Fender Player Vs Professional II Telecaster: Which One Would You Buy?

[@enriquemendez1507]

The pro ii is like hearing the guitar in 4k while the player is like 1080p on a great connection. You can hear all the little idiosyncracies on the pro ii that give it more character while the player is just the note and effects. Thanks for the vid, I have the exact same pro ii in Olympic white and I love it! I may also get a semi hollow telecaster one day

[@MattsGAP]

Interesting analogy, I still own the Pro, and the Player has a new home. Glad to hear you have a great guitar too, thanks for watching!

[@thebandcordero]

Thanks so much for the video. Still watching in 2023! I’ve played a couple of Am Pro II’s and I couldn’t help but falling in love. Just something about the difference in tone and dynamics with the Vmod IIs. It’s got that hollow twang to it I just love. Saving up for it now! Keep up the great work on building your channel. Just earned another subscriber. From Michigan, USA. 🇺🇸 Cheers.

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks, that's good to hear. Loved your cover of Tennessee Whiskey, actually first time I've heard the song! Thanks again, I've subscribed to yours too, hopefully both our channels will grow!

[@thebandcordero]

That’s so kind of you! Thank you. Wasn’t expecting the kind gesture. Appreciate the watch too! We enjoy playing some covers from time to time and that song is such a show stopper. Many thanks 🙏🏽

[@willistaylor4077]

I bought the very same Player Series Telecaster last year, and installed Nocaster 51 pickups in it. It is so ❤️❤️❤️❤️🎵🎵🎵 with those pickups.

[@MattsGAP]

Cool, I haven't tried the Nocaster 51 set, any good? Thanks for Watching!

[@willistaylor4077]

@@MattsGAP I love them in the Tele. That guitar, due to its body mass, I presume, just has a very powerful Tone, even with "just" Alnico 2 pickups. 😀🙂❤️🎵🎵🎸🎸

[@GradualErase]

I just got am pro 2 tele Miami blue. Maple neck. Heavenly fidelity beautiful tone. I adore it and thank God every day

[@MattsGAP]

That's a great colour, I was very tempted with the Miami Blue, I ended up with the white as it was the only one I could get with a rosewood board at the time,.... and I love it. Thanks for watching!

[@peterbatten596]

Coming from a songwriter and an engineer/producer, the American pro ii was actually a metal machine in disguise. When we talk about pumping ridiculous amounts of gain, there’s already so much compression that comes naturally along with noise, gating is a must either way. But when we’re talking about making that high gain metal ACTUALLY lay in the mix, it’s very complimenting to say the least. With standard humbuckers across the board, you have to back off the gain or boost it through the pre amp and do a lot of low cuts. I never bought it thinking it would be the best all around-er that it turned out to be. Definitely love my new pro ii in dark night with rosewood. Keep making great content!

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for the great comment! Tele’s are capable of just about any genre, that’s what’s made them endure for so long. I’m not a metal player but I mirror your sentiment with heavy rock as my Tele was as aggressive and punchy as you’d ever need. I think it’s clear when icons like Page used them that the Tele is capable of just about anything. Thanks for watching!

[@peterbatten596]

@@MattsGAPor Black Sabbath using gibsons version of single coils (P90’s) to be one of the godfathers of metal (the Jazzmaster has those nice in between all arounder as well!

[@MattsGAP]

@peterbatten596 I had a LP with P90’s and it sounded amazing but it was so noisy that I couldn’t gig with it. I’ve never had a Jazzmaster though, maybe I’ll have to give one a try!

[@peterbatten596]

@@MattsGAP Jazzmaster American pro ii are REALLY nice. You don’t need to pay for the luxe one. That one is DEFINITELY good enough. I own both American pro series ii telecaster and jazzmaster both in dark night. Easily my favorite to-go-tos!

[@mikehickey6256]

I was set on a player telecaster and planned changing the pickups to my taste. I did a side by side comparison with the pro 2 and I think I'm going to have to go with the pro 2. It was immediately apparent that the tone 9n the pro 2 was richer, and Fuller, with a great bottom end. I could change the pickups,but the other issues were the fretboard, pretty set on the rosewood. The other issue was the bridge. I would have to replace that as well. If modded the playér I'd save about $400.00 , but I still wouldn't have the rose wood. If I hadn't tried the pro 2 I probably would have been able to make the player work, but I'd still be into it for about $1100.00 with no case, and no rosewood. The rosewood is a big deal cause all my other guitars are maple.

[@MattsGAP]

I know where you're coming from. It is a real balance between the bare bones of the instrument and the aftermarket parts available. If I'm honest I enjoy the modification process, I love tinkering with the guitars, and I'll be swapping the Pro2's Pickups out at some point, and adding strap locks and locking tuners and...... the list goes on. As long the Neck and Body are well made I think the rest can be exchanged without any harm and then put back at any point, I won't modify anything that can't be returned back to its' original state, just in case I decide to sell it in the future, Thanks for Watching!

