Since the early ‘90s, the Fender Mexico Ensenada factory has been putting affordably priced, high-quality professional electric guitars and basses into the hands of the many.
For over 15 years, the famed Mexican Standard series was the entry point into Fender’s professional line of instruments. In 2018 the series was relaunched as the Fender Player Series. Upgraded components and electronics made these models Fender’s best value-for-money stage and studio-ready instruments. With the range being revamped in 2024 and the launch of Player II Modified in 2025, we ask… What’s New with Fender Player II? and What’s the difference between Player II and Fender Player II Modified?
Fender Player vs. Player II – What’s the same?
- Modern C neck profile
- Medium Jumbo Frets
- Synthetic bone nut
- F-Logo neck plate
- 9.5” radius fingerboard
- Gloss poly body finish
- Satin on the back of the neck, gloss on the front
Whenever taking one of a brand’s most popular ranges back to the drawing board it is important to first reflect on everything that went right with the original. The Fender Modern C neck profile has become one of their most popular and loved neck shapes. A perfect balance of a neck that still has enough wood to make even the most devoted lovers of big vintage-style necks feel at home, yet, still thin enough to feel ergonomic and fast. Partnered with the effortless feeling of satin-finished necks, the original Player Series guitars and basses were an instant hit. The Medium Jumbo frets, 9.5″ fingerboard radius, gloss headstock faces and upgraded Alnico V pickups were another big win for the range.
Fender Player vs. Player II – What’s changed?
- Return of Rosewood
- Rolled fingerboard edges
- Revised Alnico pickups
- ClassicGear (vintage-styled) tuners
- New Colours
- Choice of Alder, Chambered Ash and Chambered Mahogany on some Strat and Tele models
- Upgraded Mustang saddles on Jazzmaster and Jaguar guitars
The Fender Player II elevates the line to the next level! Taking inspiration from the previous Player Plus models, every Player II guitar and bass now features a rolled fingerboard edge. A premium feature that’s often found on instruments way above this price bracket. The rolled edges provide unrivalled fretting hand comfort with an unparalleled professional feel. Each neck has that wonderful worn-in feel, straight out of the box.
Another exciting feature in the Player II range is the return of Rosewood fingerboards. After a long absence from Fender’s Mexican-made instruments, Fender is pleased to once again offer the classic feel and sound of a Slab Rosewood fingerboard to the range. Found on many of Fender’s most esteemed models, it is known for its harmonically rich warm tone.
For the first time ever Fender has also included chambered Ash and Mahogany bodies as part of the Strat and Tele line. Available only to some finish options, these variant body materials take inspiration from some of Fender’s historic models and offer a slight twist to Fender’s standard tonal pallet.
In addition, the Player II guitars and basses come available in a fresh batch of never-seen colours from the achieves as well as many of the classic Fender colour choices. The electric guitars also come with upgraded ClassicGear vintage-style small button tuners. Providing optimum tuning stability and classic looks these tuners are a noteworthy upgrade.
Fender Player II vs. Player II Modified – What’s Modified?
- Noiseless pickups
- Modern wiring and electronics
- Upgraded hardware, including locking tuners on many models
- TUSQ nuts
- Even more colours!
- Included Fender gig bag
The Fender Player II Modified series takes care of all the most common modifications that performing players usually have done to their prized workhorse Fender guitars and basses, so you don’t have to! Featuring a whole plethora of though-out upgrades, the Player II Modified lineup offers even more tonal options and versatility than ever before as well as increased tuning stability and reliability thank to their locking tuners, upgraded hardware and TUSQ nuts.
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