FENDER TELECASTER PLAYER SERIES | REVIEW | MORE TALK LESS ROCK | ARE SQUIERS BETTER THAN FENDERS?

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[@deanlockamy2087]

Fender struck gold with the player models. I own several high end guitars, but that MIM tele is fun, comfortable and sounds good.

[@BoundaryElephant]

I just purchased a Mexican tele, so you will please kindly refrain from saying anything critical about those whatsoever. Thank you.

[@koffiefilter]

I got a Tele Player last month, and no fret issue at all luckily! So happy with it ❤

[@caseylee12]

The Player Tele sounds so close to the American Standard that you couldn't tell the difference. I think they started using the standard pickups in the Player series, since they've upgraded the pickups on the American Pro model. At least now they're alnico, and not ceramic.

[@martintucker2825]

Yes love the high gain on the bridge pick up

[@Valisk]

Just picked one of these up for my son - they seem to have sorted the fret QC. I absolutely love it.

[@Britton0932]

That “mojo” comes from the bridge pickup being directly connected to that metal bridge plate

[@edwinwise6751]

Bought one … couldn’t put it down… sounds better than my us version , plays like a dream . Downside.. frets were so rough I had have them polished to keep from breaking e string after 30 seconds of playing… well worth it

[@huhy888]

Agree on the qc, I did try a player tele a couple years ago and the fret ends were okay bht when I bought one last summer I had to return the first for the fret ends and the high E string practically hanging off the fingerboard. I aske for another and it may even be worse, worse for fret ends and a bad nut cut on the low E makes it a bit buzzy when playing te string open. I was fed up of returning guitars because I had 2 bad qc squires delivered too which I had to send back(I have 3 gem squiers though) so Im just tryna fix this stuff myself because it was a limited run and the retailer were too nice to keep pushing them back and forth

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

I've got this guitar and I love it

[@chewlies]

Nice review and playing my dude!

[@ferox965]

As a staunch Les Paul man looking for more twang, I was set on a Player. Tried a Squier Classic Vibe and wound up liking the neck far more. Walked out with the Classic Vibe...going to swap out the pickups.

[@jordanpratt9384]

Yeah the fret ends on my player jag were outrageous. Outside of that though what a killer frackn guitar.

[@TheLadsBandLive]

100% agree with you on the fret QC. I’ve owned and modded two of these guitars and both had awful fret ends but I enjoy setting-up and working on guitars. I particularly like leveling, polishing and rounding frets, so, these are a bit of a sadistic pleasure for me.

[@Full_Deflection]

Went into guitar center yesterday and they were almost $900. What a time to be alive.

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

Pretty wild

[@university8035]

Guitar prices are kind of crazy nowadays. pretty sure I bought a USA standard in 2011 for about half what they charge for the American Pro now and only a couple of hundred more than the current Mexican models. Yes we've got inflation and everything but it still seems like a big increase.

[@martystudioone]

I bought the player tele this week and there is no problem with fret ends. When you slide over it you can feel well done fretboard.

[@donaldjames4437]

Like every thing it is hit or miss mine is impeccable but I paid $830.00 for a Sun Burst fantastic deal in 2021 November at Guitar Center Winter Park Florida.

[@Ottophil]

@@donaldjames4437 damn. I just got one today for 719

[@benitoguarez2328]

great video is it hum cancelling in the middle position?

[@stanleytesla1651]

I have a new lefty butterscotch squire tele & i have a new lefty butterscotch player tele. Kudos to squire though the string spacing is only 40.5 vs the player 42.0. The pickups definitely shine on the player, though the squire has an aggressive spank bridge sound, though better overall tones from the player. Just learning guitar so what do I know, not much. But the player is cool!

[@gsuderman]

Great site! Bought a Classic Vibe Butterscotch Tele 4-5 years ago and it is my main guitar now. I have a MIA Strat and G&L Asat among others and just love the CV. I upgraded pots, switch, jack, wire. Basically everything EXCEPT the pickups and that made a huge difference in the sound. Also took one of those sponge sanding blocks from Home Depot and went to town on the back of the neck till almost bare wood. Then I took the edges of the sanding block and went North South on both sides of the fretboard after I did a quick file on the frets. I hadn't planned on it but it looks like it's been played for decades and sure feels that way!

[@aidanduncan8187]

Comes with CTS pots already, caps need changed as they are garbage, switch, Jack and wiring is all good enough too. Absolutely amazing upgrade platform though 😀👌

[@gsuderman]

@@aidanduncan8187 mine sure didn't. Garbage pots for sure.