[@dwainmcbain5263]

I put the Alnico ii pro neck middle with Twang Banger in bridge on my player strat and I put Vintage 64’s in my Tele player and still less money than one reissue and I have the pups I want.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

😂 I'm the opposite I'm getting a 🇺🇸 professional 2 telecaster Miami Blue, cause it was 👍in my hands... but since I have rosewood, I'm going for a maple neck

[@mikenorman6697]

I thought the Pro II sounded better. The sound had more presence - more solid somehow. The sound on the Player with the Twisted Tele pickups was thinner and fizzier. I don't know how much this is down to the pickups and how much this is down to the guitar itself. It would have made more sense to me to compare both guitars absolutely stock - so the differences between the two could genuinely be heard. Also the price comparisons did not take into account any additional expenses in purchasing the twisted Tele pickups for the Player Tele...

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah, I had the Player since 2018 I think, and I'd long since swapped out the pickups and sold the originals so that wasn't an option unfortunately. Thanks for watching!

[@jadenyuki6558]

You just have to mix the tone to get the sound you wanted

[@jean-philippelocquet8418]

Finally I found the video that compares the sound of v-mod II pickups VS Custom Shop "Twisted" pickups. Very good when you hesitate to buy a Telecaster Pro II or Vintage look Tele with Custom Shop "Twisted" pickups or a Baja. More précision to me on twisted, but both sounds are very similar on many ways, I think I'll buy a Pro II for amazing finishes, then later takes a baja or a complete upgrades project with mex road worn or lite ash and makes upgrades includes Twisted or Twisted Neck and Nocaster 51 for bridge. Thanks Maat

[@MattsGAP]

A friend has a CS tele with a 51 Nocaster bridge pickup, it sounds huge! I love the twisted tele pickups, my next Tele will be a 51 bridge and paf in the neck position!! Thanks for watching!

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Great comparison video. Well done! * subscribed *

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@brycebettencourt2078]

Great video, nice job on the graphics as well! Could tell you put a lot of effort into it.

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks, yeah editing is a bit of a pig but I enjoyed making this one.. thanks for watching!

[@CB-st6wm]

Its all about playability. For some reason this is not mentioned much on KZbin comparison videos. This is the #1 difference, then the sound. Spend the extra money for the Pro II. Never found a cheap guitar with good playability and sound. You get what you pay for.

[@MattsGAP]

True, and there is a lot to be said for the playability 'out of the box' for any guitar, high or low price. Trouble is even 2 of the exact same Custom Shop Fenders will vary in terms of setup and playability dependant on the individual who is playing it. I tried/try to stay away from that aspect of the guitars, especially as (in this case) I had spent time improving the setup of the MIM to suit my preferences. I can say however, that with both being setup, by me, the USA model, was still nicer, than the MIM as ( I suspect) Fender are far more experienced at rolling the fingerboard edges etc, than I am, being that the MIM had no rolling done from the factory. Thanks for watching!

[@gimmebackmydog1249]

Yeah, the Player is good for the money. But the Professional is way nicer IMO.

[@MattsGAP]

Definitely! Thanks for watching

[@Charlieboy2680]

If you put fender noiseless pickups and locking tuners , Its not way nicer.

[@apophispnw5717]

I had a limited edition professional surf green with all rosewood neck - great sound and feel. BUT - the tall narrow frets they come with are got awful. Good for bending but they’re shit if you move around the neck and slide around a lot. I hated them so much I sold the guitar. Thought about getting it re-fretted I loved it so much but I figured I’d find something else better.

[@psychonaut689]

A phrase like "bone is softer or harder throughout its structure" has the kind of detail I'm looking for.

[@MattsGAP]

Well, I try to keep things informative but simple. Hopefully not too boring! Thanks for watching!

[@Guitarsrollin]

Just ordered a Player 2 in Butterscotch Ash chambered body ...... may put in a set of Texas Specials at some point.

[@MattsGAP]

Nice…. I am intrigued by the Player 2’s I like the look of the Mahogany Strat. Thanks for watching!!

[@samborn7120]

Thanks for the review! One creative criticism.. Don’t use the metal music spots between every single point transition. Leave it music free 👌

[@MattsGAP]

Interesting,... I didn't use any music in my latest video. I wasn't sure about it either. Thanks for watching!

[@rotepillenfresser4544]

One of the best comparision videos I've seen, but it also lacks with the sound quality of YT. It makes no sense to compare it here since it sounds everything nearly the same (also on other channels due the quality restrictions). I own very good HP and can't barely hear any sound difference only the Player is somewhat more the twangy tele due the maple neck. You can hear this also on direct comparisons of Pro2s here on YT. I had severals Pro2, bought them, but they lacked in building and cosmetic quality, also had a issue in design so I ordered a Player (with the better saddles they changed). Pro2 and Player sound recorded nearly the same, both pubs are designed by Tim and only the Pro2 has maybe some impacts due the bridge saddles in the higher tones, but you can't figure it out in a blindtest! The Player has a better much better quality than the Pro2s I owned and is nearly perfect (for fun I also bought other pubs). Even the knobs on the Player are higher in quality, the potis are by CTS and didn't have the scratchy noise like the Pro2's had. Can't understand Fender USA to deliver that bunch of bad Pro2s. I kept the Player and everything is fine, got a better quality. PS: The tuners look the same, but in 2023 they aren't. But they work fine and there's no need to exchange them.

