Difference between Classic Vibe 50s and American Pro II

[Jazzcaster21]

I have both a Classic Vibe 50s Tele with a Maple Neck and an American Pro II with a Rosewood neck. Both have the vintage tall frets but there is something different about the neck that has me reaching for the Classic Vibe more than the AP II. What is it??

Not that this matters but, the Classic Vibe was a $400 demo from Sweetwater while the AP II was $1700 new (before inflation) after Covid; go figure.

 

[John C]

I have both a Classic Vibe 50s Tele with a Maple Neck and an American Pro II with a Rosewood neck. Both have the vintage tall frets but there is something different about the neck that has me reaching for the Classic Vibe more than the AP II. What is it??

Not that this matters but, the Classic Vibe was a $400 demo from Sweetwater while the AP II was $1700 new (before inflation) after Covid; go figure.

The two guitars have different neck shapes, which is what you're feeling. Fender just calls the Classic Vibe a "C shape" neck; the ones I've picked up the shape has been kind of slim, and it's 1.650" nut width. The American Pro II has the "Modern Deep C" neck that's going to be a little thicker ("Deep C" is kind of a misnomer - it starts out the same as the necks on Player, Player II, Player Plus and American Performers but gets a little thicker than them at the 12th fret - but it's a fuller C shape with more shoulder) and it's 1.685" wide at the nut.

I suspect that you just like the narrower nut width and slightly thinner shape of the Classic Vibe's neck compared to the American Pro II's neck. And it really doesn't matter what the price is - you like the neck you like, and if it's on a less expensive model then you're ahead financially.

I went through this process when I bought my Tele in 2021 at Black Friday time - I played everything and the neck that felt the best was the American Performer Tele. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive model either.

 

[kris ford]

I believe it! Classic Vibes got something going on!

 

[MaxPower93]

You’re lucky, you like the way the cheaper one feels better. Saves money lol. More shoes for the wife.

 

[Lonn]

You like what you like. No need to shrink your head figuring out why, just play and enjoy. I've sold all my Fenders and Gibsons and now have 2 Edwards (Strat and LP) and later today will add a second Squier Strat. I can afford whatever I want, I love Fender and Gibson and will own more in the future, but right now these are what I want to play.

 

[Ljislink24]

The two guitars have different neck shapes, which is what you're feeling. Fender just calls the Classic Vibe a "C shape" neck; the ones I've picked up the shape has been kind of slim, and it's 1.650" nut width. The American Pro II has the "Modern Deep C" neck that's going to be a little thicker ("Deep C" is kind of a misnomer - it starts out the same as the necks on Player, Player II, Player Plus and American Performers but gets a little thicker than them at the 12th fret - but it's a fuller C shape with more shoulder) and it's 1.685" wide at the nut.

I suspect that you just like the narrower nut width and slightly thinner shape of the Classic Vibe's neck compared to the American Pro II's neck. And it really doesn't matter what the price is - you like the neck you like, and if it's on a less expensive model then you're ahead financially.

I went through this process when I bought my Tele in 2021 at Black Friday time - I played everything and the neck that felt the best was the American Performer Tele. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive model either.

That's interesting on the Pro 2 & Player Plus, I played a Pro 2 and didn't like the neck at all, I owned & liked the neck on the PP. The Pro 2 just "felt" much thicker too me. I guess it doesn't take much dimension change to get a very different feel.

 

[John C]

That's interesting on the Pro 2 & Player Plus, I played a Pro 2 and didn't like the neck at all, I owned & liked the neck on the PP. The Pro 2 just "felt" much thicker too me. I guess it doesn't take much dimension change to get a very different feel.

I think it's the cross-section that makes the Pro II feel thicker more than the taper out to a slightly thicker 12th fret measurement. It's still a C-shape, but to me they feel like they've moved a bit toward a D shape compared to the "Modern C" shape.

And of course since Fender sands down the necks by hand they all vary a bit.

 

[Chiogtr4x]

I believe it! Classic Vibes got something going on!

I know we are talking Teles, but I just got this Classic Vibe '50's Stratocaster ( used) yesterday; and it is wonderful!
- feels and sounds great! ( bright and clear!)

