What body wood is used in this Stratocaster?

The guitar features an alder body. Alder is the traditional wood choice for Stratocasters, known for providing a balanced tone with good sustain.

What type of pickups are installed?

It is equipped with three Player Series Alnico V single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide clear highs, warm mids, and tight lows for an articulate sound.

What is the neck profile of the Player II Stratocaster?

The guitar has a 'Modern C' neck profile. This shape is designed to be fast and responsive, catering to contemporary playing styles.

Does this model have rolled fingerboard edges?

Yes, this model features rolled fingerboard edges. This design choice provides a more comfortable, smooth feel that mimics a vintage, played-in instrument.

What kind of finish is used on the neck?

The back of the neck features a satin finish. This helps reduce friction and prevents the hand from sticking during fast transitions.

What is the fingerboard material?

This specific Limited Edition model uses a rosewood (RW) fingerboard. Rosewood is valued for its smooth feel and slightly warmer tonal contribution compared to maple.

How many pickup positions are available?

It features a standard 5-way selector switch. This allows the player to choose between the bridge, bridge/middle, middle, middle/neck, or neck pickup configurations.

What makes this a 'Limited Edition' model?

The limited status typically refers to the specific combination of the 3-Color Sunburst finish, tortoiseshell pickguard, and rosewood fingerboard within the Player II specification set.

Is a case included with this guitar?

Based on standard Player Series specifications and the £799 price point, Fender typically ships these models without a hard case. Users often purchase a gig bag or case separately.

How does the bridge compare to other Fender models?

The Player II Stratocaster uses a modern 2-point synchronized tremolo. This offers better tuning stability and smoother action compared to the traditional 6-screw vintage bridges.

What is the typical price for this model?

The manufacturer and retailer price is approximately £799. This places it in the competitive mid-range of the electric guitar market.

Who is this guitar designed for?

It is designed for players who need a reliable, professional-feeling instrument for stage or studio use. Its features suit those who want classic Stratocaster tones with modern ergonomic updates.

Gear article

Fender Limited Edition Player II Stratocaster RW 3-Color Sunburst

The Fender Limited Edition Player II Stratocaster is a modern electric guitar that combines traditional 3-Color Sunburst aesthetics with contemporary performance enhancements. It features an alder body, Alnico V pickups, and a rosewood fingerboard designed for versatility across studio and stage environments.

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Background and Design

The Limited Edition Player II Stratocaster represents an evolution of Fender's core Mexican-made line, intended to bridge the gap between vintage style and modern playability. This specific model features a classic 3-Color Sunburst finish paired with a multi-ply tortoiseshell pickguard, a combination that has defined the instrument's visual identity for decades. The use of an alder body maintains the traditional tonewood choice known for its balanced resonance.

Hardware and Electronics

This guitar is equipped with three Player Series Alnico V single-coil pickups. These electronics are engineered to provide a balanced and articulate response, suitable for a wide variety of genres. The control layout includes a master volume, two tone controls, and a 5-way blade switch. The switching system allows players to access various combinations:

Position 1: Bridge Pickup
Position 2: Bridge and Middle Pickups
Position 3: Middle Pickup
Position 4: Middle and Neck Pickups
Position 5: Neck Pickup

Playability and Neck Specifications

A primary focus of the Player II series is ergonomic improvement. The neck is carved to a 'Modern C' profile, which is thin enough for fast playing while remaining substantial enough for comfortable chording. A key feature of this limited edition model is the rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges, which provides a 'broken-in' feel. The back of the neck is finished in satin to prevent sticking during performances, while the body retains a high-gloss finish.

Sonic Character

The Alnico V magnets within the pickups deliver a characteristically clear and punchy sound. Users can expect crisp, glass-like highs and firm, tight low-end frequencies. The middle-range frequencies are described as warm, ensuring that the guitar cuts through a band mix without becoming overly harsh. This articulate voicing makes the instrument responsive to different picking dynamics and amplifier settings.

Suitability and Market Position

Positioned at a mid-range price point of £799, this model is targeted at intermediate to professional players who require a reliable workhorse. Its versatile pickup configuration makes it suitable for pop, rock, blues, and funk. While more affordable than the American Professional II series, it offers significantly more refined features than the entry-level Squier Mini or standard Player models, such as the rolled fingerboard edges and premium aesthetic appointments.

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Frequently asked questions

What body wood is used in this Stratocaster?: The guitar features an alder body. Alder is the traditional wood choice for Stratocasters, known for providing a balanced tone with good sustain.
What type of pickups are installed?: It is equipped with three Player Series Alnico V single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide clear highs, warm mids, and tight lows for an articulate sound.
What is the neck profile of the Player II Stratocaster?: The guitar has a 'Modern C' neck profile. This shape is designed to be fast and responsive, catering to contemporary playing styles.
Does this model have rolled fingerboard edges?: Yes, this model features rolled fingerboard edges. This design choice provides a more comfortable, smooth feel that mimics a vintage, played-in instrument.
What kind of finish is used on the neck?: The back of the neck features a satin finish. This helps reduce friction and prevents the hand from sticking during fast transitions.
What is the fingerboard material?: This specific Limited Edition model uses a rosewood (RW) fingerboard. Rosewood is valued for its smooth feel and slightly warmer tonal contribution compared to maple.
How many pickup positions are available?: It features a standard 5-way selector switch. This allows the player to choose between the bridge, bridge/middle, middle, middle/neck, or neck pickup configurations.
What makes this a 'Limited Edition' model?: The limited status typically refers to the specific combination of the 3-Color Sunburst finish, tortoiseshell pickguard, and rosewood fingerboard within the Player II specification set.
Is a case included with this guitar?: Based on standard Player Series specifications and the £799 price point, Fender typically ships these models without a hard case. Users often purchase a gig bag or case separately.
How does the bridge compare to other Fender models?: The Player II Stratocaster uses a modern 2-point synchronized tremolo. This offers better tuning stability and smoother action compared to the traditional 6-screw vintage bridges.
What is the typical price for this model?: The manufacturer and retailer price is approximately £799. This places it in the competitive mid-range of the electric guitar market.
Who is this guitar designed for?: It is designed for players who need a reliable, professional-feeling instrument for stage or studio use. Its features suit those who want classic Stratocaster tones with modern ergonomic updates.