New Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage series

[Ringthane]

To assume that everyone will prefer the modern feel is a sure way to alienate huge portions of your potential buyers. It’s great that Fender offers different combinations of feel, sound and look instead of trying fit everyone in the same bucket.

Just the other day I had an exchange with someone about them not getting along with their first strat possibly because of a modern neck profile. Assume everyone prefers thinner fast necks, and some will be steered away from the brand. For instance, PRS had an obsession with pattern thin (wide thin) necks for a time. I have friends who used to say that PRS weren’t for them because their thin necks and overall profile caused their hands to cramp. Same thing with Gibson’s obsession with their 60s slim tapper necks trying to undo the reputation of chunky necks.

What Fender is doing is brilliant. Here is my interpretation:

American Performer: modern leaning feel, vintage leaning looks, vintage leaning sound

American Pro II: vintage leaning feel, vintage or modern looks depending on plastics and finish color options, modern leaning sound

American Ultra II: all modern

American Vintage II: all vintage

American Ultra Luxe Vintage: vintage looks and sound with a modern feel

Sure they could make even more granular models, but that would just confuse people. If they did took the AVii 61 and just changed a few things, like SS frets, but keep the fret size, HSS configuration, luminlay side dots, that heel carve, I’d be all over that. Particularly if they switched to full nitro without the poly sealer and offered in OW and Surf green, both with clay dots. I’d keep the vintage gunners, but those string trees of the Am Pro II are nice, so I’d use that. That’d be my perfect specs, but they’d sell two guitars to me and and that’s about. I think the model they devised with the Ultra Luxe Vintage will be more popular than this hypothetical spec list tailored for my personal taste, vintage focus with very subtle modern attributes. In this hypothetical scenario, I surmise that we’d see a lot more hate posts on social media.

We’re pretty tame here, btw. For most part I’m seeing people just expressing if this is a model for them or not. Discussions might get a little more interesting here, but outside S-T feels like the Wild West in comparison. Some people seem to have really embraced the dark side letting the hate flow through them, lol.

According to that, Performer and Ultra Luxe Vintage Magnificent Oh Boy are the same thing. Only one's a lot more expensive.

 

[415guitars]

A 60s FSR strat w/ebony would be an instant buy. I hope some of the larger retailers get something by year's end. Doing a parallel universe vIII w/stainless would be even better

 

[John C]

According to that, Performer and Ultra Luxe Vintage Magnificent Oh Boy are the same thing. Only one's a lot more expensive.

Okay - to blow your minds a bit more there's a leak of the American Performer replacement on the Offset Guitars forum - no details, just leak photos of some models - and the new name will be the "American Performer Professional Classic".

Here's the Jaguar (which was never part of the American Performer series before):

https://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=130632

And here's a post with the Jazzmaster and the Mustan Bass:

https://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=130634

Given how upgraded these are from the orginial Performer Jazzmaster I wonder if that rumor that there will be one series to replace the current Performer and current Pro II might be right - or there will eventually be a Pro III that's closer in price to the Ultra II.

EDIT: Oh somewhere in these threads the launch date for the American Performer Professional Classic series will be in October.

EDIT #2: Damn - I even tripped myself up on the name! These will be the "American Professional Classic" not the "American Performer Classic" - where's that facepalm emoji when you need it?????

 

[pauloqs]

Okay - to blow your minds a bit more there's a leak of the American Performer replacement on the Offset Guitars forum - no details, just leak photos of some models - and the new name will be the "American Performer Classic".

Here's the Jaguar (which was never part of the American Performer series before):

https://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=130632

And here's a post with the Jazzmaster and the Mustan Bass:

https://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=130634

Given how upgraded these are from the orginial Performer Jazzmaster I wonder if that rumor that there will be one series to replace the current Performer and current Pro II might be right - or there will eventually be a Pro III that's closer in price to the Ultra II.

EDIT: Oh somewhere in these threads the launch date for the American Performer Classic series will be in October.

Wow!!! These look really nice. Name will very likely confuse some people.

 

[The_idiot]

We need a traditional vintage classic heritage legacy reissue model.

 

[Tiopepe]

Makes one wonder, do they first develop the new series and than come up with the name, or do they come with a name and have to develop the series to fit that name

 

[Ringthane]

I can't wait to get my hands on an American Tradition Standard Ultra Vintage Modern Deluxe Player Affinity.

Seriously, though - how does Squier make it so simple, when Fender does this? Debut, Sonic, Affinity, Classic Vibe. Simple. Easy to learn and remember. Not Fender, though. They'll change the tuners, paint it a different color, and charge $500 more for it.

 

[sunburst_xxii]

I have to say... this is N I C E !!



And the non-sculpted heel is back ... - the King* is Dead, Long Live the King**!

*The American Standard / American Pro
** The American Pro Classic

 

[pauloqs]

They could’ve just have it as American- Classic (or modern classic), Pro, Ultra and Vintage. I get the ultra vintage, but since we were already used to modified and hot rod, they could’ve gone that route. I do get why they went Ultra Vintage, since it’s basically an Ultra with a vintage look and sound. However, Pro Classic seems like a recipe for confusion.