[@gsuderman]

@@aidanduncan8187 the jack was cheap and the Switchcraft is 100x better. The wiring was super thin. Anyway when all done it sounded loads better. Cheers

[@aidanduncan8187]

@@gsuderman oh right, that's a Shame.

[@aidanduncan8187]

@@gsuderman yeah I've got some cloth covered wire to replace mine with, I'll do it when I'm in anyway to put a bass cut mod in 🙂

[@ioodyssey3740]

Cool. I have a butterscotch Player Tele with these diy “Plus-Deluxe” upgrades - Vintage Fender bridge and tuners, Wilkinson's compensated saddles, Mojotone ’52 Quiet Coil pickups, Lucky Dog gnarly knobs, angled-switch cover-plate, and a three string tree to stop the g-string ring behind the nut. It's a great guitar. I love the satin back/glossy top of the maple neck. For me it just blows away anything else under a grand. And I prefer it to the American series which I can afford to buy if I wanted to.

[@lunarp3294]

Have you any image's of the upgraded guitar. Thinking of doing some of these myself especially the string tree upgrade and saddles too .

[@petermartin1967]

Exactly the same problem on both my Fender Player Telecaster and Strat. I only bought my Player Telecaster 4 months ago , so the issue has still not been sorted. It’s a stunning guitar, and sounds incredible. Especially with both pickups on the middle position….Wow! It’s just a shame about the fret ends. As you say, they aren’t that bad that it affects playing, or even needs addressing or fixing. It’s just not good. Great video 😀👍🏻

[@Strepite]

Not just fret ends but fret height is all over the place too.

[@ryanhurst3859]

I can attest to the fret issues and numerous other quality control issues on my Player Series Mustang ($650). My Squier Bullet Tele ($140 on sale) is better in every way.

[@davidbarlow431]

I bought a player strat in buttercream a few months ago and no fret issues at all. The only gripe I have is the saddles - they are the worst I have had on any guitar ever without doubt. Fortunately that's a cheap fix, add some locking tuners (preference only), and a roller string tree and it's a guitar for life. I've got a tidepool tele arriving tomorrow and I have the same planned for that.

[@davidbarlow431]

@@darren1270 I haven't done the strat mods yet, a few other things got in the way. I have been thinking about graphtec saddles but I will prob have a word with the guitar tech first. The first tele they sent me was problematic - I gave up counting at 9 fret rocks. Basically the frets were like the himalayas, and the string tree was 2mm out of line resulting in a bad buzz on the open B and E strings. The replacement had 3 slightly high frets and the nut needed work but I thought a second replacement may be as bad as the first. I don't mind paying for a good setup on a new guitar I intend to keep, so I spent £85 on a full fret dress and setup and wow! It is a lovely guitar now and I'm more than happy with it. In conclusion, the strat came with good out the box setup, no nut or fret issues, quick action adjust to preference and reintonate, I just don't like the saddles. Both teles were cosmetically perfect, both had setup issues that needed attention but the setup cost on tele 2 was well worth it. BTW tele has block saddles and obviously no trem and tuning stability is excellent so I won't be modding at all.

[@davidbarlow431]

@@darren1270 yeh, nut and frets on my player strat were great. I've heard a lot of mixed reports on the teles, some come out just as good as the Strats but others... I think the important thing is to be ready and just deal with it. I find the idea of needing fret levelling on a new mid range guitar irritating but once mine was professionally setup it became a really nice tele. Overall - its been worth it.

[@rds1882]

I like my player tele. I don’t have any of the issues you described with the fretboard. Mine is perfect.

[@tyler3691]

I just picked up a newer one and it doesn't have the fret problem yours has so I'd say its basically perfect. Didnt see your video until I already had her home lol. Great guitar.

[@Valisk]

Same here. They're lovely pieces of kit.

[@vinigriffith2683]

Yeah, the fret ends were rough but other than that I'm satisfied with it. It's a 100% a proper Tele and well worth the money..

[@becomeaudible1]

I just bought one last week and the fret ends were pretty sharp. Also, it needs a set up in a big way. Other than that it's a hell of a nice guitar. I'm looking forward to playing the hell out of it.

