Originally published 10 July 2024. Updated 13 October 2026. Product specifications, prices and availability may change; check the exact current listing.
Fender announced Player II on 9 July 2024, refreshing the Player family introduced in 2018. This article looks back at that launch and the changes players were being offered, rather than presenting it as a new release today.
Rosewood and rolled edges
Rosewood returned as a fingerboard option alongside maple. Rolled fingerboard edges and satin-finished Modern “C” necks were central parts of the update. The Player II Stratocaster and Telecaster specifications include a 9.5-inch radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets; the bass models have their own specifications, including 20-fret fingerboards.
Models in the 2024 family
The launch covered Stratocaster and HSS Stratocaster, Telecaster and HH Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Jaguar and Mustang guitars, plus Precision, Jazz and Mustang basses. Left-handed Stratocaster and Telecaster models were also listed. Pickup layouts, bridges and controls differ between these instruments.
Hardware and body choices
ClassicGear tuners appeared on the guitar models, while the offset models received model-specific bridge changes. The Stratocaster retained a two-point tremolo; the standard Telecaster used a six-saddle bridge. These are useful details to compare on the exact guitar, rather than assuming the entire family has identical hardware.
Standard alder bodies remained part of the range. Fender also announced selected chambered ash and chambered mahogany Stratocaster and Telecaster options, scheduled for October 2024. Chambering is an option on particular models, not a feature of every Player II instrument.
Archive-inspired colours
The launch highlighted Coral Red, Aquatone Blue, Hialeah Yellow and Birch Green, alongside familiar Fender finishes. Colour and fingerboard combinations vary by model.
Compare the exact listing
Examples retained from the original article include the Black maple-board Stratocaster, Coral Red rosewood-board Stratocaster, Aquatone Blue maple-board Stratocaster and Coral Red Telecaster.
Check the pickup configuration, body material, handedness and included accessories on the individual product. Contact Guitar World for current availability or help comparing models.
Sources: Fender 2024 announcement; Player II Stratocaster specifications; Player II Telecaster specifications.