I would be more interested if they made them look like an average Strat. Totally looking stock. No fancy pickguard and regular single coils. It looks like someone did a bunch of upgrades on a MIM.
@@friedrudibega6384 Humbuckers and black pickguards have been on Strats for decades. Until you start adding active circuits, coiltaps and locking trems it's still an average Strat to me.
@@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw I hear ya. When I think of a stock strat, I think it’s perfectly normal to describe it the way that I did. Who hurt you? Who?
It is CLEARLY designed for prog rock guitarists who play out in bands. The variety of tones, the useful trem, the contours--in my opinion, the selling point is the versatility.
Instead of the American Ultra II Telecaster, buy a Charvel So-Cal Style 2 HT. It is basically the same guitar with arguably better pickups and one third the price.
@ I think it’s purely in your mind though. Becaue objectively they are the same body and wood. But you get less high quality stuff on this Fender. You have a plastic nut, which is nuts on this price point. You don’t have a highend Tremelo system, that you get on a Charvel (with a free locking but 😉)
It's like the everything bagel of top tier strats. It's for the versatile covers-band guitar player who has made peace with the fact he will always be a guitarist in a covers band.
I completely agree with the "who is this for?" sentiment. At least if it had stainless steel frets, you could make the argument that it's the one Fender that will last you forever and never require a refret, but without that, this seems to just be a high performing regular Strat, basically no reason to pick it up over an older Deluxe or just a standard or Professional II (which has the contoured heel), all of which are way cheaper.
Back in the day we used noiseless pickups for distorted sounds.We didn’t think about if a dimarzio like HS-3 sounded like a 50s or 60s singlecoil.We just wanted to play hardrock without hum.Some put a humbucker in their strat like Eddie or Dave Murray.For me this is a strat for rock music.
Thanks Ola! I've been looking at one of these and really want one but obviously I'm into metal. I feel I need one good strat in the collection and this might be it!
Great playing Ola! Could I request something? When trying out a clean tone, could you not have reverb on? It would be nice to hear the guitar without effects. Thank you! Ha det gött! :)
I've used a Fender Floyd Rose Classic for years, I adore the ability to change from chunky bridge tones to snappy single coils. I find it very versatile.
I’ve handled a few ultra ii guitars and they just feel premium af. There is just something about them that feels more physically present and good to hold. The only thing holding me back is color - I don’t like any of the color ways of any of the models. Otherwise I’d probably get a meteora (I have the le and the mim and enjoy them) or a strat
Slapping a humbucker in a Strat isn't sticking with the times. Their bridges are horrendous and haven't been innovated since Leo Fender designed them in the 50's and 60's.
I have a Fender Ultra Stratocaster Sunburst, but all single coil, and i really like it, its not a metal guitar by any means, but great for solo leads, and rock/jazz and general playing... its an allround great guitar.
The Haymaker can do a lot, it's in JB or perhaps SD Pegasus territory. I think the HSS was designed by Fender to sit between the two worlds of tamer rock and contemporary metal and it can definitely get there in either direction. Check out some of the tones people are getting with that humbucker, it's excellent for modern metal styles, the singles are also hot rodded and are hotter on the HSS model than on the SSS model.
Stainless Steel frets are not just about smoothness. It's a harder steel that won't wear out like nickel frets. If you have a guitar with fret wear after playing for many years, you will wish they were SS. Great review!
I would guess maybe they want to appeal to shredders to some extent with those colours, but in practical terms, it really suits guys like me. An old school metal/hard rock guy, who appreciates the feel of a classic strat, but with some more modern appointments, and different colours from the norm. It may not be for modern metal players who want active pickups, locking trems etc, but for someone who is into both Van Halen and Iron Maiden, as well as classic bluesy rock like Robin Trower, or more progressive bands like Pink Floyd, it is perfect.
