This is my full deep dive review of the the Fender American Professional II Telecaster with Rosewood fretboard in Dark Night finish Model #: 0113940761 I bought mine here at Lauzon Music in Ottawa: ➡️ lauzonmusic.com/ If you’re somewhere else in the world you can buy them here: ➡️ Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/n1kRx7 ➡️ Thomann: bit.ly/3u3Vvb1 Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome to the video 0:25 - what? 0:30 - what is video about? 0:50 - How and where I got the guitar - Disclosure 1:10 - I love Telecasters 1:20 - biased review. yes 1:50 - What I think about this guitar 2:28 - Quick walkthrough of the guitar 3:28 - Let's dive in! 3:35 - the guitar weight is over 3:46 - pickup resistance is futile 4:08 - pain in the neck measurements 4:35 - looking inside the guitar 6:55 - just in case you like cases and candy 8:15 - detailed specs and the gallery 10:10 - thanks to Lauzon Music in Ottawa 10:33 - Clean and Dirt Tones played through a Fender Princeton Reverb 13:00 - Dirt Tones played through a VOX AC10C1 14:00 - Summary - Pros & Cons
Couldn't agree more about your take on the pro2. I've been a strat guy for 30 years, couldn't find a tele that worked for me. Pick up a pro 2 couple weeks ago and couldn't believe how good it sounded. All the tele spank, twang, and raunch, but also awesome bottom end, beautiful balance, clarity. Hard to imagine anyone playing one and not buying it.
I picked up the Pro ii tele roasted pine off the shelf, and there wasn't a thing I would change. The neck felt like butter in my hands. It was set up in the factory and I didn't have to tweak anything. The weight, the look all fantastic. And the sound, unbelievable.
I bought one today !!! I feel Like an angel on the cloud. The frequencies is distincts and the sound is awsome. Thanks very much for your advice Réjean
I have one. the first thing that jumped out at me was the neck. Shape, cut back on the heel, comfort, and the best thing is the satin finish. My first gig was outdoors in north Fl. Humidity was 100% and the neck didn't get sticky. I've been a Strat and 335 guy, so this is the first Tele I've kept. I cant find anything wrong with it. Turned heads at the show. PUPs sound amazing. In terms of dynamics, the guitar is touch sensitive. The treble bleed is Wonderful. Turning down the volume doesn't throw a blanket on the amp. BTW you can lower the tone push push knob. Put it where it just clears the plate when pushed down.
I bought one of these in butterscotch blonde last month and I agree with you on the neck, the most comfortable I've ever played, and I thought I didn't like C-types. I also agree with you on the fit and finish. Fender failed to drill a screw hole in the top left corner of the bridge. Yes, not just the screw, they didn't even drill the hole!
I’ve never heard your clean tones this sweet. That guitar is clearly inspiring you! BTW, both pickups in series is a killer tone on a good Tele. Sounds like a big, wide humbucker. I prefer it on a 4-way switch, though.
I recently bought the Dark Night Tele myself. I was able to pick up the Fender Locking Tuners and Black Fender Infinity Strap Locks. I absolutely love this guitar.
I get the "biased review" thing because most players have their favorite guitar,'that one',one it's the guitar that speaks to you,makes you you want to keep playing it.😎👍
Finally, someone I can subscribe to that’s HONEST. As a Tele fanboy myself, I’ve heard everything and know full well where to buy finished bodies/necks/parts/electronics and can “HaVE a TotALly bEtTeR gUITaR fOr cHeaPEr” and whatever else people think they’re flexing. Nobodies telling you or trying to convince you. Were busy actually playing the guitar.
At last the Dark Night swan dive video... I hasten to add Landon , I spent the last couple of years watching Tele videos of all kinds of Tele's, Baja, US, Squire , set my heart on a Butterscotch black guard Tele. Then you spring your unboxing and first impressions video of this beautiful beast and now I want this one..... Too ! 😆
I would like to see you do a comparison video where you top load the strings through the bridge and compare that to when it’s strung through. I wonder if that would change the sustain of the guitar significantly and how it alters the feel.
...And try ALTERNATING string-through with top-load on every other string! It’s also a great way to double-check your assumptions about saddle materials.
I'm really pleased for you that you got a guitar you so obviously love. Jealous - hell yes, but it doesn't stop me enjoying seeing you take such pleasure from it. Well done Landon :-)
So glad I found your video review. I'm two weeks away from buying an American Pro II Tele. I've had a MIC Modern Player Plus for 5 years. Could not get into the pickup config: Tele single coil in neck, Tele single coil in middle, and humbucker in bridge. Although a great guitar, it's missing the twang and quack. Late last year, I bought the American Pro II Strat. What an amazing guitar. I have the Dark Night color. I think I stared at it for an hour before even touching it. It is a work of art. Excellent guitar overall but you are right, it's the neck that does it for me, definition of plays like butter (used to hate that statement). The rolled edge, back of neck finish, and radius make a perfect combination. Writing this comment just convinced me further to get the Tele version. Not sure what color, maybe the roasted pine with maple fretboard. I wonder if the maple fb will make it feel a lot different . Anyway, Thanks for sharing your video. I'm subscribing!
Just ordered one in the mystic surf green, it blows my mind how VERSATILE these Pro II are, sold my Strat and now will stick with the Tele for sure! Thank you.
