{"product_id":"fender-american-professional-ii-stratocaster-rw-mercury-2","title":"Fender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Mercury Electric Guitar","description":"\u003ch2\u003eQuick Product Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Mercury\u003c\/strong\u003e takes one of the world's most recognisable electric guitar designs and refines it for modern professional playing. Combining a classic alder Stratocaster body with a rosewood fingerboard, three V-Mod II single-coil pickups and a beautifully playable Deep “C” maple neck, it delivers the familiar clarity, snap and expressive response players expect from an American Fender while adding genuinely useful modern refinements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Mercury-finished model has a particularly sharp contemporary look, pairing the metallic finish with a black 3-ply pickguard and aged-white controls and pickup covers. Underneath that distinctive appearance is a versatile professional instrument equally at home with clean rhythm parts, blues, indie, funk, pop, rock, country and effects-driven modern guitar sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA push-push switching system expands the traditional five Stratocaster pickup combinations, while the upgraded two-point tremolo, sculpted neck heel and rolled fingerboard edges make the American Professional II especially well suited to players who want a traditional Strat character without being tied to strictly vintage specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8D4S2PjHBCk?si=QcRF9eX31vzCWTJh\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt A Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFender\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican Professional II Stratocaster\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMercury\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNew\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlder\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFingerboard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRosewood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickups\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 x V-Mod II Single-Coil Strat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaple, Deep “C” profile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFender Deluxe Moulded Case\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain Appeal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClassic Strat tone with professional modern refinements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGigging, recording, blues, rock, pop, funk, indie and versatile professional use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFender American Professional II Stratocaster RW in Mercury\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFender Deluxe Moulded Case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePop-in tremolo arm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.050\" saddle-height hex wrench\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\/8\" truss-rod hex wrench\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClassic Stratocaster Sound With More Versatility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree \u003cstrong\u003eV-Mod II Stratocaster single-coil pickups\u003c\/strong\u003e provide the clear attack, open top end, detailed clean tones and expressive response associated with an SSS Stratocaster. Each pickup is voiced for its position, giving the guitar a balanced spread of tones from rounded neck-pickup warmth through glassy middle combinations to a more cutting bridge voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDeep “C” Neck With Rolled Fingerboard Edges\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maple neck uses Fender's \u003cstrong\u003eDeep “C” profile\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering a little more substance than a slim modern neck without feeling excessively large. Rolled fingerboard edges and Fender's Super-Natural satin finish help give the neck a smooth, played-in feel, making this a strong choice for rhythm work, lead playing and long sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTwo Extra Pickup Combinations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA push-push switch built into the second tone control activates the neck pickup when the selector is in positions one and two. That means you can access \u003cstrong\u003ebridge and neck together\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus \u003cstrong\u003eall three pickups simultaneously\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving the American Professional II tonal combinations that a conventional five-way Stratocaster does not provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProfessional Two-Point Tremolo System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upgraded two-point synchronized tremolo uses bent-steel saddles, a pop-in tremolo arm and a cold-rolled steel block. It offers smooth pitch control while retaining the familiar feel and response expected from a Strat-style vibrato system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEasier Upper-Fret Access\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sculpted neck heel and bevelled neck plate reduce some of the bulk traditionally found around the Stratocaster neck joint. For players regularly working higher up the fingerboard, this provides noticeably easier access without radically changing the instrument's classic shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFender American Professional II Stratocaster Compared With Popular Alternatives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFender American Professional Classic Stratocaster\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Professional Classic Stratocaster\u003c\/strong\u003e leans further towards vintage-inspired Fender styling and hardware, using a Modern “C” neck, medium-jumbo frets and a six-screw vintage-style tremolo. The American Professional II is the stronger choice for players wanting a more substantial Deep “C” neck, narrow-tall frets, modern two-point tremolo and expanded pickup switching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFender American Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose the \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Vintage II 1961 Stratocaster\u003c\/strong\u003e if period-inspired specifications are the priority. Its 7.25\" fingerboard radius, vintage-style hardware, Pure Vintage '61 pickups and nitrocellulose lacquer finish provide a much more historically focused experience. The American Professional II is better suited to players wanting classic Fender character with easier modern playability and greater switching flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFender American Ultra II Stratocaster\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Ultra II Stratocaster\u003c\/strong\u003e moves further into Fender's contemporary premium territory with noiseless pickups, advanced switching, locking tuners, sculpted contours and a 10\"-14\" compound-radius fingerboard. The American Professional II retains a more traditional single-coil response and familiar 9.5\" radius while still providing many useful professional upgrades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFender American Professional II Stratocaster HSS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers using heavier gain or requiring more output from the bridge position should consider the \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Professional