Gear article
Fender Player II Modified Telecaster RW Harvest Green Metallic
The Fender Player II Modified Telecaster is a contemporary electric guitar designed to blend traditional aesthetics with high-performance modern specifications. It features an alder body, Noiseless pickups, and enhanced electronics to provide a versatile instrument suited for professional stage and studio use.
See live pricesBackground and Design
The Fender Player II Modified Telecaster represents an evolution of the Player series, focusing on 'Modified' specifications that cater to the needs of modern guitarists. Finished in a distinctive Harvest Green Metallic, the instrument utilises a traditional alder body, which is a staple of the Fender line known for its balanced tonal response.
The design incorporates several ergonomic improvements over vintage-style instruments. This includes a 'Modern C' profile maple neck with a satin finish to reduce friction during play. The inclusion of a rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges is a premium touch typically found on higher-tier models, intended to provide a broken-in feel straight from the factory.
Technical Features and Hardware
The hardware configuration is geared towards stability and precision. The guitar is equipped with short-post locking tuners which facilitate faster string changes and improve tuning stability by reducing the number of winds around the post. A Graph Tech TUSQ nut further aids in consistent string vibration and prevents binding.
Unlike traditional three-saddle Telecasters, this model features a modern six-saddle bridge. The use of block brass saddles provides the tonal benefits of brass—often associated with sustain and warmth—while allowing for individual intonation of each string. The 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 22 medium jumbo frets support modern lead techniques and facilitate easier string bending.
Electronics and Tonal Profile
The Player II Modified Telecaster is defined by its versatile electronic circuit. It is fitted with Player II Noiseless pickups, which are engineered to deliver the classic 'Telecaster twang' and bite without the 60-cycle hum inherent in vintage single-coil designs.
Additional versatility is provided through the following controls: * Push/Pull Tone Control: This engages series wiring, allowing both pickups to work together to produce a thicker, higher-output sound reminiscent of a humbucker. * Treble-Bleed Circuit: This ensures that the guitar retains its high-end clarity even when the volume is rolled back, preventing the tone from becoming muddy at lower output levels.
Comparison and Suitability
Within the Fender ecosystem, this model sits as a more technically advanced alternative to the standard Player II series and a more affordable contemporary option compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster or Custom Shop Telecaster models. While the Jim Root Telecaster is aimed at heavy metal players with its active pickups, the Player II Modified is a 'jack-of-all-trades' suitable for country, pop, rock, and blues.
It is particularly suited for gigging musicians who require the reliability of noiseless electronics and locking tuners under stage lights. The 'Modified' tag indicates that many of the common aftermarket upgrades players perform on standard Telecasters have been included as factory specifications.
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Frequently asked questions
- What body wood is used in the Player II Modified Telecaster?
- The guitar features an alder body. Alder is traditionally used by Fender for its punchy tone and balanced resonance across the frequency spectrum.
- Does this model have a satin or gloss neck?
- The maple neck features a satin finish. This provides a smooth, non-sticky feel that facilitates faster movement across the back of the neck during play.
- What are the benefits of the rolled-edge fingerboard?
- Rolled edges involve rounding off the sharp corners where the fingerboard meets the neck. This provides a more comfortable, 'played-in' feel that reduces hand fatigue.
- What type of pickups are installed in this model?
- It is equipped with Player II Noiseless single-coil pickups. These are designed to provide classic Telecaster tones while eliminating unwanted background hum.
- How does the push/pull tone control function?
- The push/pull control activates series wiring for the pickups. This produces a fatter, more powerful tone with increased output compared to standard parallel wiring.
- What is a treble-bleed circuit?
- A treble-bleed circuit is an electronic modification that maintains high-frequency clarity when the volume knob is turned down. It prevents the tone from losing its 'sparkle' at lower volumes.
- What kind of bridge does this Telecaster use?
- It features a six-saddle bridge with block brass saddles. This allows for individual string intonation while retaining the classic resonance associated with brass hardware.
- Are the tuners on this model standard or locking?
- The guitar comes with short-post locking tuners. These enhance tuning stability and make the process of changing strings significantly faster and easier.
- What is the nut material on the Player II Modified Telecaster?
- The guitar uses a TUSQ nut. This synthetic material is designed to mimic the properties of bone, providing better sustain and reducing string friction.
- How many frets does the guitar have?
- It features 22 medium jumbo frets. This provides a slightly larger playing surface for easier note fretting and more controlled string bends.
- What is the fingerboard radius?
- The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This is a modern standard that offers a balance between comfortable chordal playing and low-action lead work.
- Is the rosewood fingerboard a standard feature for this specific model?
- Yes, this specific 'RW' version features a rosewood fingerboard. It contributes to a slightly warmer tonal character and a traditional aesthetic against the Harvest Green Metallic finish.
