Where is the Fender Player II Stratocaster neck manufactured?

The neck is manufactured at Fender's Ensenada facility in Mexico. This facility is responsible for Fender's 'Player' and 'Vintera' lines, ensuring a balance of quality and value.

What is the radius of the fingerboard?

The fingerboard features a 9.5-inch (241mm) radius. This is a standard modern Fender specification that balances comfort for rhythm playing with ease of lead play and string bending.

How many frets does this neck have?

This neck is equipped with 22 frets. The 22nd fret allows for a full two-octave range on the high E string (when tuned to standard), which is a common preference for modern players.

What is the shape of the neck profile?

It features a 'Modern C' profile. This shape is designed to be neither too thick nor too thin, fitting comfortably in the hand for the majority of guitarists.

What type of finish is used on the back of the neck?

The back of the neck uses a satin urethane finish. This provides a smooth, non-sticky feel that allows for faster movement up and down the fretboard compared to gloss finishes.

Does the neck come with a nut installed?

Yes, it includes a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut. While the string locations are marked, the slots may require final filing by a technician to suit your specific string gauge and action preference.

What size are the frets?

The neck uses medium jumbo frets. These are taller and wider than vintage frets, making it easier to grip the strings for vibrato and large bends.

Are the fingerboard edges rolled?

Yes, the Player II series features rolled fingerboard edges. This process smooths the transition between the side of the neck and the fingerboard for a more comfortable, broken-in feel.

What kind of tuners will fit this neck?

The headstock is pre-drilled with dual guide pin holes. These are specifically designed to fit genuine Fender modern tuning machines without the need for additional drilling.

Is the headstock finished differently than the back?

Yes, while the back is satin, the headstock face features a gloss urethane finish. This highlights the Fender logo and provides a classic aesthetic appearance.

Can this neck be used on a Squier body?

It is generally compatible with most Squier Stratocaster bodies as they share standard Fender pocket dimensions. However, minor adjustments or shimming may be required for a perfect fit during installation.

What is the typical price for this replacement neck?

The typical price for the Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck is approximately GBP 319. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current availability.

Gear article

Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck (Maple)

The Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck is a premium replacement component manufactured at Fender's Ensenada facility in Mexico. Designed for modern playability, it features a 9.5-inch radius maple fingerboard with rolled edges and a satin-finished maple construction.

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Overview

The Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck represents a significant update to Fender's standard replacement neck offerings. Crafted in Mexico, this neck is designed to provide the feel of a contemporary Fender instrument to custom builds or existing Stratocaster bodies. It is characterised by its 22 medium jumbo frets and a maple fingerboard, which is a hallmark of the classic Stratocaster aesthetic.

Design and Construction

The neck is built from maple and features a dual-finish approach: a satin urethane finish on the back for reduced friction during play, and a gloss finish on the headstock face for a premium appearance. A key ergonomic feature is the inclusion of rolled fingerboard edges, which aim to provide a 'broken-in' feel straight from the factory. The headstock is pre-drilled with dual guide pin holes to accommodate genuine Fender tuning machines.

Technical Specifications

The neck utilises a Modern 'C' profile, which is designed to fit naturally in the hand for a wide variety of playing styles. The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius, balancing comfortable chording with the ability to perform clean bends without 'choking out'. It comes equipped with a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut, which features 'pilot' string location grooves to facilitate easier final filing and setup.

Suitability and Installation

This neck is intended for players seeking to upgrade a standard Stratocaster or those engaging in a new custom build. Because it features genuine Fender branding and a serial number, it is also a popular choice for authentic restorations. The 22-fret design offers a slightly extended range compared to vintage 21-fret models, making it suitable for modern lead playing and fluid technical styles.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to higher-end options like the American Professional II series, the Player II neck offers similar modern ergonomics at a more accessible price point. While it lacks the roasted timber options found in some premium Fender replacement necks, its rolled edges and satin finish provide a significant playability boost over entry-level or vintage-spec necks that often feature sharper edges or thick gloss finishes on the back of the profile.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Fender Player II Stratocaster neck manufactured?: The neck is manufactured at Fender's Ensenada facility in Mexico. This facility is responsible for Fender's 'Player' and 'Vintera' lines, ensuring a balance of quality and value.
What is the radius of the fingerboard?: The fingerboard features a 9.5-inch (241mm) radius. This is a standard modern Fender specification that balances comfort for rhythm playing with ease of lead play and string bending.
How many frets does this neck have?: This neck is equipped with 22 frets. The 22nd fret allows for a full two-octave range on the high E string (when tuned to standard), which is a common preference for modern players.
What is the shape of the neck profile?: It features a 'Modern C' profile. This shape is designed to be neither too thick nor too thin, fitting comfortably in the hand for the majority of guitarists.
What type of finish is used on the back of the neck?: The back of the neck uses a satin urethane finish. This provides a smooth, non-sticky feel that allows for faster movement up and down the fretboard compared to gloss finishes.
Does the neck come with a nut installed?: Yes, it includes a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut. While the string locations are marked, the slots may require final filing by a technician to suit your specific string gauge and action preference.
What size are the frets?: The neck uses medium jumbo frets. These are taller and wider than vintage frets, making it easier to grip the strings for vibrato and large bends.
Are the fingerboard edges rolled?: Yes, the Player II series features rolled fingerboard edges. This process smooths the transition between the side of the neck and the fingerboard for a more comfortable, broken-in feel.
What kind of tuners will fit this neck?: The headstock is pre-drilled with dual guide pin holes. These are specifically designed to fit genuine Fender modern tuning machines without the need for additional drilling.
Is the headstock finished differently than the back?: Yes, while the back is satin, the headstock face features a gloss urethane finish. This highlights the Fender logo and provides a classic aesthetic appearance.
Can this neck be used on a Squier body?: It is generally compatible with most Squier Stratocaster bodies as they share standard Fender pocket dimensions. However, minor adjustments or shimming may be required for a perfect fit during installation.
What is the typical price for this replacement neck?: The typical price for the Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck is approximately GBP 319. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current availability.