The Stratocaster, Updated for Today's Player
If you've ever picked up a Stratocaster, you know the feeling — the contoured body that sits just right, the neck that invites you to play for hours, and that unmistakable chime that's been the backbone of rock, blues, country, and just about everything else since 1954. The Fender Player II Stratocaster delivers all of that, with a handful of thoughtful updates that make it one of the most player-friendly Strats Fender has built at this price point.
This black finish model features an alder body with a gloss polyester finish, a maple neck and fingerboard with a 25.5-inch scale length and 22 frets, and three Player Series Alnico V single-coil pickups that deliver crystalline highs, musical mids, and tight lows. It's built in Fender's Ensenada, Mexico factory, where they've been turning out consistently solid instruments for decades. Whether you're working on your first power chords or gigging five nights a week, this guitar has what you need.
A Neck That Disappears Under Your Hand
One of the biggest updates in the Player II series is the neck feel. Fender shaped it with a Modern "C" profile, added a satin urethane finish on the back, and rolled the edges of the 9.5-inch radius fingerboard — a detail that used to be reserved for higher-end models. The rolled edges give the neck a slightly broken-in feel right out of the box, like it's already been played for a few months. The nut width is 1.650 inches (42mm), which keeps string spacing comfortable without feeling cramped.
With 22 medium-jumbo frets and that 9.5-inch radius, bending strings and playing complex chords is effortless. The flatter radius compared to vintage Strats means you can dig in without notes choking out, while still maintaining enough curve for comfortable chording. And because the truss rod adjusts at the headstock, you can tweak the neck relief without pulling the neck off — a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement.
Three Pickups, Endless Combinations
This Player II Stratocaster deploys an SSS configuration, with Player Series Strat single-coil pickups that utilize Alnico V magnets. Fender gave these pickups a bit more output and midrange punch compared to vintage-spec pickups, so they cut through a band mix without losing that glassy Strat clarity. The 5-way blade switch lets you dial in everything from glassy neck pickup cleans to rowdy bridge pickup snarl and all points in between, and the two tone controls give you plenty of room to shape your sound on the fly.
The bridge position delivers the signature Strat snap — great for rhythm work and cutting leads. The middle pickup brings out that quacky, slightly scooped tone that sits perfectly in a mix. And the neck pickup? Warm, round, and perfect for jazz chords or smooth lead lines. The in-between positions — where the magic really happens — give you those classic Strat "quack" tones that have defined countless recordings.
Built to Stay in Tune
This Stratocaster features a 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles for definitive Strat tone with superior tremolo action. The two-point design reduces friction at the pivot points, which means the bridge returns to pitch more reliably after you use the whammy bar. Fender's ClassicGear tuning machines combine vintage style with a modern 18:1 gear ratio, delivering smooth, reliable performance. String changes are straightforward, and once you're in tune, you'll stay there.
The synthetic bone nut measures 1.650 inches wide and does a solid job of transferring string vibration while resisting binding in the nut slots. The hardware is finished in nickel/chrome, and the whole guitar is strung from the factory with Fender USA 250L nickel plated steel strings (.009-.042 gauges). The feel is balanced, responsive, and ready to play right out of the case.
Product Features:
- Body: Alder with gloss polyester finish
- Neck: Maple, Modern "C" profile, 25.5-inch scale length
- Fingerboard: Maple with 9.5-inch radius and rolled edges, 22 medium-jumbo frets
- Nut: Synthetic bone, 1.650 inches (42mm) width
- Pickups: Three Player Series Alnico V single-coil Strat pickups
- Controls: Master volume, Tone 1 (neck/middle pickups), Tone 2 (bridge pickup)
- Bridge: 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles
- Tuners: Fender ClassicGear tuning machines
- Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
- Country of Origin: Mexico
Brand: Fender
Model: Player II Stratocaster
SKU: 0140512506
Condition: New
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