Does nobody know that David gilmour's real strat is a tobacco burst with a dark neck, he only had this guitar repainted all black towards the end of his career. I hate it cause everyone's like nice gilmour strat but I've had this black on black guitar since I started 17 years ago. I only say this cause no one takes your look seriously if an artist has the same guitar. Every show I play there's the asshole yelling nice pink floyd guitar, when in actuality gilmour's signature strat is tobacco burst
I bought one about 4 months ago and I’m loving it. It stays in tune and the neck feels amazing. I love the gloss on the frets and the satin finish on the back. Amazing guitar no regrets
Hi Doc, I bought one of these in the Tidepool colour. Even though I have owned CS Strat for 10 years now, I really have no complaints with the PIayer Strat, I think Fender have put together a really good unit. The standout features for me are the satin neck finish on the back, the pickups offer spot on Strat sounds, I did raise the heights which seemed to bring them to life, everything else is solid and as you say this thing will last a long time. Mine doesn’t drift out of tune on any particular string, stable as. This is easily a road worthy guitar, well finished, sounds spot on, solid, and the expensive Strat can stay safe at home. Cheers for a good vid.
I had a Deluxe Players Strat up until a couple of years ago. I’ve regretted selling it ever since. I’m getting ready to buy a new Players Strat, I’m really liking the Tidepool color.
Loved your review... as an acoustic player looking to get my first electric I've landed on the Fender Player Strat... appreciated your insight! Thank you.
i love my Player Strat after i set it up the way i like its my number one now. im thinking about buying a seconds one because i like it that much. i modded it some i added a Wilkonson Roller nut graphite String saver saddles a TremoloNO system to be able to lock or unlock my tremolo . i put in Texas special but they had a bit to much out put and i put the stock pups back in. has a really nice 2 and 4 position sound . if you adjust the bridge pickup higher than the others it acts as a little bit of a boost on the bridge if thats something you like. do not over look these guitars because they are made in Mexico, the custom shop builders in California went down to Mexico to show them how to put them together . it shows they did a really good job.
Nice review man! I got my Player Strat back in October and I love it so far. I've bonded so much with it and I can't imagine my life without it, + it has a dark beautiful Pau Ferro fretboard. The only complains I've found are factory ones, the nut was really poorly cut so it went out of tune all the freaking time. Even fixing it at a luthier still has it not completely stable yet. That's something you would expect Fender to fix before they ship them out.
i ended up adding a Wilkonson roller nut . it helps it stay in tune much better even when you use it like mad man with a floyd rose , but it has its limits too before the G string will go out a little on you . i love my Player strat
The Player Series is seriously awesome. I have three other MiM Strats, 2013 Standard SSS, 2016 Standard HSH and the special edition 2017 Hendrix Monterey Strat. The Monterey blows them all away but the Player Series model is a really good geetar. I would definitely recommend it to someone looking to add a Strat to their guitarsenal.
Great review, very in depth yet concise and to the point! I'll probably pick one of these up soon, I'm kinda blown away by how good it seems to be for that low a price.
You’re video is coming late. I was in the market for a Tele player series and after trying several I saw a Strat just like yours and that was the winner. Love everything on it that has become my go to favorite one. Mine holds the tune nicely and Gig with it already. Thanks Dr. and keep up the good work!
I bought a Player Strat recently. Solid guitar. Sounds great. Saddles kinda suck, but I'm replacing those. The wood is pretty resonant, and the neck fit to the body is tight. Pickups sound great.
@@hgostos The ones mine came with can be shifted laterally a little too easily for my comfort. It's probably not a huge issue for most but for me it was bugging me. I replaced them with Highwood Saddles. You can get them from a few different places. I bought mine from StewMac. They seem to hold position better than the stock saddles, and feel better under my palm. I also swapped out the nut with a graphtech and put Fender locking tuners on it. The neck and the pickups are perfect though and the bridge has a steel block.
I just got one of these in HSS. I love it! Can’t put the thing down. About the sharp saddles, I got some short saddle screws and went for slotted heads instead of hex screw. This got them out of the way completely and took away any sharpness
I have a player series strat in inca silver with a Pao ferro fret board. It is just amazing. The tuning stability is a bit suspect since I've had to tune it at least 4 times in the last 10 months. But otherwise amazing! 😜 The other difference between this and the previous mexican strats is that it now has a 2-point tremelo instead of 6, the pickups are ALNICO 5 instead of the previous ceramic pups and the bridge pup has it's own tone knob. The one thing that really elevated it to a whole other level is when i installed a 10-way freeway switch!!! OMG!!! without modifying anything in the guitar or changing the pickguard or anything, you replace the stock 5 way switch with this thing and all of a sudden you have 5 new tones! You have one where the neck & bridge are combined like in a tele, another one where all three pickups are together which is amazing, then you have middle and neck in series, bridge and neck in series and also one last one which you can choose (either bridge and middle in series or all three pups in series). I can't even believe how amazing this transformation was! And the thing cost me $40 to buy (had to pay another $40 for my tech to install it). Anyway highly recommended and it's made my Mexican player series in to some incredible custom shop signature strat!
I bought mine back in November 2019 and absolutely love it. My first Strat I bought in '90 and it was good, but I like the Players' Series model much better and the price is hard to beat for what you get. The pickups are quiet and there is definitely a tone difference between the five positions. I run mine through a BOSS GT-1 and each patch will sound different with the five positions. The finish on the neck is just as you said, very comfortable and your hand can easily slide anywhere without 'catching' on the finish. Very smooth. If anyone is on the fence on buying one, I would say do it.
“... a really nice instrument that’s going to last you the rest of your life.” That exactly answers my question. I was wondering if the Player was going to be another upgrade but interim instrument, or if both ‘as is’ and the upgradability would be good enough for years to come. I’m originally a sax player, but been a trained musician all my life, who started playing guitar ten months ago. I currently play a Squier Bullet Strat, very happy with it, but it’s in need of component upgrades, and because the dimensions are different it’s not really upgradable. The Player seems all standard, so it’s infinitely upgradable and of course it’s a very good guitar as is.
You could keep this guitar "as is" and be perfectly happy. The key is to keep being a musician. You are in control of the sound, groove and note choices. The Player Series will not get in your way and will be a joy to play for many years. I may need you to play some Sax on a song. Send me a message on facebook and we can work together soon.
I also liked what you said about the neck. I just tried another Player yesterday, first time since I got the Squier, and that was the number one thing I noticed. I like the thinner c shape neck on the Squier, but the one on the Player is just different, thicker. I’ve had exactly the problem you mentioned with the thinner neck, so that was very helpful.
To be frank, I’ve been through the Great Recession, total disability, unemployment, and now this exile. It will be over soon, but the Greatest Generation, at least they didn’t have to follow up the war with a pandemic, and .... screw it. You are right, but we wont know until history proves it. I miss the days when I could get a bachelors degree from a famous college, be the boss, and choose my next opportunity. I should be helping others, making other dreams possible, not longingly admiring the career achievements of people half or even a third my age who don’t even bother to proofread their own work before publishing it for a global audience. Even as a musician, I knew John Meyer when he was seventeen. What an impressive individual. That’s one for the ages. He worked his butt off, every day, and it paid off.
