The New Fender Player Plus Tele vs. Fender Player Tele

[@awesomeisasawesomedoesyo182]

You guys are such a pleasure to watch. I certainly learn a lot. I am a 74 year old newbie. Learning on an acoustic . When I get my first 500 hours in I hope to buy a Nashville player plus. Thanks. By the way in Missouri right now but from Dallas . Texas musicians are the best.

[@robjgolde3221]

Good on Fender to bringing higher-end features into their MiM guitars, but man, the pickups in the Player tele sounded absolutely killer. I can get around a little bit of hum if it means having pickups that sound that good.

[@aitken1965]

Agreed, the player pickups sound great!

[@kevinthompson4229]

Yeah, the noiseless pickups sound like humbuckers. The Plus has some nice upgrades, but those pickups are a deal killer.

[@bwyou812]

The different between the MIM Fenders and U.S.A. Fenders are about 180 miles apart between factories that get their deliveries from the same suppliers.

[@officialWWM]

The American guitars are built by Mexicans anyway!

[@didamnesia3575]

American doesn't have a cutaway body, the Mexican does. 😂😂 American has neck cut If you want an American with both cuts, you need the super ultra deluxe extra special custom for 2800$ 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@TommyDaleCooper]

I got my player when it first came out and has been my number 1 gigging guitar ever since.

[@clivehutchby5035]

This Player Plus is an awesome guitar. The sound is a tad less twangy than your usual Telecaster but hardly worth worrying about when you consider, with the pick-ups in series, you almost get a humbucker sound; it's almost like having two guitars in one.. This makes it sooooo versatile. The neck, with its rolled edges, is outstanding; the locking tuners are superb, and the tummy cut is great when playing sitting down. I love the 12-inch fretboard radius, too. Mine is a sunburst finish, and the wood grain showing through is very special.

[@jessewehner7838]

The player plus is a great guitar but I disagree that it’s hardly worth worrying about. For many players who own other guitars, the tele “sound” is the whole reason to get one of these guitars.

[@Charlieboy2680]

They start actually playing the guitars at 13:09

[@jimmyjames2022]

I enjoyed the lengthy discussion about the radius options. Good comparison, you guys are great fun to watch.

[@guycapilli546]

Fender locking tuners can be purchased for $45.00 You can get hipshot staggered tuners for $60. That is not a big deal to put them on.

[@jst601]

Really....... The guy on the right making the comment that the $200 price increase was worth the price of the tuners alone was absolutely ridiculous.

[@fayyllfayyll]

It is a 5 minute install and the locking tuners making changing strings a breeze. Extreme guitar beginner here and I was able to do it instantly and I feel like a pro with how fast I can change my strings now.

[@axe2grind911a]

Locking tuners are fine if you understand the tradeoff. There's virtually zero impact on tuning stability - which is a common myth. The only slight advantage is that you save a few seconds of winding when stringing. But that total of 60-90 seconds each stringing comes at the cost of lots of extra weight which is permanently attached to your headstock! Is this a good tradeoff? I'll ditch the permanent neck dive to spend the extra minute during occasional restringing...

[@johndiloreto3738]

@@axe2grind911a It's worth it for my lazy ass. I hate changing strings

[@jacobbrown1690]

@@axe2grind911a give me a break. I did the change in all my fenders ( many ). They are slightly heavier and they make changing strings a 60 second ordeal. Pull the string through the tuner, lock and tune. They also do help with tuning cause hardly any winds around the peg so no slack at all

[@RobertHebert-ho3hi]

I chose this over a Pro II. MED/Jumbo frets are my preference over the narrow/tall of the Pro II. The belly cut, noiseless pickups, locking tuners and nicely rolled edges sold me. Plus an American nut width instead of the standard 42mm MIM standard nut makes it feel like a MIA Tele.

