The Best Value Fenders - Ever. The Player Series Revisited...
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Fender is a company that understands the concept of value for money exceptionally well. Whether it be a new player picking out their first guitar, or a seasoned-pro selecting their next acquisition, Fender are often among the first names that any musician will consider, knowing their investment will serve them well for years to come.
Having consistently offered instruments for every price point and professional requirement for decades now, Fender really hit the nail on the head for almost any type of guitar enthusiast imaginable, with the introduction of their Player Series. Today, we explore the notion that this line is truly the figurehead of the brand in these modern times, and that when it comes to good old fashioned value, it simply can't be beat!
Jack sits down with a handful of the most popular models from the Player series, including the ever-iconic Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster electrics, as well as touching on the equally seminal line of bass guitars.
But, what do you think? Would you agree that Fender's Player series offers the best bang per buck in the guitar giant's modern day arsenal, or do you think differently? Let us know in the comments below!
If you'd like any further information on the impressively sizeable Player series collection available here at Peach Guitars, click THIS link: bit.ly/36oWbNx
Every single guitar we receive from the Player Series is individually photographed, weighed and available for your selection via the website, so you can make the choice on your next guitar that's 100% perfect!
Thanks as always for watching, be sure to like and subscribe, take care and we'll see you next time!
Website: www.peachguita...
FOLLOW US!
Facebook: / peachguitars
Twitter: / peachguitars
Instagram: @peachguitars
Newsletter signup: bit.ly/2ZnPl5K
Jack’s TH-cam channel: / jackgriffithsmusic
Jack’s Instagram: @jackgriffithsmusic
Some serious playing here - sounding awesome
Thanks for watching guys!
@@PeachGuitars I want to make TH-cam vids like this and the audio quality is excellent. I want to know what the recording chain is
Amp ? Mic/mics? Mixing desk/laptop? Software?
And do you sell these items so I can reproduce your impressive audio quality fit TH-cam videos
Thank you Fender for creating some seriously amazing guitars. I am enjoying my Player Series Strat.
You're the best Fender. Greetings from Sweden!
That’s some smoking guitar work!
Making me really want to pick up this black, players, strat with the maple fretboard, I played at GC the other day. It’s used but plays great. Great action and feel. Feels like it’s had a good setup done to it? It’s a beautiful guitar.
Man I came here to learn about Fender guitars and I ended up watching the video in 0.5x speed to learn your licks. Outstanding playing!!
I bought the Pale Yellow HSS Player Stratocaster w/Tremelo. It’s fantastic with 5 way pickup switching options. I spent the extra money on the American Ultra Telecaster. Both purchases were in the same year. As far as playability, the first and really only noticeable difference is that the Player Strat, Mexican made model has frets that weren’t filed down and polished with rounded edges like the neck on the Ultra Tele’. So I ordered some tools, watched some videos and not only reshaped the jagged fret edges but dialed in the intonation so that the 12th fret octave notes are right in tune. Both neck backs are fast movable with satin finishes. The Ultra Tele is still slightly more comfortable on the top end due to its rounded over to more flattened bridge end compound structure. Not $1200 worth faster. For $70 you can upgrade to Fender lockable tuners & a little elbow grease, video learning, & maybe $60 or so to buy a plastic neck block, foam setup pad, some files & guitar feeler guages and you’ll be in heaven like you snuck in the back door!
Dude, neither the guitar nor your playing can compete with your perfect execution of explanation.....without a stutter, bravo! Your future vocation is in your ability to talk.
Seriously, this guy is a f’n treasure.
I just ordered my first Fender guitar. It's the PlayerSeries Strat, the three tone burst, maple fretboard, just exactly like the one he played in the video. I'm really hoping it will be a great guitar. Never have owned a Fender, so I hope I'll be very happy with it.