[@MattsGAP]

I think there have been reports of Fenders build quality being poor recently. I know what you're saying about the Players, and I do agree with you, however, I believe there's still hope for the US made guitars. With any luck Fender will sort their issues out and get back to building great guitars. I was going to order a Custom Shop Strat but have since decided to buy a Suhr instead. I've been buying Fenders for 25 years and I always thought US where far superior to MIM but sadly not at the moment! Thanks for watching!

[@rotepillenfresser4544]

​@@MattsGAP Thanks for answering. I think Fender doesn't see any occasion for changing anything, or do you? Build quality wasn't always the best and won't be. But it makes no sense to spend more than 1000, even 1200 bucks for the MIA which also is build of asian parts, Mex-workers travel to Cor*ona and paint jobs should done in Mex, when the MIA lacks in everything. That's said. Most of the well known KZbinrs are influenced and sponserd, some of them delete this comments over the MIA and don't name the QS problems. Other smaller return or sell their MIA 'cause of the problems and when that's not the case they don't see the benfits. Even the flight case is not worth the name and money! Also the CS is totally overrated and other brands are much better and cheaper. Suhr have to be better. The next Tele is build by a luthier. But there's no need for at the moment. What do you say to the sound quality problem? You had a lot of work for the comparison, couldn't you offer a link a files on your website for a real comparison (hadn't check so far)?` I mean, I recorded the Player and Pro2, had same parallel in use and can't see and hear the difference. The neck ist by far the same instead of the rolling edge and coloring in a ugly orange. Also MIA uses sometimes 3 piece body and so I can't hear any changeds in attack and sustain, even the painting is superior and any differences are noticable (Player is Poly on body, Pro2 is Poly-Urtethan, should be thinner, but ... and necks are the same with Urethane). Thanks.

[@potwms99]

I have a 2020 Player Series Tele. I put Fender locking tuners and a Graph Tech string tree on it and it's good to go. No way the Pro series is worth twice the money.

[@MattsGAP]

I had considered the graphtech tree, but went for the American style in the end. Thanks for watching!

[@kremepye3613]

I have am pro 2 strat and absolutely love it, got a Mexican gold foil tele on the way, will be interesting to compare the workmanship.

[@MattsGAP]

Congrats, I'm sure the gold foil will be awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@TheWorldsFastestIndie]

I have the miami blue American Pro 2 with strap locks that I've fitted, I'm a les paul guy normally but needed me some of the sweet maple fretboard she came with, I wouldn't change anything other than the strap locks, just mod the player series, fit it with a broadcaster circuit and see what it's like then 😀

[@MattsGAP]

cool, thanks for watching

[@paulwatson9217]

At the end of the day you buy what you can afford. Will both guitars do the job yes definitely. It depends If you like messing about changing components and modifying or straight out the box. I agree the AM Pro 2 is more expensive but the residual resale will be better too. I don’t think there’s a wrong choice here it’s just down to the individual.

[@MattsGAP]

I agree with you but I have a disease and will probably mod the Pro 2 soon! Thanks for watching

[@paulwatson9217]

@@MattsGAP yes mate locking tuners & a GraphTech Tusq nut plus strap locks, job done for me anyway:-)

[@cooltunesmadeeasy]

Great comparison honestly both sounded great to my ear not crazy amount of difference at half the price difference..great review..you deserve alote more subs .with the quality of your content! Cheers

[@DevanArya]

Mind sharing your Helix presets? They sound amazing! By the way, the player series' body is made out of how many pieces?

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for watching, sorry to say I can't share my presets because I no longer have the Helix. I suspect the Players are 2 or 3 pieces but who knows!

[@DevanArya]

@@MattsGAP Thank you for your reply. The pieces cannot be seen through the finish?

[@MattsGAP]

On mine, I don't remember, I think it was 2 pieces, I've sold it since. The solid colours though who knows, I would imagine Fender wouldn't be too worried, I suspect they use either 2 or 3 pieces on most of their guitars, USA or Mexican.

[@Shaunybish]

Nice playing mate !

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks, it's a work in progress!😃

[@simonkormendy849]

I have a 2014 Sunburst Fender Mexican Telecaster which is basically equivalent to a Fender player series Telecaster, it has Tonerider Hot Classics pickups on it, I bought it second hand from my local cash converters store, it's a great guitar but the neck developed a twist in it, I'm going to be buying a new maple Fender Player series Telecaster neck on The Stratosphere next week as a replacement.

[@MattsGAP]

So I'm guessing you're gonna get an extra fret with that too? Sounds like it'll be a beast!

[@Kenneth_9_1]

Fender sorted the saddles issue out on the player series a while back, with block saddles, so you no longer have the string changing issues.

[@MattsGAP]

Excellent, glad to hear it. Thanks for watching

[@cooltunesmadeeasy]

Good to hear what year?

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

My player is 2020 and doesn’t have those issues.

[@wbek001]

Mine is from 2019 and has the new saddles.

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

They are really good guitars. I throw mine right in the mix with 2 Nash teles and it holds its own really well. I wish it was as light as they are but it does play freaking really nice. Pickups are really good too

[@edwinwise6751]

Just bought player tele and restrung it with ebs getting ready to do 1 st practice with it. Have been using us model 60 Annv. Great a/b opportunity

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah, awesome comparison idea... Thanks for watching!

