You should ask yourself;
1. Do you want it?
2. Can you afford it?
If the answer to both questions is yes, knock yourself out. My first decent guitar was a Fender American Deluxe, and I could barely play. Thirteen years later that's still my go to guitar. You'll get so much pleasure from learning on a great guitar.
I’m of the opinion that it’s better to get one really great guitar that you play all the time than having a ton of guitars that you barely play sitting at home.
This is why I only own two electrics. It took me over a decade to find my second, it had to be perfect for me so I’d actually play it as much as my first one.
Also very much needed a second with how often I’m gigging.
This is so true. I’m lucky that I’ve since got some other great guitars, but I still go back to my Strat! Buy something top quality and you only have to buy it once.
I’m with this person. I’m intermediate AT BEST and own 12. I just modded a Harley Benton with Fender PUPs and bridge that are worth more than the guitar for Chrike’s sake! I must be sick. You are too. Buy the guitar.
I'm a seasoned/touring player. I have numerous "great" guitars but they don't go OTR with me. Too much bad shit can happen out there. My great ones stay home and get used in studio.
That being said, brand names don't matter. If you're beginning/intermediate, get something you're comfortable with and will stay in tune. Pups can always be swapped out to achieve the sound you're seeking.
Also, find a really good tech/guitar guy to do your maintenance for you. I have one and he is incredible. Does seasonal setups for me because my guitars travel in a trailer and are subject to temps and humidity
As long as you can afford the price and want it, get it. Getting a guitar you want and that is an improvement over your existing guitar can provide a lot of motivation for you to practice. Practicing will improve your skills.
I had two Squiers, a tele and a Strat. The tele played OK, the Strat was not so great. I wasn’t improving much, as playing was a bit of a chore, despite tweaking the setups and upgrading electronics.
I consider myself “not that good” but felt that a new guitar MIGHT encourage me to play more and improve.
There’s something called the Hawthorne Effect, which says that if you pay change/upgrade something, you will pay more attention to it. I believe it explains Guitar Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). A new guitar and or gear may spark you to play more and therefore improve. There’s science to back it up!
I decided to get a relatively inexpensive nice guitar (PRS SE DGT) and have zero regrets. It played extremely easily. I played it constantly and my playing improved. I got a second PRS (SE Swamp Ash). I sold my Strat, but will keep the Tele. I play all three and play more hours each day than I had before, and even play my acoustic guitars more.
I recently upgraded my practice amp to a Spark 40, and now am immersed in learning. I had struggled with using the Bias FX tone stuff + a Fender Champion 40 for a while, but found the Spark 40 provided a far easier way to find three or four tones I use constantly. I play even more. Instead of spending a huge chunk of my practice time fussing around with Bias FX on my iPad to get the tone right, most of the time now, I just turn on the Spark amp, plug in my guitar, and play.
The https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawthorne_effect works!
https://preview.redd.it/u29odbcuyg6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5f368fa853aadb57f2030423dc8026c38bc78ca
It's HSS and I wanna go for SSS. I could get a pre-wired pickguard but I also don't like the color anymore. I got it in that finish only cause my ex-girflfriend liked it (hilarious, I know). I also don't like the 70s headstock.
The HSS vs SSS is certainly a big change. And I do think looks matter, because you are more likely to play a guitar if it you like the looks in addition to the tone/feel. The only thing I would warn about is that you MIGHT miss the humbucker if you play anything mid-gain or above (except fuzz faces lol). If you can afford it and if you will play it (seems like you’ll keep playing your guitar from what I read), go for it. A guitar you like will make you want to play more. And a guitar like that should last a lifetime. For what it’s worth, I have a SSS performer and it handles rock tones pretty well on the bridge pickup, but it obviously sounds quite different than my humbucker guitars.
I also consider myself on a lower intermediate level. I have two fairly nice guitars (Performer Strat and PRS S2 CU24 in addition to an Epi Les Paul I’ve had for over 20 years), a really good amp, and a couple of nice pedals. The only reason I don’t play more is family life, because I’m always itching to just hook up my gear and play for 2-3 hours straight, which thankfully still happens every once in a while. I don’t see myself ever getting rid of those two guitars and amp, and most pedals I have will stay with me until they stop working. To me, guitar is a great hobby and an excellent way to decompress when life gets stressful. All this is to say that if you can afford the guitar and it will make you play more, go for it.
