The Fender Player Series has been a game-changer in the world of affordable electric guitars and basses since its introduction in 2018. Now, Fender is taking this high-quality and beloved lineup to new heights with the all-new Player II Series. This latest iteration promises to deliver even more value, versatility, and tonal excellence to musicians across the world.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll dive deep into the exciting features and updates that define the brand-new Fender Player II Series. Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist looking for a reliable backup or just starting your musical journey, this guide will tell you all you need to know about this amazing new series.
What’s New in the Fender Player II Series?
Love the old Player Series? The Fender Player II Series takes that solid foundation and builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Player Series, while introducing several key upgrades and enhancements. Here’s a quick overview of the most notable changes:
Classic Fingerboards: After a brief hiatus, Fender has brought back the classic feel and tone of rosewood fingerboards to the Player II Series. This storied wood option adds a warm, harmonically rich character to the guitars and basses. Maple fingerboards are also available for players who prefer classic fifties specs.
Rolled Fingerboard Edges: Each Player II instrument features a rolled fingerboard edge, a premium feature typically found on higher-end guitars. This detail provides unparalleled comfort and a professional-grade feel for your fretting hand.
Revised Alnico Pickups & Electronics: The Player II Series boasts updated Alnico pickups, delivering a refined and enhanced tonal performance compared to the original Player Series.
ClassicGear Tuners: Vintage-inspired ClassicGear tuners have been added to the Player II guitars – providing improved tuning stability and classic aesthetics.
Select Hardware Updates: The Jazzmaster and Jaguar bridges are now fitted with genuine Mustang saddles.
Expanded Body Wood Options: In addition to standard alder tonewoods, the Player II Series now offers ash and mahogany body options for select models – adding more tonal versatility to the lineup.
Fresh Finishes: Fender has introduced a range of brand-new, eye-catching finishes to the Player II Series. These colourways include Hialeah Yellow, Aquatone Blue, Birch Green, and Coral Red.
Vintage White: Select Player II models include aged-white plastics – a cosmetic touch that evokes the look of their vintage counterparts. It’s mojo personified!
Fender Player II Series: All New Models Explained
Now that we’ve covered the key updates, let’s take a closer look at the individual models in the Fender Player II Series:
Fender Player II Stratocaster
The iconic Stratocaster returns in the Player II Series, offering the classic tone and feel that has made it a staple in the hands of guitarists worldwide. Available in both single-coil (SSS) and humbucking (HSS) configurations, the Player II Stratocaster features the signature Fender sound with modern upgrades.
- Choice of alder, chambered ash, or chambered mahogany bodies in classic and new finishes from the Fender archives
- Alnico II humbucker (HSS) and Alnico V single-coils for a wide tonal palette.
- 5-way blade switch, dual tone controls, and master volume offer robust tone-shaping capabilities.
- Modern “C” neck profile, 9.5″ fingerboard radius, and rolled edges maximise speed, comfort, and expressiveness.
- A 2-point synchronised tremolo system with bent steel saddles enables dynamic vibrato and swells.
Fender Player II Telecaster
The Telecaster, known for its versatile tone and timeless design, has been reimagined in the Player II Series. These models retain the Tele’s signature twang and bite, while sporting multiple enhancements for a truly contemporary playing experience.
- Choice of alder, chambered ash, or chambered mahogany bodies in classic and new finishes from the Fender archives.
- Modern “C” neck profile with silky satin urethane finish for fast, fluid playability.
- 9.5″ radius slab rosewood or maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets.
- Player Series Alnico V single-coil Tele pickups deliver crystalline highs, musical mids, and tight lows.
- 6-saddle string-through-body Tele bridge with block steel saddles and ClassicGear tuners ensure precise tuning stability.
Fender Player II Jazzmaster
The Player II Jazzmaster brings the offset body style and unique switching system of this iconic guitar to a more affordable price point. With its upgraded features, the Player II Jazzmaster offers a fresh take on a classic design.
- Contoured alder body with a vintage-style floating tremolo unit repositioned for improved stability and sustain
- Maple neck with a fast-playing Modern “C” profile and slab rosewood fingerboard with comfortable rolled edges
- New Player Series Alnico V Jazzmaster single-coil pickups offering chiming highs, firm lows, and a sharp, snappy attack
- Simplified electronics with a 3-way switch and tone/volume controls for straightforward tone-shaping
- Fender ClassicGear tuning machines with vintage-style slot-in operation for reliable tuning stability
Fender Player II Jaguar
The Player II Jaguar follows suit, delivering the distinctive offset body and specialized controls of the original in a more accessible package. This offset caters to players seeking the Jaguar’s distinctive tone and unique playability.
