Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • Best free lo-fi plugins
  • Top EQ plugins
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Free music samples
  • Best free music-making software

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News

NAMM 2017: Fender reveals 16 American Professional guitars and basses

By Michael Astley-Brown
published 9 January 2017

New line replaces American Standard Series

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Go Pro

Go Pro

NAMM 2017: Fender has announced 16 new American Professional guitars and basses for 2017, replacing the longstanding American Standard Series.

Changes include three new finishes - Sonic Gray, Mystic Seafoam and Antique Olive

Changes include three new finishes - Sonic Gray, Mystic Seafoam and Antique Olive - as well as the return of classic Butterscotch Blonde for Telecasters.

Modern C neck shapes are now a new 'deep C' shape, while the Standard's medium jumbo frets are replaced by narrow-tall versions.

Pickups have been updated to V-Mod/Shaw, which are voiced specifically for their positions and also include a treble-bleed circuit, while genuine bone nuts and pop-in arm vibratos also feature.

Read on for more details on the full range, and head over to Fender for additional info.

Page 1 of 17
Page 1 of 17
Fender American Professional Stratocaster
£1,399

Fender American Professional Stratocaster

Fender says: Often copied, but never surpassed, the Stratocaster is arguably the world’s most-loved electric guitar. Electrifying the music world since its debut in 1954, its natural, versatile sound made the Stratocaster the benchmark for exceptional guitar tones.

The American Professional Stratocaster isn’t a re-imagining of the classic design; it’s the authentic original model, evolved.

Features

  • Three Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil Stratocaster pickups
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Pop-in tremolo arm for enhanced stability
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Six finishes: Antique Olive, 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Gray
Page 2 of 17
Page 2 of 17
Fender American Professional Stratocaster Left-Hand
£1,469

Fender American Professional Stratocaster Left-Hand

Fender says: Often copied, but never surpassed, the Stratocaster is arguably the world’s most-loved electric guitar. Electrifying the music world since its debut in 1954, its natural, versatile sound made the Stratocaster the benchmark for exceptional guitar tones.

The American Professional Stratocaster Left-Hand isn’t a re-imagining of the classic design; it’s the authentic original model, evolved.

Features

  • Three Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil Stratocaster pickups
  • New “Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Pop-in tremolo arm for enhanced stability
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Three finishes: 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Olympic White
Page 3 of 17
Page 3 of 17
Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker
£1,399

Fender American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker

Fender says: Often copied, but never surpassed, the Stratocaster is arguably the world’s most-loved electric guitar. Electrifying the music world since its release in 1954, its natural, versatile sound made the Stratocaster the benchmark for exceptional guitar tones.

The American Professional Stratocaster HSS ShawBucker isn’t a re-imagining of the classic design; it’s the authentic original model, evolved.

Features

  • Two Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil Stratocaster pickups (neck/middle); one ShawBucker humbucking pickup (bridge)
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Pop-in tremolo arm for enhanced stability
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Six finishes: Antique Olive, 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Gray
Page 4 of 17
Page 4 of 17
Fender American Professional Stratocaster HH Shawbucker
£1,399

Fender American Professional Stratocaster HH Shawbucker

Fender says: Often copied, but never surpassed, the Stratocaster is arguably the world’s most-loved electric guitar. Electrifying the music world since its release in 1954, its natural, versatile sound made the Stratocaster the benchmark for exceptional guitar tones.

The American Professional Stratocaster HH ShawBucker isn’t a re-imagining of the classic design; it’s the authentic original model, evolved for today’s players.

Features

  • Two Tim Shaw-designed ShawBucker humbucking pickups
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Pop-in tremolo arm for enhanced stability
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Five finishes: Antique Olive, 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Olympic White, Sonic Gray
Page 5 of 17
Page 5 of 17
Fender American Professional Telecaster
£1,399

Fender American Professional Telecaster

Fender says: Fender is guided by one clear, simple directive: make life better for musicians. While the original Telecaster certainly did that (and then some), we weren’t content to rest on our laurels. Our team of mad scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail. If we were able to improve it with a new design or modern materials we did; if it didn’t need improvement, we left it alone.

When the wood chips and solder fumes settled, what was left was the American Professional Telecaster - everything you need to play your best.

Features

  • Two Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil Telecaster pickups
  • New Telecaster bridge with compensated brass barrel saddles for better intonation
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Nine finishes: Olympic White, 2-Colour Sunburst, 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Butterscotch Blonde, Crimson Red Transparent, Mystic Seafoam, Natural, Sonic Gray
Page 6 of 17
Page 6 of 17
Fender American Professional Telecaster Left-Hand
£1,469

Fender American Professional Telecaster Left-Hand

Fender says: Fender is guided by one clear, simple directive: make life better for musicians. While the original Telecaster certainly did that (and then some), we weren’t content to rest on our laurels. Our team of mad scientists examined every component in near-microscopic detail. If we were able to improve it with a new design or modern materials we did; if it didn’t need improvement, we left it alone.

