Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster - Noble Blue Instruction Manual

1. Introduction & Overview

The Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Noble Blue is a high-performance electric guitar designed for exceptional tone and playability. This instrument features an alder body with ultra contours for comfortable access to upper frets, Ultra II Noiseless vintage pickups for definitive Strat sparkle without hum, and a 2-point synchronized tremolo for tuning stability and sustain. The ebony fingerboard with rolled edges and Luminlay side dots, combined with short post-locking tuners, enhances speed and tuning precision. This bundle includes essential accessories to get you started.

2. Unboxing & Setup

Carefully unpack your Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster and all included accessories. Inspect the guitar for any signs of damage. This bundle includes a case for protection, a cable for connection, a strap for comfortable playing, a hat, and a guitar cleaning kit.

Image: Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Noble Blue, displayed with its hard case, guitar strap, instrument cable, Fender hat, and guitar cleaning kit.

Initial Setup:

1. Attach the Strap: Securely attach the guitar strap to the strap buttons located on the body.
2. Connect the Cable: Insert one end of the instrument cable into the output jack on the guitar and the other end into your amplifier or audio interface.
3. Tuning: Use a reliable tuner to ensure your guitar is in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e). The short post-locking tuners provide enhanced tuning stability.

3. Components & Controls

Body & Neck:

• Body Material: Select Alder with Ultra Contours and a tapered neck heel for comfortable upper fret access.
• Neck Material: Quartersawn Maple with a Modern "D" profile and Ultra Satin Urethane finish on the back.
• Fingerboard: Ebony with a 9.5-inch to 14-inch compound radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, and rolled edges.
• Side Dots: Luminlay side dots for visibility on dark stages.

Image: Front view of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Noble Blue, showcasing its sleek design and hardware.

Image: Back view of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster in Noble Blue, highlighting the contoured body and neck joint.

Pickups & Electronics:

• Pickups: Three Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Strat single-coil pickups (S-S-S configuration).
• Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1 (Neck/Middle Pickups), Tone 2 (Bridge Pickup).
• Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup.
• Special Electronics: S-1 Switch adds the neck pickup into any switch position.

Image: Close-up of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster's body, showing the three single-coil pickups and control knobs.

Image: Detailed view of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster's volume and tone controls, along with the 5-way blade switch and S-1 switch.

Hardware:

• Bridge: 2-Point American Ultra Synchronized Tremolo with deluxe pop-in tremolo arm, polished stainless steel block saddles, and a cold rolled steel block.
• Tuning Machines: Short post-locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability and easy string changes.

Image: The headstock of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster, featuring the short post-locking tuners.

Image: The back of the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster headstock, showing the serial number and tuning machine mechanisms.

Video Overview:

4. Operating Instructions

Using the 5-Position Blade Switch:

The 5-position blade switch allows you to select different pickup combinations, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities:

• Position 1 (Bridge): Activates the bridge pickup for bright, cutting tones.
• Position 2 (Bridge & Middle): Combines the bridge and middle pickups for a slightly scooped, quacky tone.
• Position 3 (Middle): Activates the middle pickup for balanced, articulate tones.
• Position 4 (Middle & Neck): Combines the middle and neck pickups for a warm, bell-like tone.
• Position 5 (Neck): Activates the neck pickup for warm, full-bodied tones, ideal for leads and rhythm.

S-1 Switch Functionality:

The S-1 switch, integrated into the Master Volume knob, provides additional tonal versatility. When engaged, it adds the neck pickup into any of the 5-position blade switch settings, allowing for unique pickup combinations not typically found on a standard Stratocaster.

Treble Bleed Circuit:

The built-in treble bleed circuit maintains your highs at any volume setting. This ensures that your tone remains clear and articulate even when rolling back the volume knob, preventing the muddy sound often associated with volume reduction.

5. Maintenance & Care

Proper maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster.

• Cleaning: Regularly wipe down your guitar with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use the included guitar cleaning kit for deeper cleaning of the body, neck, and strings.
• String Replacement: Replace strings regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability. The guitar comes with .009-.042 Gauges Nickel Plated Steel strings. The short post-locking tuners make string changes quick and easy.
• Storage: When not in use, store your guitar in its included hard case to protect it from dust, humidity, and physical damage.
• Humidity Control: Maintain a stable humidity level to prevent wood warping or cracking.

6. Troubleshooting

Common Issues & Solutions:

• Poor Tuning Stability: Ensure strings are properly wound and stretched. The short post-locking tuners are designed to enhance stability, but new strings may require stretching. Check for proper string tree function.
• Unwanted Hum/Noise: The Ultra II Noiseless pickups are designed to eliminate hum. If you experience noise, check your cable connections, amplifier grounding, and ensure no external electronic interference.
• Fret Buzz: Minor fret buzz can often be resolved with a neck adjustment (truss rod) or bridge saddle height adjustment. If unsure, consult a qualified guitar technician.
• Output Issues: Check your instrument cable for damage. Ensure your amplifier is powered on and functioning correctly.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Fender website or contact Fender customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of ownership.