Player, Player Plus, and Player II Series
The Player Series debuted in 2018 as the successor to Fender’s Mexican-made Standard line, following CITES restrictions that prompted a shift from rosewood to pau ferro fingerboards. Designed using feedback from players and dealers, it blended traditional aesthetics with modern updates such as AlNiCo pickups, a 22-fret neck, a 2-pivot bridge, refined body contours, and premium hardware. New finishes refreshed its visual appeal.
In 2024, Fender introduced the Player II Series, a refined reimagining that restored rosewood fretboards, added rolled edges, upgraded hardware, chambered body options, and newly voiced pickups, along with vintage-inspired colors and a modern marketing campaign.
The Player Plus Series, launched in 2021, elevated the concept with noiseless pickups, locking tuners, a flatter 12″ radius fingerboard, and bold gradient and sparkle finishes. Positioned as a performance-focused upgrade, it targeted modern players seeking enhanced playability, comfort, and noise-free operation.