What pickups are used in this model?

This guitar is equipped with three Player II Noiseless single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide classic Fender chime and sparkle while eliminating the background hum usually associated with single-coil designs.

What does the push/pull tone control do?

The push/pull control allows the player to add the neck pickup to the signal when the selector is in positions 1 (bridge) and 2 (bridge and middle). This creates extra tonal options not available on standard Stratocasters.

What type of neck profile does this guitar have?

The guitar features a Modern 'C' maple neck. This profile is designed for a fast, comfortable feel that suits a wide variety of playing styles.

Are the fingerboard edges rounded?

Yes, this model features rolled fingerboard edges. This design choice enhances player comfort by making the neck feel more played-in and smoother during transitions.

What kind of tuners are installed?

The guitar is fitted with short-post locking tuners. These provide improved tuning stability and make the process of changing strings significantly faster and easier.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This is a modern standard for Fender, offering a balance between comfortable chordal playing and easy string bending for solos.

How many frets does the Player II Modified Stratocaster have?

It features 22 medium jumbo frets. This provides a slightly larger playing surface per fret compared to vintage-style guitars, assisting with modern lead techniques.

What type of bridge system is used?

The guitar uses a 2-point synchronized tremolo system. It includes block steel saddles which help to provide rock-solid tuning stability and increased sustain.

What finish is on the neck?

The maple neck has a smooth satin finish. This helps prevent the 'sticky' feel that can sometimes occur with high-gloss finishes during extended play.

Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?

Yes, because of the Noiseless pickups, it handles high-gain distortion better than standard single-coil guitars. It eliminates the loud buzzing often heard when using heavy overdrive.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price range for the Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster MN is approximately £899. This places it in the mid-to-high range of Fender's international production models.

How does this compare to a standard Player series Strat?

The Modified version adds several premium features not found on the standard model. These include Noiseless pickups, locking tuners, rolled fingerboard edges, and expanded switching options via the push/pull pot.

Gear article

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster MN 3 Tone Sunburst

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster is a modern evolution of the classic double-cutaway electric guitar, designed to offer contemporary playability and silent electronics. It features a maple neck with rolled fingerboard edges and is equipped with Noiseless pickups to eliminate hum while maintaining traditional Stratocaster tonality.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster represents an upgraded tier within the Fender catalogue, bridging the gap between standard production models and professional-spec instruments. Finished in a classic 3-Tone Sunburst, the guitar features a maple neck with a smooth satin finish and a 9.5-inch radius fingerboard. A primary focus of this model is physical comfort; the fingerboard edges are rolled to provide a 'broken-in' feel, and the 22 medium jumbo frets facilitate modern playing techniques such as wide vibrato and aggressive string bending.

Electronics and Hardware

The 'Modified' designation refers largely to the upgraded electronics and hardware package. The guitar is fitted with Player II Noiseless pickups, which are engineered to produce the chime and sparkle associated with single-coils without the 60-cycle hum typically found in vintage designs. A significant functional upgrade is the push/pull tone control, which allows the player to add the neck pickup to positions 1 and 2, providing access to tonal combinations not found on a standard 5-way switch. Hardware includes a two-point synchronized tremolo with block steel saddles for improved resonance and short-post locking tuners for enhanced tuning stability and easier maintenance.

Sound and Character

This instrument maintains the signature 'glassy' and 'percussive' character of a Stratocaster. The Noiseless pickups ensure a clean signal path, making it highly suitable for high-gain environments or recording scenarios where electrical interference is a concern. The addition of the neck pickup via the push/pull switch allows for a fuller, 'Telecaster-like' bridge-and-neck blend, significantly expanding the guitar's sonic palette beyond the traditional five sounds.

Target Audience and Comparison

The Player II Modified Stratocaster is suited for gigging musicians and studio players who require modern reliability and versatility. While beginner instruments like the Squier Mini Stratocaster offer a basic entry point, this model provides the professional features—such as locking tuners and noiseless electronics—often found on more expensive American-made models like the American Professional II Stratocaster. It serves as a middle ground for those who desire premium 'Modified' features at a sub-£1000 price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in this model?: This guitar is equipped with three Player II Noiseless single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide classic Fender chime and sparkle while eliminating the background hum usually associated with single-coil designs.
What does the push/pull tone control do?: The push/pull control allows the player to add the neck pickup to the signal when the selector is in positions 1 (bridge) and 2 (bridge and middle). This creates extra tonal options not available on standard Stratocasters.
What type of neck profile does this guitar have?: The guitar features a Modern 'C' maple neck. This profile is designed for a fast, comfortable feel that suits a wide variety of playing styles.
Are the fingerboard edges rounded?: Yes, this model features rolled fingerboard edges. This design choice enhances player comfort by making the neck feel more played-in and smoother during transitions.
What kind of tuners are installed?: The guitar is fitted with short-post locking tuners. These provide improved tuning stability and make the process of changing strings significantly faster and easier.
What is the fingerboard radius?: The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This is a modern standard for Fender, offering a balance between comfortable chordal playing and easy string bending for solos.
How many frets does the Player II Modified Stratocaster have?: It features 22 medium jumbo frets. This provides a slightly larger playing surface per fret compared to vintage-style guitars, assisting with modern lead techniques.
What type of bridge system is used?: The guitar uses a 2-point synchronized tremolo system. It includes block steel saddles which help to provide rock-solid tuning stability and increased sustain.
What finish is on the neck?: The maple neck has a smooth satin finish. This helps prevent the 'sticky' feel that can sometimes occur with high-gloss finishes during extended play.
Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?: Yes, because of the Noiseless pickups, it handles high-gain distortion better than standard single-coil guitars. It eliminates the loud buzzing often heard when using heavy overdrive.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price range for the Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster MN is approximately £899. This places it in the mid-to-high range of Fender's international production models.
How does this compare to a standard Player series Strat?: The Modified version adds several premium features not found on the standard model. These include Noiseless pickups, locking tuners, rolled fingerboard edges, and expanded switching options via the push/pull pot.