The series introduces new Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass, and Jazz Bass guitars while adding new platforms—the Tele Deluxe, Jaguar, and Jazzmaster.
Hollywood, CA (January 9, 2017) -- Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) sets the stage for 2017 with the launch of the American Professional Series, a new professional-grade collection of electric guitars and basses debuting January 19 at NAMM 2017 in Anaheim, Calif.
The American Professional series invites a new generation of players to express themselves with an original, toneful and roadworthy flagship line that honors Fender’s classic models, while boldly proclaiming the brand’s foothold into not only a new era of music but also a new generation of players. A proud testament to more than 70 years of knowledge, technology, and experience making iconic instruments, the American Professional is one of Fender’s broadest electric series to date; It brings forth best-in-class instruments giving committed players the best of yesterday and today by pairing industry-leading models with new modern, player-centric features designed for an incredibly diverse number of artists across all musical genres.
“We are committed to evolving with artists as their musical expression diversifies,” said Justin Norvell, Vice President, Electric Guitars and Basses. “It’s our goal to give artists the tools they need to push the boundaries of their artistry in ways they never thought were possible. The American Professional series stays true to the integrity, quality and craftsmanship of legendary Fender designs, while incorporating more modern, player-centric features.”
To demonstrate this new line’s versatility, Fender American Professional guitars and basses are already being used by top artists across multiple musical genres, such as: singer and producer Ty Dolla $ign; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan; rapper and producer Mac Miller; multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Dhani Harrison; American indie rock band Local Natives– accompanying each on their musical journey toward exceptional artistry.
Handcrafted in the U.S.—by professionals, for professionals—the American Professional series introduces new Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass guitars while adding new platforms—the Tele Deluxe, Jaguar and Jazzmaster with the later featuring a rich voice, flexible electronics and Fender’s new V-Mod Jazzmaster pickups – the introduction of Jazzmaster and Jaguar platforms is a testament to the resurgence of offset guitars. Featuring new pickups designed by pickup guru Tim Shaw, the line also incorporates a brand-new "Deep C" shaped neck profile, new electronics, a new case, bone nut, and narrow-tall frets for easier string bending.
In total, the launch boasts 16 models and 92 SKUs available in 11 colors, including three new colorways: Sonic Gray, Antique Olive and Mystic Seafoam. They speak to a legacy cemented by the enduring influence of the world's greatest players and songwriters, including Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, Pete Townshend and many more.
The American Professional series ranges from $1,399.99 - $1,599.99 and is available now at local dealers and on www.Fender.com. Models include:
American Professional Stratocaster
The new American Professional Stratocaster and the American Professional Stratocaster Left-Hand are the latest evolution of the world’s most-loved electric guitar, that boasts a host of new features aimed at professional players. Developed by pickup master Tim Shaw, the new V-Mod single-coil pickups are voiced specifically for each position, mixing alnico magnet types to produce powerful, nuanced tones. Other key features include: a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice and a new modern “Deep C” shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets that make it easy for players to bend strings. The American Professional Stratocaster right-hand model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Gray, Antique Olive and Olympic White. The Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White and Black. Pricing for the new American Professional Stratocaster is $1,399.99-$1,499.99, and the American Professional Stratocaster Left-Hand is $1,399.99.
American Professional Stratocaster HH Shawbucker
The American Professional Stratocaster HH ShawBucker isn’t simply a reimagining of the classic design; it’s the authentic original model, evolved for today’s players. The pair of warm, rich-sounding ShawBucker humbucking pickups are voiced specifically for each position, producing powerful, nuanced tones. Other key features include: a treble-bleed circuit, that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice and a new modern “Deep C”-shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets that make it easy for players to bend strings. The American Professional Stratocaster HH ShawBucker model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black, Sonic Gray and Antique Olive. Pricing for the new American Professional Stratocaster HH ShawBucker is $1,399.99.
American Professional Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker
The best of yesterday and today, the American Professional Stratocaster HSS ShawBucker is one of the latest forms of electric inspiration from Fender. The fat-sounding ShawBucker humbucking bridge pickup is joined by Tim Shaw’s latest vintage-informed design—the V-Mod single-coil pickups. Other new features include: a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice and a modern “Deep C” shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets that make it easy to bend strings. The American Professional Stratocaster HSS ShawBucker is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Sienna Sunburst, Sonic Gray, Antique Olive and Olympic White. Pricing for the new American Professional Stratocaster HSS ShawBucker $1,399.99-$1,499.99.
