Since its debut in 2018, Fender’s Player series has rapidly become one of the brand’s best-sellers, even surpassing its prestigious American-made counterparts in popularity. So, it’s good news for everyone that it’s just got even better. Introducing… the new and improved Player II series.
While this update may not revolutionise the lineup, it introduces a slew of enhancements that elevate the Player series from a solid entry point into the Fender family to a genuine workhorse for stage-ready professionals. From subtle hardware tweaks to notable appointment upgrades, let’s dive into what makes the Player II an essential pick for today’s musicians.
In this Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster review, we take a close look at the new guitars, compare them to their Player I predecessors, and explore what these revamped classics offer.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
There’s a lot to love about this new line of Fender classics. With virtually no change in price and a slew of upgrades to boot (including the return of rosewood fretboards!), the Player II is an obvious choice for any musician seeking classic Fender feel and vibe, without venturing north of £1000.
On the downside, the colour range isn’t the most spectacular, with some of the new hues sharply dividing opinion in the office. That said, there’s still the stalwart finishes like 3-colour sunburst and solid black to appease anyone who’s not fond of the pastel blend in the wider range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Addictive playing feel from a slinky Fender “C” shape neck with new rolled edges and a super slick satin finish | Some divisively drab colours that might not appeal to everyone |
| ClassicGear tuners brought over from the American Performer series add to that authentic Fender vibe | No included gig bag… but that’s pretty much standard for most Fender corp instruments below the American level |
| Rosewood boards in place of the old pau ferro complete the premium design |
Player II vs. Player I specifications
| Player II | Player I | |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Alder/Chambered Ash/Chambered Mahogany | Alder |
| Pickups | Fender Alnico Player Series | Fender Alnico Player Series |
| Bridge | 2-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles/6-saddle string-through-body Tele with block steel saddles | 2-point synchronised tremolo with bent steel saddles/6-saddle string-through-body Tele with block steel saddles |
| Neck | Maple “C” shape with rolled edges and a 9.5” radius | Maple “C” shape with a 9.5” radius |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood/maple | Pau ferro/maple |
| Tuning Machines | Fender ClassicGear | Standard cast sealed tuners |
Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster review
Construction and hardware
From a first glance at the specs, it’s quite apparent there are a few upgrades off the bat. Rolled fingerboard edges, ClassicGear tuners, new paint colours, and the choice of premium chambered ash or mahogany models add up to a hefty improvement package, and the upgrade is noticeable in the hold and playability of both the Strat and Tele.
Typically for any Fender-badged instrument, the build quality is solid, presentable, and professionally set up. I’ve seen comments about minor quality control issues in other reviews, a problem that hasn’t affected our Strat or Tele review models. The only niggling remark I could make is the unsightly residue of glue on the Strat’s nut, but that’s easily scraped off.
Regarding the tonewoods, the Player II’s most significant change is the option of chambered swamp ash and mahogany models. Both of which are more premium woods – just with chunks cut out of them for a lighter and nimbler feel. This could be a key selling point for anybody who dislikes weightier instruments, as the Strat and Tele models aren’t exactly light!
Playability
This is where the Player II really distinguishes itself. Fender is making a big song and dance about the rolled fingerboard edges on the Player II, and rightly so, because on both the Tele and Strat the playability is dreamy.
Rolled edge fingerboards
As a fan of Hendrix-style thumb over chords, I found the slinky and slender “C” shape necks wonderfully easy to reach across. The satin finish on both necks is especially sleek and works well with the rolled edges to provide a feel that’s very similar to my American Pro Deluxe Strat.
It’s not a huge change, but it’s surprising how much of an impact such a small design tweak can have on the comfortability and flow of a neck – it’s a huge thumbs-up to include this as standard on their base models.
Weight
Both models are a bit heavier than you might first expect, particularly the Strat. It’s not super heavy, but if you’re making the leap to Fender from a Squier or other entry-level model, then the heft might be a surprise.
Feel
Classic contours and accurate design are what you can expect from any Fender, and it’s no different with the Player II series. Importantly, both the Strat and Tele have easy-to-reach upper frets and a comfortable low fret action.
Sound
It’s business as usual when it comes to the sound. Fender’s Player Series Alnico 5 pickups kick out a little more heat than some of their other standard ‘pups, but they still retain plenty of clarity and articulation for glassy cleans and chunky rhythms.
In comparison to the Player I, nothing has changed – they’re the same as before. But if you’re unfamiliar with the Player’s tones, here’s a quick summary: standard Fender charm, with a little extra output to give your amp a little extra push.
