Fender Ultra Vs Professional Stratocaster 

Most EXCELLENT comparison. Because ..... You played the exact same riff (in itself very nice) for both guitars in each switch position, both clean and crunch. And major kudos for NOT shredding (seriously). Great job !!

I picked up an Ultra a few weeks ago and have been nothing but impressed with it. I play mostly clean and the gen 5 vintage noiseless are sweet, articulate, and quiet. It's really hard to tell the differences in a YT video because ALL YT audio is highly compressed. Most if not all of the subtle nuances are lost in the compression. When I got my Ultra I wasn't comparing the pickups to anything, I just really liked their clarity and tone. Being my first Fender and first single coil guitar I had no expectations, but when I heard them I was like "yup, that's what I'm looking for". I have the humbucker thing handled by my LP Custom and PRS 594 so I got the SSS version. In my opinion the vintage noiseless they use on the SSS are much nicer than the hotter ones they're using on the HSS, but then I've never liked hot pickups on anything. The fit and finish on the Ultras is oustanding, mine was flawless everywhere I looked. Coming from LPs I expected tuning issues with the floating trem but it's rock solid. The fretwork is as good as anything I've seen and the whole guitar is designed with ergonomics in mind. It's just a really comfy, great playing, and great sounding guitar... and that's coming from a diehard LP fan with guitars costing 2-3 times as much. I thought about going boutique, but I really wanted a real Fender strat because they made half the music I grew up with. I've also developed a trend toward the best blend of traditional and modern in all my guitars and this one fits right in. If you're looking for a modern strat, I'd look at these before Suhr or other more expensive options. I did, and ended up buying one :)

I just bought my American Pro and absolutely love it. This thing sounds amazing and it is a perfect fit for my smaller hands. I can actually reach my thumb over the top easily where I had trouble with the thumb muting with the Ibanez wizard profile necks and those things are amazingly thin. Sounds and plays great. Best $1500 I ever spent. Worth every penny. Been waiting 30 years to purchase my dream guitar and this is definitely it.

I had the opportunity to play an Ultra Stratocaster at a local music store yesterday 🥂 WOW

One thing to consider, which I haven't seen in any of the comments, is that most electric guitar players will be using some type of pedal to modify the original sound/signal coming from the guitar, and/or a specific setting on their specific amp, which, again, changes the sound/signal coming from the guitar. So, it seems that the primary consideration is being satisfied with the feel of the guitar and how it feels to play it (neck shape, weight, fret types, etc.). So, I guess the best way to tell if a guitar is for you, considering sound and feel, is to play the guitar with your pedal and amp setup, making any tweaks to the pedals and amp needed to get the desired sound, or encounter challenges to get the desired sound relative to the guitar. Then, you'll know if the guitar is for you.

😱 This is EXACTLY the comparison video I’ve been looking everywhere for. I was at four shops today comparing these two. Going in, I was leaning Professional. Coming out, I still am. Just can’t get into those noiseless pups yet. They’re just... inarticulate. As if they don’t enunciate as well. Maybe a little muffled? IDK, my ear isn’t nearly as good as you more experienced musicians. The Pro just sounds more like a Strat to me. :). Fortunately for me, while I like the Ultra neck, I don’t find it better than the Pro, just different, so I’m happy the the Pro. Also, I prefer the narrow-tall frets of the Pro. Your excellent comparison has affirmed my position after a long day of driving all over Houston to test guitars. Pro for me! Thanks!