I just got the Dark Night Strat HSS. First thing I thought when I opened the case was, “If this guitar couldn’t be a guitar, it’d be a Harley.” Plays like a dream. Love the Fender Bullet 9s on it too. Dark Night Tele is next. GAS….. The struggle is real. Nice guit. Best of luck with it.
I wanted a more old fashioned vibe so I bought this guitar with a maple neck and butterscotch finish. I concur with pretty everything you have to say. The neck has a great feel for me and the push push feature is a great innovation giving it a big fat humbucker tone. I think Fender knocked it out of the park with this series.
When pushed the base of the knob is 1/4” from the plate. When not engaged it is still 1/8” from the plate. If it wasn’t for that 1/8” tolerance the push push function wouldn’t work. Hard to see how you could lower the knob without messing up its function. It doesn’t get in the way at all. Hope this helps.
Great video Landon! As you may remember, I have the mystic surf green version, also with rosewood fretboard and what you said about the neck and the PU's is absolutely spot on. The neck is a joy to hold, really smooth and it plays really nice. Love the PU's as well. Agree with comments about 4 way switch rather than a sticking out push, push switch, but I have a Les Paul for that sound so don't use it so much. The only thing that I changed were the tuners and now the guitar is fitted with Fender vintage style tuners (they now have drop-in replacements, so there are no screws on the back of the neck so you can change them in 5 minutes, no drilling required). It gives the guitar a real vintage look. So, it is stunning to look, fantastic to play and souds wonderful (through my Yamaha THR30). This guitar is definitely a keeper and I am glad I spent the money. No need to look for another (for a while at least 😁)
@@landonbailey You're spot on! They are stock on the Performer models, and personally speaking, I think that those vintage style tuners really look good on my mystic surf green Tele because it gives the total guitar more of a vintage vibe. But that is a matter of personal taste.
I have a tele pro II and the tele Ultra. I like the pro II a little bit better. The Ultra pickup selector knob kept coming off. Had to glue it down. The set screws on the bridge are sharp to the hand. The soldering for the input jack came loose. The repair shop told me that Fender has lots of problems with their lead free solder. No problems yet with the Pro II. I also still have my original 69 Tele Thinline my parents gave me many decades ago. No problems with it other than a little pot noise.
I bought mine Butterscotch Blonde back in November. Been in love ever since; it does everything and fits like a glove, even with my monstrous hands. Great choice, I'm jealous of the Dark Night!
Bought this same finish at Sweetwater - beautiful. The neck is sweet. I have smallish hands and the neck is the most comfortable of any of my guitars. Amazing that Jack loves it too with large hands. Very versatile neck design. Man that rosewood looks good too. Got to peal my own pick guard plastic. It’s not the same as your video audio but still satisfying!
I loved the Deep Dive! I totally appreciate looking inside to see how the inner parts look. I'm surprised about the paint on the inside too, you'd expect that to be much cleaner. My Squier 40th Anniversary Edition has cleaner control and pickup cavities. I'll have to take the controls and pickguard in my Am Pro II and see if its the same.
Thanks, Landon. I watched this video about 3 or 4 months ago because, well, because I watch all your vids, but am only now considering getting a Pro II - so I watched it again. They retail here in Perth, Western Australia anywhere from 2,300 to 3,000 AUD. That's a lot of Ozzy dollars, so many thanks for your review. Now I'm gonna watch Shane's review on In the Blues - again.
Totally agree with you. I have just got hold of the Mercury one. Looks great, feels great, sounds great. Expensive yes but nothing to be unhappy about.
@@landonbailey yes so good. I also find the series position pretty useful as it still has a lot of clarity. The circuit board you refer to I believe is the trebal bleed. Someone who likes to fiddle with caps may not like the wiring so much. My plan is to keep it stock and not mod it at all.
Wow, why don’t you have more subscribers? Your videos are realy well put together and nice to watch. Really want to buy the Tele now, might be my next guitar. Keep it up👍
I own the 75th Anniversary Version with the gold Hardware in Bourbon Burst. I absolutely agree. That guitar is my number one and the neck plays a huge part in that! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thanks for the video Landon. I like the step-down ashtray bridge. I had an ashtray bridge on my T style guitar but I swapped it for a 6 saddle Fender bridge as I sometimes pick back there and I would sometimes hit the side of the bridge instead of the high E string.
So I have an Ultra Strat and Tele, they are truly my favorite necks of all time... almost 40 years of playing with guitars from numerous manufactures. I had ordered a signature tele that I just didn't like the neck carve at all so I returned it for an HSS Am Pro II strat with that deep C neck. From my standpoint it may be my second favorite of all time. To me it's the ultra neck with maybe 1mm of extra wood to make it a C rather than a D amazing, can play for hours on it! I had watched this a while back but wanted to comment that you are right on target with the neck on these... trying to sell some stuff now to pickup one of the Teles with the roasted pine body and the same neck!
Brilliant review, real in depth... Wonderful colour, it'd be my #1 guit for sure if i had it!! Congrats! Only other Tele that'd interest me as much is Jonny Greenwood's 😎
I tried the same one … it’s me, or only me that love more the maple glossy freatboard? I don’t like the feeling with rosewood fretboard… but the look… it’s great!
Your playing combined with the new Tele & PR was pretty wonderful. It was all good, but I kind of lean towards cleaner tones. They were full and rich. Very nice. Happy you can have such nice gear to play.
