These new Fender American Professional II Thinline Telecaster and Stratocaster models are a limited edition run of semi-hollow models in fabulous ’60s surf colours.
Fender American Professional II Thinline
Fender has just announced these American Professional II Thinline Limited Edition Telecaster and Stratocaster models. They come in transparent finishes, including Daphne Blue, White Blonde, Surf Green, and Shell Pink. Visually, they are pretty exciting, and each model also has a tortoiseshell pickguard to add to the look.
Semi-Hollow
Each has a semi-hollow ash body, so the wood grain shows beautifully through the finishes. This makes each guitar visually appealing, as they also feature an f-hole. They are fitted with a deep-C-shape maple neck and come with a maple fretboard for the Tele models and a rosewood fretboard for the Strats. These come equipped with 22 narrow-tall frets and have a bone nut.
Modern Updates
The Telecaster and Stratocaster Thinline models are fitted with Fender’s V-Mod II pickups. These offer what Fender describes as an articulate sound and the ability to deliver classic Fender tones. The Telecaster models also feature a push-push tone control for a thicker, Danelectro-inspired sound in the middle position.
It also has a top-load/string-through Telecaster bridge with compensated brass “bullet” saddles.
Instead, the Stratocaster models have an upgraded 2-point tremolo system with a Cold-Rolled Steel Block for better tuning stability, plus a push-push tone control for combining bridge and neck pickups. These subtle updates to both models are helpful and certainly worth having. The Strat also has a Treble bleed circuit to help maintain highs when reducing volume.
Each guitar ships in a Deluxe Molded hardshell case.
Verdict
I’m sure these will be popular, as you don’t see many semi-hollow ash-bodied USA models in cool colours. The 2018 Fender Eric Johnson semi-hollow Stratocaster has been discontinued, and I think people will also love these colours.
Yes, I’m not a massive fan of the f-hole on the Strat body (read my Eric Johnson article linked above), but I think it suits the Telecaster nicely. Though, my taste in guitars shouldn’t have any bearing on what you think is cool!
MSRP – USD 1949
More Information
Image Sources:
- White Blonde: Fender
- Surf Green: Fender
- Shell Pink: Fender
- Daphne Blue: Fender
