Has QC Improved? | Fender Player ii Strat Review

[@stevecassidyguitar]

So.... Fender Player 2? Yes please... or Pass? 🫳⌨⬇

[@gedellis701]

Yes for the guitar, no for the price.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@gedellis701 That sounds fair mate 😎👍

[@ima640]

yes with a maple neck and HSS, but the price is a bit heavy,

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@ima640 The price could have been way worse for a Fender - I think it's not too bad. But I'd probably look at other options personally 😉

[@DarylT64]

Yes for both SSS and HSS. Like others I think the price is a little high . I would have liked to see it a little more affordable. Great video. I really enjoyed this one.🎸🤘🏻

[@pheemchoonz241]

As someone more informed than I once said; "If you buy a Fender made in the USA it's been made by Mexicans." And from what I've experienced with my Player Acoustasonic Jazzmaster, the Mexicans know their stuff bigtime!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

They're certainly well known for their graftin' skillz! 💪😎👍

[@billybob-b7t]

Isn't someone who lives in (US) America an American? Are you implying they are manufactured by undocumented workers...? I don't think your source was well informed, perhaps just coping with them not being able to afford one, just a guess.

[@billybob-b7t]

MiM fenders are pretty awesome, I own several myself. Probably same qc in each factories but where the corona plant just does more steps before the guitar is considered complete

[@quiksilver78]

That sounds a little racist, tbh

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@quiksilver78 It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone. Apologies if I did

[@jameswilliford5478]

Excellent video! I might try the Player ll in SSS configuration eventually😮. I sold my 2020 Capri orange Player and still kicking myself. I did replace it with a Firefly FFST Chinese knockoff in SSH configuration. I was really surprised how nice the Firefly is. Bone nut, locking tuners, beautiful Canada roasted maple neck with rosewood fretboard, ball end stainless steel frets, abalone inlays, 9 to 14.5 inch compound radius neck, Alnico V pickups, Korean made bridge and a absolutely flawless finish. It's definitely comparable to the Player I sold. I couldn't believe the quality of this guitar at $189 plus $27 shipping. If I get the Player ll and it doesn't blow the Firefly away it will be returned. The Firefly I bought is white and I really wanted a nice red, if the Firefly comes out in a red I might just grab another one and forget about the Fender that's 4X the price.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers mate! 😃🙏 I've never tried a Firefly. They're not easy to get here in the UK. But apparently they come out of the same factory as Harley Benton with a lot of crossover with the specs. I've tried out a load of Bentons too 👍 Spec sheets are always way better on the Bentons/Firefly. But I actually prefer the Fender neck profiles (9.5" radius all over) and Fender single coils are pretty great too imo 👍 But for my money - I'd opt for a Jet JS400 😁👌

[@edlicari3909]

I just got one in the HSS configuration and it’s amazing! Like you said it’s basically the same and as good as the old American Standards!! Great review!! 👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers mate 😃🙏 HSS would be my choice too 😎👌 They've made some great and welcomed upgrades for the player ii 👍👍

[@marcusgraf4510]

I really appreciate your videos as they are highly entertaining and informative. Thank you 🎉

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Aww mate! Thank ya so much for your kind words and comment 😀🙏

[@CosmicBrain21]

Great review as always from my brother on the north side of the UK. I bought and sent back a few Player strats, they all had faults and even the best one had sprouted and unfinished fretwork, so that one went back too. If QC and the fretwork finishing has been sorted then I’ll be tempted. The colours look good too.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 😀🙏 Yeesh! "A few" is a lot 😬 I'm curious if any of these might have been made during covid/lockdown? They seemed to be putting out absolute garbage back then.

[@-processdrone-]

Nicely themed.... had this on in the background while I was on phase 2 of my sss Strat' baritone conversion..

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate - hope the Bari project is going well 😎👍

[@TheGoodSon89]

Solid review as always! thanks!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you for watching and commenting mate 😀🙏

[@jonm420jm]

For the price point the nut should be cut well for sure. As a consumer I'm under the impression that when it says fender on the headstock that should mean more hands on time to really dial in the setup, or whatever needs addressing. Must have been a new hire that worked on that one. 🤷 love your videos by the way cheers 🍻

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kindly mate! 😀🙏 Yeah, I'd love to say it might only be this sample but, Mark Greening Guitar had a similar issue with his player 2 😬

[@tbone2451]

Steve you are so right about the plastics being mismatched. I would immediately make all the plastics white !

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I think we're in the minority here mate 😂👍

[@deatheric]

Great video Steve! Would like to see that comparison but I also like to see a squier classic vibe in the mix..