Landon, you've got your hands on an awesome Telecaster, congrats. I too have recently purchased a new Telecaster that I find to be totally awesome. It's the Squier Contemporary Telecaster RH. Rock on!
The neck pickup on a Tele is just the best and this V MOD sounds a bit modern than a classic tele as well. There is room for both a classic and a modern Tele but I think pound for pound and based on the price this is the best guitar on the planet.
I bought one and your right! It's a beautiful piece of work that works for me.my first tele..I'm a strat guy all my life. But the neck is something wonderful too play.
for my first wiring i installed a treble bleed circuit on my volume so thats probably what it is. also had a push/pull knob and a lot of wiring; a beginner can do it if prepared
I have the Dark Night strat and it is easily one of my top 2 guitars. Love the tones, the neck and the fit and finish of the guitar. I’m in agreement on the push push switch, however, on a strat I think it is better than a push pull because of the knob style. I’m actually kind of surprised that with the tele knurled knobs that are super easy to get ahold of that they didn’t do a regular push pull. That tone set was one of the reasons I bought the guitar but was definitely surprised at how far up it sits when it isn’t engaged. Anyway, first world problems. Awesome review, these are awesome guitars and I’m in the process of picking up a CV 50’s tele since I don’t currently have a tele. Enjoyed the videos you’ve done with that guitar as well. Take care!
Nice review! I just bought one in Tri Burst/Rosewood neck... Went CRAZY and also bought the 1952 Reissue in Butterscotch Blonde/Maple neck.. Merry Christmas to me! I'll get them next week!!!! : ) My first Tele's!!!!!
Landon Bailey -- I just got the Mystic Surf Green American Prof II with Rosewood FB...waited 8 months for delivery....Love it. Thanks for the great review. Biggest take-ways, don't peak inside! OBTW -- this is my favorite Tele too.
Here Is the real problem. I got a Telecaster Deluxe and now I want the Traditional Telecaster also.The Am Pro II series is completely amazing. Im blown away by the Deluxe.And this is awesome. I love Rosewood on a Telecaster. Many hate it.Alsk the case is awesome love the rubber coverd handle. I m so glad I bought one of these if you can get one do it these are the best guitars ever .
Thanks for another great review! I played 7 or 8 tele's today at the shop, and the only one I loved was the Fender American Vintage 62 Telecaster they stopped making in 2012. I am guessing these are comparable. The neck was the same. Rosewood board and just the nicest neck I've ever played! I guess it is an easy choice. If I end up pulling the trigger, I'll use your link. Cheers!
@@landonbailey I have to say with all the videos you have on Fender and Squier guitar's you could be called the " Fender King". I say this as a compliment. I love your videos and the whole production If I want to know something about a Fender/Squire this is one of the first channels I come to. Back in 2015 when I got back into playing guitar after not touching one for over 10 years, I bought a new Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster. I absolutely love it. Now I have 8 guitars including my American pro Telecaster I got last year. I love my two Fender guitars but I have to say this. I just bought 2 weeks ago a new Gibson SG Standard 61. I can not put it down. I think this plays better than my Gibson Les Paul Standard I got 2 years ago. Again I love my Fender guitars and think my Stratocaster is the fastest playing guitar I have.
I was in a guitar shop today and didn't like the guitar I went to see, so I tried out every lefty in the shop, one of them being an APII Tele. I was impressed. It was a butterscotch blonde with a maple fingerboard. Roasted Pine body. Very light. Felt great. I picked up a Dark Night Tele and definitely felt the difference in weight. Neck finish felt awesome. Liked, but didn't love the neck profile. Slightly thicker than I would want. I know I would be reaching for other guitars instead. Definitely felt like a premium guitar. Very nice, but went home empty handed.
@@landonbailey I tell you honestly, My first reaction was oh, this feels nice, maybe I should buy it. The Strat I tried a few weeks back, I knew wasn't for me. The only thing I didn't like about the Tele today was the neck profile. And I can't even really say I didn't like it, but I know I already have necks I like better. And like you say yourself, it really is all about the neck feel. I don't know how much variation there is from neck to neck on these. I really loved everything else about that guitar. I went back to this shop today to buy another 70s CV Strat because I like the one I have so much, but the one in the shop was heavier and the neck felt different to the one I had. I'll keep trying the APII Teles. Maybe I just need to find the right one for me.
Hey dude it's me MTL Mike ...wow that is a gorgeouuuuuus guitar. I bought the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster in Olympic white with a maple neck and a tortoise shell pickguard about 10 months ago and they had that midnight blue both in a Strat and a Tele but I dig white guitars, wish I could've gotten both. Cheers.
I have that same brush! I LOVE it so much. My guitars are dust free thanks to that wonderful piece of gear. 😆 How do these not come with locking tuners? That just seems wrong to me.
ya the brush is great. I hate close up guitar photos full of skin flakes. puke! ya I guess they just want to make you need the Ultra series to get the locking tuners
I think for the price of this guitar I’d expect a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that included a simple cleaning of the body cavities. I can forgive a Squier for being a little rough under the scratch plate, but not a top shelf Fender.
