Gear article

Fender Player II Telecaster HH Rosewood Aquatone Blue

The Fender Player II Telecaster HH is a modern electric guitar featuring a dual-humbucker configuration and an alder body in an Aquatone Blue finish. Designed for versatility and high performance, it incorporates a rosewood fingerboard, a modern 'C' neck profile, and Alnico II magnets to suit a wide range of musical genres.

Fender Player II Telecaster HH RW Aquatone Blue
Fender Player II Telecaster HH RW Aquatone Blue
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Overview and Design

The Fender Player II Telecaster HH represents an evolution of the iconic Telecaster silhouette, tailored for the contemporary player. This model features a classic alder body, which provides a balanced tonal foundation, finished in a distinctive Aquatone Blue. Unlike traditional Telecasters that utilise single-coil pickups, this iteration employs a dual-humbucker (HH) layout, significantly expanding the instrument's output capabilities and tonal weight.

Neck and Playability

The guitar is equipped with a maple neck featuring a modern 'C' profile, a shape favoured for its ergonomic comfort across various playing styles. The neck is finished in a satin urethane, designed to facilitate fast and effortless movement along the back of the profile. The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5-inch radius and houses 22 medium jumbo frets, a combination that simplifies string bending and chordal work compared to more vintage-correct specifications.

Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Black
Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Black

Electronics and Hardware

At the heart of the instrument's sound are two Player Series Alnico II humbucking pickups. These units are voiced to provide a powerful yet musical response, suitable for everything from clean jazz to high-gain rock. The hardware includes a 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail bridge, which is essential for precise intonation adjustment of individual strings and contributes to the guitar's overall sustain and tuning stability.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Fender ecosystem, this model sits as a more powerful alternative to the standard single-coil Player II Telecaster. Compared to the American Professional II Stratocaster, the Player II Telecaster HH offers a simpler hardtail bridge and a thicker humbucking sound. While the Jim Root Telecaster also features humbuckers for heavy music, the Player II HH maintains a more traditional aesthetic and a more versatile Alnico II voicing. For those seeking a similar humbucking experience in a shorter scale, the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s serves as a primary competitor, albeit at a higher price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of pickups are installed in the Player II Telecaster HH?
The guitar is equipped with two Player Series Alnico II humbucking pickups. These are designed to provide a warm, powerful tone that is versatile enough for many different musical styles.
What is the body material of this model?
The body is constructed from alder. Alder is a traditional tonewood known for providing a balanced and resonant sound across the frequency spectrum.
What is the neck profile of the Player II Telecaster HH?
It features a modern 'C' neck profile. This shape is designed to be comfortable for a wide variety of hand sizes and playing techniques.
Does this guitar have a rosewood or maple fingerboard?
This specific version of the Player II Telecaster HH features a rosewood fingerboard. Rosewood is often preferred for its smooth feel and slightly warmer tonal characteristics.
How many frets does the instrument have?
The guitar is built with 22 medium jumbo frets. The inclusion of a 22nd fret provides a full two-octave range when bending on the high strings.
What is the fingerboard radius?
The fingerboard has a 9.5-inch (241 mm) radius. This is a modern standard for Fender that balances comfortable chording with easy note bending.
What bridge system is used on this Telecaster?
It uses a 6-saddle strings-through-body hardtail bridge. This design allows for individual intonation of each string and enhances the guitar's sustain.
What is the finish on the back of the neck?
The neck is finished with a satin urethane coating. This finish is intended to feel smooth and fast, preventing the player's hand from sticking during performance.
What is the typical price range for this guitar?
The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 699. This positions it in the mid-range of Fender's electric guitar lineup.
Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?
Yes, the dual humbucker configuration makes it well-suited for rock, metal, and other high-gain genres. The Alnico II magnets provide enough output to drive an amplifier while maintaining clarity.
How does the Aquatone Blue finish look?
Aquatone Blue is a sleek, modern finish that gives the Telecaster a vibrant and contemporary aesthetic. It is applied over the alder body for a durable and professional look.
How does this compare to a standard Telecaster?
The primary difference is the pickup configuration; a standard Telecaster uses two single-coils for 'twang,' while the HH model uses two humbuckers for a thicker, hum-cancelling sound. It also features a modern 6-saddle bridge rather than the vintage 3-saddle style.