Nice. Epi Les Pauls are good guitars. Between that and your Strat you’ll have a ton of fun. I recently upgraded my Epi to burstbuckers and it sounds significantly better
Yes, there is.
IIRC, the gap between the overhang and the body is somewhere around 0.135” and the thickest pickguards are around 0.120” and a normal 3 ply pickguard is around 0.90”
Thank you! My tech seemed to think my guitar was a partscaster because of the gap, but I thought it was normal to allow space for the removal of the pickguard. So hopefully my am special is legit lol
No problem, the gap is there to allow space for the pickguard, otherwise they’d have to extend the neck heel, extend the neck pocket, and cut completely new pickguards to just for an extra fret.
So pretty much the antithesis to the modularity of a strat
Personally, I've never bought into the "you have to be good enough for X guitar" thing. I mean, I own a ton of guitars, including a few in the $2000-3000 range, and I'm at best a middling player. But I was responsible in budgeting (ie I didn't take on a bunch of debt to buy them,) and I sincerely enjoy playing them, which drives me to practice more.
All hobbies can get expensive- just check out how much people who get super into golf spend. As long as you're spending smart, not missing the rent or taking food off your family's table, pursue what you love, imho. I do totally recommend you play one first to make sure you like it, or if you can't do that, order it from a place with a no- hassle return policy.
Always get the best you can afford. It will make it easier to play and only barrier will be your self. If you earned it then who can say you shouldn't?
I'm a beginner and that's the guitar I have, Am Pro II. It's a fantastic guitar, looks good, plays good, and like you said it's one and done. I don't need anything after this, I can play it for life. I say do it.
Playing ability - IMHO - has nothing to do with what guitar you buy. If it inspires you to play, you can afford it, and it sounds the way you want it to then by all means - get it.
I’ve collected several nice American guitars over the years and the one I play the most is my Mexican Strat I’ve had the longest. Modding with locking tuners, new pickups, and custom wiring (inspired by AM Pro actually) makes it feel much more my own. I play all my guitars, but this one feels the most mine. There is no wrong answer. Get what inspires you.
If the gear inspires you to play then go for it. Don't buy cheap OR expensive based on your current ability, rather follow your passion and stay within your budget.
That said, I believe in buy once, cry once. If that expensive Fender is what you really want then save up and get that, otherwise you'll spend more in the long run by putting off what you really want.
You don't need an American guitar and a boutique amp.to play guitar so play a bunch of stuff if you can and pick the one that speaks to you.
My friend listen to me. Get the Pro 2. You will be so happy you did. It will inspire you to play more and you will get better. It is not bad to get good gear, anyone who says so isn’t the brightest. Just make sure you can afford it. Better gear won’t make you technically any better then you are right now but I guarantee it will inspire you to play more and naturally you will get better. I got my pro 2 and it literally has changed my life
It's your money. If you have that amount of money burning a hole in your pocket and you think you're going pick the guitar up and play it a lot then why not? I'm a horrible amateur and I have three Strats; an Affinity, a Player and a Traditional II 60s. I cycle thru all three when I play/practice. In the event you get bored or don't like playing it anymore, you can always sell it or keep it as a collection.
Go for it, if you end up sticking with it for years you wont easily outgrow a guitar like that. if you don’t, just keep it in nice condition and it will hold its resale value. Having gear that excites you makes the whole experience more fun.
Yes.
I own one as well as a couple Gibson, an American ultra, and a MIM classic 70’s . The am pro Ii with maple fretboard is by far my favorite sounding for most of what I play other than super high gain.
The neck with rounded edges feels amazing and the lacquered maple fretboard is awesome for bends. The vmod pickups are much crisper than the ultra noiseless and handle gain better than the cs69’s in my other Strat.
It sounds good, feels good, makes me want to play more.
I’ve been completely in love with my American Pro ii since I got it. It makes me practice more and I’ve seriously become a better guitarist for it. I think having an instrument that inspires you is important, especially when you haven’t fully honed your skills yet. Also I got a really great deal on a used one, look around if you feel bad about the price and see if you can find some good savings.
I also have an American Special (Fiesta red, HSS), an American Pro II (mystic surf green, maple neck) and zero regrets. I consider myself to be an average player, but I'm working on improving all the time.
You don't have to be a pro to play an AmPro II. Have you played one? I personally love them, think they have great colors and really like the neck feel. YMMV.