It could be for me, if I have the euros $$$$$ that Fender asks. And it is already routed on bridge for a JB or an SD :) It's the new cousin of the Jackson Adrian Smith. At the end of the line they change pickups, bridge and logo on the headstock.
great detailed review, clean parts are amazing, I personally understand why people choose fender during clean records. btw everyone have been waiting for baroque clothes and arpeggios from hell in lead section 😆
I passed on the ultra II and picked up one of the last 70th anny ultra 1 amethysts in stock in the country. Love it, great guitar. I don’t see anything different in the ultra 2 except perhaps the pickups which sound the same to me. Ola is right every single Strat I play I feel that middle pickup is too high. He’s also right that it plays like an AVRI Strat, not a shredder Strat. All in all, great guitar, well built, not my #1 favorite but one I’m glad to have in the arsenal to play and enjoy.
Great review! I agree. I have the Ultra Tele, Strat, and Precision Bass. Love them all but play the Tele the most because it chugs! Ultras are beautiful guitars that I would buy again.
Great presentation of the guitar. I am just as confused as you though. Perhaps more so with the Telecaster version. I thought the ppl drooling after a Tele and to some extent a traditional strat are looking for the old traditional styles. While shredders and younger folk go for the modern look and feel and modern specs. Dunno. Anyway, just about to book the trip down to Birmingham in January to see you and the two B's in action. Gonna be awesome.
Personally: Despite playing metal exclusively, I love Strats. An HSS Strat is pure heaven for me, and I like more “vintage” output humbuckers. I cross-shopped the original Ultra and the Pro II. I ended up with the Pro II. I’d probably still make the same decision again. I thought the non-noiseless single coils sounded way better, I didn’t care about the compound radius neck, and I liked the finishes available on the Pro II series more. So, it made more sense to save nearly $1000 CAD.
With all due respect Ola, but you can make any guitar chug it doesn’t have to be an expensive Fender. I was glad to see you playing some amazing lead lines as well,as just chugging.
Love my regular Ultra strat, mostly for the neck, but it's a solid player. I did change out the HSS pups to make it more a hard rock/metal guitar. Might have to pickup the Ultra II as well - only wish was SS frets but roasted and quartersawn neck is a nice upgrade! Might not even need to change the pups.
I'll say it, this is a grungy but funky workhorse for all kinds of experiments. Very basic and familiar, but sounding (and probably playing) excellent. I wonder if that'll let you "forget" about the instrument and get creative faster. The pickups out of the gate seem to sound delicate. I'm not a Strat-virtuoso (I always feel a Strats demand a better player than I am, yet I like them a lot). Also digging the looks of this one. Regarding stainless: I don't see what's wrong starting out with nickel. If it proves to be a favorite guitar you'll happily upgrade after a decade or so and it won't break the bank.
Damnit Ola!!! I am still waiting for your video on how your produce your intro songs! I need to know if you do it, and if so, how, or if you just palm it off on to some other person! The mixes are always great, so would like to know if you just did one and use the same presets every time, programme drums yourself etc and if so how to make them sound realistic!
i must admit, that i love the fenders the finish is good and the versatility with a hss or hsh setup is quite good. i consider buying one of the new series. how ever i have some concerns about the upper volume controls positioning
Honestly, not as expensive as I thought Fender would make it. Not bad at all. I'd go the Meteora route, just because I like the offset shape, but these look like dope guitars. Not in the market to spend 2 Gs myself, but if I was gonna, I'd really consider them.
I played steel strings for years & wore down all my nickel fret guitars within a couple of years. I loved the sound but the durability wasn't there. Later I switched to steel frets but they sound like schnitzel with steel strings. So I had to switch strings anyway. I still prefer steel strings but it's not really an option anymore. I do think steel frets are better because the notes are more bright & present. That's pretty much why I liked the steel strings to begin with. But it's not the same. Nickel strings don't emphasize the "gling" of certain overtones I like to hear.