Believe me when I say that this was a tough choice for me. I went back and forth between the pro II and the ultra. The ultra's neck has a great silky smooth feel yes 100%, and don't listen to anybody who tells you otherwise, but then again so does the pro II. I can shred on the pro II at ease and it blew my MIM strat and ibanez away. In this case, I can say confidently that the price difference means NOTHING. This is all based on personal preference from look and feel. After months of debating I ended up going with the Pro II for a few reasons. 1) I really love the Olympic white with the maple neck finish and the turtle shell pickguard, very classy, I also like how the Pro II resembles a lot of the original "American standard" which was the ultimate dream guitar for me growing up as a kid. 2) I personally love the fat neck as I tend to cup the neck a lot and use my thumb to mute or use the low E string while playing a chord. All in all, it really comes down to preference, I settled on the Pro II because it reminded me more of that original American standard with some crazy cool upgrades put into it and some modern pickups. To me, it feels like that strat that i used to dream of owning when I was 14 at Long and Mcquade. The ultra seemed a little "more" than what i wanted in a guitar, and I felt that it took away from that original "american standard feel" in my opinion. I'm 100% sure the ultra is just as good as the pro II though , and like I said, you can't compare preference. Either guitar you buy I promise you'll love. Don't look back after you bought it and wish that you took the other one, you should be looking at your strat and saying "dayum baby, let me touch you a little bit." plain and simple. So go out to your local store now that covid is finally getting better, and see what speaks to you most. Simply reading other people's comments on what's better won't do it for you I promise. Even just do your own research, watch videos, and pick the one that appeals to YOU. Strat's are just as much art as they are instruments, and you'll want the perfect one sitting by your amp. So having said all of that lol.... Enjoy your new incredible axe!!!!

Fantastic video---great job on an excellent side-by-side comparison. Pro sounded far more dynamic to me, very open sound, killer Strat.

I have ultrat strat and i also try pro together and i love ultra sound. For clean mode pro sound is bright but ultra is always stable for all mode.

pro sounded much better for me

Yesterday i have been to the musicstore in cologne and checked out both models. And before watching the video, i came to the exact same conclusion. I would also like when the pro ii got that d shape neck. That would be perfect. Now i'm waiting for an "Frankenstein" offer. Very good analysis. I totaly agree.

Just bought an Ultra after spending the best part of an hour with am Ultra, a Pro, and a Pro II. I already have a 2018 Pro tele, which is great, but playing the three strats side by side, the Ultra was far more comfortable to play, and for me, more nuanced, refined, dynamic and smoother sounding.

Fender Statocaster Professional - clean more interesting; Fender Ultra - Overdrive more interesting; Fender Ultra - This guitar has a more collected sound

Pickups can be swapped. Tone is easily altered. I would have to feel the both of them to choose. Playability is the number 1 issue. But like you said, feel is highly subjective.

I purchased the Prof. HSS Maple Neck Sienna Sunburst. I had some concerns that the ash body could result in additional weight but it was just over 8 lbs. The sheer beauty and individuality of the gain appearance is worth any possible weight increase. I like a modern C neck profile but the Deep C and Narrow frets combination of the Professional really works well for me. Totally happy I went with the HSS for the wider range of tones. When I plugged her in and started playing couldn't help but smile.

Totally agree with you. I bought the Pro because I wanted a Stratocaster sound that was lively. Besides pickups can be changed. I love the deep C neck although the radius is a bit much for me I can live fine with it. The body is really comfortable. I might get some locking tuners but that's it then plug it into my Friedman BE 100 and Burn. Cheers. Great show.

I can’t say which is better but ultra is more clean, listen at the sustain. However pro seems more vintage feel and the little bit distortion sounds good to me.

He seem to be more calm and comfortable playing the pro

Pro hands down

2022: I've looked at the American Pro II but the Narrow Tall frets seem to be a deal breaker for me. the Medium Jumbo frets of the Ultra seem more fitting to me as a relatively new player. I like the Pro pick ups a bit more. Any recent readers wish to comment on this for me? I'm waiting on sweetwater to receive an ultra from Fender for me. With the layoffs at Corona, no telling when I'll receive the guitar. I could change my mind and go for the Pro II. Only the SSS strats are in stock most anywhere that I check. The HSS strats, which is what I want are our of stock everywhere. Medium Jumbo or Narrow Tall frets??

I feel like the pro is more harmonically rich

I want 1 of each. To my ear, the Pro sounded more pleasing, with a bit of gain, but the clean tone, of the Ultra, sounds gorgeously warm. If pushed, I'd choose the Ultra, simply because the S-1 switching makes it a little more versatile.

I just bought a fender elite from a friend that needed money that has the 3gen pickup hss model doesn't sound bad, but it's missing the chime we all love about a strat.

Cool that you used the ash bodied pro, as that is the one i own. Most are alder body. That is the sienna burst, the only pro model with ash body.

I have 2 professional strats- white with maple fret board - just killer sounding-- a tobacco burst with a Rosewood fretboard that just doesn't have the punch and sound of my white one - I checked the ultra and your right the neck felt great - I was thinking of upgrading to an ultra - after listening to your video I think I will have a guitar tech take a look at my pro tobacco burst and see if there is something I missed or overlooked - the money difference doesn't justify upgrading.