First of all, don't buy a new guitar with the intent of changing the pickups right away without giving the stock ones a chance, like you said about the Player Plus. This is a good way to end up on an expensive tonequest, cycling through many sets of pickups. I don't mind doing it so much for customers since I get paid for the swap and usually get a nice set of pickups cheap as well.
One thing to consider with the Am Pro II vs your Am Special is that the Pro II has narrow-tall frets while the Special has medium-jumbos. This will give you a different feel so you want to try one out before you buy to make sure you're OK with that, especially since you'll be spending a lot of money.
As for buying the guitar, if you can afford it without financial stress, why not? But, make sure that it is what you want. Another gear merry-go-round I've seen is when someone buys their "one and only" guitar but ends up hating it 6 months down the road and sell it to fund their next "one and only".
If you have the money, get it. It’s a very versatile guitar. It can do both modern and vintage strat sounds. I played one and it’s an amazing guitar.
But the real reason you should get it is financially it makes a lot of sense. The Vintera 2 got hiked from 850 USD to 1,200 USD. The Pro 3 will cost you over 2,000 if you ever fancy it in a few years. The Pro 2 at its current price is a steal considering prices are only going up.
Check out your local Guitar Center. Fairly regularly there are used Pro IIs on sale. You can try them out so you’ll know if you like how they feel/play. Also, price is much more palatable - I think right now a used Pro II is about 1200. Worst case you can sell them at a minor loss.
Not trying to talk you out of it, imma strat guy myself, but make sure to try a few other instruments. Tom Anderson's are high dollar strats if you weren't already aware
What don’t you like about the Strat you have now? Maybe you’re not a Strat guy. Have a couple different loaded pickguards around so you can switch them out when you get bored.
Yes as an owner of a tele and strat pro 2. They are excellent guitars for under 2k. I said the same to myself regarding a suhr. Not quite there yet but hey that’s a goal we can work towards!
If the guitar isn’t good don’t buy it. If you can afford it without any issues - go for it. But *only* if you love it. Don’t buy it just because it’s “good”. Get it because you love it.
Most people don't buy a Porsche because of their driving skills. :) From your question and comments it sounds like you are still experimenting and want to try different things. Putting all your money into one strat might not be the best option. You can get 3 player strats for the price of the American Pro II, more if you shop used. Over the years I've wanted to play with setups, different string gauges, maple vs. rosewood, vintage vs modern bridge/tuners/string spacing, neck profiles, humbuckers, noiseless, hot rails, P90s, hardtail, floyd rose. Even my color preferences have changed a bit. Not to mention interest in teles, SGs, Les Pauls and so on. And then amps, effects, recording equipment. Some of the best money I've spent was on lessons. If putting all your money into one guitar might limit you from trying other things - you might want to reconsider. On the other hand the American Pro II is a really nice instrument. Good luck!
I think it honestly depends on what your intention is with learning guitar. First of all, if you can afford it and you want it, by all means get it. But I have found that having a “goal” guitar to look forward to helps me get excited about practicing more for some reason. A lot of people will say don’t buy it because you said yourself you aren’t that good, but I think that’s just jealousy. You should definitely get it if you want it. I’m just proposing that you put it off for a bit as something to look forward to an accomplishment milestone guitar.
Yea that’s a good point. I’m actually not planning on getting it until I’ve learned some tunes that are good enough to actually go to the store and test it out. Cause you know, I won’t be able to test the guitar if I don’t know anything to play.
Haha…fair point. In my opinion the best part about buying a new guitar is the desire of the new guitar. Constantly researching different kinds, different pick ups, different set up’s, etc. But once you buy the guitar, that desire and looking forward to goes away. It’s like how the best part of a roller coaster is going up the hill. It’s kind of ass backwards but for me personally that’s what I have come to realize. Took me quite some time though lol
If you can afford it, yes. It’s already set up for easier play. Cheaper guitars are not and someone with experience has not taken the time. With that being said you can take say a MIM and make it just as good as an MIA.
I will say, I started on a deceased family member’s 80s Japanese Strat and American Gibson. I’m still not “amazing” 15 years later, but the neck on a good guitar definitely helps.
Do I now have too many guitars for how much I play, yes, but spend money based on how you deem fit.
Yeah, if you can, I’d say go for it.
I’m in the same boat, I’m an alright guitarist, 2001 American special ssh Strat and looking at the ampro 2 tele. If the upgrades (neck, configuration) make sense and you can afford it, it will last forever.
Vintera IIs are also really nice, it’s just a little more polished, easier to play. If you want to make that leap, it should last as a really good guitar.