 

[sunburst_xxii]

They could’ve just have it as American- Classic (or modern classic), Pro, Ultra and Vintage. I get the ultra vintage, but since we were already used to modified and hot rod, they could’ve gone that route. I do get why they went Ultra Vintage, since it’s basically an Ultra with a vintage look and sound. However, Pro Classic seems like a recipe for confusion.

Yeah, I think you are probably right. Also... I noticed they removed the Two-Point Trem - not a big deal to me personally, but... 'Professional', I don't know - it seems a bit of stretch, at least when you compare it to the current (and previous) Professional. 'Here's the NEW Professional, oh... and we've taken away two of the professional features - the Sculpted Heel and Two-Point Trem...'

It's still a sweet guitar though. I think 'American (or Modern) Classic', as you say, would probably be more appropriate - but... it is what it is I suppose!!

Also found this 'Faded Dakota Red' model - it looks pretty sweet too:

It definitely hits the 'Classic' part ... and truth be told, from a technical point of view it hits the 'Professional' part too, I think the confusion may arise from their use of the *term* 'Professional'. It *is* a 'Professional'-level instrument, certainly - but... when compared to the previous 'Professionals', it is has LESS 'Professional' features!!! ANYWAY - I've said enough, I think I am nitpicking! I think it looks great, the price seems to be around €1600 - which is nice too, I'm sure it's a GREAT guitar! To be quite honest... I never cared too much for the Sculpted Heel anyway, and the Two-Point Trem - the same. I suppose, in my head, I am used to a US Strat having a Two-Point - but... the Six-Screw is not a lesser system, in my opinion, so... yeah!!

In short: I like the look of this series, initially!

 

[The_idiot]

Yeah, I think you are probably right. Also... I noticed they removed the Two-Point Trem - not a big deal to me personally, but... 'Professional', I don't know - it seems a bit of stretch, at least when you compare it to the current (and previous) Professional. 'Here's the NEW Professional, oh... and we've taken away two of the professional features - the Sculpted Heel and Two-Point Trem...'

It's still a sweet guitar though. I think 'American (or Modern) Classic', as you say, would probably be more appropriate - but... it is what it is I suppose!!

Also found this 'Faded Dakota Red' model - it looks pretty sweet too:

It definitely hits the 'Classic' part ... and truth be told, from a technical point of view it hits the 'Professional' part too, I think the confusion may arise from their use of the *term* 'Professional'. It *is* a 'Professional'-level instrument, certainly - but... when compared to the previous 'Professionals', it is has LESS 'Professional' features!!! ANYWAY - I've said enough, I think I am nitpicking! I think it looks great, the price seems to be around €1600 - which is nice too, I'm sure it's a GREAT guitar! To be quite honest... I never cared too much for the Sculpted Heel anyway, and the Two-Point Trem - the same. I suppose, in my head, I am used to a US Strat having a Two-Point - but... the Six-Screw is not a lesser system, in my opinion, so... yeah!!

In short: I like the look of this series, initially!

This is a derivative of the Pro Series that looks like it is replacing the Performer series. This will not be a replacement for the popular Pro Series because the Pro Series makes them a lot of $ and Fender is not stupid.

Pro Classic as replacement for Performer model: no carved heel; 6 point trem; narrow string spacing; vintage aesthetic with 9.5 radius and truss rod adjust at headstock. This is exactly the same formula as the Performer. The suffix Classic is the replacement for Performer.

There will be another model without the Classic suffix that will replace the much loved Pro 2. It will have a 2 point trem; useless heel carve; slightly different but still vintage voiced pickups, etc.

If I am wrong I will buy everyone here a coffee.

 

[sunburst_xxii]

If I am wrong I will buy everyone here a coffee.

I think you're probably right, so... we will have to buy our own coffee!! I think Fender will do very well with this series - many people I imagine didn't like the Large Headstock* on the Performer, or... Satin finishes for example, and this new Line does away with both features, so... I think from that point of view alone, they will sell well. It appears to be pretty-much an American Standard, of-old - minus the Two-Point Trem.

*As an aside... on the Large Headstock, I do prefer the smaller headstock personally - but having owned two Large Headstocks, now sold - I think their size is WAY overstated by some! The camera literally adds 10 pounds to these headstocks, they're actually not HALF as large as they look in photographs, and they're quite cool in their own quirky way !!!

 

[Clement]

The American Pro Classic

Yet another new model. What a beauty !!

Back to the Ultra Luxe Vintage series
After watching lots of videos and pics, she seems to have a satin nitro finish, very and irregularly dull.
Okay it's a "Heirloom" finish. But I find this finish much less impressive than the Closet Classic or the Journeyman finish, especially because of its very satiny, almost matte finish.
Closer to my Highway One satin nitro (no clear coat and no sanding) with checking, than the Closet Classic. IMHO

Slightly Aged Closet Classic Heirloom Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish ?