II Stratocaster HSS\u003c\/strong\u003e, which substitutes a Double Tap humbucker for the traditional bridge single-coil. This SSS version is the better fit when authentic Strat-style bridge bite, clarity and classic single-coil character are more important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is The Fender American Professional II Stratocaster For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guitar is particularly well suited to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers moving into their first premium American-made Fender\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorking guitarists needing one versatile instrument for multiple styles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStratocaster players wanting traditional single-coil sounds with modern refinements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudio musicians requiring clear, responsive tones that sit easily in a mix\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlues and rock players who want expressive dynamics rather than extremely high-output pickups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunk, soul and pop players who rely on articulate clean and edge-of-breakup tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlayers who find very slim necks uncomfortable and prefer a slightly fuller profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitarists wanting a professional Strat without the more specialised vintage feel of the American Vintage II range\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for advice on choosing the right Fender Stratocaster? Our experienced team of musicians can help you compare American Professional, American Vintage, American Ultra and Player models by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Genres And Playing Styles\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the main strengths of the American Professional II Stratocaster is how naturally it adapts to different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe neck pickup works particularly well for blues leads, warm clean sounds and smoother overdriven tones. Positions two and four provide the familiar scooped Strat character associated with funk, soul, pop and clean rhythm playing, while the bridge pickup gives more attack for rock, indie and cutting lead parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the pickups remain responsive to playing dynamics, the guitar also works particularly well with valve amplifiers and gain pedals. Picking intensity and guitar-volume adjustments can produce a meaningful change in response rather than simply altering output level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Does The Push-Push Switch Do On The American Professional II Stratocaster?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard Stratocaster five-way switch does not normally allow the neck and bridge pickups to operate together. The American Professional II solves this with a push-push function on the second tone control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eActivate it with the selector in the bridge position and the neck pickup is added, creating a broader two-pickup sound that sits somewhere outside the normal Stratocaster switching layout. Use it in position two and all three pickups operate together. It is a simple feature, but one that genuinely expands the guitar's usable tonal range without changing the familiar control layout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStory \u0026amp; Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFender introduced the \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Professional II series in 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e as the second generation of its American Professional range. The idea was not to redesign Fender's classic instruments from scratch, but to refine them around the needs of contemporary working guitarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the Stratocaster, that development brought together features including the V-Mod II pickups, rolled fingerboard edges, sculpted neck heel, upgraded tremolo assembly and expanded switching. The result sits deliberately between Fender's more vintage-focused instruments and its more overtly modern Ultra models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat positioning is a large part of the American Professional II Stratocaster's appeal. It still feels immediately recognisable as a Stratocaster, but many of the small details have been updated to make regular stage, studio and everyday playing more comfortable and versatile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFender\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican Professional II\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican Professional II 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Selector\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-position blade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Switching\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePush-push tone control adds neck pickup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-point synchronized tremolo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaddles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBent steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTremolo Arm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePop-in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTremolo Block\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCold-rolled steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuning Machines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFender Standard Cast\/Sealed Staggered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardware Finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNickel\/Chrome\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickguard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-ply black\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eControl Knobs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAged white plastic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup Covers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAged white\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrap Buttons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVintage-style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFactory Strings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFender USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel .009-.042\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFender Deluxe Moulded Case\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePower Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fender American Professional II Stratocaster uses \u003cstrong\u003epassive electronics\u003c\/strong\u003e, so no battery or external power supply is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply connect the guitar to an amplifier, audio interface, modeller, effects processor or pedalboard using a standard \u003cstrong\u003e¼-inch instrument cable\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFair Deal Music Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e★★★★★ 5\/5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Mercury\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent choice for players who want the unmistakable response of a traditional SSS Stratocaster without committing to strictly vintage specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts standout strength is balance. The