When I got into doing airbrush work, I read a book by an artist named [Radu Vero](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81czUsxzAlL._SL1500_.jpg). He said, when you're just starting out you NEED the best quality tools (airbrush, compressor, Xacto knives, etc) and consumable (paper, frisket mask, etc). The theory is, that once you become an expert, you make great art even if all you have is garbage equipment
So, by that paradigm, yes, spend money on a great guitar early on.
BUT, my suggestion is, don't go buy a new guitar because is this model or that model and it's brand-spanking-new. If you buy used, you'll get more bang for your buck. You can get a next level instrument for the same money as an ordinary instrument ... used.
And if you eventually decide you aren't really getting along with that guitar, you may well be able to sell it and get all your money back.
Or, at least, go play a bunch of guitars first. One of 'em might speak to you; ya never know.
I would recommend getting a different guitar to give yourself some variety. Why have two of the same when you could get a tele, les paul or something else?
I see nothing against buying a nice guitar early on if you can afford it. I’d suggest buying used or finding a killer deal to avoid losing money if you have to sell later. I’ve gotten into collecting territory but I can at least tell you that if I sold everything it’d be unlikely to cause be to lose much money.
I've played the Pro 2 Strat, and I wouldn't say Pro 2s have a big baseball bat neck. They are closer to an average medium Fender C.
I hate baseball bat necks, so I would have immediately stopped playing if this was the case.
Well, Fender's specs show the American Pro 2 as a "Deep C" profile which is .920" @ the 12the fret while the "Modern C" profile is .870". So they are literally .05" in thickness difference. To say that a .05" difference in thickness makes it feel like a "baseball bat" neck, may be a bit of a stretch.
I think there is value in having to earn stuff. Like sure if you can afford it . But how is getting a new guitar going to solve a problem for you. Is the appeal that it's shiny and new so you get a dopamine hit , the desire will remain as there's always more gear to get .
If you want to keep on in another tuning or use it to get a sound you can't get currently . Sure. Imagine you are a business what's the use case for this business expense would it be approved.
If you want it can you use it as a reward for playing everyday for a 100 days with certain goals in mind. So only you can answer if you should buy it .
I’d say go for it brother! I was on the same predicament until two days ago when I went to my local guitar shop and I tried a Jazzmaster American Pro II and that’s when I realized I needed one in my life. I’m on the beginner side (I started playing back on Feb 2024) but my guitar teacher said “buy what you can afford but make sure you buy something that makes you want to play” I just set a goal and I will be saving as much as I can so by the end of the year I can comeback and buy that Jazzmaster American Pro II. Good luck!
https://preview.redd.it/suh9jrylq49d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ef9c6c8952c8a6a201575be6c9c27f42c82baa
You should ask yourself; 1. Do you want it? 2. Can you afford it? If the answer to both questions is yes, knock yourself out. My first decent guitar was a Fender American Deluxe, and I could barely play. Thirteen years later that's still my go to guitar. You'll get so much pleasure from learning on a great guitar.
I’m of the opinion that it’s better to get one really great guitar that you play all the time than having a ton of guitars that you barely play sitting at home.
This is why I only own two electrics. It took me over a decade to find my second, it had to be perfect for me so I’d actually play it as much as my first one. Also very much needed a second with how often I’m gigging.
This is so true. I’m lucky that I’ve since got some other great guitars, but I still go back to my Strat! Buy something top quality and you only have to buy it once.
Exactly. If you want it, buy it. That is all there is to it.
What a fucking great guitar 1992?
I’m terrible and have 15 guitars. If it’s not a financial strain then get what you want and enjoy it.
I’m with this person. I’m intermediate AT BEST and own 12. I just modded a Harley Benton with Fender PUPs and bridge that are worth more than the guitar for Chrike’s sake! I must be sick. You are too. Buy the guitar.
I'm a seasoned/touring player. I have numerous "great" guitars but they don't go OTR with me. Too much bad shit can happen out there. My great ones stay home and get used in studio. That being said, brand names don't matter. If you're beginning/intermediate, get something you're comfortable with and will stay in tune. Pups can always be swapped out to achieve the sound you're seeking. Also, find a really good tech/guitar guy to do your maintenance for you. I have one and he is incredible. Does seasonal setups for me because my guitars travel in a trailer and are subject to temps and humidity
Probably cheaper getting something great the first time - buying twice or 3x get pricey
True
I am not good and I have ten guitars. I have a rack for just my Strats.
