Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster RW Review

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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

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster RW Review The Best Affordable Strat

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.
Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster RW Review The Best Affordable Strat

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.

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