On Tuesday, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) announced the launch of the American Professional Classic, "the newest evolution in Fender’s modern classic American Professional series and the embodiment of the brand’s legacy as the definitive leader in electric guitars. 'Tested. Trusted. Night After Night.' this series is built for players who demand reliability, versatility and performance at the highest level. From first gigs in garages to global festival stages, across every genre and generation, the American Professional Classic delivers timeless Fender tone, precision craftsmanship and modern refinements that make it a trusted instrument for musicians everywhere."
"Rooted in Fender’s heritage of American innovation, the American Professional Classic combines durability, adaptability and uncompromising playability," they said in a statement. "Its enhanced neck profile, all-new Coastline pickups, and upgraded hardware make it as comfortable to play in the studio as it is on tour, while classic finishes and bold color options ensure it looks as good as it sounds. Whether for seasoned professionals, emerging artists, or players exploring new sounds, this guitar is engineered to support creative expression, inspire performance and deliver consistency on every stage."
“The American Professional Classic is all about delivering a great playing experience,” said Max Gutnik, Chief Product Officer at FMIC. “We focused on every detail: from the all-new Coastline pickups, which offer clear, punchy tone across every register, to the Modern-‘C’ neck with rolled fingerboard edges that feels comfortably broken-in from day one. We combined vintage-inspired finishes and hardware with thoughtful upgrades like staggered ClassicGear™ tuners, Mustang saddles on the offsets, and slotted Telecaster barrel saddles. The result is a guitar that’s easy to play, sounds incredible and adapts to any style or stage.”
"Music today is experiencing a powerful guitar-driven resurgence, with a new generation of artists bringing raw, garage-band energy onto the world’s biggest stages," they said. "Turnstile is one of the bands leading the charge, packing arenas with their genre-blurring sound and DIY ethos, while emerging musicians like Fleshwater and Horsegirl, who are both part of the Fender Next roster, embody that same spirit of rawness and edge. At the same time, fellow Fender Next artists Balu Brigada and DARUMAS showcase the artistic highs that define Pop Music in 2025 - trading riffs, building songs together, and sharing the joy of collective creativity. Across genres and styles, these artists and their fans are fueling a cultural moment where the guitar is further cemented as the heartbeat of live music."
"The American Pro Classic was built for this moment, offering the sonic versatility to meet the demands of today’s artists, with its fearless spirit embodied by Turnstile, the Baltimore hardcore band fronting the campaign. Known for their explosive live shows and genre-defying sound, Turnstile showcases how the guitar empowers musicians to create boldly and connect deeply with fans. Yet the American Pro Classic’s appeal extends far beyond one band or one genre; it reinforces Fender’s role as a unifying force in music, delivering inspiration for artists everywhere."
“When you're in a different place constantly, sometimes the most familiar thing is the guitar that you bring every single night,” said Pat McCrory from Turnstile. “We look for something that sounds the same every time, sounds exactly how you want it, but also has versatility because spaces change. Sometimes you play outside, sometimes it sounds different, sometimes you play inside or there's noise lighting. Having some durability but flexibility is very important.”
Key upgrades (directly from Fender) include:
- All-New Coastline Pickups – slightly overwound Pure Vintage recipes and are engineered for clarity, punch, and dynamic expression, delivering Fender’s signature warmth and bite across every register, from subtle nuances to soaring leads.
- Enhanced Neck Profile – a comfortable Modern-‘C’ shape with rolled fingerboard edges designed for speed, fluidity, and long-playing comfort, adapting seamlessly to any style or technique.
- Upgraded Hardware & Tuning Stability – premium components including upgraded vintage bridges and precision ClassicGear™ tuning machines, ensure rock-solid tuning on stage and studio reliability for recording sessions.
- Classic Finishes in Bold Colors – a curated selection of timeless Fender finishes reimagined for modern players, combining iconic aesthetic appeal with fresh, vibrant options for the next generation of guitarists.
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