[@freddymclain]

I'd buy the Sire TH7...get the chambered one (semi hollow) Under $700 and righteous.

[@MattsGAP]

I am curious about Sire guitars, Reverend too amongst others however I seriously dislike the Sire headstock shape! If it adds anything to the conversation I also hate the James Tyler headstock shape, which hopefully shows I am consistent regardless of price!!

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I was looking at a Mex telecaster ( a few of them actually) and was going to beef it up. But the last time I was at the store, I asked if they had a 🇺🇸 professional 2 telecaster and they did. Well, as soon I I seen it and held it , I knew that this was the 🎸 for me ❗ And it's Miami Blue, I was looking for a black telecaster 🎸 and I don't have to change anything on the professional 2

[@MattsGAP]

The Miami blue is nice, I assume you bought it, are you pleased with it ? Thanks for watching

[@spicealbert4904]

Just to mention that pau ferro is much nicer than most rosewoods. It's tighter grained and often more attractive. If you have a Player with a pau ferro board, rolling the fingerboard edges is pretty easy, though it takes a while. There are plenty of videos on various ways to do that. Also, the newer models have a different bridge, with more modern saddles.

[@MattsGAP]

I agree that PF can look really nice, but I prefer rosewood. I find Pau Ferro feels odd under my fingers, I can't explain what it is but I'm not a fan. I played a SRV years ago and even felt the same as the Players, that is enough for me not to want the SRV or the Player. Otherwise I'd want both. Thanks for watching

[@mariosjosephidou1170]

Great Demo!

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@troyshellhamer9964]

I love the Pro 2 series…

[@MattsGAP]

Nice, Thanks for Watching!

[@Jeymez]

im happy with my American Pro 1 Telecaster, i thought about getting the Pro 2, but after checking a few out, it's essentially the same as what i have already, minus the push pull button. that's really the only difference, but i don't see myself using that feature as much. so i bought the Player series, but i got a Strat since i already have a Fender Telecaster, plus i have a 60's Squier Classic Vibe Tele i tinker around with.

[@MattsGAP]

I agree, the Pro 1 & 2 are very similar, I use the PP switch all the time on mine, but I would be happy without it. Thanks for watching!

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I bought a new Fender Player HSS strat about a year ago and am very happy with it. I'll admit that I am an beginner/intermediate player and have very limited knowledge about electric guitars. I have never owned a tele so I did not grow up with the original vintage style bridge and am not attached to any tradition regarding this style bridge. I'm led to believe though that the traditional bridge gives the "best tele tone" but this is a subjective opinion. The modern bridge on the Player tele is capable of better intonation and this is not subjective. I'm not willing to pay twice as much for a subjective opinion. I do think the pickups on the Pro2 sounded better but 2X better I'm not so sure...

[@MattsGAP]

That's a valid opinion. If you wanted to, you could swap out the bridge on a Player tele for the 3 saddle variety with compensated saddles similar to the Pro and upgrade the pickups. Of course you could leave it stock and just love it for what it is. Thanks for watching!

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

@@MattsGAP I thought the same thing except maybe swapping out the pickups from a Pro2 to a player and then comparing them. That would be an awesome video... I understand the modern bridge is easier to palm mute as well

[@MattsGAP]

I'm pretty sure you can still buy the Pro1 pickups new, they're basically the same as the Pro2. I don't find either bridge hard to palm mute tbh.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

@@MattsGAP I think I saw the Pro2 tele pickups for $100. It would be an interesting experiment to see how the Player tele stacks up against the Pro2 with the same pickups though. The palm muting thing is just what I read online. I'm not good enough at it to have an opinion that matters... i

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Nice, straight forward spec rundown. But, the overdrive heavy guitar fills between segments drove me crazy very quickly. Just edit them out. You’ll get more people surviving to the end. It’s really annoying.

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for the advice, I'll take that on board for the future!

[@jeremyp8501]

Forget anything with the individual saddles , I want the brass barrels always with ashtray.

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah, I agree the brass saddles are better by far!

[@garylubbe3286]

The player with maple neck and quality pickups has an edge.. pro has a nice clean sound..

[@MattsGAP]

I love the Twisted Tele pickups, I'm thinking of putting them in the Pro 2

[@hezronvaldez5399]

Got the Pro 2 tele same as what you used on this vid. It's an awesome guitar. This is my first tele as I normally play LP's. I am so impressed. Roll back the tone knob to just about past half and the volume to about 5 oclock and it's all sweet. Esp the bridge pick up as it has less dc resistance than the neck(?).

[@MattsGAP]

Nice, they're great guitars. I've been looking at LP's again recently, I would love a 57 reissue. Thanks for watching!

[@hezronvaldez5399]

@@MattsGAP algood! Nice comparison though. In my experience, an older model LP standard can sound as good as reissue or even better and cheaper. I bought a 2002 standard and so far I can tell it sounds way older even everything at 10 on the guitar. 1990's standards are great sounding too.

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to try some out if I get the chance!