When the wood chips and solder fumes settled, what was left was the American Professional Telecaster - everything you need to play your best.

Features

  • Two Tim Shaw-designed V-Mod single-coil Telecaster pickups
  • New Telecaster bridge with compensated brass barrel saddles for better intonation
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Three finishes: Butterscotch Blonde 3-Colour Sunburst, Black
Page 7 of 17
Page 7 of 17
Fender American Professional Telecaster Deluxe Shawbucker
£1,469

Fender American Professional Telecaster Deluxe Shawbucker

Fender says: In the late '60s and early '70s guitarists wanted hum-free tone based on the sound of an amp about to blow up. You asked - so we listened and created the Telecaster Deluxe in 1973.

Today’s version, the American Professional Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker, brings modern, player-oriented Features to the stage and studio, and can still make an amp sizzle without breaking a sweat.

Features

  • Two Tim Shaw-designed ShawBucker humbucking pickups
  • String-through-body Telecaster bridge with bent steel saddles
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Natural, 3-Colour Sunburst, Black, Sonic Gray
Page 8 of 17
Page 8 of 17
Fender American Professional Jazzmaster
£1,539

Fender American Professional Jazzmaster

Fender says: Originally intended for sophisticated jazz guitarists, the Jazzmaster was quickly embraced by musicians attracted to its left-of-center looks and fat sound.

A direct descendent of the guitar that powered underground music from the late-‘60s to today, the American Professional Jazzmaster is ready to lend its unique sound to your playing.

Features

  • Two Michael Frank-designed single-coil Jazzmaster pickups
  • Jazzmaster tremolo bridge with brass Mustang saddles and screw-in arm
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Mystic Seafoam, Three-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray
Page 9 of 17
Page 9 of 17
Fender American Professional Jaguar
£1,539

Fender American Professional Jaguar

Fender says: An eye-catchingly adventurous design - an exercise in chrome, plastic and wood—the Jaguar guitar’s delightfully off-kilter aesthetics and unique sound made it a darling of underground artists from the '70s to today.

Though it was the pinnacle of guitar technology when it was released in 1962, time (and technology) marches on so we updated the Jaguar with modern Features and materials, hot-rodding it for today’s players. The result? The American Professional Jaguar—a dangerous instrument with bite.

Features

  • Two Michael Frank-designed single-coil V-Mod Jaguar pickups
  • Jaguar bridge with brass Mustang saddles and vintage-style "floating" tremolo with screw-in arm
  • New modern "Deep C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 22 narrow-tall frets for easier bending
  • Treble bleed circuit maintains highs when reducing volume
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Three-Colour Sunburst, Olive Green, Olympic White, Sonic Gray
Page 10 of 17
Page 10 of 17
Fender American Professional Precision Bass
£1,509

Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Fender says: Bass - it’s where rhythm meets melody, creating a righteous groove that forces you to move with it. Without the Fender Precision Bass, the original electric bass, dance floors everywhere would be empty.

As music evolves, our instruments change in lockstep; the end result is today’s version of this seminal instrument - the American Professional Precision Bass.

Features

  • Single Michael Bump-designed V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickup
  • ’63 P Bass neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines; Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Olympic White, Three-Colour Sunburst, Antique Olive, Black
Page 11 of 17
Page 11 of 17
Fender American Professional Precision Bass Left-Hand
£1,569

Fender American Professional Precision Bass Left-Hand

Fender says: Bass - it’s where rhythm meets melody, creating a righteous groove that forces you to move with it. Without the Fender Precision Bass, the original electric bass, dance floors everywhere would be empty.

As music evolves, our instruments change in lockstep; the end result is today’s version of this seminal instrument - the American Professional Precision Bass.

Features

  • Single Michael Bump-designed V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickup
  • ’63 P Bass neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines; Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Three finishes: Black, Three-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White
Page 12 of 17
Page 12 of 17
Fender American Professional Precision Bass V
£1,689

Fender American Professional Precision Bass V

Fender says: Bass - it’s where rhythm meets melody, creating a righteous groove that forces you to move with it. Without the Fender Precision Bass, the original electric bass, dance floors everywhere would be empty.

As music evolves, our instruments change in lockstep; the end result is today’s version of this seminal instrument - the American Professional Precision Bass V.

