The Fender Ultra Stratocaster is a premium electric guitar model that belongs to Fender’s renowned Stratocaster series. Introduced in 2019 as part of the Ultra Series, it represents a modern take on the classic Stratocaster design, incorporating several upgraded features and enhancements. Here’s an overview of the Fender Ultra Stratocaster:
Design and Construction of the Fender Ultra
The Ultra Stratocaster retains the iconic double-cutaway Stratocaster body shape, known for its comfortable playability and sleek aesthetic. It is crafted with high-quality tonewoods, including an alder or ash body, depending on the specific model. The guitar typically features a bolt-on maple neck with a modern “D” profile and either a maple or rosewood fingerboard.
One of the standout features of the Ultra Stratocaster is its Ultra Noiseless pickups. These pickups deliver vintage-style Stratocaster tones but with the added benefit of reduced noise and hum. They provide a clear and articulate sound across all pickup positions, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
The Ultra Stratocaster features an advanced wiring system that includes a S-1 switch, which allows for expanded tonal versatility. The S-1 switch can activate alternative pickup wiring options, unlocking additional pickup combinations and sounds. The guitar typically has a master volume control, two tone controls, and a 5-way pickup selector switch for precise tonal shaping.
Use of modern “D” Neck Profile and Compound Radius Fingerboard. The Ultra Stratocaster is designed with a modern “D”-shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience. It also features a compound radius fingerboard, which means the curvature of the fingerboard changes gradually from a flatter radius near the nut to a more curved radius higher up the neck. This allows for easy chording and comfortable lead playing across the entire neck.
The Ultra Stratocaster is equipped with high-quality hardware, including locking tuners for improved tuning stability and a two-point synchronized tremolo bridge with a pop-in tremolo arm. The bridge design allows for smooth tremolo action and precise intonation adjustments.
The Ultra Stratocaster showcases several aesthetic upgrades, such as stylish pearloid pickguards, chrome hardware, and abalone dot inlays. It is available in various attractive finishes, including classic and contemporary options.
The Fender Ultra Stratocaster is designed to offer players a modern and versatile instrument that retains the timeless essence of the Stratocaster while incorporating upgraded features for enhanced performance and tonal capabilities. It is well-suited for a wide range of playing styles and is favored by both professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.
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Innovative Features
The Fender Ultra Stratocaster is known for its innovative features and enhancements that set it apart from traditional Stratocaster models. Here are some of the key innovations of the Fender Ultra Stratocaster:
- Ultra Noiseless Pickups: The Ultra Stratocaster is equipped with Fender’s Ultra Noiseless pickups, which deliver vintage Stratocaster tones without the typical hum and noise associated with single-coil pickups. These pickups use advanced noise-canceling technology while retaining the clarity and dynamic response of traditional Stratocaster pickups.
- Enhanced Electronics and Controls: The Ultra Stratocaster incorporates an advanced wiring system that includes an S-1 switch, expanding the tonal versatility of the guitar. The S-1 switch can activate alternative wiring options, unlocking additional pickup combinations and sounds. It offers expanded tonal options for players who seek a wide range of Stratocaster tones.
- Upgraded Hardware: The Ultra Stratocaster features upgraded hardware components for improved performance and stability. It includes locking tuners that provide enhanced tuning stability and make string changes quick and effortless. The two-point synchronized tremolo bridge offers smooth vibrato action and precise intonation adjustments.
- High-Quality Finishes: The Ultra Stratocaster is available in a range of high-quality finishes, including classic and contemporary options. These finishes are meticulously applied to enhance the guitar’s aesthetic appeal and protect the wood.
- Versatile Electronics: The Ultra Stratocaster is equipped with versatile electronics, including a master volume control, two tone controls, and a 5-way pickup selector switch. These controls allow players to shape their tone precisely and access a wide range of classic and modern Stratocaster sounds.
- Sculpted Heel and Contoured Body: The Ultra Stratocaster features a sculpted neck heel that provides easy access to the higher frets, allowing players to reach and play comfortably in the upper register. The body of the Ultra Stratocaster is contoured for improved ergonomics, offering enhanced comfort during long playing sessions.
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Comparison to Other Guitars
The Fender Ultra Stratocaster stands out among other guitars due to its specific set of features and design elements. Here are some aspects that differentiate the Fender Ultra Stratocaster from other guitars:
- Modern Upgrades: The Ultra Stratocaster incorporates modern upgrades and innovations that enhance its playability and versatility. These include features like Ultra Noiseless pickups, a compound radius fingerboard, and an advanced wiring system with an S-1 switch. These enhancements offer players a broader range of tonal options and improved performance.
The Fender Ultra Stratocaster is built to high standards of craftsmanship and quality. It utilizes high-quality tonewoods for the body and neck, ensuring a resonant and well-balanced instrument. The attention to detail in the construction and finishing contributes to the overall feel and aesthetics of the guitar.
- The Ultra Stratocaster incorporates design elements aimed at improving playability. The modern “D” neck profile and compound radius fingerboard provide a comfortable and smooth playing experience, allowing for effortless chord changes and fluid lead playing. The sculpted neck heel and contoured body offer easy access to the upper frets and contribute to overall playing comfort.
- Versatility: With its advanced electronics and flexible control options, the Ultra Stratocaster offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. The S-1 switch provides additional pickup configurations, allowing players to access different sounds and experiment with various styles of music. The versatile electronics make it suitable for various genres, from rock and blues to jazz and beyond.
- Aesthetics: The Fender Ultra Stratocaster showcases a blend of classic and modern aesthetics. It is available in a range of attractive finishes, offering options to suit different preferences. The guitar features stylish appointments, such as chrome hardware, pearloid pickguards, and abalone dot inlays, which contribute to its overall visual appeal.
Similar Guitars
Here are five guitars that are comparable to the Fender Ultra Stratocaster:
- PRS Silver Sky: Developed in collaboration with John Mayer, the PRS Silver Sky takes inspiration from vintage Stratocaster designs. It features a comfortable “635JM” neck shape, vintage-style tremolo bridge, and three single-coil pickups. The Silver Sky offers excellent playability and a wide range of classic Stratocaster tones.
- Ibanez AZ Series: The Ibanez AZ Series guitars, like the AZ Prestige and AZ Premium models, offer modern playability and versatile tones. They feature roasted maple necks, HSS or SSS pickup configurations, and Gotoh tremolo bridges. The AZ Series guitars combine traditional and modern design elements, making them suitable for various musical styles.
- Suhr Classic Pro: Suhr guitars are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and playability. The Classic Pro model offers vintage-inspired design with modern upgrades. It features an even C medium neck profile, a Gotoh 510 tremolo bridge, and a trio of V60LP pickups. The Classic Pro delivers classic Stratocaster tones with enhanced versatility.
- Music Man Cutlass: The Music Man Cutlass series pays homage to classic Stratocaster designs while incorporating modern features. These guitars have comfortable neck profiles, vintage-style tremolo bridges, and custom-wound single-coil pickups. The Cutlass models offer a blend of vintage and modern tones, making them suitable for various musical genres.
- G&L Legacy: G&L guitars, founded by Leo Fender himself, continue the legacy of his designs. The Legacy model features a comfortable neck profile, G&L Dual-Fulcrum tremolo bridge, and Leo Fender-designed MFD single-coil pickups. The Legacy delivers a range of classic Stratocaster tones with modern improvements.