The Ultra II Strat—all models in the line feature new noiseless pickups.
Today, Fender launches their Ultra II line, an update to their modern Ultra Series, released in 2019. The new line was previewed at a media event in New York’s Lower East Side last week, where attendees got their hands on demo models of the Ultra II Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass, and Meteora guitar and bass. Session and sideman guitarist Isaiah Sharkey and touring bassist and vocalist Annie Clements were on hand to give an impromptu performance on the new Stratocaster and Jazz Bass models.
If there’s one instrument that feels more representative of the forward-leaning line as a whole, it’s the Meteora. This high-end, high-performance take on the sleek, futuristic Meteora design is the only offset guitar in the Ultra II series, replacing the Jazzmaster, and features the company’s new Haymaker humbuckers. Fender Executive Vice President of Product Justin Norvell tells PG that when the team asked themselves, “What is an Ultra-level Jazzmaster?,” The Meteora was the answer.
The Ultra II Meteora also features the new Haymaker humbuckers.
Across the line, the Ultra II models feature aesthetic changes, including new body contours, smoother finishes on their anodized pickguards, updated tints and satin finishes on their compound-radius necks, and Luminlay side dots. The basses feature new preamps, and all Ultra II models also feature all-new noiseless pickups that Norvell says are “totally different from the Ultra I. We’re trying to get back to more of an alnico sound that feels more warm.”
The new Ultra II Meteora bass.
“For an 80-year-old company, we could just be doing reproductions,” Norvell says. “Leo didn’t: A 1954 Strat was different by ’57—it had a V neck, it was alder, it had a different burst, you get into 3-tone guards, you get into rosewood. It was always moving. That is what we keep doing.”
All Ultra II models, including this Tele, feature updated body contours.
The Ultra II Jazz Bass in demonstration.
Guest picker Ally Venable
Ally Venable - Guest Picker
By FifthLegend from Eagan, Minnesota, United States of America - Thundercat, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70617212
A: For my late-night show's house band, I’ve assembled a dream team. This ensemble inspires me with their unparalleled musical talents and diverse backgrounds. Chris Layton’s drumming is unmatched and he will provide a solid foundation. I’ll have Jon Batiste on keys. His creativity and energy is boundless. Eric Gales would be on guitar. I love how emotive his music is, and I strive for that type of connection within my playing as well. Finally, I’d have Thundercat on bass. His playing is infused with jazz and funk sensibilities that would tie the whole sound together in an interesting way.
Obsession: My current obsession is shifting my approach to playing—focusing on connection over applause. Instead of chasing technical perfection or crowd reactions, I’m leaning into the emotional and spiritual side of music. It’s about creating moments that resonate deeply, whether it’s with myself, my bandmates, or the audience.
David Saenger - Reader of the Month
A: I love the idea of supergroups and how each of the players would interact. On guitars I would have Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) and Isaiah Sharkey. My drum and bass combo would be Stewart Copeland (The Police) and Mohini Dey. On keys and sax, I would have Herbie Hancock and Joshua Redman. My male and female vocalists would be Corey Glover (Living Colour) and Liv Warfield (Prince). All of these players are fantastic improvisers and really know how to put on an entertaining show in any genre.
Bassist Victor Wooten
Obsession: My current obsession has been bass. My 12-year-old daughter started playing electric and upright bass about two years ago, and it’s been a blast working with her. I’ve been really focusing on having a solid pocket, and it’s forced me to get better at reading bass clef. I’m taking her to see Victor Wooten next week. Can’t wait!
Jason Shadrick - Managing Editor
Jason Shadrick on the SNL stage.
A: The natural move would be to go for a high-energy party band decked out with multiple keyboards, horns, and vocalists. I’d go a different route. I’d go for a more rootsy vibe with Blake Mills leading a band consisting of Jay Bellerose on drums, esperanza spalding on bass, Bob Reynolds on saxophones, and a rotating guest each week. They could cover lo-fi Americana, funky open-tuned blues, and so much more.
Obsession: This month is slightly less obsession and more reflection as this will be my last issue as Managing Editor for PG. Over the last 15 years I’ve worked on 182 issues, which is kinda mind-boggling. I’ve been lucky enough to do some incredible things during my time at PG, including walking through the host door at SNL and spending a few minutes with Brian May. Never could have imagined it. I am very grateful.
Nick Millevoi - Senior Editor
A: I’ve long said that joining one of the late night bands would probably be my absolute top dream gig. So, if I were choosing my own late-night band, from any era, I would go no further than getting a chance to sit with Paul Schaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band or G.E. Smith-era Saturday Night Live Band.
Obsession: The late guitarist Jef Lee Johnson, who spent time in Schaffer’s band, had a heavy resume that included stars of all genres from Billy Joel to the Roots to McCoy Tyner. I got to see him play some low-key gigs around Philly, and each rearranged my molecules. It’s only now, years after his 2013 death, that I’ve become obsessed with his discography. Though much of his work was as a high-level sideman, his albums show the broad range of this masterful guitarist, whose tone, feel, and phrasing conveyed the instrument’s deepest emotional capabilities.
“Earthwood Bell Bronze strings are a giant leap forward in tone, playability, and durability. They’re great in any musical setting but really shine when played solo. There’s an orchestral quality to them.” -John Mayer
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