I agree with you about the neck on the American Pro II Tele. When I compare it to my American Pro Tele I can feel the difference immediately. It actually even feels better than my American Pro II Strat. Fender made an excellent choice on the color combo and it’s name. I almost bought the one with the maple neck/fingerboard but I’m glad that I chose the rosewood fingerboard. In my opinion it adds to the coolness factor.
hey thanks! the Godin is surprisingly close in quality, fit, and finish. it's a slimmer neck and body, very impressive. I can't say either guitar is better than the other, they are just different both really good
Love the Telecaster, so much so I have 2. This one is beautiful. Something makes me think the white dirt is a buffing compound they use on the guitar (sorry if someone else has said that). Love the looper/noodling work too. Thanks.
i have 3 teles, also this prof ii in same color, a mexican Nashville and a Fender Troublemaker deluxe RW made in Japan . Troublemaker is my absolute favourite. meanwhile I love les Pauls !
Still recommend 2yrs later? I’m looking at Teles and see these still out there. From what I can tell they were well received and a solid series. Unfortunately price jumped but c’est la vie.
I have this guitar as well as the roasted pine Strat Pro2. They are incredible instruments. But, the nicest Tele neck that I've ever played is on my 2006 Baja. Maybe you should sit down with one of those.
Hi Landon. I've had my American Pro II (in Mercury finish) almost a year. I'm curious about your opinion about a few things. I'm not thrilled with the catches on the case. They seem to be very prone to open with the slightest amount of pressure. Also, I don't like the tone of the V-mod bridge through my '68 Super Reverb. The neck pickup is perfect but the bridge is thin and wimpy. ( Pickups are set to spec and I've adjusted the bridge pickup without a good result ) My '86 MIJ tele with Duncan Broadcaster pickups blows the V mods away. How do you like those V mods?? I hate to butcher a new guitar by swapping out pickups but..having played it at jams and gigs for almost a year, I'm kind of underwhelmed. Thanks for posting this video..
This is my full deep dive review of the the Fender American Professional II Telecaster with Rosewood fretboard in Dark Night finish Model #: 0113940761
I bought mine here at Lauzon Music in Ottawa:
➡️ lauzonmusic.com/
If you’re somewhere else in the world you can buy them here:
➡️ Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/n1kRx7
➡️ Thomann: bit.ly/3u3Vvb1
Timestamps:
0:00 - Welcome to the video
0:25 - what?
0:30 - what is video about?
0:50 - How and where I got the guitar - Disclosure
1:10 - I love Telecasters
1:20 - biased review. yes
1:50 - What I think about this guitar
2:28 - Quick walkthrough of the guitar
3:28 - Let's dive in!
3:35 - the guitar weight is over
3:46 - pickup resistance is futile
4:08 - pain in the neck measurements
4:35 - looking inside the guitar
6:55 - just in case you like cases and candy
8:15 - detailed specs and the gallery
10:10 - thanks to Lauzon Music in Ottawa
10:33 - Clean and Dirt Tones played through a Fender Princeton Reverb
13:00 - Dirt Tones played through a VOX AC10C1
14:00 - Summary - Pros & Cons
That Dark Night finish is straight up bad ass. Beautiful guitar
More like ass bad.
That’s a real beauty of a Tele. Nobody would EVER know you’re a Tele fan (addict) 😉. Enjoy the 2-4 weekend 🇨🇦🎸😎😉
thanks you too!
I picked one up a few weeks back. I am very much in love and utterly inspired. Thanks for sharing!
the best necks!
I was turned on to the telecaster via Keith Richards, and it has never really changed for me. Teles are cool.
Is that a Telecaster?
It's about time you had one on the channel.
I've been meaning to! 🤪
Couldn't agree more about your take on the pro2. I've been a strat guy for 30 years, couldn't find a tele that worked for me. Pick up a pro 2 couple weeks ago and couldn't believe how good it sounded. All the tele spank, twang, and raunch, but also awesome bottom end, beautiful balance, clarity. Hard to imagine anyone playing one and not buying it.
the price would be the main stopper 🎸👍
@@landonbailey That's a good point. I will say for those that can afford it, it's a no brainer.
I picked up the Pro ii tele roasted pine off the shelf, and there wasn't a thing I would change. The neck felt like butter in my hands. It was set up in the factory and I didn't have to tweak anything. The weight, the look all fantastic. And the sound, unbelievable.
great Tele!
I have played the Fender Pro II tele in Miami Blue colour. That was awesome. Although butterscotch blonde is THE best colour!!
Very cool!
The finish gives me tingly feelings I never thought I could have.
🤔🤣
The one dislike obviously from a viewer who tuned in purely for the plastic wrap removal. :-)
:)
I bought one today !!! I feel Like an angel on the cloud. The frequencies is distincts and the sound is awsome.
Thanks very much for your advice
Réjean
Enjoy!
That is a totally badass Tele! I'm still catching up on your stuff. So far it's mostly great viewing.
I have one. the first thing that jumped out at me was the neck. Shape, cut back on the heel, comfort, and the best thing is the satin finish. My first gig was outdoors in north Fl. Humidity was 100% and the neck didn't get sticky. I've been a Strat and 335 guy, so this is the first Tele I've kept. I cant find anything wrong with it. Turned heads at the show. PUPs sound amazing. In terms of dynamics, the guitar is touch sensitive. The treble bleed is Wonderful. Turning down the volume doesn't throw a blanket on the amp. BTW you can lower the tone push push knob. Put it where it just clears the plate when pushed down.
hey thanks for the tip about the knob! I will look again at adjusting it
An awesome guitar. Imo for the price, a $2000 guitar should have stainless steel frets and roasted maple neck.