[@bernardm3066]

I was considering the USA model but the pro ii line is around 2k now in Europe and it makes it really hard for me to justify the price. Around 1.6k it would be a bit more reasonable imo. Great guitars though both mia and mim models.

[@MattsGAP]

I agree, the price of guitars has gone crazy in the last 5 years. Fender aren't alone in that, but perhaps if 'like me' you used to see MIA guitars selling for 1/3 of what they cost today it seems much worse!? I have to remind myself sometimes that 2K just isn't worth what it used to be worth. Inflation is a bitch and a guitar is for generations, so I am hesitant but ultimately OK buying a 2k guitar in the knowledge that when I shed this mortal coil the guitar should be worth most of, if not more than what I paid for it, and I get to enjoy it for (hopefully) many of those years! Thanks for watching!

[@arn999]

Good well thought out and explained video bud, thx

[@MattsGAP]

Glad you liked it

[@congorianso]

Excellent Review

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks Charlie

[@yourfriendlycynic]

clean and informative video, this casts away my doubt of buying a pro II, lets see how it goes

[@MattsGAP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidbarlow431]

I've never got along with tall narrow frets so the pro ii is a none starter. I've got a bog standard player tele and I'm more than happy with it. Player strat as well. When that lottery win comes in I won't be upgrading them, my cash will be going PRS.

[@MattsGAP]

Ah, I liked em straight away. Are you going silver sky or something different like the Lettieri? Thanks for watching!

[@davidbarlow431]

@@MattsGAP Probably just good core model custom 24. More than good enough for my arthritic fingers. Any more would be a waste and I'm not into the whole investment guitar scene. Guitars should be played, not stuck in environmentally controlled glass cases. 😀

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah I agree, the super expensive stuff is a little too pretty for my taste, I love the Customs and 594's though!

[@tutor346]

I like the pro II , It has more body and tone.

[@MattsGAP]

It's also a better playing and feeling guitar too, 3X the price though. Thanks for watching!

[@avantgardenovelist]

Beautiful playing, man.

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks a lot!

[@barbdwyer7001]

You get what you pay for, and... poor people can only buy once!😉

[@MattsGAP]

Sadly, the pro 2 range is now way overpriced, inflation is a biatch!

[@barbdwyer7001]

@@MattsGAP Yup, just like comparable Gibson and Gretsch models ... but all high enders hold their value much better than their less expensive counterparts!🙂

[@56davidwright]

If you want a less ice picky tone on either guitar you can do this by making the pickups lower. Here's a tip from experience. Use a block of wood. This will help prevent hammer marks. Also, there is no need to smash them hard. A number of slightly lighter whacks will eventually get them down where you want them. You can use a rubber mallet but it takes longer.

[@MattsGAP]

Are you advocating people use hammers to lower their pickups or am I missing something? 🤔 not sure if I'd agree with that, thanks for watching!

[@guitarpicker6844]

PRO II all day.

[@MattsGAP]

Its a cracking guitar, Thanks for watching

[@larsdanielsen7304]

Was the video made before or after you changed the pickups on the player?

[@MattsGAP]

I changed the Player pups years ago, I wanted to compare them anyway as anything I have done can be done at home by anyone who likes what they see and here. Thanks for watching!

[@steventhomas231]

The american pro has more of that plonky sound. Not sure if that is the modern or vintage tone?🤔 i quite like the player series tone.

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah, I think that's a lot to do with the Twisted tele pickups, they sound great! The Vmods have a more balanced tone, which makes them sound more modern to me.

[@yeppieyay8906]

Cool teles, man. I wish you had done at least some of the tone comparisons in CLEAN. All your comparisons are overdriven, made it hard to really compare the two sets of pickups since the differences can get buried under the effects. Can you please do a quick tone comparison of the Twisted Tele and V-mod II (American Professional Telecaster) in CLEAN? Especially the neck pickup doing lead guitar. I can't make up my mind between upgrading to V-mods or to Twisted Teles. :D

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for watching, I don't think you can buy the Pro2's as aftermarkets yet. They are supposed to be slightly different to the Pro1's so I think you'll find a comparison between mine to be flawed for your purposes, and I can tell you without hesitation that I prefer the Twisted Tele pickups.

[@yeppieyay8906]

@@MattsGAP That's interesting. In the video, the V-mod II pickups sounded fuller compared to the Twisted Teles. What specifically made you prefer the Twisted Teles over the V-mods? Is it the strat-ish tone?

[@MattsGAP]

I feel the TT's have more character and dynamics, the Pro2's are by design more balanced, and for me I like to have more bite when I dig in. Trouble is I only really notice a big dynamic difference when they're turned up loud, and I haven't been able to play live for ages. Only sound advice I can suggest is to play the Pro2 if you can in a stock Tele, and if you want a bit more bite, the TT's will provide that.

[@yeppieyay8906]

@@MattsGAP Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@MattsGAP]

@@yeppieyay8906 You're welcome, thanks!

[@jayyoungmusic919]

The Pro II has Fender Staggered standard tuners, and the player has Fender Standard tuners. The American ones feel a bit better, I’ve upgraded both on my player and pro II to locking anyway though

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah, I agree with you, locking tuners are always a good move!