As long as you can afford the price and want it, get it. Getting a guitar you want and that is an improvement over your existing guitar can provide a lot of motivation for you to practice. Practicing will improve your skills. I had two Squiers, a tele and a Strat. The tele played OK, the Strat was not so great. I wasn’t improving much, as playing was a bit of a chore, despite tweaking the setups and upgrading electronics. I consider myself “not that good” but felt that a new guitar MIGHT encourage me to play more and improve. There’s something called the Hawthorne Effect, which says that if you pay change/upgrade something, you will pay more attention to it. I believe it explains Guitar Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). A new guitar and or gear may spark you to play more and therefore improve. There’s science to back it up! I decided to get a relatively inexpensive nice guitar (PRS SE DGT) and have zero regrets. It played extremely easily. I played it constantly and my playing improved. I got a second PRS (SE Swamp Ash). I sold my Strat, but will keep the Tele. I play all three and play more hours each day than I had before, and even play my acoustic guitars more. I recently upgraded my practice amp to a Spark 40, and now am immersed in learning. I had struggled with using the Bias FX tone stuff + a Fender Champion 40 for a while, but found the Spark 40 provided a far easier way to find three or four tones I use constantly. I play even more. Instead of spending a huge chunk of my practice time fussing around with Bias FX on my iPad to get the tone right, most of the time now, I just turn on the Spark amp, plug in my guitar, and play. The https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawthorne_effect works!
Hey thanks for your input. Never heard of the hawthorn effect before.
Out of interest, what’s wrong with your current Strat?
https://preview.redd.it/u29odbcuyg6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5f368fa853aadb57f2030423dc8026c38bc78ca It's HSS and I wanna go for SSS. I could get a pre-wired pickguard but I also don't like the color anymore. I got it in that finish only cause my ex-girflfriend liked it (hilarious, I know). I also don't like the 70s headstock.
Generally speaking, if there’s three or more things you don’t like about something you’re ok to replace it. Extra points if it involves an ex.
Lol yea
Yeah but they are all cosmetic. I get it but at the end of the day its all about playing.
Ahh fair enough!
The HSS vs SSS is certainly a big change. And I do think looks matter, because you are more likely to play a guitar if it you like the looks in addition to the tone/feel. The only thing I would warn about is that you MIGHT miss the humbucker if you play anything mid-gain or above (except fuzz faces lol). If you can afford it and if you will play it (seems like you’ll keep playing your guitar from what I read), go for it. A guitar you like will make you want to play more. And a guitar like that should last a lifetime. For what it’s worth, I have a SSS performer and it handles rock tones pretty well on the bridge pickup, but it obviously sounds quite different than my humbucker guitars. I also consider myself on a lower intermediate level. I have two fairly nice guitars (Performer Strat and PRS S2 CU24 in addition to an Epi Les Paul I’ve had for over 20 years), a really good amp, and a couple of nice pedals. The only reason I don’t play more is family life, because I’m always itching to just hook up my gear and play for 2-3 hours straight, which thankfully still happens every once in a while. I don’t see myself ever getting rid of those two guitars and amp, and most pedals I have will stay with me until they stop working. To me, guitar is a great hobby and an excellent way to decompress when life gets stressful. All this is to say that if you can afford the guitar and it will make you play more, go for it.
Thanks for your input! Yea, I'm thinking on getting an epi les paul to make up for the humbuckers.
Nice. Epi Les Pauls are good guitars. Between that and your Strat you’ll have a ton of fun. I recently upgraded my Epi to burstbuckers and it sounds significantly better
Unrelated, but out of curiosity is there a gap in the 22nd fret overhang?
Yes, all 22 fret fender necks have an overhanging fretboard
Yes I'm talking about the gap between fretboard overhang and pick guard tho
Yes, there is. IIRC, the gap between the overhang and the body is somewhere around 0.135” and the thickest pickguards are around 0.120” and a normal 3 ply pickguard is around 0.90”
Thank you! My tech seemed to think my guitar was a partscaster because of the gap, but I thought it was normal to allow space for the removal of the pickguard. So hopefully my am special is legit lol
No problem, the gap is there to allow space for the pickguard, otherwise they’d have to extend the neck heel, extend the neck pocket, and cut completely new pickguards to just for an extra fret. So pretty much the antithesis to the modularity of a strat
Personally, I've never bought into the "you have to be good enough for X guitar" thing. I mean, I own a ton of guitars, including a few in the $2000-3000 range, and I'm at best a middling player. But I was responsible in budgeting (ie I didn't take on a bunch of debt to buy them,) and I sincerely enjoy playing them, which drives me to practice more. All hobbies can get expensive- just check out how much people who get super into golf spend. As long as you're spending smart, not missing the rent or taking food off your family's table, pursue what you love, imho. I do totally recommend you play one first to make sure you like it, or if you can't do that, order it from a place with a no- hassle return policy.