Features

  • Single Michael Bump-designed V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickup
  • ’63 P Bass neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines; Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Antique Olive, Three-Colour Sunburst, Black, Olympic White
Page 13 of 17
Page 13 of 17
Fender American Professional Jazz Bass
£1,509

Fender American Professional Jazz Bass

Fender says: At Fender, we live and breathe electric instruments. We never rest - pushing craftsmanship to its limits, we design, test and endlessly experiment to create the best instruments on the planet. The Jazz Bass, a refinement of concepts first introduced in the Precision Bass, is the earliest example of this philosophy in action.

Evolved for today’s musician, the American Professional Jazz Bass combines modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a truly contemporary bass.

Features

  • Two Michael Bump-designed V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups
  • Slim modern “C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines
  • Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Three-Colour Sunburst, Black, Olympic White, Sonic Gray
Page 14 of 17
Page 14 of 17
Fender American Professional Jazz Bass Left-Hand
£1,569

Fender American Professional Jazz Bass Left-Hand

Fender says: At Fender, we live and breathe electric instruments. We never rest—pushing craftsmanship to its limits, we design, test and endlessly experiment to create the best instruments on the planet. The Jazz Bass, a refinement of concepts first introduced in the Precision Bass, is the earliest example of this philosophy in action.

Evolved for today’s musician, the American Professional Jazz Bass combines modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a truly contemporary bass.

Features

  • Two Michael Bump-designed V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups
  • Slim modern “C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines
  • Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Three finishes: Sonic Gray, Three-Colour Sunburst, Black
Page 15 of 17
Page 15 of 17
Fender American Professional Jazz Bass V
£1,689

Fender American Professional Jazz Bass V

Fender says: At Fender, we live and breathe electric instruments. We never rest—pushing craftsmanship to its limits, we design, test and endlessly experiment to create the best instruments on the planet. The Jazz Bass, a refinement of concepts first introduced in the Precision Bass, is the earliest example of this philosophy in action.

Evolved for today’s musician, the American Professional Jazz Bass combines modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a truly contemporary bass.

Features

  • Two Michael Bump-designed V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups
  • Slim modern “C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines
  • Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Four finishes: Black, Three-Colour Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray
Page 16 of 17
Page 16 of 17
Fender American Professional Jazz Bass Fretless
£1,509

Fender American Professional Jazz Bass Fretless

Fender says: At Fender, we live and breathe electric instruments. We never rest—pushing craftsmanship to its limits, we design, test and endlessly experiment to create the best instruments on the planet. The Jazz Bass, a refinement of concepts first introduced in the Precision Bass, is the earliest example of this philosophy in action.

Evolved for today’s musician, the American Professional Jazz Bass combines modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a truly contemporary bass.

Features

  • Two Michael Bump-designed V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups
  • Slim modern “C”-shaped neck profile
  • Bone nut; 20 narrow-tall frets for familiar playing feel
  • HiMass Vintage bridge for increased sustain
  • Fluted-shaft tuning machines
  • Posiflex graphite rods for neck reinforcement
  • Includes Elite Molded hardshell case
  • Three finishes: Sonic Gray, Three-Colour Sunburst, Black
Page 17 of 17
Page 17 of 17
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown
Social Links Navigation

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com (opens in new tab), in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe (opens in new tab).

  1. “Magical, tape music instrument” also features effects and a looper
    1
    Chompi is a super-cute sampler that was inspired by the Casio SK-1 and looks like a kid-friendly OP-1
  2. 2
    Classic interview: Lemmy talks rockabilly and picks his 10 essential songs playlist
  3. 3
    "With this record, I hope that people can feel my soul and my spirit because, in those solos, that’s what I’m really giving you" – Malina Moye on her new album and the 10 that changed her life
  4. 4
    Rick Beato breaks down Nuno Bettencourt’s jaw-dropping solo from new Extreme single Rise, and yes, it is still impossible to play
  5. 5
    Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen assaulted by teenager outside Florida hotel
  1. “Magical, tape music instrument” also features effects and a looper
    1
    Chompi is a super-cute sampler that was inspired by the Casio SK-1 and looks like a kid-friendly OP-1
  2. 2
    Ry Cooder's top 3 tips for slide guitar success: "Get you some control"
  3. 3
    Classic interview: Lemmy talks rockabilly and picks his 10 essential songs playlist
  4. 4
    Kiviak Instruments is drip-feeding us information on its WoFi sampling keyboard
  5. 5
    Max Martin on his approach to songwriting and production: “I’m trying to make every part good… I think every second needs to be awesome”

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.