Fender AM Pro II Strat RST PIN

I am used to playing single cut away guitars with humbucker pickups so this is a big change for me. The scale length and bridge with the tremolo make the guitar play very differently from what I am used to. The pickups sound wonderful and playing around with the volume and tone controls in combination with the pickup selector I have already found many recognizable and usable tones. The ability to use the bridge pickup along with the middle and/or neck pickups is interesting but I need to spend more time with the guitar to see how useful this is going to be.

The tremolo arm takes technique and no small amount of force to remove from the bridge, but when it is in position it stays where you leave it instead of falling towards the floor. A bit daunting at first but I am sure I will get used to it.

The finish on the neck feels lovely and the despite being wider than I am used to, it is surprisingly easy and comfortable playing in the higher registers. The body, double cut away and the neck profile fit me as if it were made to measure just for me.

The build quality is fantastic. I have bought guitars in a similar price range that are great guitars but that have minor flaws. This is just a wonderful guitar that makes me want to play more and more every time I pick it up. It will never sound like my Gibson, but that is why I want it. It is making me listen critically to my playing again and forcing to me examine and adjust my technique, which can only make me a better player.

This is such a fun guitar to play!!

So, to me, the wow factor when I open the case and pick up a new guitar for the first time is very important. I want to be able to plug it in straight away, tune it and play.
That was not the case when I got this guitar. I had to start by spending 2 hours setting it up before I could play it. Not good. I just cant understand why Thomann don´t set guitars up before shipping.
I am lucky cause I know how to set up a guitar but that is not the case for everyone. Having to spend 100 euros on a setup after paying 1700 euros for a guitar is not acceptable.
Now, the guitat plays and sounds good. Not great, good. Very snappy and light. Good neck too.
But please Thomann, do better.