V-Mod II pickups retain the clarity and dynamic response Strat players expect, while the Deep “C” neck, rolled edges, sculpted heel and modern tremolo make it comfortable enough for demanding contemporary playing. Add the expanded switching and included moulded case and it becomes a particularly complete professional package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Working players, serious enthusiasts and studio musicians wanting a versatile premium Stratocaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustomers usually upgrade from:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fender Player, Player II, Vintera and similar mid-priced Stratocaster models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMost commonly paired with:\u003c\/strong\u003e A quality valve or modelling amplifier, overdrive pedal and professional instrument cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spend some time exploring the push-push switching with cleaner amp settings. The neck-and-bridge combination provides one of the most useful sounds that a conventional Stratocaster does not normally offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShowroom feedback:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Deep “C” profile is a strong choice for players who want more substance in the hand than Fender's slimmer Modern “C” shapes while retaining a fast, comfortable overall feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Fair Deal Music?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps guitarists choose equipment based on how they actually play rather than simply reading a specification sheet. Whether you're choosing your first Fender USA guitar, comparing different Stratocaster ranges or putting together a complete professional rig, we're here to provide straightforward advice before and after your purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Fair Deal Music for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpert advice from experienced musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA major Birmingham music showroom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew and pre-owned guitar expertise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully checked musical instruments and equipment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure online ordering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUK-wide delivery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFriendly support before and after your purchase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecades of experience as an independent UK music retailer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlready own a guitar you're considering upgrading? Speak to our team about \u003cstrong\u003epart exchange\u003c\/strong\u003e and a no-obligation valuation. Trading your existing instrument can be a straightforward way to reduce the cost of moving up to an American Professional II Stratocaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the American Professional II Stratocaster suitable for professional gigging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The American Professional II range was designed around the requirements of working players, with practical features including a comfortable neck finish, sculpted heel, modern tremolo system, sealed tuners and an included moulded case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between a Deep “C” and Modern “C” Fender neck?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Deep “C” has more depth and substance through the hand than Fender's slimmer Modern “C” profile. It remains comfortable for modern playing but can feel more supportive to players who prefer a neck with a little more mass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre the V-Mod II pickups noiseless?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. They are traditional-style single-coil pickups rather than Fender Noiseless pickups. As with conventional Stratocaster single coils, some electrical hum can be present depending on the environment, amplifier and gain level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the American Professional II good for blues?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery much so. Its responsive single-coil pickups, comfortable neck and expressive tremolo make it particularly well suited to blues rhythm and lead playing. The neck and neck\/middle positions provide especially useful clean, edge-of-breakup and overdriven sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan the American Professional II Stratocaster handle rock music?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The SSS pickup layout works extremely well for classic rock, indie, alternative and lower-to-medium-gain rock sounds. Players who regularly use very high gain or want a thicker bridge sound may prefer the American Professional II HSS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the advantage of narrow-tall frets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarrow-tall frets give your fingers good clearance from the fingerboard when bending and applying vibrato without creating the broad feel associated with jumbo frets. They offer a useful compromise between traditional appearance and modern playability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the rosewood fingerboard change the way the guitar feels?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosewood provides a naturally smooth fingerboard surface and gives this version a classic Fender appearance. Players choosing between maple and rosewood should primarily consider feel, appearance and personal preference rather than expecting a dramatic difference in amplified tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this a good upgrade from a Fender Player Stratocaster?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A Player or Player II Stratocaster owner looking for a more premium Fender can benefit from the American Professional II's V-Mod II pickups, Deep “C” neck, rolled fingerboard edges, sculpted heel, upgraded tremolo assembly, expanded switching and included moulded case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFair Deal Music Expert Recommendation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a Stratocaster that still sounds and responds like a Strat but feels refined enough for serious stage and studio use, the \u003cstrong\u003eFender American Professional II Stratocaster RW Mercury\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the strongest all-round choices in Fender's American range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mercury finish gives this version a distinctive modern appearance, while the rosewood fingerboard and SSS V-Mod II pickup configuration keep the playing experience rooted firmly in classic Stratocaster territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor help comparing this model against the American Professional Classic, American Vintage II, American Ultra II or an HSS Stratocaster, speak to the Fair Deal Music team online, by phone or visit us in our Birmingham showroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fender","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38004902232244,"sku":"0113900755","price":1549.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/6457\/9484\/products\/0113900755_fen_ins_frt_1_rr.png?v=1625226457","url":"https:\/\/www.fairdealmusic.co.uk\/products\/fender-american-professional-ii-stratocaster-rw-mercury-2","provider":"Fair Deal Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}