[@mantavisions2362]

Really thorough!

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for watching!

[@shawnhuff3920]

The fender pro 2 ... telecaster is the best I have a fender professional 2 jazz bass guitar ... I love it I have a G&L asAt classic telecaster it's better than any fender telecaster....

[@MattsGAP]

I've never played a G&L, I love the J Bass, I can't justify owning a JB atm as I am quite crap at playing the bass but I did just get a Cort which is pretty cool for not a lot of money. Thanks for watching!

[@greggriffiths9053]

I bought the player telecaster I didn't want to pay around $2000 their around that for us version here in Australia if you buy it new.

[@MattsGAP]

I can respect your decision Greg, I suspect the pro 2 will reach 2k here soon as well. They're up to £1,800 in the UK now! Thanks for watching!

[@johndeschain2156]

Well done I'm thinking of getting the player an upgrading it to my specs

[@MattsGAP]

sounds like a plan, thanks for watching

[@dividedbytimestudios]

Is the player a modern 3 screw bridge? Or vintage 4 screw? Should be able to order pro bridge for player series

[@MattsGAP]

without looking I know they are different but can't remember which is which. The USA bridge won't fit the Player.

[@traderinthetrees1785]

I have a player tele and I love it so much I want the pro 2 now :/

[@MattsGAP]

It’s a slippery slope 😀thanks for watching!

[@jayyoungmusic919]

I the American Pro II Telecaster Deluxe and A Fender Player Telecaster. My player is modded so much you wouldn’t even know which series it is.

[@MattsGAP]

Nice, sounds awesome, thanks for watching!

[@mrbesserwisser7447]

Of course there is a diffrenence in tone between maple and rosewood

[@MattsGAP]

I’m not getting involved in a tone wood debate, lol! 😂 thanks for watching!

[@frankstephenson1746]

You can’t beat the pro two neck It’s perfect

[@MattsGAP]

Yeah, I love the neck on mine.

[@mhidoyaga]

In this video, I prefer the Player.

[@MattsGAP]

There's no wrong choice, thanks for watching!

[@mkrj2576]

Played both a lot. I prefer the 1.65" nut and the med jumbo frets on the Player - that's a matter of taste. Still, can't say the Pro II seemed like that much better of a guitar. Also, I like to work on my guitars and dial them into my liking. And that's a lot less stressful on a less expensive guitar. Both are great guitars though.

[@MattsGAP]

The Player is really good. Can't argue with that!

[@bluesbagdelta399]

Pro ii is much better, worth the money!

[@MattsGAP]

Agreed, although the Player is a really good guitar. Thanks for watching!

[@vladimirshanuhin7556]

in my opinion, both guitars sound great and I can’t say that the player has a worse vintage sound, while the professional has more modern everything in the sensors, and the wood is good and iam and there

[@MattsGAP]

They are both really good Telecasters, It boils down to subtle differences. Thanks for watching!

[@Eric-oz7di]

So the correct title of this video should be "Modded" Fender Player Vs "Stock" Professional II Telecaster: Which One Would You Buy? Correct? So where does Fender sell this "Modded" Fender Player Series at? You know for the average Joe who watches comparison videos based on the title? Now in reality i have the skills to do this kind of work but based on the title i came here for a true comparison video between two stock guitars only to find out after watching part of the video that was not the case. Seems misleading..... so If i'm wrong i apologize.

[@MattsGAP]

I guess you didn't enjoy the video then huh? Perhaps next time you click on a video made by someone creating free entertainment for the fun of it, you might consider that no one cares whether the title is a 100% accurate to the content contained within..... except for you!

[@Eric-oz7di]

@@MattsGAP Actually i thought your video was very well made and i think you did a fantastic job except for the title. I found it misleading and had the potential to waste time for someone researching stock guitars they can order right now anywhere. What if the highway department hung street signs like you title your video? How pissed off would you be driving down wrong street's after reading incorrect signs? It could get your video some extra views sure, but it could also waste a persons valuable time as well. What i pointed out was just constructive criticism and you could have taken the high road but instead you cast me off as the only person who cares about a correct title and that you speak for everyone else. So thank you for a very well made video and maybe work on the title. Good day.

[@mccartney2]

@@MattsGAP sorry I have to agree with Eric... this is NOT a comparison between the two.......!!!!!! you swapped out a major part of the player...the pups...... !!!!!!!!!!! FAIL FAIL FAIL..I still subscribed....your attention to detail won the day!!

[@MattsGAP]

The reason I responded as I did Eric, was because your comment was rude. I actually agree that what you say is true and I address this straight away in the video. If you feel that I wasted 9 seconds of your day before I clarified this, and that warrants you being rude about the title of my video, then I'm afraid I just don't care! However, I appreciate that your second response was civil and therefore I apologise if I have offended your sensibilities! I enjoy constructive criticism, I have no issue with debate it is healthy to hear from viewers and I will consider what you have said in my next video title. Thanks for watching!

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for subscribing, I do appreciate your view Neil, However, as I stated to Eric, I clarified within 9 seconds that the Player was modified and I believe that is more than enough warning that the content is not between two stock instruments, and I also refer to the stock instruments specifications throughout the video. The information is accurate and I stand by it! As stated, I will take your criticism onboard and consider this when I think of future video titles.