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate 😀🙏 yeah that would be interesting 🤔 Will need to see if I can get a hold of one - cheers!👍

[@__Anton__]

Great review, and history lesson👍A countoured neck joint would be good. As I already have a USA, Japanese, and Mexican Fender, I'm more and more tempted to get a Jet after your recommendations.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you mate! 😀🙏 The Jet's are definitely worth a try. But if you're used to USA and MIJ, they Jet might fall a bit short as stock. But with some minor modifications..... 😁👌

[@__Anton__]

@@stevecassidyguitar Cheers Steve, doing some mods would be good too👍👍

[@rexomatic8667]

Still enjoying my sea foam green Fender Player with roasted maple neck I purchased in 2022 with all matching white knobs & pick guard. Especially the feel of the neck. Just now learning how to dial in floating bridge. It’s my first Fender Strat. Enjoyed your thoughts on the model 2. Although I did check out a Klos carbon strat replacement neck and pick guard while traveling. Pretty cool.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate! I think I bought the same strat as you in sunburst, it was a GuitarGuitar retailer exclusive with a Roasted Maple neck (9.5" radius, 22 frets, modern C) and Custom shop Fat 50's pickups. I actually bought 2 of them! 🙈 Just for the necks, and sold the loaded bodies 😂🙈. Those guitars are the only way you can get that neck spec from fender, they don't sell them seperately. Roasted, 9.5", C shape, 22 frets 😎👌 I've been meaning to do a video on that, but that's basically it

[@nicolasfernando697]

I'm gonna buy it definetly, there isn't any jet in my country

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate! Enjoy 😀👍 I love the pickups in these 👌

[@nicolasfernando697]

@@stevecassidyguitar thank you :DD, i already love it before have it

[@bluessumlin...7067]

Would have to try it never owned a Fender, my G&L and before that it was a Vintage V6 for many years, will definitely try Player 2, usual informative video thanks Mr C!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you mate! and I'll have to try out a G&L one day too. Always been curious about them, nearly had one a couple of times 👍

[@relaxingmeditation1960]

I’m here as well Steve keep on doing your great work mate

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Aww mate! Thank you too! The early comments really do help push the vids 😀🙏

[@mariadavies0007]

Thats a cracking Guitar 🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

😂👌

[@DunsysGuitarWorld]

A fine sounding guitar indeed, Sir - man the neck and middle is sublime on that clean setting - no so good re the nut cut (as they say). I'm familiar with that sound of the strings sticking!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! The stock pickups on the player strats are so good 😃👌 I did get maybe a wee bit too much help with the Fx from the old HX stomp tho 😜

[@JayceAllanGuitar]

I'll probably get one when they're out around here.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one! 😀👍But will they let you in the Guitar Players club with one of those?

[@dmac3316]

Cool vid. The Player 2s I’ve seen have been solid. My fave so far that I’ve played is the birch green Tele w the rosewood fretboard.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate 😀🙏 They have thje Birch Green Tele in my local shop (Kenny's) too. Might try and grab it next time 😁👍

[@AndrewAHayes]

@@stevecassidyguitar I would love to see that guitar, and hear your thoughts on it too.

[@Itsme-vd3dx]

Is the neckshape the same as a old mim standard? (2003) or is it a bit fatter?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Soz mate - I couldn't say 😬 I've never had one of the old standards. Played a fair few but I wouldn't trust my memory 😜. I did compare it against a USA standard 2004 though and it looks and feels the exact same as that to me 👍

[@kcsvantasticvoyages9729]

I like the oickups in this demo, bought Player 1 kas Xmas, had I known the Player 2 was coming out would have waited. I think if I went for newer one it be the Player Anniversary in Black Noir because it has 59 ish sounding pickups stock.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Well the good news is, it's the same pickups in the player one as player 2 😃👍 The original Player series is still great too 😃👍

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

Great video mate, I really like the new player 2 with the rosewood but I already have a Jet do you think it’s worth the upgrade? The only thing I don’t like about the Jet is the knobs look a bit cheap but I think those could be easily replaceable by fender ones, but the Jet feels quite light and smooth except from some fret edges, do you think the fender guitar feels and looks much better to consider an upgrade or I’m good with Jet?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏 To me , the biggest difference with the Fender is the pickups. Got to admit they sound incredible. But I just put Fender player pickups in my Jet - Now the Jet sounds incredible 😃👍 and yeah I'd change the knobs and stuff too on both the new Player 2 and Jets - but I have weird tatses 😜 It's only worth it if you want to get a Guitar with Fender stamped on it imo. For me, The Jet neck feel is identical. Fret ends are quite easy to fix with a fret end rounding file, but If you're not to comfortable with that, It wouldn't cost too much to have a tech sort it for you 👍

[@Alfonzo862]

Hi Steve, love your take on the player 2 strat plus playing. However I got to correct you because the player 1 and 2 strats don't need that little spring for the trem arm because the block has a thread inside which makes the spring obsolete. It's different on your american strat which I also used to own but sold after I got my player one because I liked it better including pickups😅. Mate I would love to see you doing a review of the player 2 strat hss

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thak ya kindly mate! 😀🙏 I'd love to get a hold of the HSS version at some point too 😁 Could you eleborate on the player trem "thread inside" the block? I have to fess up... I didn't use the supplied Trem arm 😬 As I've got this guitar on loan and have to return it, I didn't want to open up the Candy Bag. So I used the trem arm from a player one. This only gave me 2 options, too loose or too tight. It's the same issue on my 2004 USA strat, which came with a spring, which I of course lost 🙈 But the spring does improve the tension on the USA one. Both trem units have screw in arms. I did some googling too, can't find any info on what you've mentioned 😬 Thanks for keeping me honest mate - very much appreciated 😀🙏

[@Alfonzo862]

