Parallel Universe Vol. II Uptown Strat Mahogany Neck Electric Guitar

The Uptown Strat is an unusual but highly usable guitar in the Fender Parallel Universe. Part of Fender’s Vol. II collection, the Uptown sports a mahogany body, two advanced humbuckers and dual volume and tone knobs. White pearloid block inlays and a Cabronita-style pickguard make it clear that this in no ordinary Fender. If you want vintage style with upgraded electronics in one do-it-all guitar, the Parallel Universe Vol. II Uptown Strat might be calling your name.

Humbuckers add versatility to the Uptown Strat

A pair of Double-Tap humbuckers are the heart of this Strat. Expressive, musical and dynamic, they are capable of both full-throated humbucking and single-coil voices. An S-1 switch activates the coil-split, but bumps up the output. Dual volume and tone controls will give you even more control of your sound. The 3-position pickup toggle sits high on the upper horn. 

The Uptown gets a mahogany body

Fender chose mahogany for this slab body, a wood with an even and balance tone—it’s a great foundation for the pickups. The Uptown Strat will age well thanks to its old-school gloss nitro-finish. 

A solid neck for a solid foundation

The Uptown Strat has a neck made from a single piece of mahogany, a style that goes back to the earliest electrics. The profile is a ’60s C-shape. We’ve found that the Uptown’s maple fretboard gives a little extra snap, more so when we skip the pick and go fingerstyle. Inlays are white pearloid blocks.

Other signature features

Fender ClassicGear tuners look vintage, but have a high gear ratio for more precise tuning. Knurled flat-top knobs keep up the vintage vibe. 

This Strat is a standout

We think every player needs a Strat in their arsenal. If you’re not there yet, the unique features of the Uptown might just make you a convert. The Fender Parallel Universe Vol. II Uptown Strat comes with a certificate of authenticity and a Surf Green deluxe hardshell case.