A bit of a mystery to me who they are for, when Fender already owns Jackson and Charvel which are specifically tailored to the metal guitarist (and do it way better imo ). Perhaps for the Fender name on the headstock?
Basically it's an Ibanez AZ without stainless steel frets, no Duncan pickups, less pickup options and more expensive. I don't understand Fender on this one. It sounds good, but it's not enough for me
It's for the Iron Maiden/Warren DiMartini/Yngywie types that want to rock but are in love with the look and feel of a classic strat.
Like me then. 😃
I would be more interested if they made them look like an average Strat. Totally looking stock. No fancy pickguard and regular single coils. It looks like someone did a bunch of upgrades on a MIM.
@@friedrudibega6384 Humbuckers and black pickguards have been on Strats for decades. Until you start adding active circuits, coiltaps and locking trems it's still an average Strat to me.
@@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw I hear ya. When I think of a stock strat, I think it’s perfectly normal to describe it the way that I did.
Who hurt you? Who?
Exactly what I thought.
That color is awesome.
It needs a funky purple pick guard
I find the guitar very ugly! A purple pickguard I agree could help. A darker baked neck maybe. As is I wouldn't pick it from a wall.
kickass intro! and playing throughout.
That was some awesome playing man some of the best I’ve heard you do
I love Fenders and I love that finish.
Dude your phrasing and note choice are fucking IMPECCABLE
It is CLEARLY designed for prog rock guitarists who play out in bands. The variety of tones, the useful trem, the contours--in my opinion, the selling point is the versatility.
I love this guitar. Best thing from Fender in a long time.
Fender and Jackson are just slaying it in 2024, looks like yet another quality release here. Love the color too. ❤
I honestly appreciate you not putting out a review of gear at the same time as every other channel.
Also, freaking sick playing man.
Its for me ill take it.
Instead of the American Ultra II Telecaster, buy a Charvel So-Cal Style 2 HT. It is basically the same guitar with arguably better pickups and one third the price.
Love my Charvel SoCal!
You read my mind! And it saves you a lot of cash and no weird compromises.
I came here to write exactly this.
Both are cool guitars but the Fender feels more high quality. I have a So-Cal and an American Pro II and love both.
@ I think it’s purely in your mind though. Becaue objectively they are the same body and wood. But you get less high quality stuff on this Fender. You have a plastic nut, which is nuts on this price point. You don’t have a highend Tremelo system, that you get on a Charvel (with a free locking but 😉)
Your tone and playing on that thing just sounds amazing.
Anything from blues and country till classic heavy metal. Nothing more nothing less
you heard in the intro that it can play metal. so...
Bro for real. U Do sound great with this guitar. The tone and playing. Sounds great
It's like the everything bagel of top tier strats. It's for the versatile covers-band guitar player who has made peace with the fact he will always be a guitarist in a covers band.
I guess the same with symphony orchestras who do Mozart & all of the classics are cover bands in a way. And our cellphones are now pocket watches.
Ola the Trustworthy.
If I could throw a "Will it Chug" suggestion... JHS Pedals Series 3 Distortion... it's only $100 USD.
That blinking red light is a nightmare
Cannot be unseen
Great review!
I completely agree with the "who is this for?" sentiment. At least if it had stainless steel frets, you could make the argument that it's the one Fender that will last you forever and never require a refret, but without that, this seems to just be a high performing regular Strat, basically no reason to pick it up over an older Deluxe or just a standard or Professional II (which has the contoured heel), all of which are way cheaper.
Back in the day we used noiseless pickups for distorted sounds.We didn’t think about if a dimarzio like HS-3 sounded like a 50s or 60s singlecoil.We just wanted to play hardrock without hum.Some put a humbucker in their strat like Eddie or Dave Murray.For me this is a strat for rock music.
