Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster Electric Guitar Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How alternatives compare to the Ultra II

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-WZ

The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-WZ differs significantly from the Fender Ultra II in both size and weight. At 13 pounds, it is much lighter than the 21.8-pound Fender, though it is slightly longer at 47 inches. This model targets metal players who require stable tuning and high-output active pickups, whereas the Fender relies on standard single-coil pickups. The ESP features a black finish and includes protection, prioritizing hardware reliability. You should choose this alternative if you value tonal aggression and stability over the traditional Stratocaster feel and synchronized tremolo system found in the Fender.

PRS SE Chleo Electric Guitar with Floyd Rose

The PRS SE Chleo offers a specialized approach compared to the Fender American Ultra II. While the Fender provides a standard solidbody experience with an alder body and maple neck, the PRS focuses on hum-free tone and high fret access. It includes a Floyd Rose tremolo for enhanced stability during aggressive whammy bar use. The Chleo is designed for players who prioritize tonal clarity and specific signature pickup configurations. If you need extended range capabilities or a different tremolo system than the synchronized unit in the Fender, this PRS model provides a distinct ergonomic and tonal profile suited for modern playing styles.

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood

The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood shares the alder body and maple neck construction of the Ultra II but features a rosewood fretboard instead of maple. It weighs only 3 pounds, making it substantially lighter than the 21.8-pound Ultra II. This model is designed for traditional 6-string players who value classic Stratocaster tonal characteristics. It lacks the extended range features of some alternatives but maintains the standard Fender aesthetic. You should pick this guitar if you prefer the warmth of rosewood over maple and want a lighter instrument that delivers traditional single-coil tone without the heavier build of the Ultra II.

Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed

The Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed is built for left-handed players, unlike the standard right-handed Ultra II. It features an alder body and rosewood fretboard, differing from the Ultra II's maple fretboard. Weighing 14 pounds, it is lighter than the 21.8-pound Fender Ultra II. This model offers classic single-coil tone and traditional Fender build quality. It is ideal for left-handed musicians who want a standard setup without extended range features. If you need a left-handed instrument with a classic aesthetic and reliable single-coil pickups, this Jazzmaster provides a familiar feel with a different body shape and fretboard material.

Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci Majesty 7-String

The Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci Majesty 7-String provides extended range capabilities that the 6-string Fender Ultra II lacks. It features an ebony fretboard and humbuckers, offering a different tonal profile compared to the Ultra II's single-coil pickups. Weighing 12.7 pounds, it is lighter than the Ultra II but longer at 45.2 inches. This guitar is designed for players who need seven strings for lower tunings while maintaining high build quality. If you require extended range and the tonal characteristics of ebony and humbuckers, this 7-string model is a robust alternative to the traditional Stratocaster format.

Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string

The Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string is designed for players seeking multi-scale ergonomics and extended range. It weighs 10.7 pounds, significantly lighter than the 21.8-pound Fender Ultra II, though its dimensions differ due to the multi-scale design. This model features a black finish and high-output pickups for heavy tonal weight. It prioritizes string tension and tonal weight over lightweight portability. If you need a 7-string guitar with multi-scale necks for improved ergonomics and heavy tones, this Schecter offers a specialized alternative to the standard Stratocaster, focusing on extended range and modern hardware.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster

Best for: Standard Stratocaster players

Body Material

Alder

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Maple

Pickup Configuration

3 Single-coil Pickups

Body Type

Solidbody

Dimensions

44.5 × 17.9 × 5.8 inches

View on Amazon: Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster Affiliate link

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster is a solidbody electric guitar featuring an alder body and maple neck. It uses a maple fingerboard and three Solar Flare single-coil pickups. The synchronized tremolo system adds pitch modulation. This model weighs 21.8 pounds and measures 44.5 inches in length. It suits players seeking classic Stratocaster tone with modern playability.

Pros

• Alder body for balanced tone
• Maple neck and fingerboard for bright attack
• Three Solar Flare single-coil pickups
• Synchronized tremolo bridge

Cons

• Heavier at 21.8 pounds
• Standard 25.5-inch scale length limits low-tension flexibility
• Single-coil pickups lack humbucker output

Good fit if

• You want a classic Stratocaster sound
• You prefer a maple fingerboard
• You use standard tuning

Skip if

• You need a 7-string guitar
• You require a left-handed model
• You prefer a baritone scale length

Verdict: Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster delivers reliable single-coil tone and tremolo versatility. It fits standard Stratocaster players who value traditional specs.