- I've always wanted this 2-Tone SB Strat to compliment my '60's - style Tex-Mex

And a few years ago I got this CV '69 Tele Thinline.
Classic Vibes are very well-made values

 

[kris ford]

I know we are talking Teles, but I just got this Classic Vibe '50's Stratocaster ( used) yesterday; and it is wonderful!
- feels and sounds great! ( bright and clear!)

- I've always wanted this 2-Tone SB Strat to compliment my '60's - style Tex-Mex

And a few years ago I got this CV '69 Tele Thinline.
Classic Vibes are very well-made values

NICE! Yes they are!

I have CV70s Strat and a Vintage Modified 70s Strat, as well as a '99 Yako Standard. Plus a MIM 70s Classic and MIJ International Colors Series ('81 Reissue technically)

All getting dusty since I wandered back into Tele land.

 

[thescarecrow]

I know we are talking Teles, but I just got this Classic Vibe '50's Stratocaster ( used) yesterday; and it is wonderful!
- feels and sounds great! ( bright and clear!)

- I've always wanted this 2-Tone SB Strat to compliment my '60's - style Tex-Mex

And a few years ago I got this CV '69 Tele Thinline.
Classic Vibes are very well-made values

That is a good looking Strat!

 

[dougbgt6]

This is interesting! I've a Squier Affinity with medium jumbo frets, modern C neck and upgraded viscous vibe pickups. I'm tracking an American Pro ii on FleaBay, but this thread makes me wonder, do I really want an AP2 with tall frets, fatter neck and big price?

Doug

 

[Chiogtr4x]

That is a good looking Strat!

I'm a guy on a budget ( but all cool cheap guitars!),

and this Squier 2-Tone Sunburst Strat w/ maple fingerboard 'scratches a few itches' for me,
-like old R&R/ blues guys, Jimmie Vaughan ( I owned a '98 2-Tone JV Strat, stolen 2001), Ronnie Wood, Jerry Garcia,
We're getting to know each other right this minute!

Maybe up the road, the ( early '60's) Squier CV Tele Custom!
( Sunburst, w/RW board, binding)

- but not for a whie!

 

[Jazzcaster21]

The two guitars have different neck shapes, which is what you're feeling. Fender just calls the Classic Vibe a "C shape" neck; the ones I've picked up the shape has been kind of slim, and it's 1.650" nut width. The American Pro II has the "Modern Deep C" neck that's going to be a little thicker ("Deep C" is kind of a misnomer - it starts out the same as the necks on Player, Player II, Player Plus and American Performers but gets a little thicker than them at the 12th fret - but it's a fuller C shape with more shoulder) and it's 1.685" wide at the nut.

I suspect that you just like the narrower nut width and slightly thinner shape of the Classic Vibe's neck compared to the American Pro II's neck. And it really doesn't matter what the price is - you like the neck you like, and if it's on a less expensive model then you're ahead financially.

I went through this process when I bought my Tele in 2021 at Black Friday time - I played everything and the neck that felt the best was the American Performer Tele. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive model either.

Interesting. I have big hands too but for some reason the C shape feels better even though it’s slightly smaller than the Pro II.
Thanks for info.

 

[Jazzcaster21]

The two guitars have different neck shapes, which is what you're feeling. Fender just calls the Classic Vibe a "C shape" neck; the ones I've picked up the shape has been kind of slim, and it's 1.650" nut width. The American Pro II has the "Modern Deep C" neck that's going to be a little thicker ("Deep C" is kind of a misnomer - it starts out the same as the necks on Player, Player II, Player Plus and American Performers but gets a little thicker than them at the 12th fret - but it's a fuller C shape with more shoulder) and it's 1.685" wide at the nut.

I suspect that you just like the narrower nut width and slightly thinner shape of the Classic Vibe's neck compared to the American Pro II's neck. And it really doesn't matter what the price is - you like the neck you like, and if it's on a less expensive model then you're ahead financially.

I went through this process when I bought my Tele in 2021 at Black Friday time - I played everything and the neck that felt the best was the American Performer Tele. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive model either.

This may be a dumb question but, is the difference between the neck widths of the two guitars also the reason why it feels easier to bend on the Classic Vibe, vs. the AP II?