I bought a 2000 model squier strat from a pawn shop and changed the bridge to the same ones on the player strat. The saddle screws were really high and annoying so I put a .5 degree shim in the neck pocket and set the relief properly. Now it plays beautifully
I just got this guitar in great shape a couple weeks ago for $585 off of eBay 2019 MIM black on black. Since you made this video the new price at GC is $799.00, but I am glad I bought it because it plays and feels better than my Squier Bullet Strat, yet still affordable. It is slightly heavier, but It’s tolerable. I like the smooth, glossy neck, and let’s face it, It’s a great player that will last a lifetime. I have a Gibson Les Paul Special and I feel happier playing this guitar.
I just bought a player from zzounds and my frets are like the one you have and the same thing on the bridge saddle screws very sharp....but other than that the guitar sounds amazing and even stays in tune with the 2 point tremolo system....plus the last tone control works the bridge pickup witch I like.
I have the 2018 ''Gilmour'' limited edition but it's the previous model with 21 frets and 6 screw bridge. I guess in 2018 they offered both MIM models. First year 2 bolt 22 fret and last year 21 fret 6 screw? Anyway the one i have is excellent in every way. She's a real keeper for sure. I really can't imagine how an American model could be much if any better.
Strummed one of those today at a Guitar Center. Felt great. Neck and action were very comfortable. The cream colored pick ups and knobs blend nicely with the maple neck, as compared to stark white. Have to consider one. Have three Tele's, need to replace the Squire CV 50 I sold years ago. Darn good guitar too.
I picked one up a few weeks ago...a HSH configuration. Great tones and a comfortable neck. It has it's pluses and minuses. The bridge is an American bridge or an exact copy right down to the imperial screws..they aren't metric like MIM Strats tend to be. The switches and pots are the same as the American Standard and even the pickups are Alnico 5 magnets, again, the same as the old American Standard. My issue though lies in tuning. It won't hold tune. I just installed a new set of Fender locking tuners and that's helped a great deal so now I can gig with it but it still needs some nut work because I have a ringing E string. In all it's a great guitar, one that I'll keep and it's true Fender all the way.
@@dailyblankscreen7938 I have 3 but I haven't used any with this guitar because I use a Headrush Pedalboard to gig with. But my amps are 2 Carvin tube amps and a Boss Katana 100 2x12.
I have a 2018 player that I put in fat 50's pickups and shim the neck with a little piece of thick paper to tilt it just a little, by doing that I raised the sadles on the bridge so it feels good on my right hand, adjusted the trust rod, and it came out great. I played every day, sounds very good and love it. The neck is perfect straight, good action with the right tilt, the only thing is that I can see already little wear on the frets. Also the pots are not very good but those can be change easy. By doing all of this, it will be just like my old American standard.
Bought one yesterday, I went in looking at the more expensive professional models but after playing 10 or so of them I really didnt bond with any of em. after picking up a player strat i fell in love immediately and played it for over an hour in the store. walked out with a new guitar and at half the price i was planning on paying.
Have this guitar and love it! Have really loved most of Fenders new MIM products. I went into shops looking at the new USA stuff but on both occasions came away buying MIM- my Player Strat and my 50s Vintera Strat
I have a lefty Fender Player Strat, Maple fretboard, Sunburst. Added Fender left-hand locking tuners and a Graphtec stringtree and re-strung with D’Addario .009 - .042 Gauge. I have a Graphtec left hand nut, but I haven’t fitted that yet as the stock nut seems to be doing a good job now that the locking tuners and new string tree have been fitted.
I owned the original Player Series Stratocaster, the MIM, or Made In Mexico Stratocaster, and it was a Lefty BTW, too. All the different wooden pieces of the body are even made in The United States, they're just shipped to Mexico for assembly. Even if it's NOT your first guitar(!), they make excellent touring guitars for bands playing bars & clubs, considering the astounding quality for a damned reasonable price! Same goes for the Epiphone Les Paul, Epiphone Hummingbird, etc. All well worth the money, easily.
I have the new player series strat hss. Got in 2 weeks ago and I love it. Great neck, amazing switching to split the humbucker on position 2 which is my favorite. No complaints
@@MidtownMeezus lol I'm not quarantined. I'm an automotive technician so I still work everyday. I bought the EVH black and white stripped strat too that should get in tomorrow so I'm excited for that. I want a deluxe strat tho so i might try an trade it
@@stratsteveo106 Stella, that black & white striped one I always thought was definitely my favorite one. Let me know how it sounds sometime. I'm on furlough from my job @ 4 Seasons Downtown Houston, which sux, but I've been listening to tons of stuff, which doesn't suck. Thanx, have a good1.
@@clintwilson6380 I love the EVH. The sustain is amazing and sounds great even plugged into one of my small amplifiers. The floyd is perfect with the D tuna. Aside from the hardware and finish, the neck is exactly like the one on my strat which is great cuz I dont have giant man hands lol. Sorry to hear about you being out of work right now, hopefully soon everything will go back to normal ❤
I have the Player Plus Top Strat. I love it!! And this is coming from a long time Ibanez player. I've already done a couple of mods. DiMarzio Injector pickups, and Fender locking tuners.
Thanks for the video! I asked a local store to order a player strat in colour I like, nice to hear some reassurance from someond more experienced that it's worth the money. I did play one myself and liked the feel and tone.
Should I get this or step up to the professional II? I play casually but want a nice guitar that won't leave me wanting more. Money is not an issue but I also don't want to pay more if I don't need to. Is the Pro II worth the price hike in terms of guitar sound?
Hi, I'm not an impulsive buyer, or it's rare. Guitars, I normally think, return a few times and then maybe buy it. I was trying out a guitar and saw the fiesta red player Strat. It was so beautiul and sounded great, loved the feel of the neck, the tremelo - everything. I bought it.
I just got my “Black” Fender Player Series Strat with maple neck yesterday! Mine was used (mint) from Reverb for $500 and l love that Fender tone in a beautiful guitar!🎸🔥🤘🏻
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!
Indeed Guitar Center has 4 colors on sale today for $599 +tx... (the blue flame top is sold out for online orders so really only 3 models available...)
Heard of tuning issues with that plastic nut. They call it "synthetic bone" but it's plastic. Hence why you tried to bend the neck at the opening lick to add vibrato instead of using the bar as it wouldn't return to pitch.
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios yeah! It really is amazing. I did notice the pickups are hotter than the CV so there is a lot of hum but other than that it's chill
i bought a player strat as my first more expensive guitar, it was such a step up from the really cheap guitars i have. i played a custom shop strat that i could never afford in a guitar store, and the player neck is so much better.
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios i dont really mind the lower output of the Pickups. Especially when my fuzz pedal arrives in a couple days. And it just sounds like s strat. Nails the tone for me.
The main difference between The American Pro and the Player is 50 miles and $1,000! I have a Players series, AKA MIM Strat and it's just perfect. I PLAY it not analyze it. I know you are the same way and you're just doing a review. This thing is just a real solid instrument with no discernible flaws at all. Mine is a tobacco sunburst. The finish is perfect. To hot rod it a little, I picked up some upgraded tuners from StewMac, but besides those, I'm just going to leave it alone. Thought about putting Texas Special coils on it, but honestly, this instrument gives me plenty of sonic range right off the shelf. Remember, we used to buy Strats back in the 70s for $399!
i wish they had some around my area :( i havent pulled the trigger on one because I have a CV60s, and I aint so sure is a noticeable improvement besides the 22nd fret. i truly wish it was a 12"radius
thanks Angel. I returned it shortly after this video. I mainly play Reverend guitars but for any Fender player the Player Series Strat and Tele are excellent instruments for the money.
