What Is the American Professional Series?

Fender launched the American Standard Series of guitars and basses in 1987, and the collection has been Fender's flagship line for serious artists and players for nearly 30 years, but beginning December 7—and officially launching in January 2017—Fender will be replacing the venerable line with the new American Professional Series.

We understand that you may have questions. Thankfully, we have answers:

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL SERIES?

Combining Fender's longstanding history of quality, handmade craftsmanship and industry innovation, the American Professional Series features 92 different guitars and basses and offers a number of unique enhancements.

American Professional Series instruments are available in a variety of ash and alder body styles, including newly designed Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Jaguar, Precision Basses and Jazz Basses.

Each guitar features rosewood and maple fretboards, and the series introduces three new colorways: Sonic Gray, Mystic Seafoam and Antique Olive. Other colors included in the series are Olympic White, Black, 3-Color Sunburst, Sienna Sunburst and the return of classic Butterscotch Blonde available only on Telecaster models.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE AMERICAN STANDARD SERIES?

For now, American Standard instruments are still available in select stores and online, but availability is limited as our dealers ramp up for the official launch of the American Professional line coming in January 2017.

HOW IS THE AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL SERIES DIFFERENT FROM THE AMERICAN STANDARD SERIES?

To create the American Professional Series, we revisited a number of elements on each instrument. Here is a quick overview of the key differentiating features:

HOW CAN I TRY OUT AND PURCHASE AN AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENT?

The American Professional Series will officially launch in early January, but it's available now here at Fender.com or find your local dealer.