I bought one of these in butterscotch blonde last month and I agree with you on the neck, the most comfortable I've ever played, and I thought I didn't like C-types. I also agree with you on the fit and finish. Fender failed to drill a screw hole in the top left corner of the bridge. Yes, not just the screw, they didn't even drill the hole!
I feel like the rushed these out during Covid. Things will get missed like that. But ya the neck makes up for it :)
Nice job. One of best rundowns on these. Perhaps the best. Love the finish. The Deluxe is the one I'd like to see a good review on.
cheers thanks!
I’ve never heard your clean tones this sweet. That guitar is clearly inspiring you! BTW, both pickups in series is a killer tone on a good Tele. Sounds like a big, wide humbucker. I prefer it on a 4-way switch, though.
that Princeton amp turned up is awesome. ya like a 4way over the push/push button. I've got a few on other guitars
Understatement of the year: “I’m a Tele fan” 😂👌🏼 you don’t say! REALLY want one of these... Another great video man, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
@@landonbailey always a pleasure man, hope you’re well
I recently bought the Dark Night Tele myself. I was able to pick up the Fender Locking Tuners and Black Fender Infinity Strap Locks. I absolutely love this guitar.
nice! great easy mods
I get the "biased review" thing because most players have their favorite guitar,'that one',one it's the guitar that speaks to you,makes you you want to keep playing it.😎👍
it's human to have bias
@@landonbailey indeed.
@@landonbailey It's no good Landon, we know you're not human...
Finally, someone I can subscribe to that’s HONEST. As a Tele fanboy myself, I’ve heard everything and know full well where to buy finished bodies/necks/parts/electronics and can “HaVE a TotALly bEtTeR gUITaR fOr cHeaPEr” and whatever else people think they’re flexing. Nobodies telling you or trying to convince you. Were busy actually playing the guitar.
At last the Dark Night swan dive video... I hasten to add Landon , I spent the last couple of years watching Tele videos of all kinds of Tele's, Baja, US, Squire , set my heart on a Butterscotch black guard Tele. Then you spring your unboxing and first impressions video of this beautiful beast and now I want this one..... Too ! 😆
I was waiting for an American Original in BS with black pickguard and this one replaced that
@@landonbailey Well what a replacement dude 👌
I would like to see you do a comparison video where you top load the strings through the bridge and compare that to when it’s strung through. I wonder if that would change the sustain of the guitar significantly and how it alters the feel.
...And try ALTERNATING string-through with top-load on every other string! It’s also a great way to double-check your assumptions about saddle materials.
that would be interesting for sure, and a lot of work. maybe one day
now that's how you serenade your telecaster.. dreams do come true..
I did? :)
I'm really pleased for you that you got a guitar you so obviously love. Jealous - hell yes, but it doesn't stop me enjoying seeing you take such pleasure from it. Well done Landon :-)
hey I appreciate that! this wasn't the planned guitar initially, but I'm glad it happened
So glad I found your video review. I'm two weeks away from buying an American Pro II Tele. I've had a MIC Modern Player Plus for 5 years. Could not get into the pickup config: Tele single coil in neck, Tele single coil in middle, and humbucker in bridge. Although a great guitar, it's missing the twang and quack. Late last year, I bought the American Pro II Strat. What an amazing guitar. I have the Dark Night color. I think I stared at it for an hour before even touching it. It is a work of art. Excellent guitar overall but you are right, it's the neck that does it for me, definition of plays like butter (used to hate that statement). The rolled edge, back of neck finish, and radius make a perfect combination. Writing this comment just convinced me further to get the Tele version. Not sure what color, maybe the roasted pine with maple fretboard. I wonder if the maple fb will make it feel a lot different . Anyway, Thanks for sharing your video. I'm subscribing!
🎸👍
That color tho!!
It was an instant classic finish. I’m thinking we’ll see it again in the future but it’ll be a while.
Just ordered one in the mystic surf green, it blows my mind how VERSATILE these Pro II are, sold my Strat and now will stick with the Tele for sure! Thank you.
congrats! nice colour choice :)
I just got the Dark Night Strat HSS.
First thing I thought when I opened the case was, “If this guitar couldn’t be a guitar, it’d be a Harley.”
Plays like a dream.
Love the Fender Bullet 9s on it too.
Dark Night Tele is next.
GAS…..
The struggle is real.
Nice guit.
Best of luck with it.
nice! great neck
glistening! loving your deep dive videos, man. Keep it up.
Appreciate it!
First time on your channel, annnd subscribed! You have a genuine vibe that is so rare nowadays. No pretentious bs. Thank you!
welcome! 👍🎸
I wanted a more old fashioned vibe so I bought this guitar with a maple neck and butterscotch finish. I concur with pretty everything you have to say. The neck has a great feel for me and the push push feature is a great innovation giving it a big fat humbucker tone. I think Fender knocked it out of the park with this series.
does your tone knob stick out that much? someone mentioned to me they lowered theirs
When pushed the base of the knob is 1/4” from the plate. When not engaged it is still 1/8” from the plate. If it wasn’t for that 1/8” tolerance the push push function wouldn’t work. Hard to see how you could lower the knob without messing up its function. It doesn’t get in the way at all. Hope this helps.