You will love it. I’ve been playing Fenders for over 25 years
I upgraded from a cheap Starcaster (by Fender) Electric guitar from 2012 to a recent Fender Player Series Stratocaster, and honestly the difference between the two is night and day. Its truly a high quality guitar. If you ordered it straight from Fender, I would suggest getting the guitar's action and intonation adjusted. I would also suggest having the bridge fixed unless you plan to use the trem arm. If you do decide to use the trem arm, just remember you can't drop down to Drop D tuning, that will get all of your other strings out of tune, on top of that when you change your strings, you will need to change each string one at a time when you have your bridge at floating position. Having a fix bridge eliminates this, but that also means you cannot screw on the trem arm until your bridge is set back to floating. Having your guitar setup properly will bring you years of joy and entertainment, this goes with any guitar being setup properly, not just the Player Series.
you will not regret it🙂Its so versatile!I used it to play songs from Intervals,Polyphia,Modern bands etc And it stills sounds great
@@SpiritOfHalloween31 hey im interested in buying a fender strat. What would you suggest having done to it to achieve super smooth effortless neck playing? I tend to feel better with lower action playing.
@@EM-km8em That's actually a good question. I don't think there is a one size fits all answer to this however. I would go to your nearest Guitar Center or local music store and see if they have any Fender Strats. I'd talk to the guitar tech over there too as he/she would be far more knowledgeable regarding neck playing. They would be able to set you up with lower action on your guitar. I'm not a guitar tech so I'm not too sure how all that works exactly. I hope what I said helps in some way.
I must have seen 1000s of videos on the player strat. But this video right here is what helped me decide on buying it..
Thanks Jack and that's some amazing playing!
The player series are every bit as good as American standard Fenders from 2008-2017. Features, fit, finish, feel, and tone are all spot on to American standards of that period right down to the satin neck with gloss fretboard which is one of my favorite necks to play. Quality control can be hit or miss with both the Mexican and American Fender production models (non custom shop) and I've played Mexican player series guitars that outshine U.S. and Japanese Fenders. My HSS player strat is one of my go-to guitars for gigs and I can honestly play an entire 3hr cover gig with just that guitar. If you A/B a player strat neck with a 2008 American standard, you would not be able to tell the difference. Also, the alnico II humbuckers in the player series are outstanding. It cuts through the band mix like a razor. Highly recommend!
After 35 years of playing, I’m totally a fender guy , there Mexican stuff is high level now .. they set up awesome
Maaan....any guitar sounds good in Jacks hands! Awesome playing!👍👍👍🎸🎸🎸🤩🤩🤩
1:09 just purchased that exact same HSS Capri Orange Strat, seen at the extreme right of the shot. Wonderful quality and sound.
I own 3 Player Plus Top Stratocaster HSS’s and I couldn’t be happier!
They are gorgeous!
The quality of MIM Fenders has greatly improved over the years almost rivaling American made guitars.
I also own 3 other MIM Strats and they are great too!
I am no longer a MIM snob!
Why three of the same guitar? Also, do you prefer noiseless pick ups?
I'll never understand buying multiple if the same thing.
I have a butterscotch blonde player series tele and it’s amazing. I’m not good enough to do it justice but it’s so easy to play.
I got one too and it’s better than my US one.
How is the grounding hum on singles? My player tele is pretty loud
Firstly thank you for your very good demo of the Fender player Strat series and secondly you rock, just beautiful playing & because of this you got the very best out of this quality lower costing Fender Strat series..and l think Fender should be sending you there guitar's for your views & demo's as you do there guitar's justice..l know you have helped make up my mind on what Strat l now will be purchasing..as l was tossing up on a few different Strat's but was leaning towards this player series & you have just made my mind up to go ahead & add this Fender player ( l getting the HSS series with the extra humbucker) to my collection..cheers & look forward to more of your demo's & your shredding..from an Australian 🇦🇺 old rocker
I’ve had my hss red player strat sinch February 2021, and it sounds and plays amazing. I love it. I play a lot of punk rock and it sounds great for that.
Bought a polar white player series strat and its the only guitar i touch these days. Great guitar for the price
I am saving up for the Fender HSS Stratocaster Player Series
I went in the local guitar shop to try out the american strat. ended up playing a player strat and couldnt put it down. it went home with me and has been a daily player for over a year now. beat guitar for the money i have ever purchased by far.
