Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster RW Review

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster RW Review: The Best Affordable Strat?

Fender’s Player Series has long been the go-to choice for musicians seeking authentic Fender tone without Custom Shop prices. Now, the Player II Series arrives with key upgrades—including a modified tremolo, rolled fingerboard edges, and new pickups.

But is the Player II Stratocaster RW (Rosewood Fingerboard) worth the upgrade over the original Player Series?

In this hands-on review, we’ll cover:
Key upgrades in the Player II Series
Tone & playability test (compared to Player I)
Who should buy it (and who should skip it)
Best alternatives at this price

Overview: What’s New in the Player II Strat?

Fender has refined the Player II Series with several notable improvements:

1. Modified Tremolo System

• 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo (vs. 6-screw vintage style in Player I).
• Smoother operation – Better tuning stability when using the whammy bar.

2. Rolled Fingerboard Edges

• More comfortable for long playing sessions.
• Feels closer to a high-end American Strat.

3. New Alnico 5 Pickups

• Slightly hotter output than Player I’s ceramics.
• Warmer mids, clearer highs – Less brittle than the previous model.

4. Other Upgrades

• Staggered tuning pegs – Better string tension.
• Gloss neck finish – Smoother feel.

Build & Playability: Does It Feel Premium?

Body & Neck

• Body: Alder (standard for Strats), with a gloss poly finish.
• Neck: Maple with rosewood (RW) fingerboard, 9.5” radius.
• Fretwork: Well-dressed, no sharp edges.

Playability Notes:

• The rolled fingerboard edges make a big difference—no hand fatigue.
• The modern “C” shape is comfortable for most players.
• Lighter than a Mexican Standard (better balance for standing play).

Tone Test: How Does It Sound?

We compared the Player II Strat RW to the original Player Series through a Fender Deluxe Reverb.

Pickup Configurations:

• Bridge (Alnico 5 Single-Coil)
  • Player II: Punchier, with a slightly thicker midrange.
  • Player I: Brighter, slightly thinner.
• Middle (Alnico 5 Single-Coil)
  • Player II: Balanced, great for funk and clean tones.
  • Player I: Slightly scooped.
• Neck (Alnico 5 Single-Coil)
  • Player II: Warm, vocal-like, excellent for blues.
  • Player I: A bit more nasal.

Verdict: The Player II pickups are an improvement—more balanced and dynamic.

Who Should Buy the Player II Strat RW?

Best For:

• Gigging musicians needing a reliable, great-sounding Strat.
• Players upgrading from Squier (this feels like a “real” Fender).
• Those who want a modern tremolo (better tuning stability).

Skip If:

• You prefer vintage specs (6-screw trem, 7.25” radius).
• You already own a Player I (the upgrades aren’t drastic).

Alternatives at This Price

1. Fender Vintera II Strat (~$1,199) – More vintage-correct, but less versatile.
2. Yamaha Pacifica 612 (~$899) – Great value, but not a “real” Fender.
3. Used American Performer Strat (~$1,000) – If you can find one.

Final Verdict: Is the Player II Strat Worth It?

Rating: 9/10
Pros:

• Noticeably better pickups than Player I.
• Rolled fretboard edges = premium feel.
• Great tuning stability with the new tremolo.

Cons:

• Still a poly finish (some prefer nitro).
• No case included (gig bag only).

Final Word: If you’re buying your first “real” Strat, the Player II is the best value under $1,000. If you already have a Player I, the upgrades may not justify the cost.