Where is the Fender Player II Stratocaster Neck manufactured?

It is manufactured at Fender’s Ensenada facility in Mexico, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship at a mid-range price point.

What is the fingerboard radius of this model?

This neck features a 9.5-inch radius, which is considered a modern Fender standard that balances comfort for chords and ease for lead playing.

How many frets does the Player II Stratocaster neck have?

It is equipped with 22 frets, offering one additional fret compared to traditional vintage-style 21-fret necks.

What type of frets are installed?

The neck uses Medium Jumbo frets, which are wider and taller than vintage frets, making string bending and vibrato easier for the player.

What is the neck profile shape?

It features a 'Modern C' profile, designed to be slim and comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles and hand sizes.

What finish is used on the back of the neck?

The back of the neck has a satin urethane finish, which provides a smooth, fast feel and prevents the hand from sticking during play.

Is the headstock gloss or satin?

The headstock face features a gloss urethane finish for a classic aesthetic, while the rest of the neck remains satin.

Does the neck come with a nut installed?

Yes, it includes a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut, though professional filing is recommended to achieve optimal string action.

What type of tuners fit this neck?

The headstock is pre-drilled with dual guide pin holes designed specifically for genuine Fender modern tuning machines.

What does 'rolled fingerboard edges' mean?

It means the edges of the rosewood board have been rounded off during manufacturing to provide a smoother, more comfortable feel against the palm.

Can this neck be used for a custom guitar build?

Yes, it is sold as a standalone replacement part specifically for custom builds or to upgrade existing Fender and Squier guitars.

What fingerboard material is used on this specific model?

This version of the Player II neck uses a rosewood fingerboard, known for its warm tone and classic dark appearance.

Gear article

Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck

The Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck is a premium replacement component manufactured at Fender's Ensenada facility in Mexico. Designed for both custom builds and instrument restorations, it features a 9.5-inch radius rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges and a modern 'C' profile for enhanced playability.

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Overview

The Fender Player II Series Stratocaster Neck serves as a standard-setting replacement part for Fender and Squier electric guitars. It represents the evolution of the Player series, incorporating refined ergonomic features such as rolled fingerboard edges that were previously reserved for higher-tier models. The neck is constructed with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a classic aesthetic and a specific tactile response sought by traditionalists and modern players alike.

Design and Construction

This neck utilizes a two-finish approach to balance aesthetics and performance. The face of the headstock features a high-gloss urethane finish for a premium look, while the back of the neck is treated with a satin urethane finish. This satin texture is intended to reduce friction and prevent the 'sticky' feel often associated with gloss necks during extended play. The profile is a Modern 'C' shape, designed to fit the natural contours of the human hand, providing a balance between thickness and speed.

Playability Features

Key technical specifications include a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, which is a modern standard for Fender instruments, allowing for easier chordal work than vintage 7.25-inch radii while remaining comfortable for lead playing. The inclusion of 22 medium jumbo frets provides a larger surface area for string bending compared to vintage frets. Furthermore, the fingerboard edges are factory-rolled, offering a 'broken-in' feel that eliminates the sharp transitions often found on new budget-tier necks.

Installation and Compatibility

To facilitate easy installation, the neck comes equipped with a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut. While the nut features 'pilot' string location grooves, final filing is typically required to match the specific string gauge and action preferences of the user. The headstock is pre-drilled with dual guide pin tuner holes, making it directly compatible with modern Fender standard and locking tuning machines. It is designed for standard four-bolt neck pockets.

Target Audience

This neck is primarily aimed at two groups: builders creating custom 'partscaster' instruments and owners of existing Fender or Squier guitars looking for a performance upgrade. It provides a significant ergonomic improvement for those moving from a standard Player series or Squier neck, particularly due to the rolled edges and increased fret count.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Fender Player II Stratocaster Neck manufactured?: It is manufactured at Fender’s Ensenada facility in Mexico, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship at a mid-range price point.
What is the fingerboard radius of this model?: This neck features a 9.5-inch radius, which is considered a modern Fender standard that balances comfort for chords and ease for lead playing.
How many frets does the Player II Stratocaster neck have?: It is equipped with 22 frets, offering one additional fret compared to traditional vintage-style 21-fret necks.
What type of frets are installed?: The neck uses Medium Jumbo frets, which are wider and taller than vintage frets, making string bending and vibrato easier for the player.
What is the neck profile shape?: It features a 'Modern C' profile, designed to be slim and comfortable for a wide variety of playing styles and hand sizes.
What finish is used on the back of the neck?: The back of the neck has a satin urethane finish, which provides a smooth, fast feel and prevents the hand from sticking during play.
Is the headstock gloss or satin?: The headstock face features a gloss urethane finish for a classic aesthetic, while the rest of the neck remains satin.
Does the neck come with a nut installed?: Yes, it includes a pre-slotted synthetic bone nut, though professional filing is recommended to achieve optimal string action.
What type of tuners fit this neck?: The headstock is pre-drilled with dual guide pin holes designed specifically for genuine Fender modern tuning machines.
What does 'rolled fingerboard edges' mean?: It means the edges of the rosewood board have been rounded off during manufacturing to provide a smoother, more comfortable feel against the palm.
Can this neck be used for a custom guitar build?: Yes, it is sold as a standalone replacement part specifically for custom builds or to upgrade existing Fender and Squier guitars.
What fingerboard material is used on this specific model?: This version of the Player II neck uses a rosewood fingerboard, known for its warm tone and classic dark appearance.