Your playing in this demo was some of your best
oh hey thanks! I really thought it was awful 😄
@@landonbailey better to just have some nice chill playing than mad runs up and down the neck when it's a tone demo imo
@@landonbailey you should try an American performer model if you can btw, I've got the HS own and it's amaazing
I would absolutely love to have one of them, dark night tele is what dreams are made of. Thank you for the vid Landon
cheers!
I got this very same guitar recently. Absolutely love it! Congrats on your collection!
Rock on!
I love that finish.
I believe the little red circuit board is for the treble bleed circuit. When you roll off the volume you don’t lose the high end.
👍
Great video Landon! As you may remember, I have the mystic surf green version, also with rosewood fretboard and what you said about the neck and the PU's is absolutely spot on.
The neck is a joy to hold, really smooth and it plays really nice. Love the PU's as well. Agree with comments about 4 way switch rather than a sticking out push, push switch, but I have a Les Paul for that sound so don't use it so much.
The only thing that I changed were the tuners and now the guitar is fitted with Fender vintage style tuners (they now have drop-in replacements, so there are no screws on the back of the neck so you can change them in 5 minutes, no drilling required). It gives the guitar a real vintage look.
So, it is stunning to look, fantastic to play and souds wonderful (through my Yamaha THR30). This guitar is definitely a keeper and I am glad I spent the money. No need to look for another (for a while at least 😁)
very cool! I used those tuners on an Esquire build recently. I think they are stock on the Performer models. cheers!
@@landonbailey You're spot on! They are stock on the Performer models, and personally speaking, I think that those vintage style tuners really look good on my mystic surf green Tele because it gives the total guitar more of a vintage vibe. But that is a matter of personal taste.
I really liked the video, the guitar and the fact that you played some blues on this baby! Rock on!
hey thanks!
I have a tele pro II and the tele Ultra. I like the pro II a little bit better. The Ultra pickup selector knob kept coming off. Had to glue it down. The set screws on the bridge are sharp to the hand. The soldering for the input jack came loose. The repair shop told me that Fender has lots of problems with their lead free solder. No problems yet with the Pro II. I also still have my original 69 Tele Thinline my parents gave me many decades ago. No problems with it other than a little pot noise.
hey cool thanks for sharing!
I bought mine Butterscotch Blonde back in November. Been in love ever since; it does everything and fits like a glove, even with my monstrous hands. Great choice, I'm jealous of the Dark Night!
Thanks for sharing! Butterscotch would be my next choice.
Bought this same finish at Sweetwater - beautiful. The neck is sweet. I have smallish hands and the neck is the most comfortable of any of my guitars. Amazing that Jack loves it too with large hands. Very versatile neck design. Man that rosewood looks good too. Got to peal my own pick guard plastic. It’s not the same as your video audio but still satisfying!
@@bobytwo likewise with small hands here but I instantly sounded ten times better playing my new Dark Night
That's an ex-band frontman's boast if I ever heard one: 5:43
Sweet guitar Landon!
I loved the Deep Dive! I totally appreciate looking inside to see how the inner parts look. I'm surprised about the paint on the inside too, you'd expect that to be much cleaner. My Squier 40th Anniversary Edition has cleaner control and pickup cavities. I'll have to take the controls and pickguard in my Am Pro II and see if its the same.
Thanks, Landon. I watched this video about 3 or 4 months ago because, well, because I watch all your vids, but am only now considering getting a Pro II - so I watched it again. They retail here in Perth, Western Australia anywhere from 2,300 to 3,000 AUD. That's a lot of Ozzy dollars, so many thanks for your review. Now I'm gonna watch Shane's review on In the Blues - again.
very cool! I still think they have one of the nicest feeling necks ever. Try to play one in hand first to see if you like it too. cheers!
Fellow Telly Fella here. I dig this axe.
cheers!
Totally agree about the neck. I have one of the Am Pro 2 Strats, and the neck is perfect.
nice!
Hello from the Ottawa Valley...Great review...went and took one for a spin today because of this video...may bring it home tomorrow...!
very cool! I got this one in Ottawa at Lauzon Music
@@landonbailey I haven't heard of them, but i did end up picking one up locally...really loving it
Totally agree with you. I have just got hold of the Mercury one. Looks great, feels great, sounds great. Expensive yes but nothing to be unhappy about.
the neck is so good to me
@@landonbailey yes so good. I also find the series position pretty useful as it still has a lot of clarity.
The circuit board you refer to I believe is the trebal bleed. Someone who likes to fiddle with caps may not like the wiring so much. My plan is to keep it stock and not mod it at all.
Wow, why don’t you have more subscribers? Your videos are realy well put together and nice to watch. Really want to buy the Tele now, might be my next guitar. Keep it up👍
👍🎸😁
I own the 75th Anniversary Version with the gold Hardware in Bourbon Burst.
I absolutely agree. That guitar is my number one and the neck plays a huge part in that! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Right on!
Thanks for the video Landon. I like the step-down ashtray bridge. I had an ashtray bridge on my T style guitar but I swapped it for a 6 saddle Fender bridge as I sometimes pick back there and I would sometimes hit the side of the bridge instead of the high E string.
Telecaster and Vox really go great together. I have an AC30C2.
👍👍🎸
So I have an Ultra Strat and Tele, they are truly my favorite necks of all time... almost 40 years of playing with guitars from numerous manufactures. I had ordered a signature tele that I just didn't like the neck carve at all so I returned it for an HSS Am Pro II strat with that deep C neck. From my standpoint it may be my second favorite of all time. To me it's the ultra neck with maybe 1mm of extra wood to make it a C rather than a D amazing, can play for hours on it! I had watched this a while back but wanted to comment that you are right on target with the neck on these... trying to sell some stuff now to pickup one of the Teles with the roasted pine body and the same neck!