@stevecassidyguitar Steve the player one and two doesn't need that little spring that the american strat uses because Fender threaded the actual trem block so that you don't need a spring. On the player 1 or 2 the trem arm screws straight into the block, but it can mean that the arm can have a bit of a wobble or can be too tight or too loose to put it into the position that you like best for your playing! However a friend who had a music shop once told me that you can uses a bit of plumbing tape for taps and put a few wraps on the trem arm thread to make it stay in place if it's too loose. On another note: I am wondering whether the player 2 hss strat in rw can do tones like acdc and Black Sabbath for example because I would think that the maple board would be too bright for this kinda music

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@Alfonzo862 Thanks for responding mate 😀👍 But.. I'm still lost 🙈 My experience with Fender strats, USA, MIM, MIJ, Players and Squiers have all had screw in trem arms - I'm sure the block would have to be threaded in all cases to accept the trem arm? They're all "screw in". In all cases you technically don't "need" the spring but it greatly improves the tension of the arm. And yes to the Plumbers tape - that's a a good fix too 😁👍

[@Alfonzo862]

@stevecassidyguitar also, just have a look at your usa strat trem block it's made of steel and thinner than on the mexican strats which have a much bigger trem block that is made from pot metal that's the first difference to your usa strat the second difference is that they have machined a thread for the trem arm into the pot metal block that doesn't need that little spring anymore as on your usa strat (let's call it cost saving by fender😁) However I don't know about the MIJ strats because I don't like their 7.25 radius

[@BudgetPedalChap]

Great vid as always gent. I'm not sure I'm sold on them but they are undoubtedly doing it at a better price point than Gibson are these days

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kinldy Mr Budge! 😀🙏 Yeah if there was a price war thing going on... I'm sure Fender would be the smart bet as the victors 👍

[@nedim_guitar]

Yes, compare it to the Jet JS-300. Also, did you hear that JS-380 is on the way? An upgraded vesion of the JS-300. I'm looking forward to you doing that comparison too.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya for the feedback mate! Planning opn filming the JS300 stuff this week 😀👍 Yeah, I've seen the new Jet stuff, a wee bit too much Rosewood going on there for me to get too excited about though 😜

[@nedim_guitar]

@@stevecassidyguitar Haha, yeah, you're a maple guy. I've got too much maple myself, so I'm planning on getting rosewood on my next one.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I got confused with the various versions donkey's years ago, I still remember the days when a Fender Stratocaster was just that! a Fender Stratocaster! I too prefer a maple fretboard, the extremely tight grain and smooth flat finish is much more comfortable.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Oh yeah... Maple all the way. Although... I'd prefer it to be lightly roasted too if that's an option 😜👍

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Nice review, mate. And a pretty nice guitar. Not sure I could justify the price though. With the likes of Jet with equivalent specs for half the price, you've REALLY got to want the F-word on the headstock.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate - totally agree on all counts 😁👍

[@Reeldin58]

Hi Steve, I quite like the miss matched plastics, but I know what you mean when you see that on a new shiny guitar.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I kn ow i'm in the minority with this one 😜 Fender know what they're doing, they know how to sell boatloads of guitars and what people want 😁👍

[@gringogreen4719]

Steve, great video! I can see this guitar being someone's workhorse guitar in a band. Overall I like the guitar, I definitely think the mismatched plastics suck but then that gives me an excuse to swap the cream colored ones for black plastics to really make this guitar pop! I would also get a Tusq nut and string tree and my usual Dunlop strap locks. I also prefer "Soft Springs" for my Strats so I would do that too. So in all, I would buy this guitar in a year or two used to let someone else take the retail hit and do those upgrades at or below the original price. I do like that the neck plate is the classic Fender "F" design, I really like those. My hand is pretty big so a traditional heel is not a problem for me, also because I am mainly a Rhythm player (CHORDS!!!!🤪👍✨). So I like this more than I hate this but it does need some help in the looks and playability departments. The nut issue SHOULD be addressed by Kenny's or whatever retailer you buy one of these from. I one time bought a new guitar years ago (shout out to Milano's in Mesa, AZ) and the stock nut was so bad they actually replaced it with bone (that tech who did it is actually now one of my best friends). So if a nut is bad, Fender SHOULD cover that through the retailer. If you buy online there's a good chance that they will say "send it back" and then it's a crap shoot if you will like the new guitar as much as you liked the last one (maybe with the nut issue fixed?!?!). So buy from Kenny's or a local dealer and make sure you get EXACTLY what you want.😎👍✨ PS- I do miss the old ways of the US and Mexican Standard Fender guitars too... It was a lot easier to keep track of what was what.🤔

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 😀🙏 I think you're spot on - you'll be able to pick up a used one for a better price soon enough 👍 I reckon we'll see a lot of the 1st Gen Player series hitting the used market over the next few months too, so possibly more deals to be had 😁 (and the pickguards match 😜)

[@gringogreen4719]