[@503punxoioioi9]

The pickups in the regular Player Tele have more sparkle. You would notice this if you have the Tone knob all the way up and played on the bridge pickup. The Plus's pickups sound duller. Not a fan of belly cuts on a Tele like the Player Plus has. I had a 2013 American Standard with a belly cut and would rather just have the fuller, original Tele shape. I've never found the regular Tele shape that big of a deal that I ever thought I needed it to have a Strat type rear contour.

[@axe2grind911a]

Listening again, I definitely prefer the single coils on the player over the noiseless pups on the plus. The noiseless have a fuller tone, but lack that traditional bite that's so characteristic of the Tele sound. I've yet to find a noiseless pickup that truly sounds like SC, though Zexcoils come very close.

[@notatrollololo]

I tested both out in store and prefered the noiseless by far. Definitly a subjective topic.

[@ferox965]

​@@notatrollololoSame.

[@cjsaunders06]

Picked up the player plus yesterday for 749. Such a great guitar

[@Leo-pr7ly]

wow thats freaking cheap, I payed 649€ for my Fender Player Tele ...only +100$ is a bargain..congrats ...Player Plus is 969€ here.. ;(

[@Dannys.channel]

I’m happy they’re putting more into these because I didn’t want a player series because of the pick ups and tuners.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

Not into the noiseless pickups and don’t care for that flat of a radius, but I’m glad Fender has brought something new into the line as long as they keep the regular Player and Vintera

[@greggriffiths9053]

I picked up a telecaster player today I have always wanted to own one I think they're a pretty good guitar.

[@FilmFlam]

Great playing as always, Cooper. Chris, I think you two have convinced me to get a Player Plus. Time to do some color checking.

[@ferox965]

I really wanted to like the Player more because it's cheaper, but the Plus smokes it in every way.

[@alexanderdeclercq982]

I have a 2019 player tele and it is fantastic. love it.

[@olaby_ola6707]

It is not always about price , like parfumerie or wine.... but definitely the newest model , with those new implements, locking tunners and noiseless pickups and possibilities of humbucker kind of sound is the winner ,the 999.99

[@503punxoioioi9]

The Butterscotch finish on Player looks awesome. Mine looks exactly the same color as an American Vintage '52 Tele I used to own. My Player Tele has nice grain lines. I had to check to see if the body was Alder or Ash because the grain though the finish looks like Ash, but the body is Alder. Big thumbs for the Player series. Good pickups, volume & tone controls worth very smoothly. Bridge, middle, neck positions all sound very different (in a good way). Both neck and bridge pickups on mine are very well balanced. I've had Teles before where one pickup is a lot louder than the other, not on this guitar though. Excellent job by Fender!

[@michaelogden5093]

Next string change, rub the edges of your neck on a fence post. Instant rolled edges. Fender ++ tip.

[@surfinjim]

Even on a maple neck?

[@matt8746]

Spent time playing both and purchased the player plus Tele primarily because of the neck finish. Seemed like it would be more enjoyable in the long run.

[@stevereid5944]

Radius chat is good . I’m normally only go for vintage spec 7 1/4 rad and small frets . But the minute I picked the plus off the wall the neck felt sublime , and played beautifully and felt very natural despite being flatter and shallower profile than a 60s C . The rolled edges and satin finish make all the difference . Also I normally prefer rosewood / pau ferro but I ended up getting a maple neck. Just shows if it’s done right and feels great to play it doesn’t matter what the wood , rad or frets are .. maybe apart from tall narrow or jumbo!

[@hidesertmusic]

Excellent review! I’m glad you guys are having fun. I almost bought the Player plus Nashville edition but after watching numerous reviews I don’t really like the sound of the noiseless pickups. They don’t sound as alive as the standard ones on the player or the American made. Guess I’ll do without for now. Thanks guys.

[@SBahamondes]

Really? Mine sound amazing

[@hidesertmusic]

@@SBahamondes just my own preference. Glad you like yours.

