Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This fender american professional ii stratocaster review focuses on the Miami Blue model with a rosewood fingerboard. It is a solidbody electric guitar built for players who need reliable tone and comfortable playability. The instrument features an alder body and a maple neck. These materials shape the sound and feel significantly. The alder provides a balanced tonal profile, while the maple neck offers a bright attack and smooth hand movement. With three single-coil pickups, it delivers the classic Stratocaster voice you expect. This setup is designed for versatility across different music styles.
What stands out
- Alder body provides a balanced and resonant tone.
- Maple neck offers a fast and bright playing feel.
- Rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and smooth string action.
- Three single-coil pickups deliver classic Stratocaster clarity.
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should choose this guitar if you want a versatile instrument for studio or live use. The alder body and maple neck combination works well for rock, pop, and blues. The rosewood fingerboard is ideal if you prefer a slightly warmer tone than maple. The three single-coil pickups give you access to bright, clean sounds. It suits players who value traditional construction and reliable hardware in a professional package.
Who should skip it
Skip this model if you need humbuckers for high-gain metal tones. Single-coil pickups can be noisy in high-gain settings without noise suppression. If you prefer a thinner neck profile, the standard maple neck may feel too thick. You might also look elsewhere if you want a different body shape, as this is a traditional Stratocaster design. It is not suited for those seeking active electronics or modern ergonomic features.
Verdict: This Stratocaster delivers classic specs and reliable performance for traditional players. It is a solid choice for those who value proven tonal characteristics.
Key specs explained for this Strat
Body Material: Alder
Alder is a lightweight tonewood known for its balanced sound profile. It offers clear highs and solid lows without being overly bright or dark. This balance makes it versatile for many genres, from clean chords to distorted riffs. You get a predictable tone that works well in mixed band settings. It is a standard choice for professional players seeking reliability.
Neck Material: Maple
Maple necks provide a bright attack and tight low-end response. The wood is hard and durable, offering stable tuning retention over time. You will notice a snappy feel when playing fast passages or complex chords. Maple pairs well with various fingerboard materials to enhance clarity. It is a preferred choice for players who prioritize articulation and speed.
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Rosewood offers a smooth playing surface with warm midrange tones. It absorbs some high frequencies, resulting in a richer, more rounded sound compared to maple boards. This material is comfortable for long practice sessions due to its natural texture. You get a classic strat tone with added warmth. It is ideal for blues, jazz, and soulful playing styles.
Pickup Configuration: 3 Single-coil Pickups
Three single-coil pickups deliver the iconic stratocaster sound. You get distinct tones for each position, from bright bridge sounds to warm neck tones. The configuration allows for versatile switching options to cover various musical styles. Single-coils are known for their clarity and chime. This setup is perfect for players who need a wide range of tones without switching guitars.
Design and Build Specs
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster listing describes a solidbody instrument with an alder body. Alder is a standard tonewood that provides a balanced tone with clear highs and solid lows. This material choice supports versatile playing styles, from clean chords to distorted riffs. The neck is made of maple, offering a smooth surface for fast movement. The fretboard uses rosewood, which adds warmth to the overall sound profile. This combination of maple and rosewood is a classic setup for electric guitars.
According to the listing, the guitar weighs 3 pounds. This light weight reduces fatigue during long practice sessions or performances. The dimensions are listed as 44 inches in length, 18.5 inches in width, and 6 inches in height. These measurements fit standard gig bags and cases. The body style is a solidbody, meaning it has no hollow chambers. This construction minimizes feedback at high volumes and ensures consistent tuning stability.
The finish is Miami Blue, one of five available color options. The pickup configuration includes three single-coil pickups. This layout delivers the bright, articulate tone associated with Stratocasters. The six-string design suits standard tuning and chord work. The listing does not mention additional hardware or special finishes beyond these core specifications. You should check the full product page for details on bridge type or control knobs, as those are not included in this data set.
Setup and Daily Use Details
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster arrives as a complete solidbody instrument. Its dimensions measure 44 inches in length and 18 inches in width. The total weight is 3 pounds. This mass distribution affects how the guitar rests against your body during long sessions. You will notice the maple neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard. This combination offers a smooth playing surface that supports fast technical passages or slow, expressive bends. The rosewood material is dense and naturally oily, which can help with finger glide over time. You do not need to apply additional oils for basic maintenance. The three single-coil pickups are mounted in the standard Stratocaster configuration. This layout allows you to blend tones for clean, bright sounds or slightly grittier leads. The alder body provides a balanced resonance that complements the pickups. It does not overpower the signal. You can use this guitar with any standard electric guitar amplifier. The instrument outputs a clear signal that responds well to pedal effects. Setup involves adjusting the bridge height and intonation for optimal playability. You should check the neck relief to ensure the strings do not buzz against the frets. Daily use requires keeping the rosewood fingerboard clean. A dry cloth is sufficient for routine care. The Miami Blue finish is durable but should be protected from extreme temperatures. This guitar fits players who want a versatile tool for various musical styles. It suits those who prefer the tactile feel of rosewood and the classic Stratocaster form factor. The specifications indicate a reliable instrument for both practice and performance.