Riffing on the strat at 12:48 is nuts🔥
I admit I was a MiM snob. Sold a bunch of pedals, and bought a used Classic Series 50’s lacquer. 18 months later I own an additional three MiMs (all bought used). Sold a EBMM Cutlass, a custom shop EVH, Fender am. deluxe and a custom shop ESP signature. I do mod my MiMs though, pups, pots, maybe locking tuners, strap locks, pickguard, buy a nice hardcase. Still half the price of a MiA (still got three of those).
Jack! Your playing is amazing!
that orange fender is delicious and sounds good too
Mind you the white Teles nice 🎸👍😀fantastic sound
I have the exact same guitar that Jack is playing at the beginning of the video. Arguably the best guitar for the money on the market
Man you could run it on 60$ guitar and it would sound nice. Outstanding playing, presenting every coil in it’s best way.
Jack, you "crazy lil guitar man!" Love my Player Series Strat in the lefty configuration.
I have 4 guitars on my arsenal. And my absolute favorite is my Player Series strat, she won my heart, she chose me. She’s my number one, just like Stevie said
Stevie nicks, wonder, mclaughlin?
@@fredriksvard2603 Vaughan
@@MrSadomax ah the hendrix cover player, ok
SRV has his own sound and style, and was technically better than Jimi. Everyone was influenced by Jimi, so what. Plus SRV was much more Blues than Jimi
She? My guitar don't yell and bitch at me
Like it or not a great guitar that is properly setup is best. Mine has Fender locking tuners and has had the fret edges smoothed and rounded, and is working at its best. This is what we all need.
I've been very pleased with my player HH Tele. It's in the same Tidepool Blue as what Jack is playing
I have modded four Fender Mexican Player Strats (all with Maple fretboards). Put locking tuners, switchcraft input jack, Graphtec nut and stringtree, and D’Addario NYXL 09-42 strings on all of them, and upgraded all the electronics. Sunburst is now an HSH with Freeway ten position 5B5-02 lever switch, Polar White is now an HSS with Freeway ten position 5B5-02 lever switch, Tidepool is now an HH with Home of Tone 8 way switching from five position lever switch and push/ pull tone control, Capri Orange now has two Gibson P90 pickups, three position lever switch and one Vol and only One Tone control. Maybe I will try two Filtertron pickups next! I am a lefty so cannot buy any Strats other than SSS off the shelf. I do also have an SSS Custom Shop Strat with ten position Freeway 5B5-01 lever switch and Josefina Campos pickups (I am definitely keeping the Josefinas).
hi fellow lefty here,did the same to my strat guitars 🎸 that’s what i like about fender they offer many models left handed,and now they offer a couple of them with a HSS configuration or a HH
These guitars are perfect for modding
I was a strictly acoustic player but ended up adding electric guitars to my collection. The mistake I made was buying cool, high end guitars and adding average amps to them. A player series fender will sound better through a 2k amp than a custom shop fender will sound through a €300 amp... And then there's the player: good players will make anything sound well. I loved my american original teles/strats but whenever I played player series guitars I didn't feel like I was missing out on much, really. They're a gorgeous mix of traditional but with modern benefits. If you browse the used market especially, you can get some really great deals
I think they're very good guitar's. I really like that maple neck strat you had at the end. I hit the like and subscribe... Very nice,. Thanks. 🎸
Agree, I just picked up a H/S/H version. Nice pick ups and brill build quality. P
Amazing guitars. Recommend getting a used one and upgrading with locking Fender tuners, rail pickup in the bridge, and a roller string tree.
Damn the price of these went up by $200 since I was introduced to them. Should've gotten one when they were $650.
Amazon has it on sale now for around $650. I just got one. Go get yours!!
@@surfcaster you sure it’s not a Chinese replica? Just saying China can clone a Mexican clone and they do it well
@@greg6162 it’s Mexican. But it’s back to it’s original price now of over $900
The distorted demo of the HSS Strat is outstanding.
Found a Jimmie Vaughan used 2020 for $450, made in Mexico, was in new condition. Had to do a fret level to get super low action, , also had some fret sprout so had to file the fret ends. Now it's great for lead and rhythm, , tone is really outstanding with stock fender pickups. Guessing it is simular to the player series!