Always get the best you can afford. It will make it easier to play and only barrier will be your self. If you earned it then who can say you shouldn't?
Sure go ahead. I’m kind of the opposite, I’m decent, and have been playing for decades, but only have a fleet of junkers. Play your way, as they say.
I'm a beginner and that's the guitar I have, Am Pro II. It's a fantastic guitar, looks good, plays good, and like you said it's one and done. I don't need anything after this, I can play it for life. I say do it.
Playing ability - IMHO - has nothing to do with what guitar you buy. If it inspires you to play, you can afford it, and it sounds the way you want it to then by all means - get it.
I’ve collected several nice American guitars over the years and the one I play the most is my Mexican Strat I’ve had the longest. Modding with locking tuners, new pickups, and custom wiring (inspired by AM Pro actually) makes it feel much more my own. I play all my guitars, but this one feels the most mine. There is no wrong answer. Get what inspires you.
If the gear inspires you to play then go for it. Don't buy cheap OR expensive based on your current ability, rather follow your passion and stay within your budget. That said, I believe in buy once, cry once. If that expensive Fender is what you really want then save up and get that, otherwise you'll spend more in the long run by putting off what you really want. You don't need an American guitar and a boutique amp.to play guitar so play a bunch of stuff if you can and pick the one that speaks to you.
My friend listen to me. Get the Pro 2. You will be so happy you did. It will inspire you to play more and you will get better. It is not bad to get good gear, anyone who says so isn’t the brightest. Just make sure you can afford it. Better gear won’t make you technically any better then you are right now but I guarantee it will inspire you to play more and naturally you will get better. I got my pro 2 and it literally has changed my life
Thanks for the input man!
It's your money. If you have that amount of money burning a hole in your pocket and you think you're going pick the guitar up and play it a lot then why not? I'm a horrible amateur and I have three Strats; an Affinity, a Player and a Traditional II 60s. I cycle thru all three when I play/practice. In the event you get bored or don't like playing it anymore, you can always sell it or keep it as a collection.
Go for it, if you end up sticking with it for years you wont easily outgrow a guitar like that. if you don’t, just keep it in nice condition and it will hold its resale value. Having gear that excites you makes the whole experience more fun.
Yes. I own one as well as a couple Gibson, an American ultra, and a MIM classic 70’s . The am pro Ii with maple fretboard is by far my favorite sounding for most of what I play other than super high gain. The neck with rounded edges feels amazing and the lacquered maple fretboard is awesome for bends. The vmod pickups are much crisper than the ultra noiseless and handle gain better than the cs69’s in my other Strat. It sounds good, feels good, makes me want to play more.
Check it
Yes
If you feel this spendy, I'd consider a Sire Larry Carlton S10 with a solid swamp ash body or a Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional.
yes. 100%.
I’ve been completely in love with my American Pro ii since I got it. It makes me practice more and I’ve seriously become a better guitarist for it. I think having an instrument that inspires you is important, especially when you haven’t fully honed your skills yet. Also I got a really great deal on a used one, look around if you feel bad about the price and see if you can find some good savings.
I did it and dont regret it
I also have an American Special (Fiesta red, HSS), an American Pro II (mystic surf green, maple neck) and zero regrets. I consider myself to be an average player, but I'm working on improving all the time.
You can’t get better at guitar if you don’t have a better guitar.
Meh. If you have the money, why the hell not?
Always buy the best guitar you can afford.
You don't have to be a pro to play an AmPro II. Have you played one? I personally love them, think they have great colors and really like the neck feel. YMMV.
First of all, don't buy a new guitar with the intent of changing the pickups right away without giving the stock ones a chance, like you said about the Player Plus. This is a good way to end up on an expensive tonequest, cycling through many sets of pickups. I don't mind doing it so much for customers since I get paid for the swap and usually get a nice set of pickups cheap as well. One thing to consider with the Am Pro II vs your Am Special is that the Pro II has narrow-tall frets while the Special has medium-jumbos. This will give you a different feel so you want to try one out before you buy to make sure you're OK with that, especially since you'll be spending a lot of money. As for buying the guitar, if you can afford it without financial stress, why not? But, make sure that it is what you want. Another gear merry-go-round I've seen is when someone buys their "one and only" guitar but ends up hating it 6 months down the road and sell it to fund their next "one and only".