Plugging into my Fender SuperSonic valve amp, both the Strat and Tele produce the chime, cluck, and twang that are characteristic of the models. On the distortion channel, the Strat’s bridge pickup produces a satisfying squeal without becoming overly bright, while the Tele’s bridge boasts extra fatness that responds well to extra helpings of gain.
The middle position on the Strat draws out the balanced plucky tone that musicians love, with plenty of treble and mids to give each note extra definition. And the neck position of both guitars revealed the warm, lyrical sounds that make blues riffs sing and pack further depth into chords.
Moving from a pure analog test to modern digital, I hooked both instruments up to a Boss GX-100 modeller and ran them through various hi-gain amps and FX patches. Surprisingly, the Tele’s alnico 5 bridge position worked well on heavy metal patches, producing a satisfying punch that was neither harsh nor too bright – who said you needed humbuckers?!
Both the Tele and Strat’s pickups responded well to a variety of emulated FX, so you should feel encouraged that their alnico 5 output gives you enough leeway to explore multiple genres.
Overall performance
Taking everything into account, the Player II experience can be described as competent and entirely Fender-accurate. Which is to say, no matter which guitar ends up being your pick of the litter, it’ll perform how you like, and produce the tones and sounds you’d expect from such legendary models.
The alnico 5 pickups allow for plenty of room to try various genres. Personally, I preferred the Tele’s extra bite and response to hi-gain amps, but at the same time, I’m a sucker for tremolo bar vibratos.
The new rolled-edge fingerboards are highly appreciated, making every playing session that bit smoother, while ClassicGear tuners inject an extra dose of authenticity. Some might not like the Strat-style 6 saddle bridge on the Tele, but for every day use and intonation adjustment, it does make maintenance that much easier.
In short, you can expect any Player II guitar to stand up to repeated gigging, jamming, and recording sessions. They’re a breeze to work on and keep in ship shape, and more importantly, they’re a joy to play!
The history of Fender Player
Launched in 2018, the Player series bridged the gap between Squier and Fender. It replaced the longstanding Standard series, which had been in production since 1991 and had taken over from Fender’s budget guitars made in Japan.
After 27 years, the Standard series was due an overhaul. Fender revitalised their entry-level instruments with the Player series, necessitated by new CITES restrictions and the ageing Standard line. The CITES regulations, which included provisions on rosewood, led Fender to adopt pau ferro as an alternative.
Pau ferro offers many advantages – its tonal quality and feel are similar to rosewood, yet it’s far more sustainable and eco-friendlier. The series also saw the introduction of newly designed pickups with alnico magnets replacing ceramic ones and a two-pivot bridge with vintage-style saddles.
Recently, Fender reversed its decision on rosewood, now sourcing it from the Far East rather than South America, reintroducing a much-missed specification back to the Player series.
Want to see how the guitars work in practice? Get a closer look at the new Player II series via the video below:
FAQs
Which is better, a Fender Telecaster or a Fender Stratocaster?
Choosing between a Fender Telecaster and a Stratocaster depends on your style. The Telecaster offers a crisp, twangy sound ideal for country and rock, while the Stratocaster’s versatile tone suits rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the Fender Player Telecaster good for beginners?
The Fender Player Telecaster is excellent for beginners. It provides superb build quality, comfortable playability, and versatile tones that foster learning and creativity, making it a great first guitar.
Does a Telecaster sound like a Stratocaster?
The Telecaster does not sound exactly like a Stratocaster. While there are similarities between the two, the Telecaster’s single-coil pickups typically have a beefier output at the bridge and a sharper twang and cluck.
Final thoughts
After dissecting every nut, bolt, and fret in this Fender Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster review, it’s clear that the series makes a compelling case for anyone in the market for a quality guitar that won’t require a second mortgage. Whether it’s the revamped classic Strat or the robust Tele, these guitars don’t just mimic their forebears; they refine what a mid-tier Fender can be.
Both the Stratocaster and Telecaster from the Player II line maintain the iconic Fender sound while enhancing playability and comfort, making them suitable for long gigs or intense studio sessions. The thoughtful updates, like the return of rosewood, and the ClassicGear tuners, add a touch of vintage class without sacrificing modern demands.
Ultimately, the choice between the Strat and the Tele will come down to personal preference and playing style, but it’s clear that both models uphold the Fender tradition of excellence and innovation. Whether you’re shredding through a solo or laying down rhythm, the Player II series proves that you don’t have to go all-in on an American model to get a stellar Fender experience.
After something from Fender’s entry-level line? Check out our thoughts on the Squier Stratocaster. Or if you want some new gear for your setup, take a look at our reviews of the HeadRush PRIME and the Fender Tone Master Pro.
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