The Player II Series: A Detailed Re-Imagining by Fender

Introduction

The Player range is Fender's best-selling collection of all time. Now, it's been refreshed with previously unreleased finishes from the archives and some highly sought-after updates. Fender has lifted the curtain on its long-awaited Player II range – an upgraded collection of electric guitars and bass guitars that takes the firm’s wildly popular Player family to new heights. Check out the full product range here.

A Look Back

The flagship Player lineup arrived in 2018 and has become one of the most beloved guitar lineups of the 21st century. Over the past six years, it has developed into Fender’s best-selling range of all time. These represent the most affordable Fender guitars, positioned as a bridge between entry-level Squiers and pricier Vintera II/American Performer families. Designed for musicians ready to take the next step in their creative journey, the Player range appeals to both aspiring and seasoned players for its ability to deliver genuine Fender-made guitars at a reasonable price.

What's New in the Player II Series

The Player family has been rebooted in the form of the all-new Player II, which introduces never-before-seen body options, previously unreleased finishes, and some sought-after spec upgrades at the request of players.

Included Models

The new lineup includes Stratocaster, HSS Stratocaster, Telecaster, Telecaster HH, Jazzmaster, Jaguar, and Mustang electrics, with left-handed versions of the first three. For basses, there is a Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, and Mustang Bass.

Fretboard Upgrades

The main update concerns the fretboard. Across the collection, rosewood has finally been restored to the lineup, replacing the pau ferro boards used on older Player guitars. This change alone is sure to please many players who were disappointed when Fender first switched to pau ferro. The new rosewood boards feature rolled fretboard edges for a smoother playing experience, offering a "broken-in feel".

Hardware Enhancements

Fender has also introduced “upgraded hardware” across the range, including improved Mustang saddles and ClassicGear tuners. These updates ensure greater tuning stability and a more reliable performance overall, making the Player II models more resilient and road-ready than ever before.

Chambered Body Options

For the first time, chambered body options are available for the Stratocaster and Telecaster models. These new designs, available in ash or mahogany, promise to be lighter in weight and provide a more resonant tonal warmth. The chambered bodies not only reduce the weight but also enhance the resonance and sustain, offering a richer and more vibrant tonal palette.

Vintage-Inspired Colorways

The updated collection includes never-released vintage colorways inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s car colors, pulled from the archives. These include Coral Red, Aquatone Blue, Hialeah Yellow, and Birch Green. These new finishes add a touch of retro flair to the modern designs, making each instrument a visual standout.

Maintaining the Player Precedent

Despite the comprehensive list of updates, the Player II range continues the Player precedent that made it so popular in the first place. Alder is used for the bodies (except for the chambered guitars), maple is used for the modern-C profile necks, and 22-fret, 9.5”-radius fingerboards are available in either maple or rosewood. Player Series pickups in a variety of configurations deliver a range of tones, with each model featuring its own tried-and-trusted control circuit.

Each guitar and bass in the Player II Series is equipped with Player Series pickups that provide the familiar Fender sound with enhanced clarity and versatility. Whether you're playing clean, crunchy, or fully overdriven tones, these pickups deliver the goods with precision and style.

The modern-C profile necks, coupled with 22-fret, 9.5”-radius fingerboards, offer exceptional playability and comfort. These necks are designed to accommodate a wide range of playing styles, from fast soloing to intricate chord work, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced players.

Expert Insights

“The Player II Series is not just an upgrade, it's a detailed re-imagining of our core silhouettes, highlighting our dedication to quality and the continuous refinement of our instruments,” comments Fender’s Justin Norvell. “We listened to the feedback from musicians around the world and incorporated their insights to refine and innovate our instruments.”

This commitment to listening to player feedback has resulted in a range that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today's musicians. By incorporating player-requested features and enhancements, Fender has ensured that the Player II Series remains at the forefront of modern guitar design.

A Significant Range Refresh

This launch represents Fender’s most significant range refresh in recent years. The accompanying launch video, featuring Julien Baker, DIIV, Wallows, and April Kae covering the Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night", underscores the company's excitement about these new updates. The video showcases the versatility and appeal of the new Player II models, highlighting their suitability for a wide range of musical genres and styles.

As musicians explore the new features and enhancements of the Player II Series, it's clear that Fender has once again set the bar high for quality, playability, and style. With its blend of vintage-inspired aesthetics and modern performance upgrades, the Player II Series is poised to become a new favorite among guitarists and bassists worldwide.