American Professional Telecaster
The American Professional Telecaster & American Professional Telecaster Left-Hand encompasses everything artists need to play their best. Developed by legendary pickup master Tim Shaw, the new V-Mod single-coil pickups are voiced specifically for each position, mixing alnico magnet types to produce powerful and nuanced tones. Other key features include: the newly redesigned Telecaster bridge that sports three compensated brass barrel saddles, a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice, and a new modern “Deep C” shaped neck profile. The American Professional Telecaster is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Natural, Crimson Red Transparent, Sonic Gray, 2-Color Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde and Mystic Seafoam. The Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Black and Butterscotch Blonde. Pricing for the new American Professional Telecaster and American Professional Telecaster Left-Hand is $1,399.99-$1,499.99.
American Professional Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker
Today’s version of the American Professional Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker, brings modern, player-oriented features to the stage and studio. The pair of warm, rich-sounding ShawBucker humbucking pickups are voiced specifically for each position, producing powerful, nuanced tones. Other key features include: a new modern “Deep C” shaped neck profile, a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice, and narrow-tall frets that make it easy to bend strings. The American Professional Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Sonic Gray, Black and Natural. Pricing for the new American Professional Telecaster Deluxe ShawBucker is $1,399.99-$1,499.99.
American Professional Jaguar
The American Professional Jaguar has been updated with modern features and materials, “hot-rodding” it for today’s professional players. The brand-new V-Mod Jaguar pickups expand the guitar’s sonic palette with hot, vintage-informed tone. The improved tremolo and bridge incorporate a screw-in arm and brass Mustang saddles that stabilize the strings, while adding a touch of sonic zip to the player’s tone. Other new features include: the modern “Deep C” shaped neck profile, a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice, and narrow-tall frets. The American Professional Jaguar is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray and Antique Olive. Pricing for the new American Professional Jaguar is $1,499.99.
American Professional Jazzmaster
An elegant model with flexible electronics and a rich voice, the American Professional Jazzmaster lends its unique sound to any player’s vision. Fender’s new V-Mod Jazzmaster pickups kick out hot, vintage-inspired tone with plenty of punch and definition. The improved tremolo and bridge incorporate a screw-in arm and brass Mustang saddles that stabilize the strings, while adding a touch of sonic zip to the player’s tone. Other new features include: a treble-bleed circuit that is tailored specifically for the guitar’s voice, modern “Deep C”shaped neck profile and narrow-tall frets. The American Professional Jazzmaster is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray and Mystic Seafoam. Pricing for the new American Professional Jazzmaster is $1,499.99.
American Professional Jazz Bass
The American Professional Jazz Bass and the American Professional Jazz Bass Left-Hand combine modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a contemporary bass. Developed by pickup master Michael Bump, the brand new V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups use a carefully selected blend of alnico magnet types. The redesigned tuning machines use a fluted shaft, creating optimum break angle over the nut, while keeping the string windings tight for increased sustain and enhanced tuning stability. Other new features include: a slim modern “C” shaped neck profile, narrow-tall frets, and Posiflex graphite support rods that run the length of the neck. The American Professional Jazz Bass is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Sonic Gray and Black. The Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Sonic Gray and Black. Pricing for the new American Professional Jazz Bass and the American Professional Jazz Bass Left-Hand is $1,499.99.
American Professional Jazz Bass Fretless
The American Professional Jazz Bass Fretless combines modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a contemporary bass. Developed by pickup master Michael Bump, the brand new V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups use a carefully selected blend of alnico magnet types for balanced tone. Other features include: the slim modern “C” shaped neck profile, and Posiflex graphite support rods that run the length of the neck. It also includes redesigned tuning machines that use a fluted shaft, creating the optimum break angle over the nut, while keeping the string windings tight for increased sustain. The American Professional Jazz Bass Fretless is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Black and Sonic Gray. Pricing for the new American Professional Jazz Bass Fretless is $1,499.99.
American Professional Jazz Bass V
The American Professional Jazz Bass V combines modern features and materials with Fender’s craftsmanship and expertise to produce a truly contemporary bass. Developed by pickup master Michael Bump, the brand new V-Mod single-coil Jazz Bass pickups use a carefully selected blend of alnico magnet types for balanced tone. The redesigned tuning machines use a fluted shaft, creating the optimum break angle over the nut while keeping the string windings tight for increased sustain. Other features include: a slim modern “C” shaped neck profile, narrow-tall frets, and Posiflex graphite support rods that run the length of the neck. The American Professional Jazz Bass V is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Sonic Gray. Pricing for the new American Professional Jazz Bass V is $1,599.99.
American Professional Precision Bass
As music evolves our instruments change in lockstep - the end result is today’s version of the American Professional Precision Bass and the American Professional Left-Hand. Developed by longtime bass pickup master Michael Bump, the brand new V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickup uses a carefully selected blend of alnico magnet types for balanced tone. Other features include: the “golden” ’63 P Bass neck profile, narrow-tall frets, Posiflex graphite support rods that run the length of the neck, and redesigned tuning machines that use a fluted shaft. The American Professional Precision Bass is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Antique Olive. The Precision Bass Left-Hand model is offered in 3-Colored Sunburst, Olympic White and Black. Pricing for the new American Professional Precision Bass is $1,499.99, and the American Professional Left-Hand is $1,449.99.