Thank God another person willing to tell the truth that Fender strats even made a MIM better than a Squier which are fine budget friendly beginner guitars but cut the crap people. Looked thru comments surprised no squier person posted a story about their buddies American Profesional Strat being setup all wrong and sounding like crap but their 200.00 Sqiuer is just the most amazing instrument right out the box lol. Or the guy who owned 3 MIA including Clapton Artist Series but sold them all and now only plays squier. Sure there is more to that story. Anyway thanks for the review although I'm disappointed you didn't discuss the tuners. Getting this guitar later in week and wondering if I should just spend 60 bucks on locking tuners off the bat. I have a roadhouse strat with locking tuners and love them so probably will get them if store had them. Plus doesn't this have a bridge pickup tone knob now? Imo that's nice bonus. It's not the guitars fault but the black is finger print magnet. I'm going for polar white
I'm kinda new to Fenders, been a Gibson guy myself for way too long and decided to branch out. Really want a strat but don't want to start at a "low" grade though. I've been playing for 10+ years and want something nice. This seems midrange to me is that right? Would y'all say this is a good enough fender or should I go up to a professional? What are the differences? I just play for myself but want a nice guitar. Sorry I know I could google all this but I'm feeling lazy today. I just want a Strat that I can buy that will be great sounding for years to come, I don't want to yearn for a better one if that makes sense.
Hi Eddie, This is an excellent guitar regardless of price. I actually returned this guitar only because I prefer Reverend guitars. I got a Six Gun TL (video on my channel) and I love it. If you have to get a Fender then the Player Series is excellent. If you want to branch out then get a Reverend. You won’t be sorry.
I can get a new one for $525 but it has a rosewood fret board. I wanted maple, if only for the aesthetics. I am not an expert at guitar features but is there any downside to the rosewood neck board.
I bought the 2018 player hss strat in sunburst... The big difference is the back of the neck is also gloss finish. I may need some sand paper to fix it. I have replaced the nut and installed locking tuners... Great guitar nice video
Is it me, or are the pickups really bright sounding compared to other strats? Just got this exact model used and wow! It’s great, but I’m not sure if I like the pups it came with, might see about changing em out.
Hey man, I have Stratocasters all the way from the Player series to American Performer, American Professional and so on and all I can say is that the Player is an incredible guitar for the money.
Just got one of these but have found that the use of the tremolo or string bends knocks the guitar way out of tune. I have seen five reviews of this guitar and no-one ever tests the whammy bar or tries before and after string bends. I will be checking the guitar again after new strings/ pencil lead on the nut etc. I hope this solves the problem. I am aware that this was always a bit of an issue with stratocasters which is why a lot of players have blocked of the tremolo. A dive bomb would be OK right at the end of a piece so you don't have to returne mid song.
im 34 years old i just have the urge to learn to play one, im a huge fan of dave gilmours sound i really want to make my guitar sing just like he does. he uses the jet black strat, i bought a black one with a white "faceplate" hope i can get the hang of it. im going in blind wish me luck!
Thanks Doc, that was a great review, really appreciate it. I’ve always fancied a strat but never wanted to pay a fortune but think this ticks the boxes. Great point about the saddle, though for the money think i could forgive them that, cheers Ant from Birmingham UK 🇬🇧👍
I have the fender elite and the Dave Murray strat, but I think I'd like to get a strat and upgrade to hss setup like fast eddies from Motorhead, would the player be a good guitar to do that or should I just save for a higher end fender to do it?
I think these Strats flat out own the bang for your buck ratio. There is cheaper... But with big hits in materials and quality.... There is better, but with diminishing returns as spend more. Here is the sweet spot where every dollar is buying as much guitar as possible. Want to upgrade the pickups? Sure... And not wasting money....nice alder bodies, CTS pots, same as MIA... You wont even want to rwplace the pots unless adding a push/pull or wanting something super primo from RS Guitar Works or something... But those kits are upgrades on high end MIA Strats too. Point is, you don't have to mess with any electronics, same pots as MIA, just drop the pickups in and leave the wiring alone.... I wont even have to mod 2nd tone for bridge like I always did.... They've already done that for me in Ensenada. Also,.no hurry to replace these pickups. They are quite good from the factory. Good alnico. These are not the ceramic 'meh' fest of old Mexis. That vintage sparkle and shimmer is there. So dont even assume you'll want to upgrade the pickups. Just saying if you do... The electronic guts are same as MIA. It will take new pickups as well as an MIA will. Its got a great alder body. Nice pickups are not wastes here. In terms of spec, these basically match the MIA Standard of 20 years ago. Good wood, good electronics, good bridge with fat tremblock.... What do want from a Strat? If you want particular pickups, or locking tuners or something.... Do it yourself, these things are good mod platforms because they are such a solid baseline to build on. Example, I have a complaint about this model. I hate the string tree. Only one and its binding badly on mine messing with high E string. So what? MIA style string trees are 2 for $9.99 at GC in stock.... Will take me less than 5 minutes to do the upgrade. Would it have been nice to have those string trees on from factory? Yes. Is it worth the hundreds of dollars to step up to a model that has those string trees? Nope. $10 and 5 minutes. Equal to a string change. There are things I love too. Holy crap, it has my favorite type of bridge! My prefernce has always been the US style 2 point... But with vintage saddles... And ive upgraded tremblocks before. This is exactly the bridge Id pick, down to the tremblock on them now. If price were no object and I was ordering Custom Shop after hitting the lottery.... I get this bridge. But to balance, another complaint. Mine is Pao Ferro. First off, I love and prefwr pao ferro. Going back to when rosewood was common and pao ferro was exotic, I preferred it and thought of it then and now as a super rosewood. Its a bit harder and denser. Polished smooth and well oiles it feels more like ebony, which I also love, withouy being as bright. Warmer than maple, sharper than rosewood... And looks amazing when well oiled. Better tha rosewood imho. So what is my complaint? From factory the fretboard was crazy dry and actually rough to the touch. 0000 steel wool and F-One oil.... Plus some elbow grease and I got it silky smooth and lustrous. The complaint is that the factory should have done that. I knew what it needed and how to do it. Not everyone will. My theory is that Fender actually intentionally nerfs the Pao Ferro doing this. They dont want the MIM Pao Ferro to risk looking or feeling better than the rosewood on the MIA hanging next to it. They need something to create the illusion of an upgrade... So.... They dont actually finish the pao ferro boards. Thats for you or a luthier to do for you. I dont mind doing what I did. I even had the steel wool from another project and plenty of the oil. And the time. And kinda like working on guitars. The end result is my dream fretboard... Even with nicely rolled edges. Feels and looks amazing. Gorgeous grain. Maybe I am the minority, but Pao Ferro has been my favorite and dream fretboard wood since the 90s. While everyone else wishes their Mexican Fender had rosewood.... I kinda wish my old MIA Lonestar was Pao Ferro. Oh yeah, I do have an MIA to compare to. And yes, this compares VERY well to it. Anyway, I am among the few the genuinely love pao ferro. I had to buy mine not based on what the fretboard was, but what it could be with some easy work. I just think its BS Fender ships them out with fretboards in that condition. Finish the damned guitar.... Then again... Maybe thats why they are cheap. If skipping that step and making me do it saved $100 on the price? Im cool with it. So thats my big grouse. I dont agree with Fender's corporate decision to not finish pao ferro boards. Shrug. It doesn't ruin the guitar and I kinda enjoyed 'fixing' it myself. I think these are a modders dream honestly. They even need work put of the box on the pao ferro models imo. So what if I hate the string tree? $10 and 5 minutes remember. Shrug. But you are getting a badass Strat with what used to be MIA spec and materials only.... And getting it cheap. Best bang for the buck in the Fender range... Maybe best bang for the buck in the guitar market. Expect some work needed, a setup at least (mine was good but not great setup out of box, some horror stories out there of really high action etc), steel wool and oil if you get Pao Ferro... But embrace those issues (which are minor and easily fixable, ideally by yourself) and consider the bargain you get. I think the value is as good as it gets. Even at current prices this is a LOT of guitar per dollar. All the important stuff, wood quality, electronics, hardware (except shitty strong tree), crafsltsmanship... fretwork on mine is quite nice actually, it needed a truss rod tweak, but the frets need no dressing... Neck pocket fit is perfect... Im sorry, but I dont think whomever fits necks to bodies in Corona is any better at it than whomever is doing it in Ensenada. Craftsmanship is on point here. I can't failt the dry pau ferro to craftsmanship. Its not a mistake, its a choice Fender has made for whatever reason, maybe what I suspect, maybe not.... But it is Fender's choice to not finish off the pao ferro fretboard, not a factory worker screwing up. It needed a minor set up. The pao ferro fretboard needed actual work, but end result is fantastic. $679 brand new on sale. Ffs, how can you beat that?!?!?