I’m new to the fender world, but I love this “stereotypical”? fender style music that is played in the video. Where do I start learning this style of playing? And hearing it??

This review is spot on! Earlier today I went to my local shop with the intention to buy the Ultra and walked out with the same Sienna/Rosewood Professional you have in the video. I was there for hours and tried 3 different Professionals and 3 different Ultras at my local shop through 5 different amps (Blues Jr NOS Tweed, Blues Deluxe, VOX AC15, VOX AC30 and a Blackstar). The Professional Strat is more like the original with enhanced options and sound. I really love the contours of the Ultra but found it did not increase my access to the higher frets as much as I believed it would. I was really impressed with the VMod Pups even though I really wanted to love the Noiseless Pups.You really cannot go wrong with either choice. Although I found the Ultra to a most excellent guitar, I would want to ditch those pups for the VMods or something hotter like the CS-USA Texas Specials. Just my preference.

I played the pro, is great, but the ultra is all amazing. The vídeo don't show really like sounds the ultra.

I was deciding some time ago and according to my opinion that "Chime sound" was only with Pro edition...I am talking about Tele now. But the video just made me feel I have chosen correctly...

Pro sounded nicer, a bit brighter and with some nice clear top end. The ultra was more broad sounding, darker and hi-fi. Would probably pick the pro out of these two. I have a HSS Ultra which sounds a bit different to either of these, obviously there is the humbucker, but the two single coils have a bit more output and I am very happy with them. Suits my more heavy / higher gain attitude to playing the guitar than was demonstrated here. Love the neck and body on the ultras, just wish the texas tea finish came with a rosewood board in HSS configuration....

I prefer the tone of the professional but in terms of neck and feel I would prefer the ultra. The professional would be great with the ultra neck.

An interesting one because I’ve played that ultra and the neck is like butter...but I much prefer the tone of the pro, so as Adam suggests...for me a “frankenstrat” of the two would be cool 😎🤘

Anybody have fret wear issues w the Pro? Couple used ones I saw looked brand new but divots in the frets. Less meat in the tall skinny frets?

I think the Ultra lacks the "punch" the classical single coils have, it sounds cleaner compared to the Professional 2.

im looking to replace my mexico player series with something better, i thought i will simply get ultra because well, its most expensive guitar fender offers and i thought i cant go wrong with it. but the more i listen to those comparisons between pro/elite/ultra, both professional and elite sound better (at least to my standards, i want clean snappy rich tone similar to john mayer). ultra reminds me of strat i curently own. its missing that snappiness-attack, twang, fullfillnes of tone.... its simply sounds like there is a lot missing. i guess il keep watching till im saving money and then finally go to store and decide on spot, compare actions, and see which one buzzess less , which neck shape feels better etc.... sound wise i definitely preffer professional and elite series

I can't find that exact color of the American Pro strat anywhere online, can somebody help me please?

soundwise pro easily...but I love the ultras neck

Is their a way to get a punk rock sound out of a Stratocaster

Pro definitely sounds better but the newest generation noiseless pups on the Ultra are the best Fender has done, although I don't think they're as good as some competitors noiseless pups.

If I had to pick one stock, I'd go Pro. If I had to pick one and mod, it would be Ultra with something like Lust For Tone '57 Lustcaster Spirits.

Hey, I'm wondering how people find the difference between the narrow tall frets and the medium jumbo's? I have the duluxe roadhouse with the narrow tall frets...I love it but sometimes it can sharp out if i press too hard, especially with chords. Great review btw. Just subscribed.

Buy a used Deluxe or Elite, though the all rosewood neck Pro is the best

Certainly more character from the professional one .I have an ultra strat although I like it I feel it lacks character compared to other strats .

I just got a Pro HSS Dark Night. I think the Pro is a little brighter than the Ultra.

i got the professional in ashwood natural finish

To me the Professional is more bell like in the top end whereas the Ultra is more reserved in the top end. But I wanted a true Strat sound, so I ended up purchasing the Pro.

Nice review

Pro II sounds richer and sweeter in my opinion, but neither seem like they're worth that much more than a Players....

Good job

I like modern C neck shape, but modern D was worst neck shape I have tried.