American Professional Precision Bass V
The American Professional Precision Bass V combines the best of the past with modern materials and updated features to create a bass that’s ideal for professional players. Developed by longtime bass pickup master Michael Bump, the brand new V-Mod split-coil Precision Bass pickup uses a carefully selected blend of alnico magnet types for balanced tone. Other features include: the “golden” ’63 P Bass neck profile, Posiflex graphite support rods that run the length of the neck, and redesigned tuning machines that use a fluted shaft. The American Professional Precision Bass V is offered in 3-Color Sunburst, Olympic White, Black and Antique Olive. Pricing for the new American Professional Precision Bass V is $1,549.99.
or technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.com
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Angus is plugged in and ready to go, so we get to hear some of the moves in action—including how loose, light gauge strings create the signature Sabbath sound, how it encouraged some parts of Iommi’s lead moves.
Angus Clark is an expert of all things Tony Iommi, and he has the gear to prove it! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Rock of Ages guitarist shows us a couple sweet Iommi tribute SGs as he walks us through Black Sabbath’s discography, breaking down Iommi’s vocabulary, sound, and gear, and how Iommi created some of the most identifiable riffs in all of rock. Angus is plugged in and ready to go, so we get to hear some of the moves in action—including how loose, light gauge strings create the signature Sabbath sound, how it encouraged some parts of Iommi’s lead moves.
Sleep Token announces their Even In Arcadia Tour, hitting 17 cities across the U.S. this fall. The tour, promoted by AEG Presents, will be their only headline tour of 2025.
Sleep Token returns with Even In Arcadia, their fourth offering and first under RCA Records, set to release on May 9th. This new chapter follows Take Me Back To Eden and continues the unfolding journey, where Sleep Token further intertwines the boundaries of sound and emotion, dissolving into something otherworldly.
As this next chapter commences, the band has unveiled their return to the U.S. with the Even In Arcadia Tour, with stops across 17 cities this fall. Promoted by AEG Presents, the Even In Arcadia Tour will be Sleep Token’s only 2025 headline tour and exclusive to the U.S. All dates are below. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 21st at 10 a.m. local time here. Sleep Token will also appear at the Louder Than Life festival on Friday, September 19th.
Sleep Token wants to give fans, not scalpers, the best chance to buy tickets at face value. To make this possible, they have chosen to use Ticketmaster's Face Value Exchange. If fans purchase tickets for a show and can't attend, they'll have the option to resell them to other fans on Ticketmaster at the original price paid. To ensure Face Value Exchange works as intended, Sleep Token has requested all tickets be mobile only and restricted from transfer.
*New York, Illinois, Colorado, and Utah have passed state laws requiring unlimited ticket resale and limiting artists' ability to determine how their tickets are resold. To adhere to local law, tickets in this state will not be restricted from transfer but the artist encourages fans who cannot attend to sell their tickets at the original price paid on Ticketmaster.
For more information, please visit sleep-token.com.
Even In Arcadia Tour Dates:
- September 16, 2025 - Duluth, GA - Gas South Arena
- September 17, 2025 - Orlando, FL - Kia Center
- September 19, 2025 - Louisville, KY - Louder Than Life (Festival)
- September 20, 2025 – Greensboro, NC - First Horizon Coliseum
- September 22, 2025 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center
- September 23, 2025 - Worcester, MA - DCU Center
- September 24, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
- September 26, 2025 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena
- September 27, 2025 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Arena
- September 28, 2025 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
- September 30, 2025 - Lincoln, NE - Pinnacle Bank Arena
- October 1, 2025 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
- October 3, 2025 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
- October 5, 2025 - West Valley City, UT - Maverik Center
- October 7, 2025 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
- October 8, 2025 - Portland, OR - Moda Center
- October 10, 2025 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Arena
- October 11, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - Crypto.com Arena
Swirl deeper in an excellent rotary speaker simulation’s complex, intoxicating charms.
Wide-ranging controls enable a wide spectrum of subtle-to-powerful modulation textures. Intuitive.
Jewel bypass/rate LED can be blinding.
$229
Keeley Rotary
robertkeeley.com
Certain facets of a rotary speaker’s mystery and magic can be approximated via phasers, vibratos, choruses, or flangers. But replicating anything more than a small percentage of a rotary speaker’s sonic complexity in a stompbox takes a keen-eared designer, a fair bit of R&D, and a digital engine that can crunch a few numbers. As a consequence, really good rotary simulations are typically pretty expensive. And because a lot of players view them as one-trick ponies, they are relatively few in number.