@@stevecassidyguitar The next five years will be a Golden Time to buy used guitars. You are going to have the 90% of players who give up offloading their Pandemic purchases. The main issue right now is that the nubes (I spell it this way as it visually complements "Pubes"🤣🤣🤣) think they can either make money off of used gear or sell something for its original price. Once the Used Market gets flooded with gear and the prices marinate for a while, it's ALL coming down. Also you will want to have £££ so that you can buy the gear you want for the price you want. I have five Tele shaped guitars and four Strat shaped guitars and lots of patience... Also you hit a point where a "Strat is a Strat" and a "Tele is a Tele" and you look at new stuff and just go, "Ehhhh... I already have a few of those..."🤔

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@gringogreen4719 Exciting times ahead indeed - I do love a bargain 😁👍

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I have a black Harley Benton put a green pit guard on it then I got the green one and put a black pick guard on it. Now I’m getting the fender three tone sunburst and I’ll be putting locking tuners on and I don’t like those split shaft.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate 😎👍 I prefer locking tuners too

[@derekclacton]

9:13 I’ve just seen the future - it’s a second Steve Cassidy KZbin channel, “Steve Cassidy Complains”! 😂

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I know i'm getting far too ranty 🙈😂

[@azmike3572]

I close my eyes, and it's Scotty doing the review!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Scotty from Star Trek? 😂🙈

[@azmike3572]

@@stevecassidyguitar Yep!!

[@zvezda5682]

You have to review the New Jet JS380s Guitars when they come out and compare them to their older models and fenders!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Quite a lot of Rosewood I'm seeing on those 😜. But yeah, Jet are potentially sending something. Nothing confirmed yet tho

[@mark_greening_gtr]

Seeing other reviews and from personal experience the nut not being cut properly seems a common theme. Maybe the on next run the QC may be better !!! I also had to shim the neck to stop the bridge grub screws from cutting me after I'd lowered to action to something lower that how it came. All in all not sure it's worth the price they are asking but it does come with the f-f_f Fender on the head stock lol. Lastly, great review as always.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate 😀🙏 I've name dropped you in some other comments here as having a similar experience 👍

[@thegaindane]

The player II sounds like a nice guitar. And good news they have a rolled fretboard now. But I bet it’s not as nice as my JET guitars 😬

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I think you're probably right 😁👍

[@Robert_Fordin]

Hi. The only thing I'm still interesting in is the fretboard experience. As I said before, the previous fretboard was dry. No "butter effect" which means no pleasure during the bending or finger vibrato. How bout this time?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

For me, I don't really enjoy the feel of rosewood, pau ferro, laurel fretboards. I much prefer the smoother feel of maple. Don't know of that helps - soz 😬🤷‍♂️

[@nedim_guitar]

The tone at around 14:55 is great!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Oh yeah - The player neck pick up is Fantastic! Sounds great with a bit of drive too - Love em 😀👌

[@richardtaylor2376]

The neck pickup on my Player I Strat is my favourite sounding pickup on any guitar I've ever owned.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@richardtaylor2376 That's cool! I've never been a fan of the neck pickup, and then I got into Biffy Clyro. ✌️😄

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@richardtaylor2376 It's awesome innit? 😎👌 But don't tell anyone 😁🤫. Just let people continue to "upgrade" their player pickups, then list them on eBay for me to snaffle up! 😋👍

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool video! That nut shouldn't be that poor on something of that price. I need to try one of these.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you mate! 😀🙏 This would never survive the Elmo trem test! 😂 I think it would just explode 🤣

[@AndrewAHayes]

Agreed! premium price = premium quality, in my book, especially when you consider some budget copies come with a better nut!

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Steve, I just bought a Player II Strat. Why did I get the Strat over a number of less expensive options that are of equal or better quality? It’s because David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Rory Gallagher have played them. I wish I didn’t care so much about what my guitar heroes played but I do. The Player II Strat is a good guitar. The Mexican made Charvel that I play has equal quality than American made Strats. I’ve had Squier Classic Vibes that are comparable to the Player series. I guess it just comes down to what someone is willing to pay.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Can't argue with that mate - The heart wants what the heart wants 😀👍 I have a MIM Charvel too that is incredible quality. Love it 👌

[@robertbrown2728]

Just for information: I had a bone nut installed on my 15 year old Mim Stratocaster by my local luthier Andy Crockett who works near Canterbury UK. He did the string spacing perfectly and to my personal preferences for a cost of £30. So, a not very good nut would not deter me from buying a guitar I liked in other ways

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one - That's a bargain mate 😀👍

[@jamesonpace726]

I was going to buy a Player+ Tele until the end of your video, now I'll stick with Mr Jet, I think....

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Whoops! I wasn't intentionally trying to put people off - soz 😬🙈 Maybe saved ya £400+ tho 😜

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I bought a 2020 Fender Player HSS strat and the only thing I don't like is the neck. The fret ends are pretty bad. Whenever the new Player II necks become available I am going to swap one out with the neck that is on it now.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Sounds like that would be a good fix mate 😀👍

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I ordered a left-handed three color ZZound It’s on back order you can get it in three colored starburst or white? I already have a white Guitar.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

The SSS Strat also comes in Aquatone Blue as a left handed 😀👍 That's my favourite colour out of all of the new player 2's 😎

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

@@stevecassidyguitar I like rosewood necks

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@stewarttomkinson3356 Ah ok - Got ya 👍

[@johnnyguitar-uu3zr]

what do you think of the same guitar with the HSS set up ???

