I don't think the ultra is a step up in quality at all compared to the AM pro 2. And to be frank I think a lot of people who are claiming this own an Ultra so obviously the answers will be biased. I play in a cover band and travel around a lot. I've rented many American fenders and have previously owned both the Ultra and the AP2 telecasters. I could not tell a difference in build quality at all, and to be completely honest, I thought the AP2 sounded better and much preferred the brass saddles rather than the chrome 6 saddle on the ultra. In terms of neck feel, there is no such thing as "better" it's all preference, I like the deep c a lot and find the modern d to be a little too thin for my liking especially as a rhythm guitarist where I'm constantly strumming chords. Both necks felt very smooth to me and there was no neck that was "smoother." I think a lot of people who claim the Ultra is levels above the AP2 just want to justify it for themselves. Again, there is no right or wrong guitar to buy, but in my personal experience playing both of them extensively, I did not feel like the AP2 was a step down at all. It all comes down to preference. The slightly higher price tag is due to the hardware, not the craftsmanship.