What is it?
Fender's flagship Player lineup arrived in 2018 and quickly became the Californian guitar giant's most popular range. And it's easy to see why. Bridging the gap between the more affordable Squier guitars and the pricier Vintera II or American Performer models, the Player allowed musicians to get the coveted Fender branding on their headstock without breaking the bank.
In 2024, the Player II range underwent a significant transformation, introducing highly anticipated spec upgrades. The Jazzmaster, in particular, underwent a substantial overhaul, marking a significant evolution from its previous iteration.
The grunge-inspired previous model came rock-ready with a duo of humbuckers, while its sequel sees the inclusion of a pair of Alnico 5 Jazzmaster single-coil pickups – returning this offset king firmly back to its surfy roots.
That said, this new version isn't exactly a vintage reissue. The Player II Jazzmaster certainly has its fair share of modern appointments. The Modern C neck features a silky smooth satin urethane finish, while the 9.5"-radius slab rosewood fingerboard has been expertly rounded for a much smoother playing experience. Throw in 22 medium jumbo frets, and there is no mistaking this JM is a contemporary take on a classic.
Just like the previous generation, this new model features a six-saddle Jazzmaster bridge with floating tremolo and upgraded Mustang saddles – but this time, the standard die-cast machine heads have been replaced with ClassicGear retro-style tuners. It's also worth noting that the famous Jazzmaster rhythm circuit has been removed from the model completely, just like it was on the previous iteration – leading to a leaner, meaner Jazzmaster.
Specifications
- Launch price: $829/£695/€970
- Type: Six-string electric guitar
- Made: Mexico
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard/radius: Rosewood, 9.5"
- Scale length: 25.5" (64.77 cm)
- Nut/width: Synthetic Bone, 42 mm
- Frets: 22, medium jumbo
- Hardware: Jazzmaster bridge with Mustang saddles, ClassicGear tuners
- Electrics: 2 x Player Series Alnico 5 Jazzmaster Single-Coil
- Left-handed options: No
- Finishes: 3-color Sunburst, Black, Aquatone Blue, Coral Red [as reviewed], Birch Green
- Case: None
- Contact: Fender
Build
Build quality rating: ★★★★½
Now, if you are at all familiar with the previous generation of models, you'll know exactly what level of quality to expect with the Player II. Fender isn't trying to break new ground with this refreshed guitar, but instead, make minor tweaks to the tried and true formula that makes a big difference sonically and for playability – and I think they have succeeded.
Keeping this Jazzmaster in tune is a breeze, and that's not always the case with this iconic offset
Sturdy, well-finished, and set up to play very well straight out of the box, it is evident that Fender has put a lot of effort into getting this Jazzmaster to be the best it can be, considering the price point. A striking, glossy Coral Red finish perfectly wraps a substantial feeling offset alder body, while a satin urethane finish results in a somewhat expensive feeling neck that is a joy to hold.
This is only further exemplified by the super smooth rolled fingerboard edges that round the corner of a slab rosewood 'board – a much-welcomed addition that sits in stark contrast to the often anemic Pau Ferro boards found on earlier models.
Making my way to the headstock, I'm greeted with another big change for this model. Gone are the generic bulky tuners in favor of a vintage-inspired set of ClassicGear machine heads. The tuners feel very responsive and hold their tuning very well – they are also a doddle to restring, so that's another plus.
It's worth noting that the saddles on the bridge have been swapped out for the much sturdier versions found on the Mustang
Speaking of tuning stability, the bridge here is the standard Jazzmaster vintage-style floating tremolo with a push-in tremolo arm, and it has a very smooth action and returns to pitch well. Keeping this Jazzmaster in tune is a breeze, and that's not always the case with this iconic offset.
It's worth noting that the saddles on the bridge have been swapped out for the much sturdier versions found on the Mustang. This is a very common mod among JM fans – in fact, I did the same thing on my own AVRI Jazzmaster. The deeper string groove on the Mustang saddle helps to stop your strings from jumping out of position when you hit them too vigorously, and it's nice to see Fender apply the modification before you buy the guitar.
If I were to be picky, I would have liked to see the "tremolo lock" button included on this model, as it can come in handy for those of us who don't want to deal with a floating trem all the time. That said, it's not a deal breaker and is a feature I can live without.
Playability
Playability rating: ★★★★½
Make no mistake, this is a very good playing guitar — and one I had a hard time putting down
Looking back at the previous iteration of Player Jazzmaster, there was nothing really wrong with it from a playability point of view. The universally agreeable C-shaped neck fit the hands of the vast majority of guitarists, while the fretwork was always neat and tidy. That said, just because playability was good, it doesn't mean it can't be improved.
The Player II's 9.5"-radius rosewood fingerboard has been expertly rolled around the edges, creating a smoother playing experience, while the satin finish on the back of the neck results in a frictionless glide as I maneuver across its surface. Make no mistake, this is a very good playing guitar — and one I had a hard time putting down.
With a fairly standard nut width of 1.650" – or 42 mm – this guitar will feel very familiar to Fender fans. It's narrow enough that quick string-skipping runs are effortless but with more than enough room to accommodate those with larger digits.
Sound
Sound rating: ★★★★
Sonically, I've always had a soft spot for the Jazzmaster's particular brand of single-coils– and I think that's why I wasn't that enamored with the previous Player model. Yes, I like a good humbucker as much as the next guy, but when it comes to Jazzmasters, I prefer them bright, jangly, and full of character.
Thankfully, that's what I got with the Player II. However, there is still a modern edge to these pickups. Comparing it to my own Fender American Vintage Reissue Jazzmaster, the Player II has significantly higher output, a more immediate note attack, a more focused mid-range, and less warmth. The AVRI is bright, of course, but it has a smoother top end, a hollower-sounding mid-range, and more lows. Yes, they both deliver the famous jangle of a Jazzmaster, but the Player II is most definitely a contemporary take on this legendary tone.
Plugged into a Fender Twin, it was snappy and unapologetically present, while going into a Princeton brought out the mid-range bark with a little grit
Don't get me wrong, I actually liked the tone produced by this modern offset. In a recording situation, the Player II took a multitude of sounds in its stride. Plugged into a Fender Twin, it was snappy and unapologetically present, while going into a Princeton brought out the mid-range bark with a little grit. Throwing on an OCD-style overdrive resulted in a fantastic lead tone that J Mascis himself would be proud of.
Below is a short recording of the Player II Jazzmaster in the context of a band mix. Every guitar track – both rhythm and leads – was performed with the same guitar using a combination of Fender-style amp models and pickup positions. The amp sounds are courtesy of IK Multimedia's Amplitube, the bass was recorded with a Fender American P-Bass and the drums are Superior Drummer 3.
Verdict
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster breathes new life into a beloved classic. With its sleek alder body, gorgeous Coral Red finish, and the smooth playability of its rolled rosewood fingerboard, this guitar is a joy to play.
The return of the Alnico 5 single-coil pickups brings back the iconic Jazzmaster's signature voice, while the upgraded Mustang saddles enhance stability and tone. Although it lacks the rhythm circuit, in truth, I didn't feel like I missed it all that much.
This instrument is perfect for guitarists seeking both style and substance, offering superb tone and comfort.
Guitar World verdict: With the Player II Jazzmaster, Fender offers guitarists a contemporary take on a classic design without losing the soul of the original model. Fantastic playability and stability are coupled with stunning styling and that all-important Jazzmaster jangle to create a guitar that is more than the sum of its parts.
