loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Fender Player Plus HSS - $625 (Eugene)
QR Code Link to This Post
The Fender Player Plus Stratocaster is designed to bridge the gap between a traditional vintage-style guitar and a high-performance modern instrument. It takes the classic Stratocaster silhouette and upgrades the electronics and hardware for contemporary players who need reliability, especially in live or studio environments
The Electronics: Player Plus Noiseless Pickups
The standout feature of this specific model is the set of Player Plus Noiseless Strat® pickups.
• The Noiseless Advantage: Traditional single-coil pickups are notorious for picking up electromagnetic interference, resulting in a constant 60-cycle hum (especially under overdrive or near computer screens). These pickups utilize a stacked coil design to eliminate that hum entirely while preserving the bright, glassy, and articulate "bell-like" tone Stratocasters are famous for.
• Push-Pull Potentiometer: To add even more versatility, the Player Plus Strat features a push-pull switch on the second tone control. Engaging this switch activates the neck pickup when you are in positions 1 and 2 of the selector switch, allowing you to get a custom "neck and bridge combined" sound that isn't available on a standard Stratocaster.
The Selector: Classic 5-Way Switch
The guitar utilizes the traditional Fender 5-way blade switch to route the pickups. While the switch layout is classic, the addition of the noiseless pickups ensures every position is dead-silent.
• Position 1: Bridge Pickup Only (Crisp, sharp, and biting—ideal for leads and rock rhythms).
• Position 2: Bridge and Middle Pickups (The classic, slightly scooped "quack" sound popularized by players like Mark Knopfler).
• Position 3: Middle Pickup Only (A balanced, punchy tone).
• Position 4: Middle and Neck Pickups (Smooth, warm, and hollowed-out—great for blues and rhythm playing).
• Position 5: Neck Pickup Only (Deep, round, and woody—perfect for soulful leads and jazz/blues).
Other Notable Upgrades:
Beyond the electronics, the Player Plus series includes several premium hardware upgrades over the standard Player series:
• Deluxe Locking Tuners: These tuners lock the string in place at the headstock, making string changes incredibly fast and drastically improving tuning stability, even when using the tremolo bar.
• Modern "C" Neck with Rolled Edges: The satin-finished maple neck features rolled fingerboard edges. This smoothness mimics the feel of a well-played, broken-in vintage guitar neck, making it exceptionally comfortable to hold.
• 12-Inch Fingerboard Radius: Standard Strats usually feature a 9.5-inch radius. The flatter 12-inch radius on the Player Plus allows for easier string bends without "choking out" or buzzing.
• 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo: Offers smooth vibrato action with block saddles for excellent sustain and intonation.