[@aaroncurry279]

I enjoy watching you fellas. You’re pretty chill, knowledgeable and entertaining. Always loved the Anderson vids esp with Danish Pete, but you guys mesh in a pleasant way. Subbed!

[@LMexplorer]

i just bought the player with mn and i enjoy it ! i not feel confortable with noiseless pickups, nice demo 🙂

[@voiceofexperience]

Les Paul necks have a 12" radius, not 10" as stated in this video. Love the original Player Tele. The PP is definitely not my "cup of tea".

[@MrHimalayaman]

Thanks for the demo and feedback guys very helpful, entertaining and informative

[@rubentrevino6288]

Problem with plus telecaster is it has a 12" radius, screw that, fender should have kept it 9.5", fender screwed up imo

[@belpack8989]

The Player telecaster just sounds like a Tele. The noiseless pickups aren't quite there yet.

[@eocha24]

I have a Player Plus in this color. Looks Amazing, especially in person. Little tip - put the white switch tip, looks even better with it, trust me ;)

[@jguitar23]

Ahhh, the sweetest fellas in Tx talking about exactly what I wanna know♡

[@allendean9807]

I have a hard time playing a very flat radius. Anything more than a 14, and i get fatigued. I played strats when i was a teenager, then moved to Ibanez, and schecter. I went back to a player strat in 2019, and it instantly felt super comfy. Almost like muscle memory. I just ordered a mod shop strat with a modern C neck, and I’m looking forward to seeing if there is a difference between it and my player strat….

[@guitarandotherthings6090]

Ive never liked Fender Mexico but i played this and was impressed by the neck (normally the Mexican necks are dry and fight you, but this was good and very smooth). Pickups were a stratty top and a jangly middle, but the bridge pickup a little brittle and weak. Loved the top two positions as they sounded very traditional Tele, Overall liked it!

[@voiceofexperience]

No. The "belly cut" alone kills it for me. 12" radius: why?? And then there is the sound of the new pups... I'd prefer a Telecaster to sound like a Telecaster, thanks.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

I enjoy the carved heel on my 2019 model, no belly cut and a 12" radius with vintage tall frets. Glad the middle pickup has a black cover (on mine) which to me looks a little more stealth🤙🏼

[@christocr]

I appreciate the discussion on fretboard radius. I play both electric and flat fretboard classical/flamenco (nylon string) guitar. The difference wwhen chording and barre chording is very obvious. For me, those flat fretboards on my flamenco guitars are very often a PITA when it comes to chording. Very annoying when I get buzzing on chords--yes, my technique inadequacy, but it is what it is. I DON'T get buzzing when I'm on my Tele and I string it with 11's or 12's. So that radius definitely makes a difference. I really wish my flamenco guitars had maybe a 12 inch fretboard radius or something. As always, GREAT playing, Cooper. Oh, and I just got a Player Plus Tele in that bright metallic green. Looks great, sounds great, and plays great.

[@thosearepinklemons]

I'm looking into both of these. I think I like the tone of the player, but the features of the plus. It will probably come down to feel if I decide on a tele

[@ferox965]

Feel is exactly why I went with the Plus. I liked the pickups in the plus anyways.

[@ferox965]

Feel is exactly why I went with the Plus. I liked the pickups in the plus anyways.

[@halloweenjack2562]

I learned quite a bit about teles there but......can we let Cooper have more of a say please....?

[@gigmandrew8975]

Thanks for this video! Very enjoyable to watch. You said Les Paul's have a 10 inch radius but I always thought they were a 12 inch radius.

[@Wooburnmusic]

My Les Paul deluxe has a 12 radius this guitar almost plays itself.

[@robertclinger7351]

Yes, Gibson uses a 12" radius on all their guitars.

[@mikemcginnis1419]

They used to be only 349.99 for a mex tele or strat.

