I need to know about the Fender Am Pro II Deluxes

[preservation]

I’ve had every incarnation of Tele (and am a huge proponent of Classic Vibes). The Tele I’ve always liked the most is the Deluxe, followed by the Custom, then the trad.

The 2-3yr old Am Pro II Deluxe models have really caught my eye again, and they get rave reviews. For around $1300-1400 it seems you can get a lot of American guitar.

Does anyone have pro/con experience? Anything to consider?
It’ll tough for me to get my hands on one locally, but I’m trying.

[ryland]

I haven't tried the Deluxe, but I did get a great deal on an Am Pro II standard Tele. It's honstly great. Nice chunky neck, interesting pickup options. I haven't had to do any work on it at all. I doubt the Deluxe would be any different quality-wise.

[Futuron]

I played only single coils so long (occasional bridge humbucker), I still haven't figured out my HH sound. That is my only issue with this guitar and other HHs, it feels and looks great. Sounds great too, but the 8 different sounds (B-, b-, BN, Bn, bN, bn, -N, -n) gets me a bit lost trying to decide what settings best suit different parts. Need to spend more time with it, I don't know it enough. Splits are push-push, so you won't accidentally pull the knobs off during use.

[preservation]

Well, I found one 2hrs away for $1k, so it was hard to pass on it.
White with maple neck.
I’ll report back!
Thanks for your .02, folks.

[ryland]

Well, I found one 2hrs away for $1k, so it was hard to pass on it.
White with maple neck.
I’ll report back!
Thanks for your .02, folks.

Great! Can't wait to see what you think.

[preservation]

Brought it back from a 3hr round trip tonight.
(Stock photo, looks exact same)


The Pro’s:

Neck. It’s buttery smooth and the fret ends are perfect. I usually go for mega chunky neck (or deep U shapes) but this is quite comfortable. Love a satin neck.

The pickups & coil taps. Lots of usable tones with Tele twang and LP crunch. I ripped into “Velouria” with it and was thrilled. I much prefer push-push to push-pull.

The fit/finish/weight. Part of me wanted the Miami Blue version, but I enjoy how white ages. I also like a white Deluxe bc the black pickguard covers so much of the body. Nothing is messy, I assume this guitar is prob 7.5 lbs at most, and nothing is tacky/sticky/cheap-feeling. The compensated brass saddles deliver a very close to perfect intonation.
Belly cut is also nice and gives the guitar just a bit class.

Also, you get to choose whether you rock string-through-bridge or body. I wonder if anyone ever does half and half.

The case: holy hell, this thing is probably bulletproof. Lots of storage space and pretty grey interior. Smooth latches, TSA key, yadda yadda. Just icing on the cake.

The Cons:

The contoured heel is cool, but I don’t see how it’s supposed to be a major sale point. Is it just me? “Ah, bit smoother over here.” I can’t remember ever being in pain with a Traditional Tele’s neck heel. It’s not any sort of flaw, maybe it’s just a shrug from me.

The tuners. They hold and are very smooth. For $1750 new you might think they’d throw in Fender locking tuners which are fantastic. I think the stock ones will likely be just fine.



So yeah, it’s a keeper. If the rest of the Am Pro II line is as good then I might have to keep an eye out for used models around $1000. I like the Mascis Tele, but I’m glad I waited for an affordable American model. This is A LOT of guitar for $1k used

[MattK]

Are they the CuNiFe WRHBs? if so that seems like an absolute STEAL at $1k.

[BoringPostcards]

Are they the CuNiFe WRHBs? if so that seems like an absolute STEAL at $1k.

They are not. They look like CuNiFe WRHBs, but are the size of a regular HB.

[preservation]

^ bingo, they just look the part. I’ve never played real 70s WRHBs, so I don’t know what I’m missing. I still love these pickups even though I tend to be on the picky side.

I can’t believe the thing is mint with hang-tags, case candy, etc.
Even though we met in person, the seller still wanted to go through Reverb and I feel bad because he netted much more than 900.

[MattK]

All you can do is hold up your end of the bargain and let the other person decide what they’re happy with!
I have a guitar with a “faux” WRHB and it’s my favourite pickup, so that wouldn’t be a problem for me! The usual trick is to take the pickup out and screw the hidden polepieces out about halfway to make it a little more single coil in sound.

[preservation]

I’m just smitten with the coil tap. I’ve played some guitars that feature it but it didn’t sound useful or “right”. I’m OK with a guitar that allows tons of tonal variation - mixing volume levels on the pickups makes for really interesting sounds too!

[BoringPostcards]

Yeah, Tele Deluxes are great guitars. Yours is gorgeous. I can only imagine what an added coil tap would bring to the table.