I really love the looks of this particular model (agreeing with hirakjyoti deka's comment just below mine). I've been looking around for a backup for my Fender American Pro II, since it's a bit expensive and I'd like a nice Strat for when I'm traveling. The Player Strat may be just what I'm needing without going down to a Squire. Thanks for the review! It's really helped!
I’m stuck between a very nice 1996 preowned anniversary MIM for $500 and the Player Strat. Not sure I’ll miss not having the 22nd fret as I’m not yet there in my playing. Thoughts?
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios No. It's nearly mint, original owner...looks fine but now I think I've made up my mind and my heart is set on a SSS Player. I already own 2 electrics with humbuckers and I'm after the single coil sound. Got my eye on the Buttercream but that all black w/ maple neck in your video is fine, too! Kinda hard to try them out with Guitar Center closed due to Covid, but after watching a lot of videos, I'm pretty much now sold on the Player. I have Fender Fever!!
Hey! DoC, glad to see you with this particular guitar, I've been eye ballin one to get for a while now, ill consider it more now you went though its pacers thks, I own Michael Kelly CC 60 burl top strat n love it, just want a 2nd strat to got to when i wish
U MIGHT find an open box/demo for $550 USD but Fender actually prohibits dealers from selling for less than the $699 MAP...Not a screaming deal but it's a REAL Strat for way under a grand...if Fender included a premium gig-bag it would sweeten the deal a whole bunch IMO... I've had my MIM Player for 6 months and haven't found any faults...it's on the heavy side at 8.5 lbs. I think but a premium wide neck strap can help prevent fatigue...I don't think I will ever feel a need to upgrade or modify this guitar...it's a fantastic instrument :) :)
Im looking to get my 2nd guitar. Im 45yrs old and have been playing only 2yrs but I play 2-3hrs a day. my 1st guitar was a 2nd hand EVH wolfgang standard that I really was lucky with as was mint. I got about £700.00 to spend although I dont think I should spend that. Im lookin at a player HSS. Is it a good buy, against a Charvel or Ibanez. I thinjk I should advoid the Floyd this time. I try to play hard rock, metal and blues. I am so stuck as to wha to get, especially as I cant go to a store and play the different models. Any ideas/advice would be greatly appreciated.
I would definitely recommend the fender over the others for rock and blues, Floyd's aren't really necessary in blues, so i would go with the fender if you like it.
It looks kind of reminiscent to the David Gilmour's Black Strat
Does nobody know that David gilmour's real strat is a tobacco burst with a dark neck, he only had this guitar repainted all black towards the end of his career. I hate it cause everyone's like nice gilmour strat but I've had this black on black guitar since I started 17 years ago. I only say this cause no one takes your look seriously if an artist has the same guitar. Every show I play there's the asshole yelling nice pink floyd guitar, when in actuality gilmour's signature strat is tobacco burst
That's why i'm here. I love that guitar.
@@chrisbauman2562 when exactly was it repainted
@@Luke-1296 I know he's gone through a massive lineup of guitars, but I believe it was the early 90s
@@chrisbauman2562 Wasn't he on that red strat with the emg pickups in the early 90s?
I bought one about 4 months ago and I’m loving it. It stays in tune and the neck feels amazing. I love the gloss on the frets and the satin finish on the back. Amazing guitar no regrets
Totally agree!
I've had a player strat for almost a year. I think I'm never gonna get rid of it. It's fcken amazing, and that neck pickup is up with the best.
That neck pickup is on another level! Ive owned one myself for about 2 months and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it!!!!
Hi Doc, I bought one of these in the Tidepool colour. Even though I have owned CS Strat for 10 years now, I really have no complaints with the PIayer Strat, I think Fender have put together a really good unit. The standout features for me are the satin neck finish on the back, the pickups offer spot on Strat sounds, I did raise the heights which seemed to bring them to life, everything else is solid and as you say this thing will last a long time. Mine doesn’t drift out of tune on any particular string, stable as. This is easily a road worthy guitar, well finished, sounds spot on, solid, and the expensive Strat can stay safe at home. Cheers for a good vid.
Had mine just under a year and couldn’t be happier with it. Probably Fender’s best selling guitar imo
Probably why this video is doing so well. The guitar is that good.
How is it their best selling guitar in your opinion
I had a Deluxe Players Strat up until a couple of years ago. I’ve regretted selling it ever since. I’m getting ready to buy a new Players Strat, I’m really liking the Tidepool color.
I think you will like the new Player strat.
Oh man, that Tidepool is beautiful.
Loved your review... as an acoustic player looking to get my first electric I've landed on the Fender Player Strat... appreciated your insight! Thank you.
Same!
I just got the same one a couple weeks ago for $550. It's been great so far.
whered you buy it for that price?
@@atbot9657 It was on sale at guitar center
@@atbot9657 You can also picked them up in new condition used for that and even less...
Got it for 50$ because my dads friend was selling it. Cleaned it up and it was great 👍
There double where I live
i love my Player Strat after i set it up the way i like its my number one now. im thinking about buying a seconds one because i like it that much. i modded it some i added a Wilkonson Roller nut graphite String saver saddles a TremoloNO system to be able to lock or unlock my tremolo . i put in Texas special but they had a bit to much out put and i put the stock pups back in. has a really nice 2 and 4 position sound . if you adjust the bridge pickup higher than the others it acts as a little bit of a boost on the bridge if thats something you like. do not over look these guitars because they are made in Mexico, the custom shop builders in California went down to Mexico to show them how to put them together . it shows they did a really good job.
The player series Stratocaster and Telecaster are awesome!!
Nice review man!
I got my Player Strat back in October and I love it so far. I've bonded so much with it and I can't imagine my life without it, + it has a dark beautiful Pau Ferro fretboard.
The only complains I've found are factory ones, the nut was really poorly cut so it went out of tune all the freaking time. Even fixing it at a luthier still has it not completely stable yet. That's something you would expect Fender to fix before they ship them out.
Try a nut lube product called Tune-It. It helps alot ✌ if that doesn't help you can get a Tusq nut from Amazon or eBay around $13.
i ended up adding a Wilkonson roller nut . it helps it stay in tune much better even when you use it like mad man with a floyd rose , but it has its limits too before the G string will go out a little on you . i love my Player strat
you're kiddin right? The man just bitched about the setup
I had mine replaced with a tusq xl. No more tuning issues
Thanks for not overdriving the heck out of it. Just bought one Monday. Love it.