Ordered a white player one from you guys earlier today 😁
Love the sound of everyone of these guitars, amazing.
Great playing! Man, that dual humbucker Tele was my favorite!
I had a squier that had a two point bridge, can’t remember what run it was, have a 2021 players series in tidepool blue, love it, also have a 2009 deluxe players series
Vintera has s1 switch modernised sunburst version I have also made in same mim
The orange hss strat looks and sounds killer, people are mentioning squire classic vibes, but .... they still say Squire... I've had two and they're fine but I found I kept wishing it said fender on the head stock.
This vid is 2yrs old now, but I would love to see some vids comparing fender player to prs silversky se. I was sold on the prs bc the pickups sound SO good. Like a strat but even more stratty. But I want a polar white guitar so I'm now looking at a player and possibly changing pickups to ssl-5 and ssl-1. So many options. This would be my only strat, already have several HH metal rigs. Thanks for the videos man
11:36 min wow 🤩 Nice play
got mine for a steal.. blue burst with the top and grain on the fretboard HSS lol got it for like 600$ in 2018. the thing is amazing. i feel bad for not playing my other guitars as much since i got the thing.
I’d argue that you get a lot more value from Squire Classic vibe series than that…they look the same (unlike Epiphones that don’t match the Gibsons), and they sound very good. All at half the cost of that MIM Fender. As for the best value with the real brand name, I would say that at nearly that price you can get American Gibsons that are insanely good. Even PRS, if that’s you’re guitar-curious, makes a low priced American model. I would argue that no country makes better guitars than America, for now. And yes that includes Japan. American guitars are just the best of the best…
Nice playing ! What's that song at 9:45 ?
I recall considering the Player series, but ended up getting an American Performer Strat (HSS) because I didn't want the lacquered maple neck, just the plain maple. Side note, those shawbuckers (?) sound amazing on that blue tele.
Not Shawbukers, Player Series Alnico II pickups. Fabulous sounding. Check out Tom Quayle's demo playing a red one. Those HH models are the most underrated & often overlooked model Tele. Tom demonstrates the coil splitting sounds better than any other demo out there.
@@jst601 I've got a Tele Deluxe with two humbuckers (Shawbuckers) & the sound is slightly clearer than the '57s on my Gibson ES-339. I love both guitars' sound but if I had to have just one tone, I'd take the Gibson '57s. I'd choose Fender 99% of the time, I think their P90s sound way better than the competition. So, while I love the Shawbuckers on my Tele, I'd be open to exploring other options. I worry about modding it too much (it's a limited edition), but the frets are already in need of a do-over & it's only a 2018 model.
Fantastic range of guitars !!
Agree.
Now do the Squier "Classic Vibe" Series: the best Squiers ever made.
At 9:50 what’s this song!? Great riff!! Amazing playing as usual Jack!!👍👍👍
OMG And what’s the dirt box in front of that custom deluxe!!??;)
Great overview, thanks.
Great guitars. Just wish they would bring back the rosewood on them. Pau ferro is such a weird look
just got my sea foam green Strat today! MX23 so it's so new it smelled factory smell from it if you know what i mean, the good smell
Great video. You showed us several different guitar options for what ever style you play. You can't beat the player series for the money and the value.
I had ordered an american professional 2, but after all I will get thie player series equivalent. Much better value for money!
Beautiful demo🔥
The Player Stratocaster even has the tapered edge which lays against your abdomen. It just doesn’t have the second tapered edge at the neck near the bridge that Ultra’s in both models have
How many famous riffs can Jack play without getting a copyright strike in one video? Good work!
I was thinking the same thing!!!
Well done indeed
the little hidden smile at the start won't fool anyone
I've never tried the Strats but as far as Teles go I'd rather just get a Squier Classic Vibes. It sounds almost identical, has a nice finish, a great neck with more rounded edges than the Player, and it's over £200 less. Not that the Player is bad or overrated or expensive - the Squier is just THAT good for THAT cheap!
