What is the primary body wood used in this model?

The guitar is constructed with an alder body, which is a traditional choice for Fender instruments known for its balanced and resonant tonal characteristics.

What type of bridge system does this Stratocaster feature?

It features a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system, designed to provide superior tuning stability during aggressive use of the whammy bar.

How does the fingerboard radius differ from a standard Stratocaster?

This model uses a 12-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, which is flatter than the traditional 9.5-inch radius, making it more suitable for low action and fast lead playing.

What pickups are installed in the neck and middle positions?

The neck and middle positions are equipped with noiseless Strat single-coil pickups, which provide classic clarity without the unwanted background noise of traditional single-coils.

Can the bridge humbucker be used as a single-coil?

Yes, the guitar includes a push/pull tone control that allows the user to split the bridge humbucker, offering additional tonal flexibility.

What is the purpose of the treble bleed circuit?

The treble bleed circuit maintains the guitar's high-end clarity when the volume is rolled back, preventing the tone from becoming muddy at lower volumes.

What is the neck profile of the Player II Modified Stratocaster?

The guitar features a 'Modern C' maple neck profile, designed to be comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.

Does the fingerboard have any specific comfort features?

Yes, the fingerboard features rolled edges, which provide a 'broken-in' feel and improve comfort during long playing sessions.

What kind of tones is the bridge pickup designed for?

The Player II Modified humbucker is designed for articulate, high-output tones, making it ideal for rock and metal genres.

Is this guitar suitable for high-gain playing styles?

Absolutely; the combination of a bridge humbucker and the Floyd Rose tremolo makes it highly suitable for high-gain and expressive technical playing.

How does the 'Dusk' finish version differ from other Player II models?

The 'Dusk' designation refers to the specific aesthetic finish of the instrument, while the 'Modified' tag indicates the inclusion of the Floyd Rose and specific electronic upgrades.

Gear article

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose RW Dusk

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose is a high-performance electric guitar designed for modern versatility and stability. It combines traditional alder body construction with high-output electronics and a double-locking tremolo system to accommodate aggressive playing styles.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster represents an evolution of the standard Player series, specifically tailored for players requiring enhanced technical capabilities. The guitar features an alder body, a staple of Fender design known for providing a balanced tonal foundation.

Ergonomic improvements are a core focus of this model. The maple neck is carved to a 'Modern C' profile and paired with a rosewood fingerboard. Notably, the fingerboard features a 12-inch radius and rolled edges, which facilitate smoother navigation across the frets and easier string bending compared to more traditional vintage radii.

Hardware and Tuning Stability

A defining feature of this specific modification is the inclusion of the Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system. By locking the strings at both the bridge and the nut, the system allows for extreme pitch manipulation—such as dive bombs and heavy vibrato—without sacrificing tuning stability. This hardware choice marks a departure from the traditional synchronised tremolo found on standard Stratocasters, aligning the instrument with the needs of hard rock and metal performers.

Electronics and Tonal Profile

The HSS pickup configuration offers a broad palette of sounds. The bridge position is occupied by a Player II Modified humbucker, designed for articulate, high-output tones suitable for distorted lead work. This is complemented by two noiseless Strat single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, which deliver the characteristic Fender 'chime' and 'quack' while eliminating the 60-cycle hum typically associated with single-coil designs.

Additional utility is provided by a push/pull tone control, which allows the player to split the bridge humbucker into a single-coil mode. Furthermore, a built-in treble bleed circuit ensures that high-end frequencies remain clear and present even when the master volume is turned down.

Market Position and Comparisons

The Player II Modified Stratocaster sits in a unique mid-range tier, offering professional-grade hardware like the Floyd Rose at a price point near £953. It serves as a more aggressive alternative to the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, which leans toward traditionalism. While players seeking classic blues tones might prefer the Eric Clapton Stratocaster, or those seeking extreme minimalism might look to the Jim Root Telecaster, this model targets the 'super-strat' enthusiast who still desires the aesthetic and ergonomic familiarity of a classic Fender.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body wood used in this model?: The guitar is constructed with an alder body, which is a traditional choice for Fender instruments known for its balanced and resonant tonal characteristics.
What type of bridge system does this Stratocaster feature?: It features a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system, designed to provide superior tuning stability during aggressive use of the whammy bar.
How does the fingerboard radius differ from a standard Stratocaster?: This model uses a 12-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, which is flatter than the traditional 9.5-inch radius, making it more suitable for low action and fast lead playing.
What pickups are installed in the neck and middle positions?: The neck and middle positions are equipped with noiseless Strat single-coil pickups, which provide classic clarity without the unwanted background noise of traditional single-coils.
Can the bridge humbucker be used as a single-coil?: Yes, the guitar includes a push/pull tone control that allows the user to split the bridge humbucker, offering additional tonal flexibility.
What is the purpose of the treble bleed circuit?: The treble bleed circuit maintains the guitar's high-end clarity when the volume is rolled back, preventing the tone from becoming muddy at lower volumes.
What is the neck profile of the Player II Modified Stratocaster?: The guitar features a 'Modern C' maple neck profile, designed to be comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.
Does the fingerboard have any specific comfort features?: Yes, the fingerboard features rolled edges, which provide a 'broken-in' feel and improve comfort during long playing sessions.
What kind of tones is the bridge pickup designed for?: The Player II Modified humbucker is designed for articulate, high-output tones, making it ideal for rock and metal genres.
Is this guitar suitable for high-gain playing styles?: Absolutely; the combination of a bridge humbucker and the Floyd Rose tremolo makes it highly suitable for high-gain and expressive technical playing.
How does the 'Dusk' finish version differ from other Player II models?: The 'Dusk' designation refers to the specific aesthetic finish of the instrument, while the 'Modified' tag indicates the inclusion of the Floyd Rose and specific electronic upgrades.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose is approximately £953.