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I tried the original player series HSS. Very good, but I prefer some of the cheaper alternatives these days. A Jet JS400 with a couple of minor upgrades is a Fender Killer imo 😁👌 I'd still like to try the HSS player ii tho

[@derekclacton]

Don’t know why but I gravitate to Fender in terms of brand association. Despite all the issues there seem to be and the frustrations they might cause, I think I might be a Fender fan boy. Perhaps there’s an online test to confirm this? 🤔 My Fender fandom-ism (not sure that’s a word) seems to be growing 😉😀

[@stevecassidyguitar]

You might be 😂👍 But there's nothing wrong with that. I was too for the longest time, and probably still am a bit, it's hard to shake these things off. BUt Fender would have to come out with something irresistable for me to buy anything New from them again.

[@calbrockocat8728]

It seems that with Fender they have a "series" or some other bs subsection to give people the least possible for the most money when "Fender" is the main decal. Still, can't argue with their insane dominance of the market except to say, not me. If I ever do get a name brand Fender, it'll be used and it'll have to be really impressive in feel and sound. Nice rant, btw!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 😆👍 Totally agree, I am "almost" done with Fender. Exceptions are; buying used, pickups and any Starcaters 😜

[@cahhazley8241]

👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you mate! All engagement appreciated - it helps! 😀🙏

[@gringogreen4719]

👍😎👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@gringogreen4719 This helps too! 😂👍

[@gringogreen4719]

@@stevecassidyguitar 😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍🔥🔥🔥🔥😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍😎👍🔥🔥🔥🔥 I got an Algorithm that KZbin can suck!🤪👍✨

[@billybob-b7t]

Wouldn't buy it new unless it was on a juicy sale, but it's nice for sure.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I'm pretty sure the Original player series will be on sale soon. (Probably already), but the best deals will likely be the used player 1 series stuff in the next few months i reckon😁

[@mariadavies0007]

Good evening Steve 🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Howdy Muggs! Thanks for the early comment - hugely appreciated as always! 😀🙏

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day syeve Steve also my favorite youtuber 😂😊😊

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Aw mate! Thank ya so much! 😀🙏 You've just made my day! Hope you have a great day too mate 👍

[@ScottJamesHicks]

You should have led with the part about the poorly cut nut. Your other “criticisms” were mostly opinions. Thanks for doing the vid.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers mate👍 You're right, It's my fault for misleading with the title. The original title was something like "Is it really THAT good?" But it totally bombed with the inital views (was my worst performer in last 10 vids), So i changed the title to lean into the QC issue with the nut, which is at the end of the vid. Now it's only my 8th worst vid 😂🙈 But I always put chapters in the vids, so people can skip to whatever they might find interesting. Thakns for the feedback though mate - appreciated 🙏

[@thelolguy007]

I think the next video (if you still have the guitar) should be The BIG (and obvious) Comparison between this and the new Jet Js380. I’m gonna hazard a guess that the Made In China Jet Js380 will more than hold its own against the ‘More Than Twice The Price’ Made in Mexico Fender Player 😉 As far as I know the Jet will retail for €349 (maybe less) and the Fender is around €799 🧐

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Great shout mate - Unfortunatley I've got to return the Player 2 this week. Working on JS300 comparison before it goes back. But yeah the 380 looks like a hot contender for sure 😀👍

[@thelolguy007]

@@stevecassidyguitar that’s unfortunate mate. Unfortunately that’s the game eh? At least you will be comparing them with the new one in mind. So when you do get your hands on a Js380 it will still hopefully be fresh for you

[@dannysoul1396]

Oh Scottish guitar Jesus you do make me laugh, that rose wood clip was heavenly!!! From your favourite disciple, keep up the great work!!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

😂🙏 Thank ya kindly mate

[@julianhasse821]

Forget about the guitar...Where did you get those glasses?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha! I just get them off of Temu or Ali Express. 🤓👍 The don't even have lenses in them 😂🙈 I get asked about them a lot so had to make this vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnyvpmqaq8plncU

[@StevieZero]

Thats a nice guitar.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Agreed mate! 😎👍

[@southernpanda33]

The last fender I touched was a 1961 Strat in Olympic white that my uncle owned when I was a kid. I really want an American ultra.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice! There's quite a lot of difference between a 61 and an Ultra 😁👍 I'm not gonna lie, the 70th anniversary HSS Ultra Strat they have out in "Amethyst" is the coolest looking guitar I've seen in a long time. If it was £2k cheaper - I'd have it, and change the neck on it 😂🙈 If you're in the market for an Ultra, I'd suggest having a look on the used market for a Fender USA "Elite" Strat. They've been discontinued for a few years now, but I prefer the spec on those to the Ultra's - cheaper too 😜👍

[@southernpanda33]

@@stevecassidyguitar I’ve been perusing reverb for those but the lefty’s are hard to find 😂😂

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@southernpanda33 Ah! Apologies, forgot about the lefty part 🙈 There aren't too many Elites around as/is, so I'd imagine it would be tricky to find a lefty - soz

[@southernpanda33]

@@stevecassidyguitar no worries, brother. I don’t expect KZbinrs to remember anything I tell them 😂😂🤣🤣