[@MegaTuang]

The American version is Fuller in mid-range.

[@xf9213]

Change Player pickups to Nocaster 51 set (150€) , brass saddles (40€) , a fine booster (150€) and save 1.000€... nobody will hear a difference on stage...

[@MattsGAP]

True, you might feel a difference in the guitar however, which may effect how well you play. Thanks for watching!

[@ChanceCooper125]

@@MattsGAP this. If the stage is what you’re worried about then the guitar in general doesn’t matter as much for your sound. Most audiences in most music genres would think you sound great with a stock Squier. It’s all about feel at the end of the day. Most people play better and feel more free on a nicer guitar. You’d have to change the neck on the Player Series. By then you might as well buy an American Pro II on the used market, since it’s already great.

[@MattsGAP]

@ChanceCooper125 I agree with most of what you're saying. I sometimes find guitars with imperfections, either cosmetic or setups bring out more from me at a gig, maybe because I'm working harder. If I have a great playing and skunding guitar I will, as you say, enjoy it more. Thanks for watching!

[@theblondelions9894]

It is not that the pro sounds more rounded but only the tone seems to be lower. In any way, no 1000 dollars of difference.

[@MattsGAP]

Yep, totally get where you're coming from. I sold the MIM and kept the USA model, maybe not $1000 better but, better. Thanks for watching!

[@dividedbytimestudios]

What if you just put a American Professional neck on a player series body? 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️ Stratosphere parts online sells em

[@MattsGAP]

the only downside might be the Player bodies routings are different, and the bridge is different

[@olaby_ola6707]

Maybe yours is pre 2021 , mine 2021 cosmic jade , has locking tuners , noisesless pickups , MIM , player series , and cones with a nice gig bag , I stayed with this one instead and bought and Epiphone casino for less money then corona Ca made . , nowadays is the same , it’s the end of the “ made in USA “ yours might say corona California , because don’t get to the numbers to have the trademark “ made in USA “ unless is custom shop , and Corona is only 7 miles away from Mexico , I own a made in USA custom ordered strat plus made only in 1994 and 1995 , signed by a Mexican guy , most at us factory are Mexicans , and amazing guitar , from 1994 , Mexicans do guitars for mariachis and spaniard heritage long time before the great USA 🇺🇸 , I will only buy collectibles like Harrison’s tele that stars at 2,500 only 1,000 made and now they are about more then 9,000 a month later . MIM from 2020 on are just pretty much the same , Japanese locking tuners , and same electronics.

[@MattsGAP]

Hi and thanks for watching. I may be wrong, but I believe Cosmic Jade makes yours a Player Plus. They cost more than the Player series in question and come with higher specs from the factory. I haven't played one of those so I don't know how the USA and MIM Player Plus compare. I do however, agree that the Mexican guitars are very good and having watched the Fender factory tour videos there appeared to be a number of Mexican workers in the USA factory, they may well be US citizens though, I don't know. I would say though that Fender are making very good guitars at pretty much every price range and it would be an individuals choice and preference. I love the Cosmic Jade colour.... Great choice!

[@olaby_ola6707]

@@MattsGAP Hi and thank you and indeed , plus from 2021 on and I think they are still player series but plus . And the corona ca. Ones profesional or pro II but as for me much better option value money , and nowadays sound better the MIM that the one before now ... , Yours and that sounds amazing too , but with locking Tuners, same electronics and materials , those noiseless pick upstairs corona Ca . are just amazing , and the new colors , ufff THERE OS NO MORE USA MADE , it has to be custom shop or signature , now it says Corona Ca. The don’t accomplish all materials as a percent of us made materials, so instead of saying crafted in USA , they say which sounds more comercial , corona Ca. 7 miles away from Mexico and very close to Mexican factory , example George Harrison”s reissue of 1,000 is USA made , order a 5,000 plus custom shop and is made in USA , the others : Corona Ca. With a neck maybe crafted in Mexico , Japanese locking tuners , Brazilian wood as an example . , so as for me pretty much the same , and even yours is more expensive today , mine was close to a 1,000 tax on , yours nowadays around 750 with no gig bag or locking or noiseless put that on and is the 1,000 . Coronas Ca. Are pretty close or around 2,000 . In 2022 . Best regards

[@rockinrew4925]

With the case and pickups and whirring harness you’re into it for at least another 550. So that’s 1300 with no tax. And that’s assuming you can do all the work your self. And it will take a couple hours. So is you’re time worth nothing. And if you can’t do it. You have to pay someone. I would bet when is all said and done you’re into the mim for more then you would be into the American.

[@MattsGAP]

That may be close to true, however I added it up at the time of making and it was no where near the cost of the Pro2. Thanks for watching!

[@rockinrew4925]

@@MattsGAP 229 for case 200 for pickups. 100 for wiring harness plus time in labor.

[@cooltunesmadeeasy]

To me the players pickups sounded better..in this video!

[@MattsGAP]

Fair enough, they are good, and a 3rd the price! Thanks for watching!

