What is the fingerboard material on this model?

This specific model features a rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood is highly regarded for its dark appearance and the warm, smooth feel it provides under the fingers compared to maple.

What type of pickups are installed in the Player II Stratocaster?

The guitar is equipped with Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Strat pickups. These use Alnico V magnets to produce a crisp, articulate, and versatile tone suitable for many musical styles.

What neck profile does the Fender Player II Stratocaster have?

It features a modern 'C'-shaped neck profile. This is designed to be comfortable and fluid, accommodating a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.

How many frets are on the Fender Player II Stratocaster?

The guitar has 22 medium jumbo frets. This provides a full two-octave range in certain positions and offers a comfortable surface for technical playing.

What is the fingerboard radius of this guitar?

The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This radius is a modern standard that balances comfortable chordal playing with the ability to perform wide string bends without notes cutting out.

What kind of bridge system does this Stratocaster use?

It uses a 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles. This modern design provides improved tuning stability and smoother action than traditional 6-screw tremolo bridges.

What tuning machines are included on the Player II model?

The guitar is fitted with Fender ClassicGear tuning machines. These tuners offer a vintage aesthetic while providing the precise and stable tuning performance required by modern players.

What is the difference between the neck and headstock finishes?

The back of the neck features a satin urethane finish for a smooth, non-sticky feel during play. The headstock face has a gloss urethane finish to enhance the visual appeal and durability of the logo area.

Is the 3-Color Sunburst a gloss or satin finish?

The body features a gloss urethane finish. This provides a high-shine, protective layer that highlights the classic three-tone gradient of the sunburst design.

Who is this guitar primarily designed for?

The Player II Stratocaster is designed for the modern musician who needs a reliable, high-quality instrument for performance. It is ideal for players moving up from entry-level gear who want classic Fender tone.

How does the Player II compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?

The Player II is a more affordable mid-range option, whereas the American Professional II features premium upgrades such as a roasted pine body and different electronics. The Player II focuses on essential performance features at a lower price point.

Does this model come with a tremolo arm?

Yes, as it features a 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge, a matching tremolo arm is standard equipment for this model to allow for pitch manipulation.

Gear article

Fender Player II Stratocaster (Rosewood, 3-Color Sunburst)

The Fender Player II Stratocaster is a performance-oriented electric guitar designed to bridge classic aesthetic appeal with contemporary playability. Featuring a rosewood fingerboard and Alnico V pickups, it serves as a versatile tool for modern musicians seeking authentic Fender tones at a mid-range price point.

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Overview and Construction

The Fender Player II Stratocaster in 3-Color Sunburst represents an evolution of Fender’s standard-tier instrumentation. It features a traditional contoured body paired with a modern 'C'-shaped maple neck. A key highlight of this specific iteration is the return of the rosewood fingerboard, which offers a dark aesthetic and a classic tactile response. The neck is finished with satin urethane on the back to prevent sticking during play, while the headstock face features a gloss urethane finish for a premium look.

Hardware and Electronics

Equipped for stable performance, the Player II Stratocaster utilizes a 2-point synchronized tremolo system featuring bent steel saddles. This design provides smoother vibrato action and better tuning stability compared to vintage 6-screw designs. Tuning is further managed by Fender ClassicGear machines, which combine vintage styling with a modern gear ratio. The electronics are centered around a trio of Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil pickups, designed to provide the crispness and articulation associated with the Stratocaster name.

Playability and Feel

Designed for the modern musician, the guitar features a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius. This curve is flatter than vintage models, facilitating easier string bending without 'choking out.' The inclusion of 22 medium jumbo frets extends the range of the instrument and provides a larger surface area for fret-hand accuracy. The modern 'C' neck profile is intended to be approachable for a wide variety of hand sizes and playing styles.

Sound Character

The Alnico V magnets used in the pickups deliver a high-output yet articulate sound profile. Characterised by bright highs, punchy mids, and a clear low end, the instrument is suitable for a broad spectrum of genres including rock, blues, pop, and funk. The five-way switching system allows for the classic 'quack' in positions two and four, alongside the biting bridge tone and smooth neck sounds typical of the Stratocaster platform.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned at a price point of approximately £689, the Player II Stratocaster sits between entry-level options and the premium American-made lines. While the Squier Limited Edition Mini Stratocaster serves younger beginners and the Stagg SES-30BK offers a 3/4 scale alternative, the Player II is built for gigging professionals and serious students. For those seeking higher-end specifications, the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster offers roasted pine bodies and different hardware, while the Eric Clapton or Jim Root signature models provide artist-specific modifications for specialized genres like blues or heavy metal.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the fingerboard material on this model?: This specific model features a rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood is highly regarded for its dark appearance and the warm, smooth feel it provides under the fingers compared to maple.
What type of pickups are installed in the Player II Stratocaster?: The guitar is equipped with Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Strat pickups. These use Alnico V magnets to produce a crisp, articulate, and versatile tone suitable for many musical styles.
What neck profile does the Fender Player II Stratocaster have?: It features a modern 'C'-shaped neck profile. This is designed to be comfortable and fluid, accommodating a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.
How many frets are on the Fender Player II Stratocaster?: The guitar has 22 medium jumbo frets. This provides a full two-octave range in certain positions and offers a comfortable surface for technical playing.
What is the fingerboard radius of this guitar?: The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius. This radius is a modern standard that balances comfortable chordal playing with the ability to perform wide string bends without notes cutting out.
What kind of bridge system does this Stratocaster use?: It uses a 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles. This modern design provides improved tuning stability and smoother action than traditional 6-screw tremolo bridges.
What tuning machines are included on the Player II model?: The guitar is fitted with Fender ClassicGear tuning machines. These tuners offer a vintage aesthetic while providing the precise and stable tuning performance required by modern players.
What is the difference between the neck and headstock finishes?: The back of the neck features a satin urethane finish for a smooth, non-sticky feel during play. The headstock face has a gloss urethane finish to enhance the visual appeal and durability of the logo area.
Is the 3-Color Sunburst a gloss or satin finish?: The body features a gloss urethane finish. This provides a high-shine, protective layer that highlights the classic three-tone gradient of the sunburst design.
Who is this guitar primarily designed for?: The Player II Stratocaster is designed for the modern musician who needs a reliable, high-quality instrument for performance. It is ideal for players moving up from entry-level gear who want classic Fender tone.
How does the Player II compare to the American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Player II is a more affordable mid-range option, whereas the American Professional II features premium upgrades such as a roasted pine body and different electronics. The Player II focuses on essential performance features at a lower price point.
Does this model come with a tremolo arm?: Yes, as it features a 2-point synchronized tremolo bridge, a matching tremolo arm is standard equipment for this model to allow for pitch manipulation.