Sounds great clean or dirty
That one is beautiful! Contender for best player series colorway for sure
The Player Series is seriously awesome.
I have three other MiM Strats, 2013 Standard SSS, 2016 Standard HSH and the special edition 2017 Hendrix Monterey Strat.
The Monterey blows them all away but the Player Series model is a really good geetar.
I would definitely recommend it to someone looking to add a Strat to their guitarsenal.
It’s a great guitar.
"Guitarsenal". I will borrow.
And it makes it okay to buy more; guilt free.
I just bought a polar white one, it's my first strat and i absolutely love it.
Great review, very in depth yet concise and to the point! I'll probably pick one of these up soon, I'm kinda blown away by how good it seems to be for that low a price.
It really is an excellent guitar. You will love it.
Great guitar.
You’re video is coming late. I was in the market for a Tele player series and after trying several I saw a Strat just like yours and that was the winner. Love everything on it that has become my go to favorite one. Mine holds the tune nicely and Gig with it already.
Thanks Dr. and keep up the good work!
Mauricio Julian it’s a great guitar. Keep rockin!!!
I bought a Player Strat recently. Solid guitar. Sounds great. Saddles kinda suck, but I'm replacing those. The wood is pretty resonant, and the neck fit to the body is tight. Pickups sound great.
What's wrong with the saddles?
@@hgostos The ones mine came with can be shifted laterally a little too easily for my comfort. It's probably not a huge issue for most but for me it was bugging me. I replaced them with Highwood Saddles. You can get them from a few different places. I bought mine from StewMac. They seem to hold position better than the stock saddles, and feel better under my palm. I also swapped out the nut with a graphtech and put Fender locking tuners on it. The neck and the pickups are perfect though and the bridge has a steel block.
@@Potatoast Thanks man.
The Player series is the best guitar for the money. They play amazing and sound excellent. It is better than most guitars that cost twice as much.
I just got one of these in HSS. I love it! Can’t put the thing down. About the sharp saddles, I got some short saddle screws and went for slotted heads instead of hex screw. This got them out of the way completely and took away any sharpness
Yeah thats a great idea. Keep Rockin!!!
I'm jealous, I'm left handed and can't find a HSS
It's perfect for your Pink Floyd tribute!
Two years ago i bought a HSS 3TS PF, i absolutely love it. A great versatile guitar without any flaws. My No 1 guitar.
I have a player series strat in inca silver with a Pao ferro fret board. It is just amazing. The tuning stability is a bit suspect since I've had to tune it at least 4 times in the last 10 months. But otherwise amazing! 😜
The other difference between this and the previous mexican strats is that it now has a 2-point tremelo instead of 6, the pickups are ALNICO 5 instead of the previous ceramic pups and the bridge pup has it's own tone knob.
The one thing that really elevated it to a whole other level is when i installed a 10-way freeway switch!!! OMG!!! without modifying anything in the guitar or changing the pickguard or anything, you replace the stock 5 way switch with this thing and all of a sudden you have 5 new tones! You have one where the neck & bridge are combined like in a tele, another one where all three pickups are together which is amazing, then you have middle and neck in series, bridge and neck in series and also one last one which you can choose (either bridge and middle in series or all three pups in series). I can't even believe how amazing this transformation was! And the thing cost me $40 to buy (had to pay another $40 for my tech to install it). Anyway highly recommended and it's made my Mexican player series in to some incredible custom shop signature strat!
Cool!!! I will have to try that.
I bought mine back in November 2019 and absolutely love it. My first Strat I bought in '90 and it was good, but I like the Players' Series model much better and the price is hard to beat for what you get. The pickups are quiet and there is definitely a tone difference between the five positions. I run mine through a BOSS GT-1 and each patch will sound different with the five positions. The finish on the neck is just as you said, very comfortable and your hand can easily slide anywhere without 'catching' on the finish. Very smooth. If anyone is on the fence on buying one, I would say do it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. The price is hard to beat for sure.
“... a really nice instrument that’s going to last you the rest of your life.” That exactly answers my question. I was wondering if the Player was going to be another upgrade but interim instrument, or if both ‘as is’ and the upgradability would be good enough for years to come.
I’m originally a sax player, but been a trained musician all my life, who started playing guitar ten months ago. I currently play a Squier Bullet Strat, very happy with it, but it’s in need of component upgrades, and because the dimensions are different it’s not really upgradable. The Player seems all standard, so it’s infinitely upgradable and of course it’s a very good guitar as is.
You could keep this guitar "as is" and be perfectly happy. The key is to keep being a musician. You are in control of the sound, groove and note choices. The Player Series will not get in your way and will be a joy to play for many years. I may need you to play some Sax on a song. Send me a message on facebook and we can work together soon.
Doctor McFarland Studios : I’m stranded in Japan by the pandemic right now.
I also liked what you said about the neck. I just tried another Player yesterday, first time since I got the Squier, and that was the number one thing I noticed. I like the thinner c shape neck on the Squier, but the one on the Player is just different, thicker. I’ve had exactly the problem you mentioned with the thinner neck, so that was very helpful.
John Ohkuma-Thiel hang in there. This will all be over soon.
To be frank, I’ve been through the Great Recession, total disability, unemployment, and now this exile.
It will be over soon, but the Greatest Generation, at least they didn’t have to follow up the war with a pandemic, and .... screw it.
You are right, but we wont know until history proves it. I miss the days when I could get a bachelors degree from a famous college, be the boss, and choose my next opportunity. I should be helping others, making other dreams possible, not longingly admiring the career achievements of people half or even a third my age who don’t even bother to proofread their own work before publishing it for a global audience.
Even as a musician, I knew John Meyer when he was seventeen. What an impressive individual. That’s one for the ages. He worked his butt off, every day, and it paid off.
I bought a 2000 model squier strat from a pawn shop and changed the bridge to the same ones on the player strat. The saddle screws were really high and annoying so I put a .5 degree shim in the neck pocket and set the relief properly. Now it plays beautifully
I just got this guitar in great shape a couple weeks ago for $585 off of eBay 2019 MIM black on black. Since you made this video the new price at GC is $799.00, but I am glad I bought it because it plays and feels better than my Squier Bullet Strat, yet still affordable. It is slightly heavier, but It’s tolerable. I like the smooth, glossy neck, and let’s face it, It’s a great player that will last a lifetime. I have a Gibson Les Paul Special and I feel happier playing this guitar.
It is an amazing instrument for sure.
I just bought a player from zzounds and my frets are like the one you have and the same thing on the bridge saddle screws very sharp....but other than that the guitar sounds amazing and even stays in tune with the 2 point tremolo system....plus the last tone control works the bridge pickup witch I like.
Yeah the trem is so much better than what you get on cheap made in asia guitars
I have the 2018 ''Gilmour'' limited edition but it's the previous model with 21 frets and 6 screw bridge. I guess in 2018 they offered both MIM models. First year 2 bolt 22 fret and last year 21 fret 6 screw? Anyway the one i have is excellent in every way. She's a real keeper for sure. I really can't imagine how an American model could be much if any better.
Strummed one of those today at a Guitar Center. Felt great. Neck and action were very comfortable. The cream colored pick ups and knobs blend nicely with the maple neck, as compared to stark white. Have to consider one. Have three Tele's, need to replace the Squire CV 50 I sold years ago. Darn good guitar too.
amazing guitars for sure. Enjoy!
