In the world of modern premium Stratocasters, two models sit at the top of Fender’s lineup: the Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage and the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster. Both represent Fender’s highest-end production craftsmanship, combining cutting-edge engineering with classic feel. But while these instruments share a flagship status, they’re built for very different players.

Whether you’re upgrading your main stage guitar, building a dream studio rig, or looking for the most refined Strat Fender makes today, this comparison breaks down everything you need to choose between these two elite models. We’ll cover specs, pickups, tone, feel, neck profiles, fretwork, value, and which player each model genuinely suits.

This is a neutral, in-depth, 100% original comparison, designed to help national buyers understand the real differences between these guitars—because while both are premium, they are not interchangeable.

What Is the Fender Ultra Luxe Vintage?

The Ultra Luxe Vintage is Fender’s love letter to players who want a timeless early-’60s Strat feel, but with all the top-shelf modern refinements. Think of it as the best of both worlds: classic contours, vintage-inspired vibe, and modern pro-level construction.

Key Traits of the Ultra Luxe Vintage

• Vintage-inspired body lines

• 10" to 14" Compound Radius 

• Maple or rosewood fingerboard options

• Stainless steel frets

• Mid-'60s pickups (model-specific)

• Premium hardware and finishing

• Ultra-contoured heel for upper-fret access

If you love the feel of pre-CBS Strats but want stainless steel frets, flawless neck access, and noiseless clarity, the Ultra Luxe Vintage is exactly that recipe.

What Is the Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster?

The Ultra II is Fender’s most modern, high-performance Strat. It’s designed for the player who wants speed, versatility, and modern articulation without losing the Fender DNA. Compared to the Ultra Luxe Vintage, the Ultra II leans further toward contemporary performance.

Key Traits of the Ultra II

• Modern “D” profile neck

• Compound 10–14" radius fingerboard

• Noiseless Pickups

• HSS or SSS configurations

• Redesigned body contours

• Upgraded noiseless circuitry

• Enhanced switching options

• Satin neck finish for fast movement

The Ultra II feels like Fender’s most refined modern guitar—built for players who hybrid pick, shred, use wide bends, swap tunings, or want maximum control.

Ultra Luxe Vintage vs Ultra II: Body & Construction

Ultra Luxe Vintage: Vintage Comfort, Modern Precision

The Ultra Luxe Vintage keeps traditional Strat contours but improves comfort with subtle refinements. Body edges feel softer, the belly cut is deeper than vintage, and the sculpted neck heel offers significantly better high-fret access than traditional Strats.

Ultra II: Enhanced Ergonomics

The Ultra II goes even further with modern ergonomics. The body contouring is more aggressive, giving it a slimmer, sleeker feel against the player. The neck heel is one of Fender’s most comfortable designs, optimized for fast movement up the fretboard.

Verdict

If you want a Strat that feels familiar and classic → Ultra Luxe Vintage
If you want a Strat that feels modern and ultra-fast → Ultra II

Neck Profile & Feel

Ultra Luxe Vintage – Early ’60s Vibe

• Modern "D"

• 10" to 14" Compound Radius 

• Stainless steel frets

Players who love vintage-style bending, chord embellishments, and classic curves will immediately connect with this neck. Stainless steel frets make it feel glassy and smooth. The radius feels traditional without being restrictive, especially because of the fretwork quality.

Ultra II – Modern Speed Machine

• Modern “D” profile

• Compound 10–14" radius

• Medium jumbo frets

This is the fastest-feeling Strat Fender makes today. The flatter upper radius makes wide bends effortless, and the Modern “D” shape fills the hand in a way that feels both substantial and sleek.

Verdict

Vintage feel → Ultra Luxe Vintage
Modern playability → Ultra II

Pickups & Electronics

This is where the two guitars truly separate.

Ultra Luxe Vintage Pickups

Typically equipped with mid-’60s-style pickups, these give the guitar:

• Clear vintage character

• Glassy high end

• Scooped mids

• Classic Strat response

Perfect for clean players, worship environments, blues players, and strat-purists.

