The Fender Player Series is effectively the replacement of their Mexican-made Standard range. The same basic formula applies; legendary Fender design, classic wood combinations and instantly recognisable tone, but at a wallet-friendly price point. But with the Player Series, Fender have made a number of tweaks to take these instruments up a notch, aimed squarely at an ever-changing and increasingly demanding market. Expect timeless Fender sound and feel, but with modern playability and workhorse reliability to boot!
Body & Neck
In keeping with decades of tradition, Fender have opted for an Alder body for the Player Series Telecaster. Known for being simultaneously lightweight and tonally resonant, its balanced in every sense of the word. Its sound is often described as rich, with some emphasis on upper-midrange brightness, and its weight and density means its pretty easy to thrash around in a frenzy of creative expression - weve all been there!
Then theres the other classic Tele tonewood: Maple. Known for its density, varied grain pattern and snappy tone, it perfectly complements the Alder used for the body. The addition of Maple ensures plenty of twangy tonal response, perfect for accentuating lead and clean parts regardless of your musical style. The one-piece design means your fretboard surface is the same as the neck, providing plenty of attack and even, comfortable navigation of the 22-fret range. Maple is also known for its tendency to age well, gradually darkening over time; give it a few years, and your Teles neck and fretboard will begin to reveal a beautifully bronzed appearance!
In contrast, the use of gloss polyester coating on the body means that your guitars finish will remain vivid and untainted for quite some time. Fender began using gloss polyester finishes back in the 70s, and it quickly become popular because of its durability. It lasts longer, its more resistant to scratches, and some even say it allows your pickups to sing a little louder - all we know is it looks great!
Hardware & Electronics
Fender have loaded the Player Series Tele with two Alnico V Tele Single-coils in the traditional Telecaster configuration (uncovered & slanted in the bridge, covered and straight in the neck). The Alnico V magnetic configuration is a little more edgy than its counterparts, with a slightly higher output than works wonders for your tone. Combined with the Alder and Maple tonewood combination, you get all of that Tele twang that you know and love, but with a fuller midrange bark, not to mention a more cohesive response with chordal parts. This makes the Alnico V perfect for modern styles - from popping indie to technical metal and just about anything in between!
The bridge isnt quite the classic Tele configuration; rather than the old-school 3-saddle design, the 6-saddle design with bent steel saddles offers greater tuning stability and arguably better resonance in the body. Though it plays a small part, it ultimately contributes to an instrument thats designed to be played night after night and consistently deliver.
Top it off with Standard Cast Fender tuners, a 3-ply scratchplate and classic knurled flat-top controls, all in a glorious chrome finish, and youve got an instrument that can take anything you throw at it - a Fender Telecaster through and through!