I picked one up a few weeks ago...a HSH configuration. Great tones and a comfortable neck. It has it's pluses and minuses. The bridge is an American bridge or an exact copy right down to the imperial screws..they aren't metric like MIM Strats tend to be. The switches and pots are the same as the American Standard and even the pickups are Alnico 5 magnets, again, the same as the old
American Standard. My issue though lies in tuning. It won't hold tune. I just installed a new set of Fender locking tuners and that's helped a great deal so now I can gig with it but it still needs some nut work because I have a ringing E string. In all it's a great guitar, one that I'll keep and it's true Fender all the way.
guitarbrian46 yes the Player Series replaced the Standard series. At least that’s what I heard.
put graphtech string trees on it. great improvement!
guitarbrian46 what type of amp did you get
@@dailyblankscreen7938 I have 3 but I haven't used any with this guitar because I use a Headrush Pedalboard to gig with. But my amps are 2 Carvin tube amps and a Boss Katana 100 2x12.
If you have the fender staggered locking tuners get rid of the damn string tree. Thats the whole point of the staggered tuners.
I have a 2018 player that I put in fat 50's pickups and shim the neck with a little piece of thick paper to tilt it just a little, by doing that I raised the sadles on the bridge so it feels good on my right hand, adjusted the trust rod, and it came out great. I played every day, sounds very good and love it. The neck is perfect straight, good action with the right tilt, the only thing is that I can see already little wear on the frets. Also the pots are not very good but those can be change easy. By doing all of this, it will be just like my old American standard.
Yeah you gotta watch the fret wear on all those D chords.
I’ve had this guitar for an hour and I love it. This guitar blows my Squier Affinity away. Neck is great. Clarity is phenomenal.
Bought one yesterday, I went in looking at the more expensive professional models but after playing 10 or so of them I really didnt bond with any of em. after picking up a player strat i fell in love immediately and played it for over an hour in the store. walked out with a new guitar and at half the price i was planning on paying.
yeah man they are great guitars. Congrats on your purchase.
Have this guitar and love it! Have really loved most of Fenders new MIM products. I went into shops looking at the new USA stuff but on both occasions came away buying MIM- my Player Strat and my 50s Vintera Strat
I have a lefty Fender Player Strat, Maple fretboard, Sunburst. Added Fender left-hand locking tuners and a Graphtec stringtree and re-strung with D’Addario .009 - .042 Gauge. I have a Graphtec left hand nut, but I haven’t fitted that yet as the stock nut seems to be doing a good job now that the locking tuners and new string tree have been fitted.
I owned the original Player Series Stratocaster, the MIM, or Made In Mexico Stratocaster, and it was a Lefty BTW, too. All the different wooden pieces of the body are even made in The United States, they're just shipped to Mexico for assembly. Even if it's NOT your first guitar(!), they make excellent touring guitars for bands playing bars & clubs, considering the astounding quality for a damned reasonable price! Same goes for the Epiphone Les Paul, Epiphone Hummingbird, etc. All well worth the money, easily.
Agreed. Thanks for the insight.
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios Thanks for your work.
I have the new player series strat hss. Got in 2 weeks ago and I love it. Great neck, amazing switching to split the humbucker on position 2 which is my favorite. No complaints
Congrats!!! Sounds like you got a good one. Keep rocking.
Quarantine investments are key
@@MidtownMeezus lol I'm not quarantined. I'm an automotive technician so I still work everyday. I bought the EVH black and white stripped strat too that should get in tomorrow so I'm excited for that. I want a deluxe strat tho so i might try an trade it
@@stratsteveo106 Stella, that black & white striped one I always thought was definitely my favorite one. Let me know how it sounds sometime. I'm on furlough from my job @ 4 Seasons Downtown Houston, which sux, but I've been listening to tons of stuff, which doesn't suck. Thanx, have a good1.
@@clintwilson6380 I love the EVH. The sustain is amazing and sounds great even plugged into one of my small amplifiers. The floyd is perfect with the D tuna. Aside from the hardware and finish, the neck is exactly like the one on my strat which is great cuz I dont have giant man hands lol. Sorry to hear about you being out of work right now, hopefully soon everything will go back to normal ❤
I have the Player Plus Top Strat. I love it!! And this is coming from a long time Ibanez player. I've already done a couple of mods. DiMarzio Injector pickups, and Fender locking tuners.
It’s a great platform for mods and upgrades.
I have the hss player Strat. The addition of the humbucker bridge pickup allows that that extra bite and overdrive when switching to bridge...
yeah that is always a good option.
Thanks for the video! I asked a local store to order a player strat in colour I like, nice to hear some reassurance from someond more experienced that it's worth the money. I did play one myself and liked the feel and tone.
Should I get this or step up to the professional II? I play casually but want a nice guitar that won't leave me wanting more. Money is not an issue but I also don't want to pay more if I don't need to. Is the Pro II worth the price hike in terms of guitar sound?
the Player Series is an amazing value. I don't you will miss out on anything.
Hi, I'm not an impulsive buyer, or it's rare. Guitars, I normally think, return a few times and then maybe buy it. I was trying out a guitar and saw the fiesta red player Strat. It was so beautiul and sounded great, loved the feel of the neck, the tremelo - everything. I bought it.
When you know you know
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudiosYes, You have to bond with the guitar.
I just got my “Black” Fender Player Series Strat with maple neck yesterday! Mine was used (mint) from Reverb for $500 and l love that Fender tone in a beautiful guitar!🎸🔥🤘🏻
oooh congrats. It is a great guitar for sure.
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!
I was really impressed with this guitar.
Indeed Guitar Center has 4 colors on sale today for $599 +tx...
(the blue flame top is sold out for online orders so really only 3 models available...)
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doctor doctor give me the news!!!
I got a bad case of playing the blues.
Heard of tuning issues with that plastic nut. They call it "synthetic bone" but it's plastic.
Hence why you tried to bend the neck at the opening lick to add vibrato instead of using the bar as it wouldn't return to pitch.
Thanks for the informal Review, I just bought Fender Stratocaster Player Series sunburst guitar :)
6 months since my initial comment, got the Player. It's my only guitar apart from a off-brand Tele. :)
You picked a good one then.
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios yeah! It really is amazing. I did notice the pickups are hotter than the CV so there is a lot of hum but other than that it's chill
No shit, the video we have all been waiting for...get right down to it Squires kick ass
There are some great players who play Squire guitars.
i bought a player strat as my first more expensive guitar, it was such a step up from the really cheap guitars i have. i played a custom shop strat that i could never afford in a guitar store, and the player neck is so much better.
Yeah the neck is really great
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios i dont really mind the lower output of the Pickups. Especially when my fuzz pedal arrives in a couple days. And it just sounds like s strat. Nails the tone for me.
Can anyone tell me how long this guitar is? Trying to work out if i need to buy a new case or not. Thanks
@Incognitive Distortion yeah its a great one, thanks for help
Not seen this combo in UK black with black PG and white covers . ?
you never mentioned the dedicated tone knob for the bridge pickup another upgrade just bought mine in butter cream and absolutey love it
yeah that is a nice feature that comes on most strats these days. If not its an easy mod to do.
The main difference between The American Pro and the Player is 50 miles and $1,000! I have a Players series, AKA MIM Strat and it's just perfect. I PLAY it not analyze it. I know you are the same way and you're just doing a review. This thing is just a real solid instrument with no discernible flaws at all. Mine is a tobacco sunburst. The finish is perfect. To hot rod it a little, I picked up some upgraded tuners from StewMac, but besides those, I'm just going to leave it alone. Thought about putting Texas Special coils on it, but honestly, this instrument gives me plenty of sonic range right off the shelf. Remember, we used to buy Strats back in the 70s for $399!