What You Need Before Playing
You will need a compatible amplifier to hear the three single-coil pickups properly. This solidbody instrument requires a standard quarter-inch cable. Check your existing gear for matching inputs. The rosewood fingerboard needs occasional conditioning to prevent drying. Use a dedicated fretboard oil once or twice a year. Keep the maple neck stable by avoiding extreme humidity changes. Store the guitar in a case when not in use. This model fits alongside other options in Electric Guitars as a versatile workhorse. It suits players who want balanced tone from the alder body. You should skip it if you prefer heavy distortion or humbuckers. The Miami Blue finish is durable but scratches easily. Keep cleaning cloths nearby for daily maintenance. Verify your strap buttons are secure before live playing. This instrument demands basic care to maintain its playability over time.
Check before you buy
- Ensure your amplifier has a standard quarter-inch input jack.
- Check that your strap buttons are secure and tight.
- Buy rosewood conditioner for periodic fingerboard maintenance.
- Verify your cable length reaches your pedalboard setup.
The product at a glance
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood
Best for: players seeking classic Stratocaster tone
- Body Material
- Alder
- Neck Material
- Maple
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Pickup Configuration
- 3 Single-coil Pickups
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Body Type
- Solidbody
View on Amazon: Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood Affiliate link
This solidbody electric guitar features an alder body and maple neck. It uses three single-coil pickups for tone. The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth to the sound. Weighing 3 pounds, it is relatively light. The Miami Blue finish offers a distinct look. This model suits players seeking classic Stratocaster versatility and reliable build quality.
Pros
- Alder body for balanced resonance
- Maple neck for bright attack
- Three single-coil pickups for versatile tone
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Lightweight 3-pound construction
Cons
- Single-coil pickups may hum in high-gain settings
- Standard tuning only, no drop-tuning flexibility
- No onboard electronics for tone shaping
Good fit if
- You want a versatile single-coil tone
- You prefer a lightweight guitar for long sessions
- You value classic Fender build quality
Skip if
- You need humbucker pickups for high gain
- You require onboard active electronics
- You prefer a heavier, darker tonal character
Verdict: Fender American Professional II Stratocaster delivers classic single-coil tone and lightweight comfort. It fits players who value traditional Stratocaster versatility and reliable craftsmanship.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Alder |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | 3 Single-coil Pickups |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Dimensions | 44 × 18.5 × 6 inches |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Size | 18 x 44.5 x 6 inches |
| Color | Miami Blue |
| Model | 0113900719 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight of the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?
The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster weighs 3 pounds. This lightweight design contributes to comfortable playing sessions, reducing strain on your shoulder and back. The balanced mass distribution ensures the instrument feels manageable during long gigs or studio recording sessions. You can rely on this weight for consistent comfort without sacrificing the solid feel of a quality electric guitar.
What are the physical dimensions of this Stratocaster model?
This Stratocaster measures 44 inches in length and 18 inches in width. The height is listed at 6 inches. These specific dimensions define the instrument's overall footprint and how it sits against your body. The length provides standard reach for the neck, while the width affects how the body rests on your lap or against your torso while seated.
Which color options are available for this specific model?
The reviewed model comes in Miami Blue. This specific color finish is applied to the alder body of the guitar. While other finishes may exist in the broader product line, this review focuses on the Miami Blue variant with a rosewood fingerboard. The color choice is a aesthetic detail that does not impact the tonal characteristics or playability of the instrument itself.
What type of fretboard material does this Stratocaster use?
This Stratocaster features a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is a popular choice for fingerboards due to its smooth feel and warm tonal qualities. It requires occasional conditioning to maintain its integrity and prevent drying out. This material complements the alder body and maple neck, contributing to the classic Stratocaster sound profile that players often seek for versatile musical styles.
Is this guitar suitable for players seeking classic Stratocaster tone?
Yes, this instrument is ideal for players seeking classic Stratocaster tone. It delivers reliable craftsmanship and lightweight comfort. The combination of alder body and rosewood fretboard supports traditional single-coil versatility. If you value that authentic sound and comfortable playability, this model fits your needs well. It is designed to handle a wide range of genres with clarity and balance.
What is the model number for this Fender Stratocaster?
The model number for this specific unit is 0113900719. This identifier helps you locate the exact configuration in Fender's catalog. It corresponds to the Miami Blue finish with a rosewood fretboard. Using this number ensures you are referencing the correct specifications and build details when comparing this guitar to other models or checking for replacement parts and accessories.