Fender launches its long-awaited Player II range – bringing the return of rosewood fretboards and new chambered body options
Fender has finally unveiled its Player II series – the next evolution of its best-selling Player line of electric guitars and basses.
Originally launched in 2018, Fender’s Player series offers affordable instruments that sit between entry-level Squier guitars and the more expensive Vintera II/American Performer ranges. Six years later, perhaps predictably given the specs on offer for the price, it’s grown into Fender’s best-selling range ever.
READ MORE: Fender expands its Performer line for the first time in 4 years with new Timber Strat and Tele
Now, with the all-new Player II line, Fender has taken all the specs that have made the Player series so popular – modern “C”-shaped necks, 9.5”-radius fingerboards and medium jumbo frets – while offering a slew of new features.
In terms of electric guitar options, the Player II range comprises a Stratocaster, HSS Stratocaster, Telecaster, Telecaster HH, Jaguar, Jazzmaster and a Mustang – with left-handed options of the first three – while bass options include a Precision Bass, Jazz Bass and Mustang Bass.
Credit: Fender
Headlining the new features is the addition of rosewood fingerboards, which replace the pau ferro ‘boards that featured on older Player models, and now sit as an fretboard material option alongside maple. Additionally, fretboards in the new Player II series now sport rolled edges – a feature commonly requested by fans of the Player line – and one which makes the fretboard more comfortable to navigate.
The Player II line also sports upgraded hardware, with the addition of ClassicGear tuners and upgraded bridges. Meanwhile, there’s also new chambered body options for the Stratocaster and Telecaster models, offering a lighter total weight, and more resonant tonal warmth.
Credit: Fender
The line also comes with new revoiced Player II pickups that “capture the quintessential tone (and look) of each of these iconic Fender models.
“The Player II series represents our continued evolution in design and functionality,” says Justin Norvell, EVP of Product, FMIC. “We listened to the feedback from musicians around the world and incorporated their insights to refine and innovate our instruments. The reintroduction of rosewood fingerboards is a restoration of the ‘original Fender recipe’ and will no doubt be a fan favourite – but we didn’t want to stop there.
Credit: Fender
“We’ve also incorporated our rolled fingerboard edges for a broken-in feel, upgraded hardware, and have some new body options as well – which underscores our commitment to providing players and creators with the tools they need to express their unique sound and style.
“The Player II series is not just an upgrade, it’s a detailed re-imagining of our core silhouettes, highlighting our dedication to quality and the continuous refinement of our instruments.”
For more information about the all-new Player II range, head to Fender.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