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

They file down super easy though

[@lazvt8469]

Sold my Tele MIM a few years ago...then, got the Tele bug and got 7 Teles post Covid....including recently buying back my MIM with McNelly pups. Other than fret sprout from last owner not controlling humidity...the MIM neck/fret work is very good. In fact,...my USA, G&L, FGN, 2 CV50's, and my new HB 52 all have great frets. One of the CV's had a low fret (#2 removed/replaced). The HB fret work is top notch. Disconnect the neck pup from the tone pot and enjoy the clarity improvement and output. Lastly, Fralin's are great...but Lollar Special T's are magnificent. Gonna give Bootstraps a try when they arrive...HB getting those. Oh, Strats have 2.5 usable positions....the Tele has 3 solidly useable and distinct positions. Versatility goes to Tele.

[@davewestapher]

Just purchased a Black Player Tele. and simply love it. No issues what so ever. If I got one with the poor quality sloppy joe has I'd certainly return it for another.

[@davewestapher]

PS no hum either. I use a 25R Fender Frontman Amp for home practice and rehearsal. No 60 cycle hum. I admit that I'm surprised as well.

[@samquitkin338]

Thats such a cool color!

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

It's really pretty

[@Dave062YT]

i was looking to by a new players series Tele when i came across a mint condition 2019 Vintera 60s modified in the same Lake Placid blue and it's pretty much perfect QC wise and plays beautifully .4 way swiitching and s1 switch to go out of phase makes it one of the most versatile Teles and also the 60s headstock on the Vintera with no truss rod hole is aesthetically as good as it gets for me..The only gripe i have with my Mexican beauty is lack of a bone nut .There is no shortage of bone in the World like we have with some exotic woods .it must just be pandering to the vegans .Does a plastic nut affect the sound in any way in your opinion and would you think about changing it out ?

[@Malcolm701]

The Squiers still tend to have 'fret sprout'...so... (invest in a fret file tool)

[@BoundaryElephant]

Sloppy......Joes's.......SHRED SHACK? Hey, that's a pretty fun name to say and hear. True facts!

[@taverntimes6806]

Sesm to need high action fret buzz on all strings

[@adamdorsett5973]

Love my mex Tele

[@twocupsofte3]

The frets were fine tbh I just had to adjust the action. The hecking input was loose as expected

[@snflip]

Picked up a '22 in black ..... no issues whatsoever. No, none, none more black. I'm happy to say it. Unexpectedly good playing neck and frets. I'll take it. Hope others have the same luck if you call it that.

[@AdADglgmutShevanel]

I tried a brand new Player Plus Strat at GC and it also had horrible fret ends! They were all sharp and protruding.

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

I mean tbf you were at GC. They aren't known for the best set ups 😂

[@ricardobarron8081]

I have one and a Player Strat too. Neither one has sharp fret ends. Neither one required any work. Just plug and play.

[@dwainmcbain5263]

Frets clean up nice with some 600 grit Sanding pads and you can CA glue in the gaps if they come up but mine haven’t. If it does I’ll just fix it, I love these guitars over all and I’ve felt some rough edges and I notices the player plus is even deter but stay away from Vintera and Road Worn! Pliers are way better build quality.

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

Agreed I think the general sentiment is that you shouldn't have to unless it's a sub-400 price point

[@killerb5726]

I tested a bunch of Tele’s at GC and noticed the same things with the frets and just disappointed me. My sons $129 Squire Mustang has better fret ends. Debating between this and the G&L ASAT Tribute. Thanks for the review!

[@becomeaudible1]

Guitar Center is famous for not taking very good care others guitars. I just bought one of these from there a week ago and it has the same problem. Other than that it's a damn nice guitar. If this helps GC will give a 15% discount if you ask for it.

[@killerb5726]

@@becomeaudible1 That does help thanks, with that saving you could get a fret dress and basic setup and still be in less than msrp.

[@becomeaudible1]

Killer B that was my thinking. Get the frets done and they will be perfect. A good set up and you're ready to go. I've already ordered a cream pearl pick guard and gold hardware for mine. Locking tuners should make this thing a pretty killer guitar. Good luck.

[@killerb5726]

@@becomeaudible1 Called Sweetwater and they gave me the 15% off so I’m super stoked. Traditional butterscotch and he sent me 10 of them to pick from until I found the one I wanted. Should be here in two days... Thanks again!

[@bradl3562]

@@killerb5726 Do you happen to have a rep you worked with there? I’ve actually been trying to get a discount and have asked my current rep to send some additional guitars my way of the same model so I could look at wood grain, but he hasn’t really helped me with either.

[@sccloser]

Fender has had the rough fret end issue for years. Back when they were bringing in Fender branded Player series guitars from China, all those Chinese Fenders had much better fretwork than the MIM and the MIA. Not all MIA's have the rough fret edges, but too many do.