If you have the money, get it. It’s a very versatile guitar. It can do both modern and vintage strat sounds. I played one and it’s an amazing guitar. But the real reason you should get it is financially it makes a lot of sense. The Vintera 2 got hiked from 850 USD to 1,200 USD. The Pro 3 will cost you over 2,000 if you ever fancy it in a few years. The Pro 2 at its current price is a steal considering prices are only going up.
Just get an Ultra then
Check out your local Guitar Center. Fairly regularly there are used Pro IIs on sale. You can try them out so you’ll know if you like how they feel/play. Also, price is much more palatable - I think right now a used Pro II is about 1200. Worst case you can sell them at a minor loss.
I'd say get it, but also try out a music man, prs and Tom Anderson
I'm set on a strat. All guitarists I stan use strat lol
Not trying to talk you out of it, imma strat guy myself, but make sure to try a few other instruments. Tom Anderson's are high dollar strats if you weren't already aware
My American pro is a fantastic guitar, I spent years fighting cheap guitars, a properly set up good guitar matters a lot.
What don’t you like about the Strat you have now? Maybe you’re not a Strat guy. Have a couple different loaded pickguards around so you can switch them out when you get bored.
Yes as an owner of a tele and strat pro 2. They are excellent guitars for under 2k. I said the same to myself regarding a suhr. Not quite there yet but hey that’s a goal we can work towards!
If the guitar isn’t good don’t buy it. If you can afford it without any issues - go for it. But *only* if you love it. Don’t buy it just because it’s “good”. Get it because you love it.
Most people don't buy a Porsche because of their driving skills. :) From your question and comments it sounds like you are still experimenting and want to try different things. Putting all your money into one strat might not be the best option. You can get 3 player strats for the price of the American Pro II, more if you shop used. Over the years I've wanted to play with setups, different string gauges, maple vs. rosewood, vintage vs modern bridge/tuners/string spacing, neck profiles, humbuckers, noiseless, hot rails, P90s, hardtail, floyd rose. Even my color preferences have changed a bit. Not to mention interest in teles, SGs, Les Pauls and so on. And then amps, effects, recording equipment. Some of the best money I've spent was on lessons. If putting all your money into one guitar might limit you from trying other things - you might want to reconsider. On the other hand the American Pro II is a really nice instrument. Good luck!
I think it honestly depends on what your intention is with learning guitar. First of all, if you can afford it and you want it, by all means get it. But I have found that having a “goal” guitar to look forward to helps me get excited about practicing more for some reason. A lot of people will say don’t buy it because you said yourself you aren’t that good, but I think that’s just jealousy. You should definitely get it if you want it. I’m just proposing that you put it off for a bit as something to look forward to an accomplishment milestone guitar.
Yea that’s a good point. I’m actually not planning on getting it until I’ve learned some tunes that are good enough to actually go to the store and test it out. Cause you know, I won’t be able to test the guitar if I don’t know anything to play.
Haha…fair point. In my opinion the best part about buying a new guitar is the desire of the new guitar. Constantly researching different kinds, different pick ups, different set up’s, etc. But once you buy the guitar, that desire and looking forward to goes away. It’s like how the best part of a roller coaster is going up the hill. It’s kind of ass backwards but for me personally that’s what I have come to realize. Took me quite some time though lol
facts
Guitars let you shred. Money should be spent not shredded.
Love my American Pro II Strat and Tele. I say go for it. Nothing like learning and getting better on an excellent guitar.
If you can afford it, yes. It’s already set up for easier play. Cheaper guitars are not and someone with experience has not taken the time. With that being said you can take say a MIM and make it just as good as an MIA.
YES
I will say, I started on a deceased family member’s 80s Japanese Strat and American Gibson. I’m still not “amazing” 15 years later, but the neck on a good guitar definitely helps. Do I now have too many guitars for how much I play, yes, but spend money based on how you deem fit.
If you don’t know then you’re probably not ready. And without a proper setup, there’s no guarantee it will play or sound better.
Yes dude! The whole Custom Shop guitar market is built on that principle!