Ultra strat. 👍

Nice playing!

Doesn't that Professional have a Ash body?

Ultra not lying

Great comparison! Pro wins - by far! Much more harmonically rich, alive and with much greater presence. I had the opportunity to A/B the Pro and Ultra HSS. Brought the Pro home. No contest! BTW..the pro doesn’t need an S1 switch to sound rich, especially in the HSS configuration. IMHO the bridge pickups on SSS Strats are useless which is why I much prefer the HSS. More useable bridge pup. With hybrid 9-46 strings I can dial in whatever tones I want - from blues to classic rock to jazz and finger style, especially when played thru my fantastic new Quilter HD amp. Of course it sounds great thru the ‘64 hand-wired Deluxe Reverb and Tonemaster Twin amps as well. Now my Ultra Tele is another story. It blew the Pro away. It is very versatile for many styles of music. The “Texas Tea” color with rosewood board are gorgeous appointments on the Ultra. I agree that the necks on the Ultras - both the Strat and the Tele - are to die for, however my Pro Strat was so well set up that it plays like a dream, so that was a non-issue. Best thing for anyone wanting to buy a new guitar is to go play the different models you are considering side-by-side. That is the only way to get a true comparison.

The Pro 👍🔥🎸🦅

Ultra has slightly less mids which I like

Professional Strat of course!🤘

Professional all the way 👍

quando suona la pro la manopola del volume è in posizione diversa rispetto alla ultra

Pro II

Is that from a song I really like that tune?

They sound way too similar. Fender. I love your brand. I truly love tbe history and what you do. I would love to just order the guitar I want. Like the contoured heel joint body with a rosewood inlay fretboard giving that appearance of bound with the maple. Or a bound strat neck. HSS With the gilmour middle and neck pup. The humbucker I could care less as long as it's a decent fender. I would buy a nice burled top with red stain and nitro the body and neck. Spaghetti logo, the old 70s F tuners or kluson style and the trem would be the 2 point best fender makes with brass block and brass fitted nut. The roller string trees. Mint guard. Or white. Or parchment. Metal knobs. That's. My Rob C sig. Which I'm one day surely to have one. I can feel it. I do my own music. Own genre. Still learning after 1.5 years playing (seriously teaching myself) from 30 years drumming and keyboarding...I am in love with the strat. Dont ask why I waited. Even after teaching my son 15 years ago ,hes kick ass today but he likes Ibanez and Music man. Hahah. I'll always be a fender guy. Keep your eye out, health permits. My Atmospheric Blues is coming. Still need a few years to get my handle on the Instrument.

I like the look of the Ultra and the sound of the Pro.

Everybody prefering the Pro because they can't afford the Ultra, lol

I like the professional

Pro for sure. Ultra sounds like a different brand all together.

pro the neck is thicccerrr...pickups are better and honestly do you wanna be an Ultra?? no...you wanna be a fuckin PRO

I want back and forth between the two but the reviews on The ultra were way better than on the pro 2 from the ones I looked at anyways and most of the reviews were right out of the box reviews.

Tone: Pro > ultra

Ultra is just a money grab ... pro is where it’s at unless you don’t appreciate the 60 cycle hum

ultra №1 / pro №2

Standard is best

Everybody needs to know the Mexican pro needs alot of set up when it arrives. My neck was not straight, and the frets were horrible. It needed the full lube. But my squire from Indonesia kicked ass compared to the Mexican. I'm not sure about theAmerican. .why pay thousands when a good set up on a squire and your good.

Unfair comparison as there's buzz on the ultra.

This sienna is in ash no alder

The Pro has a vintage sound. The Elite has a little more of a modern sound.

The Pro sounds much more full

That pro has an ash body

That sienna sunburst one has a ash body.

More classic

PRO🤘

Am pro is better for me

Professional is the holy grail

the pro is an ash body not alder

ultra sounds bouncy

Great guitars. Really bad overdriven tone. Get a Marshall.

Ultra is quieter

I've watched videos and played the ultra myself and its absolutely amazing how you've managed to get such a horrible sound out of the instrument. The ultra has incredible tone and clarity live and in most other videos I've seen. Not sure what you're doing but it sounds like trash. If that was your purpose, great job.

Pro

This guy is very inconsistent with his instrumentals

Pro

Pro