American-made Fender instruments, refined around the way musicians play. Explore the new Fender American Professional guitars and basses at Fair Deal Music, with V-Mod III pickups, redesigned bridges and updated controls. From Stratocaster and Telecaster to Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass, find the model that fits your music.
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Compare the range below and speak to our Birmingham team about your next upgrade. Buy • Sell • Trade — part exchange welcome.
New Fender American Professional guitars and basses for 2026
The new Fender American Professional Series is crafted in Corona, California. Its 2026 update centres on the parts you hear and feel most: pickups, bridges, controls and, on selected bass models, neck profiles. Familiar Fender designs remain at the heart of the range, with practical refinements for rehearsals, recording and live performance.
The wider series contains six guitar models and four bass models. Body wood, fingerboard, finish and availability depend on the individual instrument. Check each product listing for its exact specification and current stock or preorder status.
What is new in the American Professional Series?
- V-Mod III pickups: revised windings and model-specific designs develop Fender’s V-Mod platform, with additional tonal choices on selected guitars.
- Updated bridges: ClassicGear Radial bent-steel Stratocaster saddles, compensated brass Bullet Telecaster saddles, a new ClassicGear J-Bridge for the offsets and HiMass Pro bass bridges.
- ClassicGear Precision potentiometers: revised control taper and turning resistance for more usable adjustment.
- Model-specific switching: neck-pickup addition, series operation, humbucker splitting or bridge-pickup tapping, depending on the guitar.
- Selected ash-body options: available within the range alongside alder; ash is not fitted to every model or finish.
- Bass neck refinements: a Modified 1963 “C” on the four-string Precision Bass and Slim “C” profiles on the Jazz Bass models.
Which American Professional guitar should you choose?
Stratocaster
Choose the SSS Stratocaster for three V-Mod III single-coil pickups and the familiar five-position approach to Fender sounds. Its push-push tone control adds the neck pickup in positions one and two. The two-point tremolo combines a cold-rolled steel block with new radial bent-steel saddles designed to keep the height screws below the saddle surface.
Stratocaster HSS
The HSS Stratocaster pairs two V-Mod III single coils with a V-Mod III bridge humbucker. A push-push control splits the humbucker, while the updated 250k/500k control arrangement optimises loading for single-coil and humbucking operation. Consider it if you want one guitar to cover clean passages and a more substantial bridge-pickup sound.
Telecaster
The two-pickup Telecaster combines V-Mod III Tele pickups with push-push series switching. Its top-load/string-through bridge uses three compensated brass Bullet saddles, shaped for playing comfort and string positioning. It is a straightforward starting point for players who want Telecaster character with an additional series option.
Hotshot Telecaster
The Hotshot brings a Strat-style middle pickup into a Telecaster layout, alongside Telecaster neck and bridge pickups. Its push-push control adds the neck pickup in positions one and two. It is worth considering if you enjoy the Telecaster format but want a broader selection of pickup combinations.
Jazzmaster and Jaguar
The new offsets combine model-specific V-Mod III pickups with a ClassicGear J-Bridge and Panorama tremolo. Bridge-pickup tapping offers a lower-output vintage voice alongside the fuller modern setting. The upper controls select series operation with thumbwheel volume and tone adjustment, giving adventurous players another useful tonal route.
Which American Professional bass should you choose?
Precision Bass: a V-Mod III split-coil pickup, master volume and tone, and a Modified 1963 “C” neck on the four-string model. Choose it if you value a direct control layout and the Precision format.
Jazz Bass: two V-Mod III single-coil pickups, separate pickup volumes and a master tone control. The Slim “C” neck offers a different feel from the Precision. Choose it if blending neck and bridge pickups is central to your sound.
Precision Bass V and Jazz Bass V: five-string versions for players who need an extended lower register. The Precision Bass V uses a Modified 1963 “C” neck; the Jazz Bass V uses a Slim “C”. These are distinct model specifications, so compare the actual instruments rather than assuming every bass has the same neck.
American Professional versus American Professional II
The clearest changes are V-Mod III pickups, updated bridge designs and revised controls. The new four-string Precision Bass also changes from a 1963 “C” to a Modified 1963 “C” neck. Selected ash-body options are part of the new range.
The guitar Deep “C” profile and rolled fingerboard edges are familiar features carried forward from American Professional II. A new launch does not make your existing instrument obsolete. An upgrade makes most sense when a particular pickup voice, bridge feel, control option or bass neck solves a need in your playing.
FDM buying guidance
Start with pickup layout, neck feel and the music you play. Then compare body material, fingerboard and finish on the exact model. If you are choosing between SSS and HSS, think about how often you use a bridge humbucker. If you are choosing between Precision and Jazz Bass, compare both the controls and the neck in your hands.
Our team can help you narrow the choice and discuss the instrument you are replacing. Ask about the condition and preparation of your chosen guitar or bass before collection or dispatch, including any inspection or setup requirements.
Why Thousands of Musicians Choose Fair Deal Music
When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you’re choosing one of the UK’s most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987. Visit our Birmingham showroom or shop online with support from a team that understands instruments and the decisions musicians face.
We can help you compare models, check availability and choose suitable accessories without losing sight of what you need the instrument to do.
Buy • Sell • Trade — trade in, part exchange and trade up
Your next Fender could start with the gear you already own. Ask Fair Deal Music about trading in or part exchanging your current guitar, bass or other suitable equipment. Valuations depend on the instrument, its condition and our assessment. Speak to the team before committing to an upgrade.
Finance, delivery and collection
Ask about available finance options and their eligibility requirements. Check the current delivery choices and charges at checkout, or contact us about collecting from Birmingham. Stock, preorder dates and lead times are specific to each listing; please confirm availability if you need an instrument for a particular performance or occasion.
Fender American Professional frequently asked questions
Where is the new American Professional Series made?
The instruments are crafted in Corona, California, USA.
Are all models fitted with ash bodies?
No. The range includes alder and selected ash options. Body material depends on the model and variant, so check the individual listing.
Do all guitars have the same push-push function?
No. The SSS Stratocaster and Hotshot Telecaster add the neck pickup; the HSS Stratocaster splits its bridge humbucker; the two-pickup Telecaster activates series mode; and Jazzmaster and Jaguar tap their bridge pickups.
Is the offset pickup tap the same as a humbucker split?
No. The Jazzmaster and Jaguar tap their bridge pickup winding for an alternative voice. The HSS Stratocaster splits its humbucker for single-coil operation.
Is a case included?
Fender’s launch specifications list a deluxe moulded case with every model in this range.
Should I replace my American Professional II?
Only if the new model offers something you will use. Compare the revised pickups, bridge and controls against your current instrument; bass players should also compare the relevant neck profile.
Can I part exchange my current instrument?
Contact our team to discuss a valuation and suitability for part exchange.
Find your next Fender at Fair Deal Music
Explore the American Professional listings above, compare the exact specifications and choose the instrument that earns its place in your setup. For help deciding, speak to our Birmingham team about buying, trading in or trying your next Fender.