[@alonsoroman4907]

I bought a Stardard MIM Tele in like 2006 I’m not entirely sure but I think I payed like 250 for it

[@RARenfield]

Fender has so many variations with little tweaks here and there. Looking at their lineup gives me headaches. Love my Player Plus Top Sierra Burst. I can always add locking tuners (which I would not do), but I can't replicate that gorgeous finish. The Alnico V's on it are a delight.

[@joshuapaul3177]

I also got the player plus top, but in blue burst. Loving it. Do you know if there are any different specs (other than maple burst) from the regular player tele? My fingerboard seems to be rolled and fret ends polished. The blue burst played better than the regular player teles in the store, but that could just be a fluke with the one I found. Thx

[@RARenfield]

@@joshuapaul3177 The blue burst is flat out gorgeous. I ordered the Sierra Burst online, but it arrived flawed. When I exchanged it at GC, I took time to play the blue burst too. Great guitars, those. Didn't notice any difference in the fretwork. If it feels right in your hands and it sounds right to your ears, well, what else really matters? Since then I have added the Squire Contemporary Tele in Gunmetal Metallic to my selection. In the right light, it has a blue-ish look. They had me with the roasted maple neck. All the best!

[@Wooburnmusic]

Yep, would love to purchase a high end tele but to spend around 2000 for a handful of 60 cycle hum ? Probably stay with my Les Paul deluxes for the moment, the mini humbuckers are killer, in fact the bridge pup would be perfect on a strat.

[@didamnesia3575]

Yep, that's all you get, 60hz hum and nothing else.

[@Clive007]

I really enjoy your videos and theyre really helpful but c'mon guys, the nut width difference is 0.8mm, you wouldn't feel the difference.

[@edwardwood6127]

size matters 😂

[@Dannys.channel]

Oh I seeeeeeee. The plus pick ups mute or numb or dull down that clickity clack high frequency and gives you more of the musical tone versus the reflection of the metal being hit by those no tone frequencies

[@dotkennedy7443]

I bought a seafoam green player tele (on sale) from guitar center in January 2021 for $530. It came in broken. Now they are $849.

[@roostercogburnmusic]

Bought a plus today. On sale for 750 USD and a 10 percent veteran discount. 700 all day !!!

[@mikecorey8370]

Guitars sound good. The playing is great. Nice job.

[@monkeyxx]

Best video intro I've ever seen, and I've seen at least 3 videos!!!

[@edf859fa]

xD

[@TheDdkk1]

Very helpful and detailed review thanks as I am looking to buy a player plus tele. One question I had is with the neck and body seeming to be a little thinner than traditional fender player tele, is the overall weight lighter?

[@axe2grind911a]

Hard to compare the two guitar sounds since he didn't go back to back w/each individual pickup. Also, it would help any demo to use a bit of dirt in part of the video. I have the Player w/Alnico 5's and the br pup gets incredible bite and sustain with an 808. Would have loved to hear what the Plus noiseless can do...

[@mikec3454]

I had a Player Plus Strat for about two weeks before returning it and buying an American Original 1960s .. I know, big difference lol. I didn’t like the 12” radius on a Strat and the Player Noiseless pickups are not as good as the true “Noiseless” pickups, say on a Clapton Strat. The only thing I liked about the Player Plus was the locking tuners. Trading my Les Paul Standard Pro for a Player Telecaster this weekend. I’m just a Fender guy!

[@officialWWM]

I love my Player Plus. It’s worth every penny in my opinion and it’s almost $1800 here in Australia! I got the Silver Smoke version and it simply looks killer but I like unusual finishes.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

I think this was wonderful review, but how about demonstrating those guitars with a little of dirt in them. I don' t really play clean. I use some overdrive. Not a whole lot though. Mainly on my pedalboard I always leave my compressor on.

[@ArtDonna84]

Fantastic review and a wealth of information for each model. Best for me was the neutrality comments as they leave the decision to the viewer based on what their particular needs are. Thanks gentlemen.