Nothing heavier will ever be played on that particular guitar
TRUE! that would only happen if it got into the hands of Trevor Peres
Did you see John Browne's video on that guitar? 😁
@@MikaTarkela I'd like to compare serial numbers to make sure they are the same guitars, not different guitars with the same finish ;)
Sounds great!
For that money, you can get an Ibanez AZ Prestige model with far better specs, ergonomics & build quality.
This will be my next purchase
Thanks Ola! I've been looking at one of these and really want one but obviously I'm into metal. I feel I need one good strat in the collection and this might be it!
that tone was smooth solefull nice man
5:34 thanks for always having dimebag present. 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻
Great playing Ola! Could I request something? When trying out a clean tone, could you not have reverb on? It would be nice to hear the guitar without effects. Thank you!
Ha det gött! :)
I've used a Fender Floyd Rose Classic for years, I adore the ability to change from chunky bridge tones to snappy single coils. I find it very versatile.
I’d wait till the price comes down, over 2 grand is a lot for a non custom. But they hold value and sound pretty sweet
I love Strats and you just proved that they are still cool.
This is for anyone who wants to get fleeced. No stainless steel frets at this price point is insanity.
Why this obsession with stainless steel frets?
@@swede7160 They feel better, last forever, and have basically no downside to them.
Stainless steel frets are a personal choice. I love them but the idea that they need to be standard across all lines and models is pushing it
@@MisterTee Honestly, at this point they should be the standard. Nickel should be the fancy option in case anyone wants it.
I don't like stainless steel frets personally
Reminds me a little of the contemporary series from the mid 80's.
I’ve handled a few ultra ii guitars and they just feel premium af. There is just something about them that feels more physically present and good to hold. The only thing holding me back is color - I don’t like any of the color ways of any of the models. Otherwise I’d probably get a meteora (I have the le and the mim and enjoy them) or a strat
its amazing how you enjoy playing this guitar, strat is strat...- timeless guitar :) yeeees i would like to have one 😍😍
Handsome axe, for sure. And it chugs. Those Fender Noiseless pickups are a great choice.
Love thath color and finish 👌
I'm into it. I'd do a couple mods that I'd do to any strat, but that guitar is definitely my jam.
That intro song had big Opeth vibes and I love it.
If I could afford such a thing, I would play a lot of Iron Maiden (my go-to jam). Sounds amazing. Well done, Ola! 🤘😎
I'm glad Fender has been one of the guitar brands that have been able to stick with the times and make things interesting.
Slapping a humbucker in a Strat isn't sticking with the times. Their bridges are horrendous and haven't been innovated since Leo Fender designed them in the 50's and 60's.
@@Davivd2 They have actually, the problem is the original was better
Beautiful Guitar! 🤩🤩
ihan vitun hieno strato!MUN ON SAATAVA TÄÄ:)hello from finland
The QC on American Fenders is top notch. I’m a metal guy and love Strats. I will wait for the hype to die down and probably get one of these.
Dang, i dig it! And i rarely say that about strats.
I didn't expect to hear a clean Pantera riff in this review. :-D
I love the color on that bad boy. It sounds like a gem. I would totally rock one.
If it was free lol
At that price point for what you get, ill buy a PRS. Much more attention to detail. And way better feel and playablity.
I have a Fender Ultra Stratocaster Sunburst, but all single coil, and i really like it, its not a metal guitar by any means, but great for solo leads, and rock/jazz and general playing... its an allround great guitar.
The Haymaker can do a lot, it's in JB or perhaps SD Pegasus territory. I think the HSS was designed by Fender to sit between the two worlds of tamer rock and contemporary metal and it can definitely get there in either direction. Check out some of the tones people are getting with that humbucker, it's excellent for modern metal styles, the singles are also hot rodded and are hotter on the HSS model than on the SSS model.
Sounds a lot like a JB to me. Has that stringy character to it.
That clearly answers the ”Will It Chug?” question.
Haymaker Prickup! Haha
Very nice demo 🤘
Been thinking out getting a Fender Ultra for years now but love the look of the Floyd HSS Model as well.
