Fender Player Stratocaster Plus

TOTAL GUITAR DECEMBER 2021
90
B
oth the Ultra and American Pro II
Series have helped to usher in the
expanded idea of Fender’s classic
models; where features such as
enhanced circuits and Noiseless
pickups aren’t special edition features but
becoming... Dare we say it, cornerstones?
That’s really something for a brand that
has to tread carefully between updates and
tradition. These features feel like very
strong options in the catalogues for all
kinds of players priced out by the Pro II
and Ultra guitars.
While the enhancements here are
signi cant for playability and tone, it
would be nice to see some modernity
elsewhere; Fender’s ‘Deluxe’ gig bag
included with these guitars isn’t really  t
for the name now. We’d like to see a case
with enhanced internal and shoulder
strap padding from the brand now at
this price point.
These guitars certainly deserve the
protection; long-term investments that
will deliver timeless tones. The wiring
options alone take the already versatile
Tele and Strat blueprint into new spaces
for a Mexican model, and it’s probably the
Player Plus Tele that bene ts the most
because it’s such an easily accessible boost
that will become second nature. But either
of these superb instruments can cover the
ground to become your workhorse guitar.
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FINAL VERDICT
Which of our Player Plusses is best for you?
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FENDER PLAYER STRATOCASTER PLUS
FENDER PLAYER TELECASTER PLUS
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SUMMARY
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SUMMARY
TGR352.gear_test.indd 90TGR352.gear_test.indd 90 04/11/2021 11:1004/11/2021 11:10