2023 Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster – Rosewood Fingerboard – 2-Color Sunburst

A particularly fine 2023 Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster, finished in the classic and very classy 2-Color Sunburst with a rosewood fingerboard and maple neck.

We think this is Fender responding directly to the success of instruments from makers such as Suhr and Tom Anderson — particularly in terms of playability, tonal variation and, importantly, build quality. The Ultra Luxe takes the familiar Stratocaster concept and develops it into a thoroughly modern professional instrument, while retaining the essential character that makes a Stratocaster what it is.

This is an excellent example, both cosmetically and mechanically, with an exceptional playing setup. The frets show no discernible wear and the guitar has the feel of an instrument that has been very well cared for. At 8.55 lb, it has a reassuringly substantial feel without becoming unwieldy, and the ash body has a particularly attractive grain which shows beautifully through the translucent sunburst finish.

The attention to detail throughout is excellent, from the sculpted body contours and rolled fingerboard edges to the refined neck profile, locking tuners and advanced electronics. It is a guitar that feels designed around the needs of the player rather than simply being an update to the traditional specification.

2023 Factory Specification

Ash body with sculpted rear contours
Maple neck with Ultra satin urethane finish
Rosewood fingerboard
Modern “D” neck profile
10"–14" compound-radius fingerboard
22 medium-jumbo frets
25.5" scale length
1.685" / 42.8 mm nut width
TUSQ nut
Three Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat single-coil pickups
Master Volume with S-1 switch
Tone 1 for neck and middle pickups
Tone 2 for bridge pickup
5-way pickup selector
2-point Deluxe Synchronized Tremolo with pop-in arm
Deluxe cast/sealed locking tuning machines
Nickel/chrome hardware
3-ply pickguard
2-Color Sunburst gloss urethane finish

The Ultra Luxe specification was developed very much with the modern professional guitarist in mind, combining the familiar Fender voice with a more contemporary playing platform. The 10"–14" compound radius and carefully shaped neck make the guitar particularly comfortable for both rhythm work and more demanding lead playing, while the rolled fingerboard edges give it a naturally broken-in feel.

Tone

The three Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups retain the clarity and character associated with a good Stratocaster while offering a notably quiet playing experience. The neck pickup has that rounded, articulate Fender quality that works beautifully for clean chords, blues and expressive lead work; the middle position is clear and balanced, while the bridge has the cut and presence needed to remain articulate when driven.

The S-1 switching adds further flexibility without making the guitar complicated. There is plenty of sparkle and harmonic detail when played clean, while the pickups respond extremely well to overdrive, retaining definition and separation rather than becoming congested. It is a broad, highly usable tonal palette rather than a collection of gimmicks.

This is a Stratocaster for the player who wants the familiar Fender voice but requires modern levels of playability, tuning stability, low-noise performance and consistency. The combination of refined construction, flexible electronics and excellent fretwork makes it equally at home in a professional studio, on stage or in the hands of a serious enthusiast who simply wants a Stratocaster capable of doing everything exceptionally well.

At 8.55 lb, with an exceptional setup and essentially unworn frets, this is a particularly attractive example of Fender’s Ultra Luxe approach to the Stratocaster.

Sold with its original Fender hard-shell case, suitable for serious gigging and touring.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Fender American Ultra Luxe Stratocaster Rosewood Fretboard 2023 2-Color Sunburst