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@southernpanda33 I just need to remember "Southpaw southernpanda" 😁👍

[@derekjohnson5720]

Jet js 400 £179. Fender american trem system £129, Fender locking tuners £60. Fender american loaded pick guard £200(swap the parts on to the jet pick guard). Total cost £568. You will actually have a guitar better than a pro 2 due to the locking tuners, roasted maple and better neck heel contours. £568 for a guitar with a bone nut, rolled finger board edges, roasted maple amazing neck neck with the 9.5 radi 😉 awesome neck contours, American hardware, premium electronics and American pickups. You could do that 3 times with 3 Jet strats for a total cost of £1704 😮😮. 3 premium level strats in 3 different colours with 3 different set of fender american pups for basically the same price or even cheaper than a pro 2. It's a no brainer. The bigger the name on the headstock= less bang for your buck and a more money being spent that is not necessary to own a good guitar. I use to be a massive Fender fan boy but since I discovered Jet guitars through the ginja nijas KZbin channel.... I will never buy a Fender again. I will never spend more than £600 on a guitar as I realise now you don't need to. Jet all the way 👌👌

[@stevecassidyguitar]

A £600 price cap sounds legit mate - I like it 😀👍

[@derekjohnson5720]

@@stevecassidyguitar i just looked on Jets page on FB at the new models. Some nice new colours and pickguard colours and upgrades but they had to go with the gold hardware 😭😭😭

[@ElBauldo64]

Evening all. Enjoy your 4th beer Mr Robson. 🍻

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Excellent segue sir 😂👌

[@luxiously]

What’s the difference in maple and rosewood fretboards? I was thinking of getting maple cuz I already have a rosewood humbucker but I kinda think I’ll just get rosewood strat

[@stevecassidyguitar]

The most obvious difference is the look, maple being more yellow and lighter, rosewood is more dark and brown. I prefer the look of Maple. Then there's the feel under the fingertips, for me this is the most important part. Maple is harder and smoother under the fingers, Rosewood is "open pore" and unfinished, which feels a little bit more rough to me. (Many people prefer Rosewood). Then there's the tone/sound many people (including me) believe that maple sounds brighter and Rosewood sounds darker. But many people also believe there's no difference and it's just our eyes playing tricks on us - it could be 🤷‍♂️

[@tbone2451]

How would you rate the players ll against the PRs se silver sky ????

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I've tried/had both. I didn't love the Silver Sky 😬 In terms of being a strat, it kinda just missed the mark for me. I get that it is and isn't trying to be a strat, but I think that's what I don't like about it, didn't love the neck profile or pickups. I does have some very cool features though and should have more consistant QC 👍 But I do much prefer the neck feel and pickups on the Player 2

[@willistaylor4077]

Steve, I'd still love if you got a chance to test the Player 2 Series Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Telecaster and Mustang ! ❤❤

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers mate! I'll see what I can do. I totally have access to them now. The only problem is finding the time, I've still got a load of comparison vids to do with the Harley Benton ST Modern plus, The player 2 strat, the Squier Debut, Squier Sonic, Jet Js400, a New Jet JS 300 and 450 review, and I'm off to 42Gear Street 6 in a couple of weeks! 😀🤯

[@willistaylor4077]

@@stevecassidyguitar That's Not much ! 😜🤣❤️🎶🎸🎸

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@willistaylor4077 I know... But it's a 1 man show here! 😜

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

Hi mate Jet recently release the jet 480 this is the new better Strat with rosewood better tuners and better pickups you should make a comparison of this 400 euro guitar to the new fender player 2

[@stevecassidyguitar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooXXhWmXn9VrpdUsi=5SivqAGoeehR7ocC 😁 👍 Did a wee reaction vid last night. Would be great to do that comparison, but I've got to return the Player 2 tomorrow ☹️

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

@@stevecassidyguitar the only thing I dont like is the gold harddware other than that they look really good for the price

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@BladeRunnerJP11 I'm not a big fan of the rosewood either 😬 If the purple one had A roasted maple fretboard... I might have went for it 😁

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

@@stevecassidyguitar yeah that roasted maple feels pretty smooth

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

@@stevecassidyguitar probably will stay with my 400 an just mod it with black hardware and black knobs

[@davroshalfbeard8368]

Definitely go into a shop while they still exist and try one because they are all different don't be disappointed by some on line dog 😂

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I literally picked this up from my local retailer and brought it home 🤷‍♂️ But I do agree we should try to support local 👍

[@johnnyguitar-uu3zr]

I love that your right 100 miles away from Cal..... omg there not americans who made it... Can't be good...LOL.... Ridiculous GREAT VIDEO

[@stevecassidyguitar]

😜 Thanks mate 😃🙏

[@quiksilver78]

​ @stevecassidyguitar Do you still have the guitar? can you look closely to see if they've upgraded the bridge or is still the same as the Player I? It looks like it is, but if you could take a closer look, that'd be very much appreciated. If the hardware (save the tuners) is all the same, and the electronics also, then there is no need to buy a new guitar if you already own a Player I. The ONLY advantage would be the neck but I am sure you can buy that separately, pop it on to your Player I and BAM! instant conversion to Player II - unless of course you REALLY dig the new colours as well.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah mate, I still have the PLayer 2 here - But I don't have a Player 1 here to compare it to. 😂😬 But I'm almost certain it will be the same bridge. If you're not bothered about the Rosewood/Pau ferro, then only advantage would the rolled edges and if you already have a player 1 Pau Ferro you could roll the edges yourself too. Loads of YT tutorials on it 😀👍 I wouldn't attempt rolling the edges on a maple fretboard though. I don't think Fender sell the Player 2 necks seperate yet, but I'm sure they will 👍