[@ferox965]

Picked up the Silver Smoke plus about a year ago. Only Tele I liked, even over the premium American ones.

[@PansySilverhand77]

Damn the player sounds way better but overall with the neck and push option ill go player plus and buy some new pups. Im a 12 radius type of person and the rolled option sounds stellar. Cant wait

[@stephanematis]

The Johnson neck though has a nice bigger v in the back. IMO that's the combo I like 12"/larger V PS. Cooper's playing is very tasty.

[@tommycunningham5999]

Love these videos--tnx guys!

[@efx245precor3]

Flatter radius is usually easier to play. Prs are 10 radius and I think Les Paul is 12. Yeah I’m comparing to Pro II also! But I don’t like the colors on the Players Plus.

[@vivekteega]

Even I don't like the color on the Player pluses

[@MrRangodingo]

I have small hands, which one is more suitable?

[@regioexas]

have both both, same colors , different neck radius. I have large hands ( not fat) and I feel better with player, my son has small hands short fingers, he loves the player plus.

[@ashishdhakal7681]

as you mentioned a customer who preferred 7.5 or 9.5 inch radius because he was a CORD guy. These radius are not for cords but for tremendous lead with incredible feel and cords. so you cannot stick to the stament of your customer being a cord guy. I play 9.5 and its more towards the feel. I have had 12 inch radius but I hardly touch them anymore. I don't feel those necks at all.

[@aitken1965]

So far my two Mexican made player series (Strat and Tele) have shown themselves equal in sound, construction, and playability to their USA made counterparts. Add to the mix my Canadian made GODIN guitars and I've got North America covered!

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Nah I've owned both and the playability on the Player Plus is night and day better than the Player. Sound wise that's up to the individual to decide.

[@gerdpfeil]

8:24 "Les Pauls all have 10" radius"

[@duartecosta9801]

Please review the new sire larry carlton guitars! I'd like to know if they have the same value/price ratio as their marcus miller basses.

[@Full_Deflection]

$849 now for the player. Lucked out and got one for $599.

[@catopwnzify]

Are they worth it?

[@Full_Deflection]

@@catopwnzify I think $600 is about as much as they can get away with charging. Now they’re up to $879 since I wrote that comment and I can’t imagine anyone paying that.

[@WahrheitMachtFrei.]

Nice work!

[@iancurrie8844]

Player plus sounds great! If you like humbuckers.

[@richardnish6469]

Fender says it didn't stop using a 7.5" radius fretboard until the 80's on most guitars. So did Jimi us a 7.5?

[@bobaldo2339]

I always thought it was 7 1/4"

[@david-lt9wj]

Those stickers are on top of the rim....I think. My player in England has a belly cut...and it was less than 800 bucks.

[@ipuya]

How come no channel is comparing the player plus to the Vinteras? I mean I can't find a single comparison! Is Fender discouraging it?

[@dbreardon]

Basically, for the plus model, you are paying $400 more for the name than what you can get in a $599 Sire tele with the same features. Have not really played a lot on a Tele as I'm only a 6 month beginner, but how much of a benefit are locking tuners on a tele? I would think locking tuners would be more beneficial on a strat with a tremolo.

[@bmfilmnut]

Les Pauls have a 12" radius - at least mine does and the ones I just checked out online.

[@jermymoreno2425]

Which one out of these two would y’all recommend to play in a church ?

[@nooftube2541]

In the meantime this new guitar costs 1500$ in Russia :( And most of people earn 6000$ a year (after taxes).

[@brucemerryman7365]

Damn……

[@nooftube2541]

@Shredder where and why?)

[@nerad1994]

15:20 lick is fire

[@mralgebro]

Locking tuners are $200?

[@christiangoll8731]

There's nothing better to buy second hand than a telecaster. The best method to sage money. And if don't need the name.....more money saved. I bought a used Tokai Japan Telecaster. A wonderful guitar.