I really rare these new player strats. I have bought one in sunburst and plan to upgrade into my own custom blues machine. 👍
i wish they had some around my area :( i havent pulled the trigger on one because I have a CV60s, and I aint so sure is a noticeable improvement besides the 22nd fret. i truly wish it was a 12"radius
informative as well as calming to listen to. great playling, doc!
Thanks for watching. Some guitars just beg to be played.
Nice groove at 5:44. You still have the guitar?
thanks Angel. I returned it shortly after this video. I mainly play Reverend guitars but for any Fender player the Player Series Strat and Tele are excellent instruments for the money.
Thank God another person willing to tell the truth that Fender strats even made a MIM better than a Squier which are fine budget friendly beginner guitars but cut the crap people. Looked thru comments surprised no squier person posted a story about their buddies American Profesional Strat being setup all wrong and sounding like crap but their 200.00 Sqiuer is just the most amazing instrument right out the box lol. Or the guy who owned 3 MIA including Clapton Artist Series but sold them all and now only plays squier. Sure there is more to that story. Anyway thanks for the review although I'm disappointed you didn't discuss the tuners. Getting this guitar later in week and wondering if I should just spend 60 bucks on locking tuners off the bat. I have a roadhouse strat with locking tuners and love them so probably will get them if store had them. Plus doesn't this have a bridge pickup tone knob now? Imo that's nice bonus. It's not the guitars fault but the black is finger print magnet. I'm going for polar white
Why does no-one notice the neck pickup magnets are way off from the string line?
Wasn't a big deal from what I remember.
I'm kinda new to Fenders, been a Gibson guy myself for way too long and decided to branch out. Really want a strat but don't want to start at a "low" grade though. I've been playing for 10+ years and want something nice. This seems midrange to me is that right? Would y'all say this is a good enough fender or should I go up to a professional? What are the differences? I just play for myself but want a nice guitar. Sorry I know I could google all this but I'm feeling lazy today. I just want a Strat that I can buy that will be great sounding for years to come, I don't want to yearn for a better one if that makes sense.
Hi Eddie,
This is an excellent guitar regardless of price. I actually returned this guitar only because I prefer Reverend guitars. I got a Six Gun TL (video on my channel) and I love it. If you have to get a Fender then the Player Series is excellent. If you want to branch out then get a Reverend. You won’t be sorry.
I can get a new one for $525 but it has a rosewood fret board. I wanted maple, if only for the aesthetics. I am not an expert at guitar features but is there any downside to the rosewood neck board.
I bought the 2018 player hss strat in sunburst... The big difference is the back of the neck is also gloss finish. I may need some sand paper to fix it.
I have replaced the nut and installed locking tuners... Great guitar nice video
Wet sand that baby and make it smooth as silk.
Is it me, or are the pickups really bright sounding compared to other strats? Just got this exact model used and wow! It’s great, but I’m not sure if I like the pups it came with, might see about changing em out.
You can always turn the treble down on the amp. Bright guitars do well with darker amps.
I got one a few days ago and am completely enamored. Mine is green
yeah man they are great guitars
Hey man, I have Stratocasters all the way from the Player series to American Performer, American Professional and so on and all I can say is that the Player is an incredible guitar for the money.
It is a great guitar.
Help an acoustic head out. Fender player vs Squire Classic vibe?
Paolo Esteban the Squire is great for the money.
Shootout between Fender Player and Classic Vibe ua-cam.com/video/-8qwiUpk2Oc/v-deo.html
Can’t go wrong with either one, it’s all down to what you want on the headstock.
Did you get one?
Just got one of these but have found that the use of the tremolo or string bends knocks the guitar way out of tune. I have seen five reviews of this guitar and no-one ever tests the whammy bar or tries before and after string bends. I will be checking the guitar again after new strings/ pencil lead on the nut etc. I hope this solves the problem. I am aware that this was always a bit of an issue with stratocasters which is why a lot of players have blocked of the tremolo. A dive bomb would be OK right at the end of a piece so you don't have to returne mid song.
You can adjust the springs in the back and that will help with the tuning.
im 34 years old i just have the urge to learn to play one, im a huge fan of dave gilmours sound i really want to make my guitar sing just like he does. he uses the jet black strat, i bought a black one with a white "faceplate" hope i can get the hang of it. im going in blind wish me luck!
Have option to pick one up for 500 is it worth it?
Yes!!!!
Thanks Doc, that was a great review, really appreciate it. I’ve always fancied a strat but never wanted to pay a fortune but think this ticks the boxes. Great point about the saddle, though for the money think i could forgive them that, cheers Ant from Birmingham UK 🇬🇧👍
It’s a great guitar over all
thanks your nice review
What do you think about this guitar vs Prs guitars in the same price range
Think it came down to this vs Eli Les Paul when I got a guitar 4 years ago lol . Different Mexican Strat Then but this new one is ....
How does this guitar compare to the old mexican standard guitars? Is it the same just renamed or are there some changes?
Nice Demo , how does it stack up against an American special. Thanks !
MrThomasv haven’t played them enough but the Player Series took the place of the Standard.
I have the fender elite and the Dave Murray strat, but I think I'd like to get a strat and upgrade to hss setup like fast eddies from Motorhead, would the player be a good guitar to do that or should I just save for a higher end fender to do it?
I think these Strats flat out own the bang for your buck ratio. There is cheaper... But with big hits in materials and quality.... There is better, but with diminishing returns as spend more.
Here is the sweet spot where every dollar is buying as much guitar as possible.
Want to upgrade the pickups? Sure... And not wasting money....nice alder bodies, CTS pots, same as MIA... You wont even want to rwplace the pots unless adding a push/pull or wanting something super primo from RS Guitar Works or something... But those kits are upgrades on high end MIA Strats too. Point is, you don't have to mess with any electronics, same pots as MIA, just drop the pickups in and leave the wiring alone.... I wont even have to mod 2nd tone for bridge like I always did.... They've already done that for me in Ensenada. Also,.no hurry to replace these pickups. They are quite good from the factory. Good alnico. These are not the ceramic 'meh' fest of old Mexis. That vintage sparkle and shimmer is there. So dont even assume you'll want to upgrade the pickups. Just saying if you do... The electronic guts are same as MIA. It will take new pickups as well as an MIA will. Its got a great alder body. Nice pickups are not wastes here.
In terms of spec, these basically match the MIA Standard of 20 years ago. Good wood, good electronics, good bridge with fat tremblock.... What do want from a Strat? If you want particular pickups, or locking tuners or something.... Do it yourself, these things are good mod platforms because they are such a solid baseline to build on.
Example, I have a complaint about this model. I hate the string tree. Only one and its binding badly on mine messing with high E string. So what? MIA style string trees are 2 for $9.99 at GC in stock.... Will take me less than 5 minutes to do the upgrade. Would it have been nice to have those string trees on from factory? Yes. Is it worth the hundreds of dollars to step up to a model that has those string trees? Nope. $10 and 5 minutes. Equal to a string change.
There are things I love too. Holy crap, it has my favorite type of bridge! My prefernce has always been the US style 2 point... But with vintage saddles... And ive upgraded tremblocks before. This is exactly the bridge Id pick, down to the tremblock on them now. If price were no object and I was ordering Custom Shop after hitting the lottery.... I get this bridge.