Stainless Steel frets are not just about smoothness. It's a harder steel that won't wear out like nickel frets. If you have a guitar with fret wear after playing for many years, you will wish they were SS. Great review!
I would guess maybe they want to appeal to shredders to some extent with those colours, but in practical terms, it really suits guys like me. An old school metal/hard rock guy, who appreciates the feel of a classic strat, but with some more modern appointments, and different colours from the norm. It may not be for modern metal players who want active pickups, locking trems etc, but for someone who is into both Van Halen and Iron Maiden, as well as classic bluesy rock like Robin Trower, or more progressive bands like Pink Floyd, it is perfect.
sounds and looks amazing. id get that model but the red and black version.
It could be for me, if I have the euros $$$$$ that Fender asks. And it is already routed on bridge for a JB or an SD :) It's the new cousin of the Jackson Adrian Smith. At the end of the line they change pickups, bridge and logo on the headstock.
Loved the song, and it made me think: every time you demo a guitar, you should write a song with it and release it.
It's for you, apparently!! After that bomb ass opening track
I'd absolutely get one (then again, I don't really play much metal anymore). But for Rock and punk, it looks and sounds great.
great detailed review, clean parts are amazing, I personally understand why people choose fender during clean records.
btw everyone have been waiting for baroque clothes and arpeggios from hell in lead section 😆
I passed on the ultra II and picked up one of the last 70th anny ultra 1 amethysts in stock in the country. Love it, great guitar. I don’t see anything different in the ultra 2 except perhaps the pickups which sound the same to me. Ola is right every single Strat I play I feel that middle pickup is too high. He’s also right that it plays like an AVRI Strat, not a shredder Strat. All in all, great guitar, well built, not my #1 favorite but one I’m glad to have in the arsenal to play and enjoy.
I hate middle pickups and the Volume pot is so close I constantly shut off the volume.
Great review! I agree. I have the Ultra Tele, Strat, and Precision Bass. Love them all but play the Tele the most because it chugs! Ultras are beautiful guitars that I would buy again.
I dig the darker rhythm tone you are getting out of it. I've always preferred darker rhythm tones for metal. Cleans are great.
It is build for me! guitar players that grew up with Malmsteen, Bon Jov, Whitesnake or Maiden
Agreed! No longer need to get a Fender and hotrod it aftermarket, Fender is just doing it themselves.
I would rock that Texas Tea P-Bass all day. I just want to play across that buttery neck.
I like it. It's not the strat I'm into at this time (American Vintage II 1961), but I could see one in my future.
damn, its cool and the tone is rich....
Great presentation of the guitar. I am just as confused as you though. Perhaps more so with the Telecaster version. I thought the ppl drooling after a Tele and to some extent a traditional strat are looking for the old traditional styles. While shredders and younger folk go for the modern look and feel and modern specs. Dunno.
Anyway, just about to book the trip down to Birmingham in January to see you and the two B's in action. Gonna be awesome.
Probably one of the best Fender USA Model besides them Custom shop ones, I guess, and these Ola Sounds features it perfectly
Personally: Despite playing metal exclusively, I love Strats. An HSS Strat is pure heaven for me, and I like more “vintage” output humbuckers.
I cross-shopped the original Ultra and the Pro II. I ended up with the Pro II. I’d probably still make the same decision again. I thought the non-noiseless single coils sounded way better, I didn’t care about the compound radius neck, and I liked the finishes available on the Pro II series more. So, it made more sense to save nearly $1000 CAD.
With all due respect Ola, but you can make any guitar chug it doesn’t have to be an expensive Fender. I was glad to see you playing some amazing lead lines as well,as just chugging.
I dig that Humbucker...sounds soo clear, still throaty and fat with nice overtones and very good String seperation. Pretty good!
