Fender has introduced a new generation of its Player series of successful mid-price electric guitars.
Simply called the Player II series, the series aims to improve on all the features that made the series first introduced six years ago so successful. It does so by improving specifications and materials, offering new color combinations and providing additional options for chambered cases.
The product is tailored to guitarists who want to “take the next step in their musical journey” and hopes to set “a new standard for quality and performance in the mid-price segment” by further developing its winning formula.
As the entry-level guitar market grew in choice and premium guitars began to attract long-time players, Fender realized that the middle ground between these product lines was being neglected and filled this gap with the Player Series.
The Player Plus series, which offered modern versions of the original Player builds, was released in 2021 – the Player II series may soon be similar.
Three features – modern C-profile necks, 9.5-inch radius fingerboards, and medium-jumbo frets – remain key components of these designs, with maple and rosewood – formerly pau ferro and maple – fingerboards now also offered.
The reintroduction of rosewood boards, according to Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at Fender, “is a restoration of the ‘original Fender recipe’ and will no doubt be well received by fans.”
The fingerboard edges have now been rounded for a broken-in feel, while improved parchment- and plastic-free bridges and ClassicGear tuners – instead of molded and sealed tuners – offer improved hardware.
There is nothing new on the pickups, the Player Series Alnico V pickups are back after impressing the first time around. guitar player A review of a first-generation Player Strat credited it with “guts and sustain” in equal measure, adding that “this guitar and a high-gain amp are really all you need to handle a lot of gigging.”
The production models are also available in four never-before-released vintage color combinations: Coral Red, Aquatone Blue, Hialeah Yellow and Birch Green. These paint finishes are inspired by classic car colors of the ’50s and ’60s, with aged white pickups adding additional nuances of vintage chic.
“We listened to feedback from musicians around the world and took their insights into account,” says Norvell.
“The Player II series is not just an upgrade, but a detailed reinterpretation of our core silhouettes that underscores our commitment to quality and the continuous improvement of our instruments.”
The range includes SSS ($799) and HSS ($829) Stratocaster models, the former also available for left-handers.
There are SS ($799) and HH Telecaster ($829) options, with the pure single-coil model for left-handers also available.
Also available are Jazzmaster, Jaguar (both $829) and Mustang ($799) body styles, featuring Alnico V Single-Coil Jazzmaster, Alnico V, Alnico II Single-Coil Jaguar and Alnico V Single-Coil Mustang pickups.
Bassists can choose between Precision, Jazz and Mustang shapes, all of which cost $799.
New chambered ash and mahogany body options for the Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster models will be available in October.
Visit Fender to learn more about the Player II series.
