, and expanded switching options, and who expect a polished instrument in return for a premium price.