But to balance, another complaint. Mine is Pao Ferro. First off, I love and prefwr pao ferro. Going back to when rosewood was common and pao ferro was exotic, I preferred it and thought of it then and now as a super rosewood. Its a bit harder and denser. Polished smooth and well oiles it feels more like ebony, which I also love, withouy being as bright. Warmer than maple, sharper than rosewood... And looks amazing when well oiled. Better tha rosewood imho.
So what is my complaint? From factory the fretboard was crazy dry and actually rough to the touch. 0000 steel wool and F-One oil.... Plus some elbow grease and I got it silky smooth and lustrous.
The complaint is that the factory should have done that. I knew what it needed and how to do it. Not everyone will. My theory is that Fender actually intentionally nerfs the Pao Ferro doing this. They dont want the MIM Pao Ferro to risk looking or feeling better than the rosewood on the MIA hanging next to it. They need something to create the illusion of an upgrade... So.... They dont actually finish the pao ferro boards. Thats for you or a luthier to do for you.
I dont mind doing what I did. I even had the steel wool from another project and plenty of the oil. And the time. And kinda like working on guitars. The end result is my dream fretboard... Even with nicely rolled edges. Feels and looks amazing. Gorgeous grain. Maybe I am the minority, but Pao Ferro has been my favorite and dream fretboard wood since the 90s. While everyone else wishes their Mexican Fender had rosewood.... I kinda wish my old MIA Lonestar was Pao Ferro. Oh yeah, I do have an MIA to compare to. And yes, this compares VERY well to it.
Anyway, I am among the few the genuinely love pao ferro. I had to buy mine not based on what the fretboard was, but what it could be with some easy work.
I just think its BS Fender ships them out with fretboards in that condition. Finish the damned guitar.... Then again... Maybe thats why they are cheap. If skipping that step and making me do it saved $100 on the price? Im cool with it. So thats my big grouse. I dont agree with Fender's corporate decision to not finish pao ferro boards. Shrug. It doesn't ruin the guitar and I kinda enjoyed 'fixing' it myself.
I think these are a modders dream honestly. They even need work put of the box on the pao ferro models imo.
So what if I hate the string tree? $10 and 5 minutes remember. Shrug.
But you are getting a badass Strat with what used to be MIA spec and materials only.... And getting it cheap.
Best bang for the buck in the Fender range... Maybe best bang for the buck in the guitar market.
Expect some work needed, a setup at least (mine was good but not great setup out of box, some horror stories out there of really high action etc), steel wool and oil if you get Pao Ferro...
But embrace those issues (which are minor and easily fixable, ideally by yourself) and consider the bargain you get.
I think the value is as good as it gets. Even at current prices this is a LOT of guitar per dollar. All the important stuff, wood quality, electronics, hardware (except shitty strong tree), crafsltsmanship... fretwork on mine is quite nice actually, it needed a truss rod tweak, but the frets need no dressing... Neck pocket fit is perfect... Im sorry, but I dont think whomever fits necks to bodies in Corona is any better at it than whomever is doing it in Ensenada. Craftsmanship is on point here. I can't failt the dry pau ferro to craftsmanship. Its not a mistake, its a choice Fender has made for whatever reason, maybe what I suspect, maybe not.... But it is Fender's choice to not finish off the pao ferro fretboard, not a factory worker screwing up.
It needed a minor set up. The pao ferro fretboard needed actual work, but end result is fantastic.
$679 brand new on sale. Ffs, how can you beat that?!?!?
Would the fret issues mentioned be potentially solved with a Plek'ing and proper setup?
Maybe just some light sanding on the edge of the fretboard. The majority of guitars won’t have the issue.
Great to know.
I really love the looks of this particular model (agreeing with hirakjyoti deka's comment just below mine). I've been looking around for a backup for my Fender American Pro II, since it's a bit expensive and I'd like a nice Strat for when I'm traveling. The Player Strat may be just what I'm needing without going down to a Squire. Thanks for the review! It's really helped!
I’m stuck between a very nice 1996 preowned anniversary MIM for $500 and the Player Strat. Not sure I’ll miss not having the 22nd fret as I’m not yet there in my playing. Thoughts?
J N not having a 22nd fret is a deal breaker for me and I am not familiar with the anniversary MIM. Do you get a chance to play it first?
@@DoctorMcFarlandStudios No. It's nearly mint, original owner...looks fine but now I think I've made up my mind and my heart is set on a SSS Player. I already own 2 electrics with humbuckers and I'm after the single coil sound. Got my eye on the Buttercream but that all black w/ maple neck in your video is fine, too! Kinda hard to try them out with Guitar Center closed due to Covid, but after watching a lot of videos, I'm pretty much now sold on the Player. I have Fender Fever!!
J N I think you have made a good choice.
Do these guitars comes out of the factory shielded? Hows the electronics?
I believe they are shielded. The guitar had very low noise
Trying to figure out if I want to get a player Strat or a Larry Carlton style Strat 🤔
Which one do you get?
@@berkaypalaz I got the Larry Carlton. It's a great guitar, would recommend
Great Vid! How would these pickups compare to the Tex Mex 3s?
Never tried the Tex Mex.
Bought the polar white hss and so far so good.
I Wonder what material/size of tremolo block came with ?this part is very important and no one in comments speaks
Sorry I never looked at that.
Think I’ll buy a Fender graphic and put on my Squire.
That is a valid option :)
i hate the positioning of the volume knob, hit it when im palm muting. gonna tape it down
Hey! DoC, glad to see you with this particular guitar, I've been eye ballin one to get for a while now, ill consider it more now you went though its pacers thks, I own Michael Kelly CC 60 burl top strat n love it, just want a 2nd strat to got to when i wish
I think you can’t go wrong with this one.
Wow, it's gorgeous! Did it come off-the-shelf with the black-on-black body/pickguard combo, or did you change out the PG?
Right off the shelf. I really liked the look. And it just happened to play really good :)
I checked can't find this combo anywhere black on black white covers ?
David Guitar Center has them online
U MIGHT find an open box/demo for $550 USD but Fender actually prohibits dealers from selling for less than the $699 MAP...Not a screaming deal but it's a REAL Strat for way under a grand...if Fender included a premium gig-bag it would sweeten the deal a whole bunch IMO...
I've had my MIM Player for 6 months and haven't found any faults...it's on the heavy side at 8.5 lbs. I think but a premium wide neck strap can help prevent fatigue...I don't think I will ever feel a need to upgrade or modify this guitar...it's a fantastic instrument :) :)
There are always sales going on.
It's on sale right now at Guitar Center for $599
Im looking to get my 2nd guitar. Im 45yrs old and have been playing only 2yrs but I play 2-3hrs a day. my 1st guitar was a 2nd hand EVH wolfgang standard that I really was lucky with as was mint. I got about £700.00 to spend although I dont think I should spend that. Im lookin at a player HSS. Is it a good buy, against a Charvel or Ibanez. I thinjk I should advoid the Floyd this time. I try to play hard rock, metal and blues. I am so stuck as to wha to get, especially as I cant go to a store and play the different models. Any ideas/advice would be greatly appreciated.
I would definitely recommend the fender over the others for rock and blues, Floyd's aren't really necessary in blues, so i would go with the fender if you like it.
@@spacecowb0y717 Thank you so much, I was thinking that was the right choice, you have confirmed it for me.
Where i can shop it??🤩
Could I mod it to become a Gilmore strat or should I go with something else?
this is basically a Gilmore strat. I haven't compared both guitars very closely though.
Ordered mine yesterday
Aaaaa-li-sohon
You look like Ben Roethisberger. Nice video.