I have a fender ultra strat with a fugigen neck, floyd rose, dimarzio bridge, lace sensor middle and neck. Awesome flame maple in red. Bad ass guitar.
Killer track!
It's for Impellitteri fans
Love my regular Ultra strat, mostly for the neck, but it's a solid player. I did change out the HSS pups to make it more a hard rock/metal guitar. Might have to pickup the Ultra II as well - only wish was SS frets but roasted and quartersawn neck is a nice upgrade! Might not even need to change the pups.
Fantastic Guitar 👍
Nice playing! I swear this man is up to something, maybe he can create a youtube channel and put his own guitar brand. Maybe he has a chance!
I love the look of that Strat. **Chef's kiss** Muah!!!
Awesome guitar ola
I'll say it, this is a grungy but funky workhorse for all kinds of experiments. Very basic and familiar, but sounding (and probably playing) excellent. I wonder if that'll let you "forget" about the instrument and get creative faster. The pickups out of the gate seem to sound delicate. I'm not a Strat-virtuoso (I always feel a Strats demand a better player than I am, yet I like them a lot). Also digging the looks of this one.
Regarding stainless: I don't see what's wrong starting out with nickel. If it proves to be a favorite guitar you'll happily upgrade after a decade or so and it won't break the bank.
You can play anything between Iron Maiden and Obituary
Awesome dude. How about posting your signal chain when you do these please?
Damnit Ola!!! I am still waiting for your video on how your produce your intro songs! I need to know if you do it, and if so, how, or if you just palm it off on to some other person!
The mixes are always great, so would like to know if you just did one and use the same presets every time, programme drums yourself etc and if so how to make them sound realistic!
Send it my way ❤😊
Me. It's for me. I love it. I like how it looks. I want it.
i must admit, that i love the fenders the finish is good and the versatility with a hss or hsh setup is quite good. i consider buying one of the new series. how ever i have some concerns about the upper volume controls positioning
Mine is coming this week!
Honestly, not as expensive as I thought Fender would make it. Not bad at all. I'd go the Meteora route, just because I like the offset shape, but these look like dope guitars. Not in the market to spend 2 Gs myself, but if I was gonna, I'd really consider them.
Hss Strats are the best nasty intro track ola!
Really into the ultra 2 Tele. Love the new features. Just not into the noiseless pickups. Gonna drop in some lollars.
what a guitar!!!
For me, the colour doesn't work with a maple fretboad. Sounds great though.
I agree. That color is hideous with a maple neck.
The Haymaker has that crunchy, Mick Mars kind of crackle-grind.
Can’t wait for the new high output solar prickup to arrive! Just call them like this! 😂♥️
The Super Strat that Fender never made, 30 yrs. too late. I like it, but I'm old. My friends call me Methuselah.
Dude, you rule
I played steel strings for years & wore down all my nickel fret guitars within a couple of years. I loved the sound but the durability wasn't there. Later I switched to steel frets but they sound like schnitzel with steel strings. So I had to switch strings anyway. I still prefer steel strings but it's not really an option anymore. I do think steel frets are better because the notes are more bright & present. That's pretty much why I liked the steel strings to begin with. But it's not the same. Nickel strings don't emphasize the "gling" of certain overtones I like to hear.
A bit of a mystery to me who they are for, when Fender already owns Jackson and Charvel which are specifically tailored to the metal guitarist (and do it way better imo ). Perhaps for the Fender name on the headstock?
maybe it's for people who don't want a "metal" type of guitar?
No because even with a lot of gain, they still have the fender tone
@@michaelkarlsson5966 So it's for looks only as Charvel do models with the exact features this Strat has
@@fabiob.7070 pickup swap?
@@rubysoffner4557 no well actually for me it s a good quality to have a fender tone combined with high gain, it comes down to taste however
Basically it's an Ibanez AZ without stainless steel frets, no Duncan pickups, less pickup options and more expensive. I don't understand Fender on this one. It sounds good, but it's not enough for me