Finally available in Europe :
€3,275 in SSS
€3,400 in HSS


They've blown a fuse !!

 

[The_idiot]

I think you're probably right, so... we will have to buy our own coffee!! I think Fender will do very well with this series - many people I imagine didn't like the Large Headstock* on the Performer, or... Satin finishes for example, and this new Line does away with both features, so... I think from that point of view alone, they will sell well. It appears to be pretty-much an American Standard, of-old - minus the Two-Point Trem.

*As an aside... on the Large Headstock, I do prefer the smaller headstock personally - but having owned two Large Headstocks, now sold - I think their size is WAY overstated by some! The camera literally adds 10 pounds to these headstocks, they're actually not HALF as large as they look in photographs, and they're quite cool in their own quirky way !!!

I like the big headstocks too. Don’t even notice this change and wouldn’t be surprised if a ‘70’s derivative is also sold.

 

[pauloqs]

They also seem to have vintage tuners, which in my opinion is the best tuners out there. I think the Pro Classic will sell like hot cakes. Wonder if they’ll stick with modern C like the Performer they are replacing and the Special and Highway 1 before that, or if they’re going with the deep C. It’s ticking all the right boxes in my opinion. If they’re go with a satin deep C neck, it’ll be a model I’ll prefer to the Pro II. I prefer the bridge and the tuners. This series typically kills it with the pickup options. Small headstock, which I like the looks better (doesn’t mean I dislike the bigger headstock). Fender nailed the satin finish on the necks of the American series. If they use that same satin finish and a deep C neck profile, then it surpasses or tie with the pro II for me in every aspect I care about.

Edit: seems like they’re sticking with modern C.

 

[Mac62]

They also seem to have vintage tuners, which in my opinion is the best tuners out there. I think the Pro Classic will sell like hot cakes. Wonder if they’ll stick with modern C like the Performer they are replacing and the Special and Highway 1 before that, or if they’re going with the deep C. It’s ticking all the right boxes in my opinion. If they’re go with a satin deep C neck, it’ll be a model I’ll prefer to the Pro II. I prefer the bridge and the tuners. This series typically kills it with the pickup options. Small headstock, which I like the looks better (doesn’t mean I dislike the bigger headstock). Fender nailed the satin finish on the necks of the American series. If they use that same satin finish and a deep C neck profile, then it surpasses or tie with the pro II for me in every aspect I care about.

I wish they all had vintage tuners.

 

[Clement]

Wonder if they’ll stick with modern C

Yes it's a Modern C

@sunburst_xxii Are you going to create a thread for the American Pro Classic Series ?

 

[The_idiot]

Yet another new model. What a beauty !!

Back to the Ultra Luxe Vintage series
After watching lots of videos and pics, she seems to have a satin nitro finish, very and irregularly dull.
Okay it's a "Heirloom" finish. But I find this finish much less impressive than the Closet Classic or the Journeyman finish, especially because of its very satiny, almost matte finish.
Closer to my Highway One satin nitro (no clear coat and no sanding) with checking, than the Closet Classic. IMHO

Slightly Aged Closet Classic Heirloom Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer finish ?

Finally available in Europe :
€3,275 in SSS
€3,400 in HSS


They've blown a fuse !!

It has a clear coat. Usually the finishes without clear don’t readily check. It’s just not polished to the same degree. This is meant to mimic the look of an aged nitrocellulose finish, which often look less polished.

I’ve used quite a few pro guitar finishers in the past for all lacquer finishes and they all offer this less polished/aged version. Often they will prefer it because most people don’t want a NOS all lacquer finish. If you take polish to it it will go from this,




To this.




All this to say that the clear coat is most certainly present on these new Ultra Lux Vintage models (it’s not a satin lacquer finish with no clear coat like the highway one series), it’s just left in a lesser-polished state for that aged look.

 

[Clement]

It has a clear coat. Usually the finishes without clear don’t readily check. It’s just not polished to the same degree. This is meant to mimic the look of an aged nitrocellulose finish, which often look less polished.

I’ve used quite a few pro guitar finishers in the past for all lacquer finishes and they all offer this less polished/aged version. Often they will prefer it because most people don’t want a NOS all lacquer finish. If you take polish to it it will go from this,

View attachment 816719


To this.

View attachment 816721


All this to say that the clear coat is most certainly present on these new Ultra Lux Vintage models (it’s not a satin lacquer finish with no clear coat like the highway one series), it’s just left in a lesser-polished state for that aged look.

Yes I completely agree with you, and I already knew all that.
But I emphasized the fact that this finish really LOOKS more satiny visually. I may have gone a bit overboard.

You're right, there's definitely a clear coat involved; it's just about the polishing and the way their checking it.

 

[sunburst_xxii]

Yes it's a Modern C

@sunburst_xxii Are you going to create a thread for the American Pro Classic Series ?

I don't know... the thought did cross my mind, but I'm thinking I might leave it to somebody else ...

But... I might - we'll see !