2 Also great

ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-WZ

Best for: Metal players needing stable tuning

Body Material

Alder

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Body Type

solid body

Number of Frets

24

Scale Length

25.5"

View on Amazon: ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-WZ Affiliate link

This ESP LTD electric guitar features an Alder body and Maple neck with a Rosewood fingerboard. It uses active EMG 81 and 60 pickups for high output. The 25.5-inch scale and 24 extra jumbo frets suit aggressive playing. A Floyd Rose bridge provides tuning stability. It includes a hardshell case. This model is designed for metal players seeking signature tone and hardware reliability.

Pros

• Active EMG 81 and 60 pickups deliver high output
• Floyd Rose bridge and locking nut ensure tuning stability
• 24 extra jumbo frets allow high-note access
• Alder body and Maple neck offer balanced tone

Cons

• Active pickups require battery power
• Floyd Rose system complicates string changes
• 13-pound weight may feel heavy during long sessions

Good fit if

• You play metal or hard rock
• You need stable tuning for heavy whammy bar use
• You want a signature model with included case

Skip if

• You prefer passive pickups for vintage tones
• You want a lighter guitar for stage movement
• You dislike complex bridge setups

Verdict: ESP LTD Kirk Hammett KH-WZ White Zombie suits metal players who need stable tuning and high-output active pickups. It is a solid choice for those who value hardware reliability and included protection.

3 Best premium

PRS SE Chleo Electric Guitar with Floyd Rose

Best for: players seeking hum-free tone and high fret access

View on Amazon: PRS SE Chleo Electric Guitar with Floyd Rose Affiliate link

The PRS SE Chleo is a signature electric guitar featuring copper-free layered PCBs for consistent, hum-free tones. It uses the same pickups as the Limited Edition model. The neck is thin front-to-back with a 20-inch fretboard radius. This design supports high access to upper frets. It includes a Floyd Rose locking tremolo for stable performance during aggressive playing.

Pros

• Copper-free layered PCBs for no-hum tones
• Signature pickups from the Limited Edition model
• Floyd Rose locking tremolo system
• Thin neck with 20-inch radius

Cons

• Limited color options available
• Floyd Rose requires more setup time
• Signature model may not suit all styles

Good fit if

• You want hum-free tone consistency
• You need high fret access
• You prefer thin neck profiles

Skip if

• You need standard tremolo systems
• You prefer thicker necks
• You want more color choices

Verdict: PRS SE Chleo Electric Guitar offers specialized features for players who prioritize tonal clarity and fret access. It suits those who value the signature pickup configuration and stable tremolo performance.

4 Also great

Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Rosewood

Best for: Traditional 6-string Stratocaster players

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 Fender Stratocaster features an alder solidbody and maple neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard. It uses three single-coil pickups for tone. The guitar weighs 3 pounds and measures 44 inches long. It suits players seeking classic Fender aesthetics and standard six-string configuration. The Miami Blue finish offers a distinct visual style compared to the other options listed.

Pros

• Alder solidbody construction
• Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
• Three single-coil pickup configuration
• Lightweight 3-pound build

Cons

• Standard 6-string layout limits extended range playing
• Single-coil pickups may lack high-gain output
• Fixed bridge limits vibrato depth

Good fit if

• You want a classic Stratocaster feel
• You prefer single-coil clarity
• You need a lightweight instrument

Skip if

• You require seven or more strings
• You need a baritone scale length
• You prefer humbucker pickups

Verdict: Fender American Professional II Stratocaster delivers a traditional 6-string experience with a lightweight alder body and maple neck. It fits players who value standard Stratocaster tonal characteristics over extended range capabilities.

5 Best left-handed

Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed

Best for: Left-handed players seeking classic single-coil tone

Body Material

Alder

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

2 Single-coil Pickups

Number of Strings

6

Hand Orientation

Left-handed

Body Type

Solidbody

View on Amazon: Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed Affiliate link

This Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster is a left-handed solidbody electric guitar with an alder body and rosewood fretboard. It features two single-coil pickups for bright tones. The instrument measures 43 inches long and weighs 14 pounds. It suits left-handed players seeking classic Fender construction and versatile pickup options for various playing styles.