Brilliant review, real in depth... Wonderful colour, it'd be my #1 guit for sure if i had it!! Congrats! Only other Tele that'd interest me as much is Jonny Greenwood's 😎
Good call!
I tried the same one … it’s me, or only me that love more the maple glossy freatboard? I don’t like the feeling with rosewood fretboard… but the look… it’s great!
I like both kinds of fretboard
That's the exactly one that Im willing to buy. Love that colour.
it's great!
Your playing combined with the new Tele & PR was pretty wonderful. It was all good, but I kind of lean towards cleaner tones. They were full and rich. Very nice. Happy you can have such nice gear to play.
Cool, thanks!
Landon, you've got your hands on an awesome Telecaster, congrats. I too have recently purchased a new Telecaster that I find to be totally awesome. It's the Squier Contemporary Telecaster RH. Rock on!
Rock on!
The neck pickup on a Tele is just the best and this V MOD sounds a bit modern than a classic tele as well. There is room for both a classic and a modern Tele but I think pound for pound and based on the price this is the best guitar on the planet.
absolutely the best neck in my hands :)
That finish looks like it's made for a lawyer in a tasselled leather jacket riding an Orange County Chopper.
😛
I bought one and your right! It's a beautiful piece of work that works for me.my first tele..I'm a strat guy all my life. But the neck is something wonderful too play.
Very cool! congrats
Just got one and I absolutely love it. It has a pretty good range of tones.
Congrats!
for my first wiring i installed a treble bleed circuit on my volume so thats probably what it is. also had a push/pull knob and a lot of wiring; a beginner can do it if prepared
Great review! Very detailed, I lke that and the sound demo also.
Thank you kindly!
This is also called Bataman guitar I like that the sounds sooooooo good
Bataaaaaaa
I have the Dark Night strat and it is easily one of my top 2 guitars. Love the tones, the neck and the fit and finish of the guitar. I’m in agreement on the push push switch, however, on a strat I think it is better than a push pull because of the knob style. I’m actually kind of surprised that with the tele knurled knobs that are super easy to get ahold of that they didn’t do a regular push pull. That tone set was one of the reasons I bought the guitar but was definitely surprised at how far up it sits when it isn’t engaged. Anyway, first world problems. Awesome review, these are awesome guitars and I’m in the process of picking up a CV 50’s tele since I don’t currently have a tele. Enjoyed the videos you’ve done with that guitar as well. Take care!
Nice review! I just bought one in Tri Burst/Rosewood neck... Went CRAZY and also bought the 1952 Reissue in Butterscotch Blonde/Maple neck.. Merry Christmas to me! I'll get them next week!!!! : ) My first Tele's!!!!!
sweet congrats!
Solid format. Informative. Entertaining.
Great video, man!
thanks!
Loved your review. Good info, great photography. I take delivery on my Dark Night tomorrow!
Have fun!
Such great detail! Love it man!!
cheers! 🎸👍
Amazing guitar. I love the colour and design!!
Me too!
Nice rig ,sounds good ,sweet colour !
Sick shirt too 🤘
👍🎸
Landon Bailey -- I just got the Mystic Surf Green American Prof II with Rosewood FB...waited 8 months for delivery....Love it. Thanks for the great review. Biggest take-ways, don't peak inside! OBTW -- this is my favorite Tele too.
that's awesome! that's a nice color! ya the wiring inside is ridiculous for what it does. seems too complicated
Here Is the real problem. I got a Telecaster Deluxe and now I want the Traditional Telecaster also.The Am Pro II series is completely amazing. Im blown away by the Deluxe.And this is awesome. I love Rosewood on a Telecaster. Many hate it.Alsk the case is awesome love the rubber coverd handle. I m so glad I bought one of these if you can get one do it these are the best guitars ever .
Pro II series is sweet
This color is so beautiful…
agreed!
Thank you so much for the review. Got my eye on this tele😁👍🍺
No problem 👍
Thanks for another great review! I played 7 or 8 tele's today at the shop, and the only one I loved was the Fender American Vintage 62 Telecaster they stopped making in 2012. I am guessing these are comparable. The neck was the same. Rosewood board and just the nicest neck I've ever played! I guess it is an easy choice. If I end up pulling the trigger, I'll use your link. Cheers!
cheers!
I have not tried the #2 but I did get the American Telecaster Pro right before the 2's came out. I love mine.
I have the original Pro series Tele Deluxe Shawbucker. it's awesome too. was the best neck I had until this one came along
@@landonbailey I have to say with all the videos you have on Fender and Squier guitar's you could be called the " Fender King". I say this as a compliment. I love your videos and the whole production If I want to know something about a Fender/Squire this is one of the first channels I come to.
Back in 2015 when I got back into playing guitar after not touching one for over 10 years, I bought a new Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster. I absolutely love it. Now I have 8 guitars including my American pro Telecaster I got last year. I love my two Fender guitars but I have to say this. I just bought 2 weeks ago a new Gibson SG Standard 61. I can not put it down. I think this plays better than my Gibson Les Paul Standard I got 2 years ago. Again I love my Fender guitars and think my Stratocaster is the fastest playing guitar I have.