I love the CV Series, but really think that, specifically with the Tele, the Player is the better option.
Alternatively, you could get an Affinity Tele & install some Yosemite or Tex-Mex pups.
(No such qualms over the CV Strats tho: they're brilliant!)
I do think the Fender is more reliable, so if I'm gonna tour or some shit then I'm going with the Player. But for just a tele, an Affinity is unbeatable in value.
I wrestled with the cv vs player choice for about a month. Went to different shops. Demonstrated them both. Fender has a feel that is just different than Squire. Find a sale, if you can get the Fender. You will not regret it.
My CV tele was too heavy for me...
11:43 Jack is incredible.
I’ve got a Duo-Sonic HS and it’s a great guitar. I’m usually a Tele player, but needed something different to change things up a bit and man the Duo-Sonic is a bit of everything. Works great for ambiance, rock, grunge and you name it. Check it out if you want something a bit different.
I am very happy with my Player Tele and Strat!
Fender Player! Very good strat for the money!
Lovely tone man
Not to spoil anyone’s day but I bought one of the Fender Player HH Telecasters and sold it within a year. One of the most dead, uninspiring guitars I’ve ever owned, I’d pick it up and immediately grow tired of playing it. Fit and Finish was 7/10, looked reasonably nice, but my ‘Crafted in China’ Modern Player Telecaster Plus far outshines it. Although I do believe I got a ‘special’ one of those that is a joy to play.
I think I’m a firm believer of ‘It’s not the brand, production location or specs, some guitars have just got a sparkle that others dont’
I have a black 2019 player. Everything is great except it has stress lines in the finish caused by what I believe is when they routed the cavities. The cavities aren’t painted which tells me they routed after finishing. The router marks in the wood match up with the stress lines perfectly. Great guitar otherwise.
Nice IBC. Watches and guitars seem to just go together.
Fender has discontinued the capri orange color in this series.....man its a beautiful finish
so sad, it's my fav color, I'm disappointed... 🥺🧡
Wow.I was always after an Orange Strat (affordable).The other colour would be Atomic Orange.It's funny how an Orange Strat isn't widely available.
Fender is one and only!
Would love one! Never understood why people buy strats with humbuckers?? Strats are single coil
I got one with a humbucker because I love strat body’s but want a humbucker so I could play high gain punk rock. I like the lightness, and I move and jump around a lot while playing, so it works for me. Liked the strat better than my les Paul copy, which the headstock broke, and I retired it.
@@angelos425 fair play! The only reason you’d want a Strat with humbuckers. Prefer the humbuckers myself too. Punk seems rarely played on a non Strat body……
Less feedback.
@@KKissinger72 it’s the sound I’m talking about…it’s a Strat!
@@nesta8518 I know what you mean the unique Strat sound with the single Coil at the bridge. I got hss player and sss performer and they are both very different
I went with the white on white all maple hss. It's my first guitar ever! Well see what happens.
Great choice! And good luck on your guitar playing journey, you know where to come if you ever need anything!
Remember, Leo Fender's pre-CBS guitars and PUPS were made by artisans primarily of Mexican descent!
Rory Gallagher reviewing the player series.
Great video! Thank very much! Great playing and great tone with all the guitars. Could you please share what distortion pedal are you using with the orange HSS strat, for the lead and power chord sounds?
Amazing guitar I love mine in sonic red
He sounds like joe bonamassa with British accent! 😅 ! Nice playin tho lit
That 2H tele has so much balls. There’s literally everything for everyone.
And I’m broke…
Fender should offer as standard fender locking tuners on all stratocaster...
In my opinion, they called the pro. series that way cuz they think it's best for PROFESSIONALS who make their own songs and record them.
They called the performer series that cuz they think its the best for players who mainly PERFORM,
And the mexican ones are for the casual PLAYER.
In my opinion, you can play, perform and record with the player strat while sounding amazing.
Man I miss my 2016 American standard strat.
Wonder how she's doing.
Lol, just was writing a day b4 that I need a mexican Strat! Thanks a lot!! Will get one next month ))
This Player Series SSS Strat vs a G&L Legacy Tribute? Now there's the real question. Need real answers too!