Pros

• Left-handed orientation for ambidextrous play
• Alder body for balanced resonance
• Two single-coil pickups for clarity
• Rosewood fretboard for smooth feel

Cons

• Heavier at 14 pounds compared to many alternatives
• Standard tremolo may lack advanced locking stability
• Limited to two pickups for tone shaping

Good fit if

• You play left-handed and need a reliable Strat-style alternative
• You prefer the tone of single-coil pickups
• You want a solidbody guitar with a classic feel

Skip if

• You require seven strings for extended range playing
• You need a multi-scale fretboard for better intonation
• You prefer humbucker pickups for higher output

Verdict: Fender American Professional II Jazzmaster Left-Handed offers a traditional left-handed setup with alder body and single-coil pickups. It fits players who value classic Fender tone and build quality over extended range features.

6 Also great

Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci Majesty 7-String

Best for: Players needing extended range with ebony fretboard

Body Material

nyatoh

Fretboard Material

ebony

Pickup Configuration

2 humbucking

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

solidbody

Dimensions

45.2 × 16.1 × 5.7 inches

View on Amazon: Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci Majesty 7-String Affiliate link

The Sterling by Music Man MAJ270 is a 7-string solidbody electric guitar designed for extended range playing. It features a nyatoh body with a flame maple top and an ebony fingerboard. The instrument includes two humbucking pickups and a tremolo system. Weighing 12.7 pounds, it offers a substantial build. This model suits players seeking a versatile 7-string option with a distinct aesthetic finish.

Pros

• Seven-string configuration for extended low-end range
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability and tone
• Two humbucking pickups for versatile sound
• Flame maple top with Tiger Eye finish

Cons

• Heavier at 12.7 pounds compared to standard 6-string guitars
• Nyatoh body may lack the resonance of premium tonewoods
• Limited to two pickups without coil-split options listed

Good fit if

• You need a 7-string guitar for modern metal or djent styles
• You prefer the feel and tone of an ebony fingerboard
• You want a solidbody guitar with a distinctive visual finish

Skip if

• You require a 6-string guitar for standard tuning
• You prefer lighter instruments under 10 pounds
• You need active pickups for high-gain clarity

Verdict: Sterling by Music Man MAJ270 7-String is a solid choice for players who need extended range without sacrificing build quality. It fits musicians who value the tonal characteristics of ebony and humbuckers in a 7-string format.

7 Best budget

Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string

Best for: Extended range players seeking multi-scale ergonomics

Body Material

Swamp Ash

Neck Material

Maple/Walnut/Padauk

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Pickup Configuration

2 Active Humbucking Pickups

Number of Strings

7

Body Type

Solidbody

View on Amazon: Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin 7-string Affiliate link

The Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite Evil Twin is a 7-string solidbody electric guitar. It features a swamp ash body and a maple/walnut/padauk neck with an ebony fingerboard. The guitar uses two active humbucking pickups for high output. It weighs 10.7 pounds and measures 22.9 inches in length. This instrument suits players seeking extended range tonality with a multi-scale design.

Pros

• Seven-string configuration for extended low-end range
• Multi-scale fretboard design for improved string tension
• Swamp ash body provides balanced tonal resonance
• Active humbucking pickups deliver high output signal

Cons

• Heavier build at 10.7 pounds compared to standard 6-string models
• Active pickups require battery power for operation
• Limited to two pickup positions for tone shaping

Good fit if

• You need extended low-end range for modern metal or djent styles
• You prefer the ergonomic benefits of a multi-scale fretboard
• You want a solidbody guitar with active pickup output

Skip if

• You prefer passive pickups that do not require batteries
• You want a lighter instrument for long playing sessions
• You are looking for a standard six-string configuration

Verdict: Schecter C-7 Multi-scale SLS Elite 7-string is a heavy, high-output instrument designed for players who need extended range and multi-scale ergonomics. It fits those prioritizing tonal weight and string tension over lightweight portability.

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Frequently asked questions

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