[@gkott78]

Agree there is QC issues. I have seen a ton of Player Series with terrible fret ends. It also is apparent on the deluxe line. I had to even return a Jimmy Page Dragon due to terrible frets, 6 of them at least were high and it buzzed everywhere. I did find a Player Series that was solid and I did a build with it swapping all hardware and replaces pickups with the Greg Koch Gristletone set from Fishman. I also have a Jason Isbell signature that is made in Mexico and it is phenomenal. Bottom line, play them in person and watch for fret sprout. Also look at the neck pocket fit, I have seen some seriously poor fit.

[@voiceofexperience]

It sounds pretty damn versatile to me...

[@stargarnet9139]

my thoughts too

[@isaiahj117]

Player Series Telecaster is the best MIM guitar. Nice clean tone, powerful overdrive sound. The middle position is my favorite. Just need to upgrade it with locking tuner. 🎸🎸

[@ipuya]

Actually the vintera is the best in the MIM series

[@paulgordon6949]

@ipuya strictly speaking the best ones to come out of Mexico are some of the signature models. There are a lot of really good signature guitars from Mexico. The chrissy hind tele, Joe Strummer tele, jimi hendrix strat, the Kurt cobain jagstang, and a whole bunch more. I believe the Ed O'brien strat and the tash sultana strat are both Mexican too, possibly the tom morello strat, and many more. However personally I would go with the American standard or whatever they call it nowadays at that point. I believe they are now called the performer? Unless you are just a huge fan of a particular artist, or especially want the features (EoB strat has the sustainiac pickup, and the Kurt cobain jagstang is a unique mash up of the jaguar and the mustang, if that's your type of thing).

[@floatinganarchychannel3204]

No lockin tuners No brass sattles No polished fret edge? Glue missin? I prefer a squier / vintage if this is the case

[@dbreardon]

Sheesh, in a year and a half that tele...all the player series have jumped up almost $175 to $849.....in less than 18 months! That is crazy ridiculous.

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

Gotta love supply chains

[@henrydanger__2125]

My 2121 fender has the best freys ever

[@SomeStayDry]

been looking to get one of these for a while. anyone else notice the price jumped like $100 out of nowhere recently?

[@adamrajnovic7000]

Covid had everyone sitting at home wanting to learn guitar so demand just went up I guess. Here in Australia I’ve recently seen the price start to go down again.

[@mikeymic4150]

Price of wood has been going up as well

[@Ottophil]

I still bought one

[@riffjohnson22]

Is this a Lake Placid Blue? Or WHAT!!???? I need to know

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

I forgot what it's called but I think it's in the video

[@douglasalexander4348]

It’s tidepool. It’s a very fine metallic blue with some green. Lake placid is a more solid blue without the green. Vintage lake placid s look similar to tidepool due to nitro going more tinted.

[@riffjohnson22]

I went out and discovered it on my own! Player Series Tele-TIDEPOOL

[@riffjohnson22]

@@douglasalexander4348 Bought one shortly after viewing your video. Thanks. I do a bit of Snowmobiling in Houghton, Friend own the BANK downtown remodels to hotel rooms.

[@mrtonysantos]

you know?

[@Strepite]

Fret ends are annoying but what’s most annoying is a complete lack of any kind of serious quality control. Mine came with a conpletely uneven frets height, buzzing all over the place. That’s another $100 straight of the box to make the thing playable at all. Kind of ridiculous for $800 guitar. But I guess that’s the state of capitalism we’re in now…

[@SloppyJoes_ShredShack]

Yup. That's kind of the worst part.

[@StevieZero]

My Affinity has a better body

[@edwinwise6751]

30 days after purchase guitar unusable due too crappy fretwork .. fender bailed on any warranty .. stuck with 2 unusable instruments .. can’t polish away … require refretting at my expense . If your are an advanced player .. move on..you won’t be happy

[@reddragontavern]

I’d never take a Squire over any Fender! Even a bad Fender can play better then the best Squier. With a bit of TLC every time!

[@giancarlom.]

Squier is better than Fender American? OF COURSE, LOGIC. Squier is made by people who work for 5-6 or even 7 days a week, compared to a guitar coming from a country where people don't even want to work 0 days a week. All Murican-made products: Levi's, Apple, Boeing, Play Authentic, (and yes, Fender or FMIC as a whole) the trend is becoming obvious here, have been the yardstick and the definition of high quality in the PAST, not and never nowadays.