[@quiksilver78]

@@stevecassidyguitar if you look closely at the block,.there should be a PW-29 stamp and if so IT IS the same bridge as the Player I.In the original marketing material for the Player II, they were "hammering on" about a so- called upgraded hardware but I had my suspicion that it was the same hardware as I figured they would've gone on to emphasize a steel block or something along those lines if they really wanted us to believe the "upgrades" I have a Player I in Tidepool which I have replaced ALL the electronics on (proper lefty pots) so if everything is the same on the Player II and taking into account already-upgraded electronics, the body of the Player II is essentially useless to me. Only the new rolled edges on the Player II might be worth checking out and Fender does end up selling those necks usually a year after product release. I may do just that and just get the new neck from the Player II.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@quiksilver78 Ok - google PW-29 stamp images to see where it was located. Took the back plate off. The player ii does NOT have the PW-29 stamp. It just has a number 2 in a circle engravement. If they said upgraded hardware, they may have been referring to the tuners, or maybe "select models" have some different hardware (like the mustang or something 🤷‍♂), but they might be marketing it across the whole series (sneaky) just like with the pickups. I believe the Jazzmaster has new pickups.

[@quiksilver78]

@@stevecassidyguitar one last one: if you have something like a fridge magnet, see if it sticks to the block. If it does, then for sure it's a steel block and if it doesn't then it's the usual cast "whatever" material they make them out of; powdered something. Zinc? Thanks for all the side-quest work 😊

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@quiksilver78 Took the back plate off (again! - Don't say I'm not good to you! 🧐 ) 😜 It's not magnetic

[@vincentdoyle6987]

They seriously missed a trick with the Player 2 Jaguar guitars. Wheres all the cool switches? If they can put them on the Squire guitars at a low cost then why didn't they go onto the Player series. Madness.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah I thought that was a strange one too 🤔

[@europeanzorro4330]

Does anybody know what pickups (year) it has?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I couldn't tell you the year specifically, but it's the same pickups as the previous player series. There's also some speculation (Phil McKnight - and I think he's right) that these are the same specced pickups they used in the old Fender USA Standard series before they switched to the Fat 50's. I have what I believe to be the same pickups in my 2004 USA Standard strat. Fantastic pickups imo. I'm always on the hunt for used player sets, (I've bought a few sets) a lot of people don't give them a chance or maybe just assume they're not gonna be good so instantly upgrade them. Which works out great for me 😜👍

[@ianmason2296]

All cpmparison videos welcome

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks for the feedback mate! I'll try my best to get em done 😀👍

[@peskypesky]

Very nice guitar! But I'll get a Jet instead.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

That's probably where I'd put my money too mate 😁👍

[@peskypesky]

@@stevecassidyguitar My only issue with the Jet is that I'm not in love with the headstock. It's not one of the worst, but it's not great. I already have better pickups to put in it if and when I get one.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@peskypesky That's fair enough mate - The headstock doesn't bother me at all, as long as it hangs on a hanger as it should 😜👍

[@peskypesky]

@@stevecassidyguitar It's better than the Eart, that's for sure!

[@thenovicenoisemaker]

Great video as always Steve. It’s an ok guitar but just a bit nothingy, meh, average Fender affair. Too much money but yep, the brand sucks people in. Lots of choices for less cash and plenty second hand too

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya Rich! 😀🙏 Yeah, you're right, buying Fender's used is a smarter move these days. There might be a lot of 1st Gen Plyaers hitting the used market over the next few months 👍

[@bluwng]

I like these guitars I just can’t stand how heavy all Fenders are nowadays.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I get ya mate 👍 Weight is super important to me these days as my ageing body weakens but continues to gig 🙈

[@jamestejada3673]

Had a Fender Strat Plus.But got rid of it.(foolishly I'm not sure).I preferred the weight and feel of a cheaper Cort G254 which I recently bid adeiu to.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Weight is such an important factor for me too these days. Those 90's Strat Plus' are very highly regarded too 👍

[@jamestejada3673]

@stevecassidyguitar Well I did replace the Cort G254 with a slightly " Higher end" G290 from the same period(Mid/early 2000s).For I all know it could way as much as the Strat.Okay slightly lighter.