@Peach Guitars, which amplifier and pedals did you use please? Sounds great!
The HS Jaguar is the best of this series and can be easily modded to vintage SS specs.
the one at 10.12 or so,sunburst is a little brittle sounding,thats amp settings...
What are the pallets for in the background ?
I think i would love to buy the 1962 model of Fender Stratocaster model
This guy sure can play…and eloquently describe products- I’ve got the same guitar and it’s as good as it looks
I got rid of my Player Series Strat right away but my next guitar was a LSL Saticoy custom so obviously that is going to blow that Player Series Strat out of the water.
What was the issue with the players one?
Such a killer player
Sire larry Carlton sir ..better spec's better price. Locking tuners, bone nut, stainless steel frets . Yes the Fender is great too :)
I think Jack can even make a $100 guitar sound like a $1,000 one
Proof that with a great setup and amazing player equals sonic orgasmic tones...Jack can play!
Doubt it
I can make a 10,000$ guitar sound like a 100$ guitar
Guitars sound the same in anyone's hands. Only musical differences like note choices or chord voicings.
Besides that, the dynamic and the touch.
But not the tone or the sound itself.
Is a Zeny electric guitar(resembles a Fender Strat)...a good electric guitar for beginners? Just wondering! Or, should I just get a Fender and forget about it...thanks!!! 🎸
Classic vibes 60s or this one? Which has better value?
classic vibe is always value
a year ago, on a sunny morning in june, i was being very stupid and bought a player series strat. i wasn't really convinced at first (very bad tuning stability), but i finally wanted a strat, especially that white-blonde one (i still think she's a stunner), and didn't want to leave without one (i drove 50 miles to that store) ... i thought a set-up by the pros at this store would sort all the issues out, so i had that done before buying and took it home. they even disabled the trem but it still went out of tune rather quickly. stretched the strings, put in locking tuners... it's somewhat okay now, but i wouldn't buy one again. have i mentioned yet that the fret ends are absolut rubbish (not necessarily sharp but not tidy at all, splitting wood and shit)? so it will take some more time to make this guitar _good_ , as it just didn't come out of the factory properly. seems like i got a bad one, and it's an early 2018 one... no wonder nobody bought it and it was still in the shop mid 2020 ... even if 9/10 player series guitars aren't like that, i'd still buy a used but real us made strat next time. i spent more than 600€ on this thing and for far too long it's just sat there and looked nice, but i didn't feel like grabbing it... sick of bad guitars and shit quality. if i had been really clever i would've gone for a classic vibe and sanded the neck down. only buy and keep your made in mexico / player series guitars if you are really convinced and happy with it.
You got a bad one. Have played one yet that uneven or bad frets. Tuners are almost never the tuning stability issue. Its always the nut or string tree which lube usually fixes. The saddles some times. I always have a fret rocker with me to check fret leveling before buying so I know I wont have fret out when I lower the action with a set up. I can visually see bad fret crowning and file marks etc. Never waste money on locking tuners in an attempt to think youll fix tuning problems.
@@jl-zz9zs i replaced the string tree as well, it's a graph tec one. i will probably have the nut replaced with a real bone nut by a local manufacturer soon. i got the locking tuners because the standard ones were rather loose and too sensitive, the current ones have a different ratio. they are also staggered which i thought would help keep a nice angle of the strings on the nut. the frets are bad, i need to have them properly polished. the fret ends are ok, but there's wood splitting where the fret wire comes out of the maple finger board edge. i hate myself for taking that thing home with me. never go to the shops when you're hungry... it was the same here.
Sorry to hear that. Its very disappointing to hear about a guitar and how good it is and then having a total different experience with the one that you get. I guess some of them slip through quality control.
@@AxCYeR
Bone nuts aren't the best for tuning stability though.
Mine always stays in tune. Sorry to hear that.
I didn't like the original Player neck as it was too thin.Are they thicker now ?
Lovely
I want the white one
😮😅 how much please
Great tones! Maybe I missed it, but what amp did you play through? Deluxe Reverb 68 Custom? Any pedals?