[@gustavofassanaro5174]

Noiseless no good for me. Player have nice sound pickups.

[@dbreardon]

Wow......$699....then 6-7 months ago, $799........now (June 2022, and earlier) $849. That is a huge jump up in price in just year or so. Guess they were trying to capture money from all the new guitarists due to covid. Wonder what is going to happen now that purchase numbers are starting to decrease. Just bought a used/mint Player series off of reverb for $699 last night. Do like the red/fiesta color on the plus model. Not available on the standard player model unfortunately.

[@svetoslavslavov7215]

Sound similar,no big deal!

[@nevaagainwee]

Can you do a comparison of player plus and American performer? I think they are around the same price.

[@charlesbolton8471]

Are you just being sarcastic? It’s hard to tell I’m a comment. If not, you’re a little bit off. The American Professional are $500 more expensive than these and the lowest priced American Fenders the American Performers are $200-$250 more expensive depending on the model. That being said, I do remember the good old days back in the 90s when American Standards were $799, American Deluxes were $999, and American Vintage Reissues were $1,299.

[@nevaagainwee]

@@charlesbolton8471 Ahhh I’m a dumbass lol. I meant to say “American performer,” not “American professional.” I get confused with all the p’s. But it looks like it’s still a couple hundred dollars more. Thanks for letting me know, gonna edit my comment now.

[@AlamoMusic]

That is a comparison we want to do. We are currently sold out and all Performer models are in back order. - Chris

[@robertwallace8533]

what is a liter fender telecaster

[@Jamzocd]

A Gibson Les Paul had a 12” radius fretboard.

[@harshchiki7796]

Player sounded more bright. player plus has a richer tone, less bright and somewhat unnatural (perhaps as compared to the Vintage Tele sound) because of the noiseless pickups, may be.

[@samhealey7603]

I’d have been all over the player plus, particularly in that gorgeous green colour, but massively put off by the belly cut. I am a bit of a traditionalist regarding body shape. I think every other upgrade is a solid choice though!

[@robertclinger7351]

Tuners aren't approx $200.

[@tomytomy.]

Yep, the Plus sounds dead. I have the Player and it’s an amazing guitar, love everything about it and still can’t believe i got it for the price I paid. A pro level instrument from top to bottom. The only thing I might upgrade in the future is the bridge pickup- but it is still good as it is.

[@ferox965]

I found the opposite to be true. I tried a ton of teles and didn't like any of them, except my Silver Smoke. Didn't even like the premium American Teles.

[@johnbose7454]

@@ferox965 Agreed! I think the noiseless pickups on these player plus Teles are fantastic. Dead quiet at idle. Solid mid grunt, snap, chime and twang. Fender Player Plus and Schecter PT Van Nuys are the best value guitars out there right now.

[@zlate42]

"Player Sharp" would have been a more suiting name.

[@CarlosCastillo-mw1zu]

The player series is now $849

[@BassPlayer9000]

Now it's 1,030!

[@michaelogden5093]

What's a penny?

[@bobaldo2339]

The Player Plus sounds very good, but it doesn't sound like a Tele to me. The Player does.

[@jayyoungmusic919]

Fender PlayerX Series

[@Robert_Fordin]

Player sounds better than Plus.

[@blueshorecreative3146]

Hey mans! I forgot.You're at the Alamo, right?. Is your guitar shop in the basement? And have you seen Pee Wee's bike? He's really crushed.

[@TerramotoInc]

You had me at belly carve

[@clemdewitt4522]

Don't know if it's my desktop or server, but your website 'cannot be found'. Bummer.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Chris had a brain fart, LP`s have a 12" radius ;)

[@tcjensen1]

A small radius is just a poor substitute for a rolled edge.

[@efx245precor3]

Inflation says they are 849 and 1099 now.

[@753Jackson]

Gibson LP and SG are 12" radius.