Keeley’s Rotary, as the name suggests, specializes in emulating the ineffable, Doppler-y, delicious tones of a Leslie. But it is hardly limited. In addition to super-thick, syrupy, and head-spinning sounds, the rangeful blend control enables many subtle, subdued, and just-barely-there modulation washes—the kind that add critical, transformative, animating energy to spare arrangements. The drive control is a tasty thickening agent that adds color, equalization nuance, and significant push at more pronounced modulation levels. Keeley also added a 3-position mid boost—presumably to help overcome perceived volume loss inherent to modulation effects, but also to add pep in moments where phase cancellation seems to swipe energy. In concert with the drive, it can be used as a dedicated tone control—helping match the pedal to different pickups, amps, and musical moods. Secondary controls for chasing extra-slow speeds and customizing ramp rates also make it easy to tailor the Rotary for very specific placement in a mix or an arrangement. But the real value in the Rotary for many will be the wobbly prettiness of the many modulations here—particularly in stereo—and the musical provocation they so readily supply.
Bergantino revolutionizes the bass amp scene with the groundbreaking HP Ultra 2000 watts bass amplifier, unlocking unprecedented creative possibilities for artists to redefine the boundaries of sound.
Bergantino Audio Systems, renowned for its innovative and high-performance bass amplification, is proud to announce the release of the HP Ultra 2000W Bass Amplifier. Designed for the professional bassist seeking unparalleled power and tonal flexibility, the HP Ultra combines cutting-edge technology with the signature sound quality that Bergantino is known for.
Operating at 1000W with an 8-ohm load and 2000W with a 4-ohm load, the HPUltra offers exceptional headroom and output, ensuring a commanding presence on stage and in the studio. This powerhouse amplifier is engineered to deliver crystal-clear sound and deep, punchy bass with ease, making it the perfect choice for demanding performances across any genre.
The HP Ultra incorporates the same EQ and feature set as the acclaimedBergantino Forté HP series, offering advanced tonal control and versatility. It includes a highly responsive 4-band EQ, Bergantino’s signature Variable RatioCompressor, Lo-Pass, and Hi-Pass Filters, and a re-imagined firmware that’s optimally tuned for the HP Ultra’s power module. The intuitive user interface allows for quick adjustments and seamless integration with any rig, making it an ideal solution for both seasoned professionals and rising stars.
As compared to previous forte HP iterations (HP, HP2, HP2X), Ultra is truly its own amp. Its behavior, feel, and tonal capabilities will be well noted for bass players seeking the ultimate playing experience. If you’ve been wishing for that extreme lead sled-type heft/force and punch, along with a choice of modern or vintage voicings, on-board parallel compressor, overdrive; high pass and lowpass filters, and more—all in a 6.9 lb., 2ru (8” depth) package...the BergantinoHP Ultra is worth checking out.
Building on the forte’ HP2X’s leading edge platform (including a harmonic enriching output transformer (X) and 3.5db of additional dynamic headroom (2),the HP Ultra’s power focus is not about playing louder...it’s about the ability to play fuller and richer at similar or lower volumes. Many players will be able to achieve a very pleasing bass fill, with less volume, allowing the guitars and vocals to shine thru better in a dense mix. This in turn could easily contribute to a lower stage volume...win-win!
Key Features of the Bergantino HP Ultra 2000W Bass Amplifier:
- Power Output: 1000W @ 8ohms / 2000W @ 4ohms, 1200W RMS @2-Ohms (or 1700W RMS @2.67-Ohms-firmware optimizable via USB
- Dual Voicing Circuits: offer a choice between vintage warmth and modern clarity.
- Custom Cinemag Transformer: elevates harmonic enrichment to new heights
- Variable Low-Pass (VLPF) and Variable High-Pass (VHPF) filters, critical for precise tone shaping and taming of the most challenging gigging environments.
- 4-Band Tone Controls: Bass: +/-10db @40hz, Lo-Mid:+/-10db @250hz,Hi-Mid: +/-10db @ 1khz, Treble: +/-10db @ 3.5khz
- Punch Switch: +4db @110hz
- Bright Switch: +7db @7kHz or +6db @2khz – user selectable● Built-in parallel compression - VRC
- 3.5dB of additional dynamic headroom
- New Drive Circuit featuring our proprietary B.S.D (Bergantino SmartDrive) technology
- Auxiliary Input and Headphone Jack: for personal monitor and practice
- Rack Mountable with optional rack ears
- Effects send and return loop
- Studio quality Direct Output: software selectable Pre or Post EQ
- UPS – Universal power supply 115VAC – 240VAC 50/60Hz
- Weight: 6.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.25”W x 8.375”D x 3.75”H
- Street Price: $1895.00
For more information, please visit bergantino.com