- Offset alder body with a rosewood fingerboard and modern “C”-shaped maple neck for comfort and control.
- New Alnico V bridge and Alnico II neck pickups offer a dynamic tonal range suitable for various genres.
- Simplified with a 3-way pickup selector and master controls, allowing for quick adjustments during performances.
- Shorter 24-inch scale enhances playability, making it easier for smaller players to navigate.
- Equipped with Jaguar bridge with upgraded Mustang saddles + vintage-style “Floating” tremolo tailpiece for sonic exploration with advanced tuning stability.
Fender Player II Mustang
The Fender Player II Mustang is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic short-scale guitar that is a cult favourite among alternative and indie-rock musicians. With its compact size and unique tonal character, the Player II Mustang is a versatile option for guitarists who prefer charting their own path.
- Slim slab alder body paired with a 6-saddle hardtail bridge for stability and enhanced sustain.
- Shorter 24-inch scale length for a snappier attack and easier playability.
- Two Player series Alnico V single-coil pickups offer a balanced tone with jangly highs and firm bass, perfect for grunge and indie rock.
- Modern “C” neck profile with a 9.5-inch radius and medium-jumbo frets for comfortable playability and quick access across the fretboard.
- Equipped with Fender ClassicGear tuners, ensuring reliable tuning and performance on stage.
Fender Player II Precision Bass
The Fender Player II Precision Bass is a modern take on the iconic P Bass, offering the classic sound and playability that has made it a staple in the world of bass guitars. This model combines the series’ upgrades with the timeless Precision Bass design for an instrument that will bring the thump to your world.
- Alder body with comfortable contours paired with a maple neck featuring a Modern “C” profile for smooth playability.
- Rosewood or maple fingerboard with a 9.5-inch radius and 20 frets for fast and fluid playing.
- Player series Alnico V split single-coil Precision Bass pickup provides the iconic punchy tone with sweet highs and musical mids.
- Synthetic bone nut and adjustable 4-saddle standard bridge with single groove steel barrel saddles for reliable intonation and open-gear tuners for precise tuning.
- Master volume and tone knobs for precise tone sculpting.
Fender Player II Jazz Bass
The Player II Jazz Bass brings the versatility and smooth playability of this legendary bass to a more affordable price point. With its updated features, the Player II Jazz Bass is a compelling choice for bassists seeking a professional-grade instrument that is ready to hold down the low end in any musical setting.
- Contoured alder body and Modern “C”-shaped maple neck for comfort and control.
- Rosewood or maple fingerboard with a 9.5-inch radius and 20 frets for fast and fluid playing.
- Dual Player series Alnico V single-coil Jazz Bass pickups provide the iconic J Bass tone with a modern twist.
- Per-pickup volume knobs and master tone control for precise tone sculpting.
- Open-gear tuners, vintage-style disc string tree, synthetic bone nut, and 4-saddle standard bridge for reliable performance.
Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ
Not a fan of convention? The Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ is a rebel that charts its own course. Taking the best from both Precision and Jazz Basses, this feisty offset bass delivers a versatile range of tones, from sweet highs to growling mids and seismic lows.
- Alder body available in timeless Fender finishes and new colours unearthed from the archives.
- Modern “C”-profile neck with silky satin urethane finish for fast, fluid playability.
- 9.5″-radius maple or rosewood fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and medium jumbo frets.
- Player Series Alnico V Split-Coil P Bass® and Single-Coil J Bass® pickups for versatile tone.
- Adjustable 4-saddle bridge, single-groove steel saddles, and open-gear tuners for precise intonation and rock-solid tuning stability.
The Fender Player II Series represents a significant evolution in the brand’s lineup of affordable, high-quality electric guitars and basses. With a host of upgrades and enhancements, this new series promises to deliver an unparalleled playing experience and tonal versatility to musicians across the globe.
Explore the Fender Player II Series at Swee Lee today and discover the perfect instrument for your musical journey. With its blend of timeless Fender design and modern features, this series is the definitive new standard in affordable, professional-grade instruments.
