Here’s literally everything you need to know about Fender’s guitar series: how they work, how they’re different, and which one is right for you…
Fender makes a slew of iconic guitars – from the Strat to the Tele to the Jazzmaster. It also produces different versions of these models inside specific “series” across a range of price points.
From high-end, custom shop models to entry-level, intermediate models, there’s a Fender guitar series for every kind of player – even you!
It can be confusing, though – especially if you’re new to the world of Fender guitars. Don’t fret (pun intended). It’s actually pretty simple to understand once it is all laid out in plain English.
Here’s a complete breakdown of Fender’s current guitar series, what they all mean, how they’re different, and how the cost of each series breaks down into dollars and cents.
Fender Guitar Series: A Comprehensive Comparison
🎸 American Professional II
Core Features and Specs:
- V-Mod II pickups
- Deep C neck profile
- Narrow-tall frets
- Bone nut
- Treble bleed circuit
Popular Models:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Jazzmaster
Target Audience:
The American Professional II series is aimed at working musicians and serious enthusiasts who need a reliable, versatile instrument for gigging, recording, and daily practice. It’s perfect for players who appreciate classic Fender tones but want modern playability enhancements.
Price Spectrum:
$1,499 – $1,999
✨ American Ultra
Core Features and Specs:
- Ultra Noiseless pickups
- Modern D neck profile with rolled edges
- Compound radius fretboard (10″-14″)
- S-1 switching system
- Tapered neck heel
Popular Models:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Jazzmaster
Target Audience:
The American Ultra series caters to professional musicians and discerning players who demand cutting-edge features and superior playability. It’s ideal for those who play a wide range of styles and need a guitar that can keep up with fast, technical playing.
Price Spectrum:
$1,899 – $2,399
💎 American Ultra Luxe
Core Features and Specs:
- Stainless steel frets
- Augmented D neck profile
- Compound radius fretboard (10″-14″)
- Ultra Noiseless Vintage pickups
- TUSQ nut
Popular Models:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Jazzmaster
Target Audience:
The American Ultra Luxe series is designed for elite players and collectors who want the absolute best in materials and craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those who demand unparalleled playability and are willing to invest in a top-tier instrument.
Price Spectrum:
$2,399 – $2,799
🕰️ American Vintage II
Core Features and Specs:
- Period-correct pickups
- Vintage-style hardware
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes
- Year-specific neck profiles
- Vintage-correct body radii
Popular Models:
- ’51 Telecaster
- ’57 Stratocaster
- ’66 Jazzmaster
Target Audience:
The American Vintage II series appeals to vintage enthusiasts, collectors, and players who want the authentic look, feel, and sound of classic Fender guitars without the high cost and potential issues of actual vintage instruments.
Price Spectrum:
$1,999 – $2,399
🇺🇸 American Performer
Core Features and Specs:
- Yosemite pickups
- Modern C neck profile
- 22 Jumbo frets
- Greasebucket tone circuit
- ClassicGear tuning machines
Popular Models:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Mustang
Target Audience:
The American Performer series is aimed at intermediate to advanced players looking for their first American-made Fender. It’s great for gigging musicians who need professional-quality instruments at a more accessible price point.
Price Spectrum:
$1,199 – $1,499
🔥 Player Plus
Core Features and Specs:
- Player Plus Noiseless pickups
- Modern C neck profile
- 12″ radius fretboard
- Locking tuners
- 2-point tremolo (Stratocaster)
Popular Models:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Active Precision Bass
Target Audience:
The Player Plus series is designed for intermediate to advanced players who want modern features and versatile tones at a mid-range price point. It’s ideal for gigging musicians and home recording enthusiasts who need reliable, feature-rich instruments.
Price Spectrum:
$999 – $1,199
🆕 Player II
Core Features and Specs:
- Improved Player pickups
- Modern C neck profile
- 22 Medium Jumbo frets
- 2-point tremolo (Stratocaster)
- String-through-body (Telecaster)
Popular Models:
- Stratocaster
- Telecaster
- Jaguar
Target Audience:
The Player II series is perfect for beginners and intermediate players looking for a high-quality, versatile Fender guitar at an affordable price. It’s also great for experienced players seeking a reliable backup or modding platform.
Price Spectrum:
$849 – $999
🌟 Vintera II
Core Features and Specs:
- Vintage-style pickups
- Period-correct neck profiles
- Vintage-style hardware
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finishes on some models
- 7.25″ or 9.5″ radius fretboard (model dependent)
Popular Models:
- ’50s Stratocaster
- ’60s Telecaster
- ’70s Jaguar
Target Audience:
The Vintera II series is aimed at players who love the look, feel, and sound of vintage Fenders but can’t afford or don’t want the maintenance issues of actual vintage guitars. It’s great for retro-minded players, from beginners to pros.
Price Spectrum:
$999 – $1,299
🏁 Final Verdict: Which Fender Series Should You Choose?
After reviewing all the series, here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- For working pros needing versatility: American Professional II
- For tech-savvy players wanting cutting-edge features: American Ultra
- For those demanding the absolute best: American Ultra Luxe
- For vintage enthusiasts: American Vintage II or Vintera II
- For gigging musicians on a budget: Player Plus or American Performer
- For beginners or intermediate players: Player II
Remember, the best Fender for you depends on your playing style, budget, and personal preferences. Each series offers something unique, so take the time to try out different models if possible. Happy playing!
Which Model Fender Is Best For You?
I don’t know who you are, your budget, or the kind of music you want to play. All I can do is give you my opinion (based on 25 years’ worth of playing live, in studios, and all over America).
For the vast majority of people that frequent this site – metalheads and aspiring rock guitarists – you’re going to be best off with something like a Fender Stratocaster or a Fender Telecaster.
Why? These guitars are essentially do-it-all electric guitars. They’re chameleons. They can change and adapt to pretty much any style of music – from jazz to folk to metal and prog.
Personally, I honestly do not think there is a better intermediate guitar series on the market now that it is better than Fender’s Player Series II – it’s so damn close to a custom shop model it’s crazy.
My advice? Get one of those. Nothing else on the market from Gibson or PRS or even Ibanez comes even remotely close right now for value for money, tone, and overall playability.
Of course, if you want or need something cheaper there is always the chug-monster itself, the Squier Contemporary Telecaster. It’s around $400 and it is a metal machine with insanely hot pickups and a modern reimagining of the classic Tele design.
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