[@cooltunesmadeeasy]

@@MattsGAP I have the players tele was thinking of selling it..and getting a pro or standard maybe or just swap pickups? Your thoughts?

[@MattsGAP]

I'm curious about what you don't like about the Player? You said the player pups sound better in my video, so I'm guessing yours has the stock pickups? Twisted Tele Pickups are awesome imo maybe go for those. If you love your guitar but want a different flavour from it the pickup swap may work, however if your not happy with the guitar changing pickups may help but probably won't.

[@cooltunesmadeeasy]

@@MattsGAP yes I have the stock pick ups in my players I'm happy with it. But if I cam improve y knot..Maynbe I can try the twisted tele ..do I need to change the harness also?

[@MattsGAP]

@@cooltunesmadeeasy sure if you liked the Twisted Tele's go for it, I think they're great! No reason to change the harness, unless you want too!

[@dwainmcbain5263]

I pick the one with the highest price with the lowest value every time

[@jadenyuki6558]

Same thing

[@MattsGAP]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwardmorton6691]

I'm not a fan of this kind of review. People generally have their minds made up as soon as they know the instrument's price and the place of origin. Blind tests are definitely more fair and only when sound and playability tests are complete should build quality and aesthetics be examined. I do realise that people don't just buy instruments to play they also buy them to admire adore and to adorn their studios and walls.

[@MattsGAP]

You make some fair points, but not everyone sees it that way, I prefer to know what is on offer and whether I can improve something if the hype doesn't match the product. Thanks for watching!

[@ferox965]

Neither. I went with the Player Plus. Didn't like the Player's neck and I didn't like any of the premium American ones.

[@MattsGAP]

Am I right in thinking the player plus has rolled fingerboard edges? How do the pickups sound, I've been curious about those guitars, they look cool? Thanks for watching!!

[@ferox965]

@Guitars Amps & Pedals Lots of top end in the pickups. Some people I've seen are a bit put off by that, complaining it can be a bit shrill, but that's what I wanted and you can dial that out with the tone knob (people forget that haha). Yes, the fret edges are rolled. I found the perfect partner to my Les Pauls. Great guitar that punches above its weight for what it costs. Also has locking tuners, which I love so much I may put them on my Les Pauls too. I normally don't like Fender axes, with the exception of this one. I got the silver smoke-looks really cool too. My search is over. Between my Les Paul Standard, Special and this Tele, all my tones are covered.

[@MattsGAP]

@ferox965 sounds good, I like a bit of top but spikey pickups aren't my thing. That said I have yet to find a perfect Tele or pickups so I'll keep spending in hope! Glad you've found something that works for you!

[@barryhambly7711]

can't compare these as one has a maple neck the other has rosewood end of story

[@MattsGAP]

Not sure I agree with you on that one, but thanks for watching!

[@joegalea3652]

So , In reality,what you are doing is. Comparing the pickups you put on in the player series against the American Tele . 😏

[@MattsGAP]

I think that any electric guitar comparison boils down to what pickups are in them. However it should be apparent that although the pickups aren’t stock in the Player, the overall finessing of each model is what makes the Pro 2 the better guitar for me as it is the nicer guitar to play! Hopefully you’ve watched the whole vid as I cover my findings in detail towards the end. Thanks for watching!

[@Charlieboy2680]

I change my strings on the player in 5 minutes.

[@keithclark486]

I have the the American pro, the first thing I did was to change out the Tim Shaw designed pickups for a set of SD broadcaster pickups. Tim Shaw pickups are the worst sounding and overrated pickups on the market.

[@MattsGAP]

That's interesting, I don't think they're the worst but I have kinda gone off of the V-Mod pickups in both my Pro Strat and Pro 2 Tele. I am planning on changing the Tele set soon but not sure to what. Thanks for watching!

[@Elchurrodurro]

Who ever buys American teles are dumb So anyways I just bought an American professional 2 Miami blue tele and I love it

[@MattsGAP]

Fantastic join the club, thanks for watching!

[@wishbone66]

Not enough of a tonal difference to justify the price difference. At the price of a pro 2 it should come with strap locks and locking tuners. Fender is getting just as dumb as Gibson.

[@MattsGAP]

I can't disagree with you the pro 2 would absolutely benefit from locking tuners and strap locks, the sound difference is negligible, but then this MIM has Twisted Tele Pickups so they're at least comparable to the vmod 2s. Thanks for watching

[@tbee65]

If you can't afford american, the player series is great. But if just making a choice, absolutely the american, especially the pro ii series, is going ot be the superior guitar.

[@MattsGAP]

The American Pro 2 is the better guitar but then it should be for the price deferential. The interesting thing for me was whether the Player could be made as good as the pro 2 for less money overall. Not far off in my opinion but still not as good as the Pro. Thanks for watching!

[@tbee65]

@@MattsGAP Just the neck alone on the pro ii series makes it worth it. I have a ton of fenders, both american and mexican. Love the pro ii neck, my second favorite after the american deluxe strat neck.

[@MattsGAP]

@@tbee65 I had a deluxe with the roller nut some years back, it was a cool guitar. I am working on a video with my LPB pro Strat which I’ve re built with a channel bound neck and bareknuckle pickups, the neck is compound like my old deluxe, I love it!