 

[Minivan Megafun]

I'm not 100% sure about the AmPros, but I do know that the American Standard that preceded it also had a slightly wider fretboard at the nut than vintage spec. If the AmPro continued that trend that also factors into the feel as well.

 

[MelodicBend]

Different:
Measurements, woods, finishes, guts, hardware, +++.

Same:
Parent company, model.

Some of us feel like we score big time with a model in the budget range and are happier with it than another player is with his/her guitar. Cool.

Some of us don't get along with the mass market specs and measurements and are too particular. For example, high gloss and narrow fretboards render me completely incompatible with most Fender and Squier guitars. The Telecaster is my number 1 all time favorite guitar but reality kicks in quickly in that there is a very small number of them that I can play effectively. I'd also rather buy one "forever" guitar than multiple guitars that might need hardware swaps, pickup changes, a refinish, or have quirky (to me) measurements. I am very double jointed and have long wide tipped fingers.

Unfortunately for my wallet, that's an American Pro series or a custom build for me. I wasted plenty of money and playing years with bad fitting and sounding guitars. I wish I invested properly early on and had a more meaningful guitar experience. Oh well.

TLDR version: good for you people who get away with playing guitars off the rack. I, for one, have to ask a pompous and uncooperative guitar store employee to unlock the more expensive and specialized models for me to demo and pay for when the time comes.

 

[Grandfunkfan]

I have both and I they get about equal playing time. The c.v. has a unique tone that I like for Stones stuff and looser raunchy medium drive tones and the pro 2 is more for cleans and hard rock. The pro 2 is more versatile but the c.v. is just as good but definitely has it's own thing.

 

[Wrighty]

The two guitars have different neck shapes, which is what you're feeling. Fender just calls the Classic Vibe a "C shape" neck; the ones I've picked up the shape has been kind of slim, and it's 1.650" nut width. The American Pro II has the "Modern Deep C" neck that's going to be a little thicker ("Deep C" is kind of a misnomer - it starts out the same as the necks on Player, Player II, Player Plus and American Performers but gets a little thicker than them at the 12th fret - but it's a fuller C shape with more shoulder) and it's 1.685" wide at the nut.

I suspect that you just like the narrower nut width and slightly thinner shape of the Classic Vibe's neck compared to the American Pro II's neck. And it really doesn't matter what the price is - you like the neck you like, and if it's on a less expensive model then you're ahead financially.

I went through this process when I bought my Tele in 2021 at Black Friday time - I played everything and the neck that felt the best was the American Performer Tele. Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive model either.

Now, set me pondering once more. I have two AmPro ll’s and love the necks. Been considering a Nashville for some time and am getting getting near to visiting my local shop to buy. I now have doubts about the neck being a modern C rather than a deep C.
The mod shop could do me an AmPro Nashville with a deep C but it’d be just over twice the price.
Guess I’ll have to try a MIM one in the shop, possibly taking one of my AmPros along so that the GAS doesn’t kick in whilst holding a new guitar with the money in my pocket!

 

[John C]

Now, set me pondering once more. I have two AmPro ll’s and love the necks. Been considering a Nashville for some time and am getting getting near to visiting my local shop to buy. I now have doubts about the neck being a modern C rather than a deep C.
The mod shop could do me an AmPro Nashville with a deep C but it’d be just over twice the price.
Guess I’ll have to try a MIM one in the shop, possibly taking one of my AmPros along so that the GAS doesn’t kick in whilst holding a new guitar with the money in my pocket!

The AmPro II bodies are routed for a middle pickup (they are routed for a neck humbucker/middle single coil/bridge single coil) so if you don't like the MIM either just mod one of your 2 AmPro IIs or find a 3rd one to mod. Don't spend the money on a Custom Shop if all you're wanting is an AmPro II with a Nashville configuration.

 

[Wrighty]

The AmPro II bodies are routed for a middle pickup (they are routed for a neck humbucker/middl single coil and a bridge single coil) so if you don't like the MIM either just mod one of your 2 AmPro IIs or find a 3rd one to mod. Don't spend the money on a Custom Shop if all you're wanting is an AmPro II with a Nashville configuration.

Sound advice.................well worth considering, thanks