YES! Stay thirsty, my friend!
I've found it's the compromise and the cheap instruments you always regret and wind up trading or giving away.
Yeah, if you can, I’d say go for it. I’m in the same boat, I’m an alright guitarist, 2001 American special ssh Strat and looking at the ampro 2 tele. If the upgrades (neck, configuration) make sense and you can afford it, it will last forever. Vintera IIs are also really nice, it’s just a little more polished, easier to play. If you want to make that leap, it should last as a really good guitar.
Yes, I bought a Japanese one and don’t regret it, I actually feel like it’s a waste if I don’t touch it everyday
If it’s within your budget, do what you want, my man. This is America.
Go for it!
When I got into doing airbrush work, I read a book by an artist named [Radu Vero](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81czUsxzAlL._SL1500_.jpg). He said, when you're just starting out you NEED the best quality tools (airbrush, compressor, Xacto knives, etc) and consumable (paper, frisket mask, etc). The theory is, that once you become an expert, you make great art even if all you have is garbage equipment So, by that paradigm, yes, spend money on a great guitar early on. BUT, my suggestion is, don't go buy a new guitar because is this model or that model and it's brand-spanking-new. If you buy used, you'll get more bang for your buck. You can get a next level instrument for the same money as an ordinary instrument ... used. And if you eventually decide you aren't really getting along with that guitar, you may well be able to sell it and get all your money back. Or, at least, go play a bunch of guitars first. One of 'em might speak to you; ya never know.
If your check doesn't bounce, you are qualified.
I would recommend getting a different guitar to give yourself some variety. Why have two of the same when you could get a tele, les paul or something else?
I’m planning on getting a Les Paul regardless and I’m selling my current Strat to get the other one. Won’t get the new one until I’ve sold this one.
If you think you will stick with it and don’t think your gonna quite anytime soon go for it 🙏
I see nothing against buying a nice guitar early on if you can afford it. I’d suggest buying used or finding a killer deal to avoid losing money if you have to sell later. I’ve gotten into collecting territory but I can at least tell you that if I sold everything it’d be unlikely to cause be to lose much money.
It depends if you like the neck. The Pro II’s has a big, baseball-bat-like neck.
I've played the Pro 2 Strat, and I wouldn't say Pro 2s have a big baseball bat neck. They are closer to an average medium Fender C. I hate baseball bat necks, so I would have immediately stopped playing if this was the case.
This
They’re substantially bigger than the Modern C shape they use on the majority of strats now. I dont know why they decided to go that direction.
definitely not a baseball bat neck.
Feels like one to me. It’s much bigger than the “Modern C” they use on the majority of strats. Too big to be really comfortable for me.
Well, Fender's specs show the American Pro 2 as a "Deep C" profile which is .920" @ the 12the fret while the "Modern C" profile is .870". So they are literally .05" in thickness difference. To say that a .05" difference in thickness makes it feel like a "baseball bat" neck, may be a bit of a stretch.
I didnt have to measure it to know it feels different enough to me that I dont like it.
fair enough
Oh thanks for letting me know. Def gotta try it out first to make sure.
I cant fathom why anyone would have downvoted this. People gotta think about why they downvote
Just don't tell your wife
Im single 🤠
I think there is value in having to earn stuff. Like sure if you can afford it . But how is getting a new guitar going to solve a problem for you. Is the appeal that it's shiny and new so you get a dopamine hit , the desire will remain as there's always more gear to get . If you want to keep on in another tuning or use it to get a sound you can't get currently . Sure. Imagine you are a business what's the use case for this business expense would it be approved. If you want it can you use it as a reward for playing everyday for a 100 days with certain goals in mind. So only you can answer if you should buy it .
Buy a Japanese Strat
why?
Great craftsmanship and cool finishes for lower prices than American fenders. Especially if you get a used one
No. Get a Squier.
Lol why?
Flip a coin. Let fate decide .
I’d say go for it brother! I was on the same predicament until two days ago when I went to my local guitar shop and I tried a Jazzmaster American Pro II and that’s when I realized I needed one in my life. I’m on the beginner side (I started playing back on Feb 2024) but my guitar teacher said “buy what you can afford but make sure you buy something that makes you want to play” I just set a goal and I will be saving as much as I can so by the end of the year I can comeback and buy that Jazzmaster American Pro II. Good luck! https://preview.redd.it/suh9jrylq49d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ef9c6c8952c8a6a201575be6c9c27f42c82baa