Ultra II Pickups

The Ultra II comes in SSS and HSS versions. Both use redesigned Ultra Noiseless pickups with more output, more clarity, and expanded switching.

The HSS version is the standout, providing:

• Hot bridge humbucker

• Noiseless Pickups

• Modern sparkle

• Tight low-end

• Excellent gain handling

• Huge versatility

Verdict

Vintage shimmer → Ultra Luxe Vintage
Modern versatility, gain handling → Ultra II

Tone Comparison

Ultra Luxe Vintage Tone Profile

• Warm lows

• Sparkling highs

• Slightly scooped mids

• Ideal for clean platforms

• Perfect for blues, funk, classic rock, worship

• Beautiful chime and clarity

Tonally, the Ultra Luxe Vintage lets the Strat-ness shine through.

Ultra II Tone Profile

• More midrange authority

• Higher output

• Greater articulation

• Better for high-gain or modern tones

• Excellent for pop, rock, modern worship, studio versatility

The Ultra II sounds “modern Fender”—clear, immediate, and mix-ready.

Hardware & Materials

Ultra Luxe Vintage

• Stainless steel frets (huge selling point)

• Premium vintage-style tuners

• High-quality bridge

• Modern neck joint

• Timeless aesthetic

Ultra II

• Medium jumbo frets

• Premium tuners

• Upgraded noiseless circuitry

• Multiple pickup configurations

• Enhanced ergonomic contours

Both are extremely well-built guitars with premium hardware.

Price & Value (National Market)

Ultra Luxe Vintage

Typically priced around $2,999–$3,099.
Premium price for stainless steel frets and high-end craftsmanship.

Ultra II

Typically priced around $2,359–$2,399.
Cheaper but more modern versatility.
A better value for multi-genre players.

Value Verdict

If you're looking for the most premium-feeling Fender made → Ultra Luxe Vintage
If you're looking for the best value for modern versatility → Ultra II

Which One Do Our Techs Recommend? 

At Vera Guitars, we see both guitars daily—players demo them, record them, bring them in for setups, and rely on them for serious work. Here’s what our techs and setup specialists consistently see:

Why Some Players Should Choose the Ultra Luxe Vintage

• You want a guitar that feels connected to Fender’s heritage

• You prioritize clean tones

• You want stainless steel frets

• You prefer a Strat that feels refined but classic

• You’re a collector or tone purist

The Ultra Luxe Vintage rewards players who value nuance, clean articulation, and that unmistakable vintage feel.

Why Some Players Should Choose the Ultra II

• You need a Strat that handles everything

• You play multiple genres

• You want modern neck comfort

• You prefer a hotter, more dynamic tone

• You want the HSS versatility

• You play through gain or use lots of effects

The Ultra II consistently impresses players who want one guitar that can do it all.

Who Each Guitar is Best For

Ultra Luxe Vintage — Best For:

✔ Strat purists
✔ Blues and clean players
✔ Vintage-feel lovers
✔ Guitarists upgrading long-term
✔ Stainless steel fret fans
✔ Players wanting boutique-like refinement

Ultra II — Best For:

✔ Versatile multi-genre players
✔ Modern worship musicians
✔ Rock & pop guitarists
✔ Studio players
✔ Session musicians
✔ Anyone who wants maximum capability

Final Verdict: Which Strat Should You Choose?

Both guitars occupy the top tier of Fender’s production line, but they are built for different players:

• If your heart leans toward vintage feel, classic Strat personality, smooth stainless frets, and premium refinement → Ultra Luxe Vintage

• If you want modern performance, faster playability, stronger output, and maximum versatility → Ultra II

There’s no wrong answer—only the guitar that matches your playing style.

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The Fender American Ultra Luxe ’60s Stratocaster HSS in Fiesta Red delivers a perfect blend of classic style and cutting-edge performance. Designed for discerning players who demand ultimate tone, comfort, and playability, this model brings the timeless look of a… read more

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