[@pads-zr9ln]

Starcaster is made in indonesia, reason being is they dont have the tooling in america or mexico for the bodys

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yes indeed mate 👍 I'm aware of this, but.. these have sold really well. It's also a test bed imo. Time will tell. Fender have did MIC Fenders before, most recent was the Fender modern player series, but they RRP'd around £500. If they can do signature series MIC for £1k... I'd expect to see a lot more of thid. The signature series Epiphones at £1200 -1600 are selling 🤷‍♂️

[@willistaylor4077]

I'm buying a Player 1 Strat. I prefer the non-rolled neck, compared to the Player 2.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Interesting! 😀 I think that's maybe the first time i've ever heard that preference. Works out great for you though, I think we're gonna see a lot of Player 1's on the used market over the next few months 😁👍 Should be lots of bargains to be had 😜👌

[@jrchanning]

Pretty poor quality control with the nut cutting but a nice guitar that sounded great 👍🎸😃

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah I was dissapointed with the nut too - I think it was "mark greening guitar" had a similar issue with his too 😬

[@wackery_zeimer]

Just got one - it arrived with huge bulges in the pickguard and the volume pot didn't work. Disappointing to see on a guitar that costs about $800. Sending it back for a refund.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Bummer mate 😬 I've never heard of that flaw before - "pickguard bulges" 😬 can't imagine what's went wrong there 🙈 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYfMlYWKZbiUgsksi=RArm5sHGMQavh9gn Imo they're currently doing a better Fender Strat that Fender for almost 1/4 the price. Sounds too good to be true eh? 🤷‍♂️ Check em out 😉👍

[@marccarter1350]

Emm all the Chinese Epiphones are over a grand, you can pick up a decentish Casino for £700. Nice to see that they still use Rosewood, but they have stopped using it on cheaper mass produced Guitars for some time, its also gone up in price as well. Man, i really am the opposite from you. I cannot stand Maple Fretboards, they feel really strange. Like the Half Basebell bat necks on a Fender!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I don't think the previous "player 1" series had any rosewood tho. As far a s i know 😬

[@rushvader81]

It’s shocking the scottish accent for spanish people 😅

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Lo siento 😬 I just did a video at #42GSsix with @guitarraviva - we will both need subtitles 😂🙈

[@RGBloke]

thanks for the education, great explanation of Fender revisions and some sweet playing, but I think I'll pass thanks 👎

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate 😀🙏 and... totally understandable 😎👍

[@BudgetGuitarShow]

I would never buy one. Firstly, I couldn't afford it. Secondly, my skill level doesn't justify a Fender or Gibson logo. Thirdly I think 85% of the price is to own the name on the headstock. My Gretsch plays extremely well for a fraction of the cost, and two of my Fazleys are up there with that.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Your skill levels are worthy of whatever ya want mate! 😀👍 But yeah... Totally agree with ya, I personally don't think these are worth it in 2024, unless you "need" to have that Fender logo

[@LuminousSoliloquy]

Jet wins 😂

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah - They do for me these days 😁👍

[@Barbarapape]

Proof as if it was needed that after all these years Fender quality control is still non existant. I know i am repeating myself, but why are people so attached to the Fender decal.? There are far better cheaper guitars and plenty of choice to satisfy the most hard to please that includes me and i think Steve, Please try other brands, Jet are a good place to start as are Sire. This sample from Fender would not be for me.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah, Even though I'm not the biggest Fender fan these days, I was still kinda hopeful they's improved thier QC. I know it's not just this one too, Mark Greening Guitar got one with a dud nut too 😬

[@Barbarapape]

@@stevecassidyguitar There is no excuse these days with cnc machining every nut should be perfect, but sadly they are not. Even my beloved Ibanez tend to have less than great nuts, strange how HB can get it right on their Fusion models.

[@alafenetre81]

Since the vibrato detunes the guitar, it's a big NO to me.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Well it certainly does on this one. But a new nut, string trees and a set up would fix it 😜👍 But should we really have to do all that, on a guitar at this price, from the biggest guitar manufacturer in the world? 🤔

[@alafenetre81]

@@stevecassidyguitar No, we certainly should not have to do that on a new guitar at that price.

[@tbone2451]

Thankfully I have no interest in any Gibson guitars .

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Same here mate 😂👍

[@gedellis701]

This might be heresy but I just don't like red guitars.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha! Same here 😂👍

[@derekclacton]

@@stevecassidyguitarIt’s a thing - me three! 😂

[@gerardfrancis3222]

Weird look and behaviour. Definitely not funny.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks for the feedback mate - much appreciated 😃🙏

[@eddiejr540]

If Fender can’t cut a nut properly, it kinda makes me feel better about my crappy set-up skills 🫤

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha ha! 🤣👌 Brilliant mate! I feel better now too 😁 Proper lol'd and spat ma water out there 🤣👌

[@CosmicBrain21]

Great review as always from my brother on the north side of the UK. I bought and sent back a few Player strats, they all had faults and even the best one had sprouted and unfinished fretwork, so that one went back too. If QC and the fretwork finishing has been sorted then I’ll be tempted. The colours look good too.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 😀🙏 Yeesh! "A few" is a lot 😬 I'm curious if any of these might have been made during covid/lockdown? They seemed to be putting out absolute garbage back then.

[@CosmicBrain21]

@@stevecassidyguitar Indeed you’re right, that they were in the COVID period and I’ve heard they were especially bad around this time. P.S I love that instead of pointing out that I had posted the same comment twice, you copy and pasted your reply :D I don’t know how I managed to post the same comment twice. Please keep doing what you’re doing.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@CosmicBrain21 Ha! Cheers mate 🙏 More comments are better for the vids anyway 😜👍