I was in a guitar shop today and didn't like the guitar I went to see, so I tried out every lefty in the shop, one of them being an APII Tele.
I was impressed. It was a butterscotch blonde with a maple fingerboard. Roasted Pine body. Very light. Felt great. I picked up a Dark Night Tele and definitely felt the difference in weight. Neck finish felt awesome. Liked, but didn't love the neck profile. Slightly thicker than I would want. I know I would be reaching for other guitars instead.
Definitely felt like a premium guitar. Very nice, but went home empty handed.
but I said it was the BEST! it says so right in the thumbnail. how dare you be able to try something and have your own opinion on the internet!! 🤪👍🎸
@@landonbailey I tell you honestly, My first reaction was oh, this feels nice, maybe I should buy it.
The Strat I tried a few weeks back, I knew wasn't for me. The only thing I didn't like about the Tele today was the neck profile. And I can't even really say I didn't like it, but I know I already have necks I like better. And like you say yourself, it really is all about the neck feel. I don't know how much variation there is from neck to neck on these. I really loved everything else about that guitar.
I went back to this shop today to buy another 70s CV Strat because I like the one I have so much, but the one in the shop was heavier and the neck felt different to the one I had. I'll keep trying the APII Teles. Maybe I just need to find the right one for me.
Absolutely Gorgeous looking Guitar.
Hey dude it's me MTL Mike ...wow that is a gorgeouuuuuus guitar. I bought the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster in Olympic white with a maple neck and a tortoise shell pickguard about 10 months ago and they had that midnight blue both in a Strat and a Tele but I dig white guitars, wish I could've gotten both. Cheers.
sweet!
I have that same brush! I LOVE it so much. My guitars are dust free thanks to that wonderful piece of gear. 😆
How do these not come with locking tuners? That just seems wrong to me.
ya the brush is great. I hate close up guitar photos full of skin flakes. puke! ya I guess they just want to make you need the Ultra series to get the locking tuners
Great review! Getting a telecaster soon! Most likely this one
Good choice!
I think for the price of this guitar I’d expect a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that included a simple cleaning of the body cavities. I can forgive a Squier for being a little rough under the scratch plate, but not a top shelf Fender.
I'm surprised there aren't locking tuners for that price. My $650 Epi Les Paul Modern came with them.
ya it's interesting. they have them on the lower priced Player Plus series
I agree with you about the neck on the American Pro II Tele. When I compare it to my American Pro Tele I can feel the difference immediately. It actually even feels better than my American Pro II Strat. Fender made an excellent choice on the color combo and it’s name. I almost bought the one with the maple neck/fingerboard but I’m glad that I chose the rosewood fingerboard. In my opinion it adds to the coolness factor.
the satin feel on the the first series for American Pros is awesome too. this one is just better somehow :)
@@landonbailey yes the American Pro I is awesome too, but clearly a different feel from the Pro II. Thanks for the deep dive video.
Great reviews thank you and for your quick response to my questions!
always
Great review Landon. How does this compare to your Godin Stadium HT? Does the Godin excel in any categories? Thanks
hey thanks! the Godin is surprisingly close in quality, fit, and finish. it's a slimmer neck and body, very impressive. I can't say either guitar is better than the other, they are just different both really good
Got mine in the Miami Blue back in march.....i love the pickups and it seems to get better as i break it in....
nice!
Amazing Guitar, Great video , and really good description of the Guitar and it's part's! Thanks for the video!
cheers!
Love the Telecaster, so much so I have 2. This one is beautiful. Something makes me think the white dirt is a buffing compound they use on the guitar (sorry if someone else has said that). Love the looper/noodling work too. Thanks.
really nice! the color is perfect
I think so too!
i have 3 teles, also this prof ii in same color, a mexican Nashville and a Fender Troublemaker deluxe RW made in Japan . Troublemaker is my absolute favourite. meanwhile I love les Pauls !
sweet!
Thanks for the actual nut measurement!
Still recommend 2yrs later? I’m looking at Teles and see these still out there. From what I can tell they were well received and a solid series. Unfortunately price jumped but c’est la vie.
ya still my fav neck from Fender
Cool, thanks!
I was on the fence about one of these but I've just bought one in mercury finish and I'm glad I did. Amazing guitar! My first Tele
congrats! I love mine a year later. so good.
@@landonbailey Thanks man. Bought it after watching this so cheers for the push I needed.
I have this guitar as well as the roasted pine Strat Pro2. They are incredible instruments. But, the nicest Tele neck that I've ever played is on my 2006 Baja. Maybe you should sit down with one of those.
I have Olympic white, Beautiful guitar I love that chicago blue color
Hi Landon. I've had my American Pro II (in Mercury finish) almost a year. I'm curious about your opinion about a few things.
I'm not thrilled with the catches on the case. They seem to be very prone to open with the slightest amount of pressure. Also, I don't like the tone of the V-mod bridge through my '68 Super Reverb. The neck pickup is perfect but the bridge is thin and wimpy. ( Pickups are set to spec and I've adjusted the bridge pickup without a good result ) My '86 MIJ tele with Duncan Broadcaster pickups blows the V mods away. How do you like those V mods?? I hate to butcher a new guitar by swapping out pickups but..having played it at jams and gigs for almost a year, I'm kind of underwhelmed.
Thanks for posting this video..
try some different pickups. can't hurt!