Fender Player Telecaster Reviews: All Killer, No Filler?

Fender Player Telecaster Reviews

The Fender Player Telecaster is one of the most popular and best-selling guitars on the planet right now. But is it worth buying? Let’s take a look at a selection of Fender Player Telecaster reviews to find out…


Fender guitars are expensive. You’re looking at the best part of $1200-$2000 for a US-made Fender guitar. More, sometimes. And if you want a rarer model or a vintage-era one, you can add an extra zero onto that figure. Traditionally, Fender guitars were just too expensive for bedroom guitarists. And that’s fine. I like cars, but I know I’ll never own a Lambo.

Most guitar sales, however, are NOT the expensive models. They’re cheaper, entry-level models. Like Squier or Epiphone and, increasingly, Harley Benton. Fender also owns Squier or course; Squier is its budget, made-overseas brand which is aimed squarely at beginners and more casual players. Although one or two pros have been known to use them.

But things change. People change. Incomes change. And because guitars are ever more popular and more and more people are playing and looking to buy guitars, there is a pretty significant demand for higher-spec guitars that aren’t eye-wateringly expensive which is a fancy way of saying they cost less than $1000. And this is where Fender’s Player series comes into play. You get a proper Fender guitar for less than $1000. Great. But what’s the catch?

fender-player-telecaster

There isn’t really a catch, per se. But there is a reason why Fender Player series guitars are cheaper – but it isn’t about their spec or hardware. No, it is ALL to do with where they’re made. Fender Player series guitars are made in Mexico, not the USA. They run the same spec and use the same materials but they’re not MADE in the USA, so you pay less. Why? Because labor is cheaper in Mexico, so Fender’s cost per guitar is less, and the saving is passed on to you.

This makes a Fender Player Telecaster not only great value for money but also a thoroughly impressive guitar for the money. You’re getting Fender-quality build materials and components at a price that most people could potentially stomach. Case in point: my PRS SE Standard is around the same price. I wouldn’t consider that guitar a “high-end” model, it’s more of a premium-level guitar for non-professional players.

Does that sound like you? If so, a Fender Player Telecaster could well be exactly the guitar you’ve been looking for. But is the Fender Player Telecaster worth buying? Let’s take a look at what makes the guitar tick by going over the Fender Player Telecaster’s specs, then we’ll look at some Fender Player Telecaster reviews, and then finally we’ll do a little analysis to see whether the Fender Player Tele is worth buying.

Fender Player Telecaster Specs

  • Series: Player
  • Body Material: Alder
  • Body Finish: Gloss Polyester
  • Neck: Maple, Modern “C”
  • Neck Finish: Satin Urethane Finish on Back, Gloss Urethane Finish on Front
  • Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5” Radius (241 mm)
  • Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
  • Position Inlays: Black Dots
  • Nut (Material/Width): Synthetic Bone, 1.650” (42 mm)
  • Tuning Machines: Standard Cast/Sealed
  • Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
  • Bridge: 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Tele with Block Steel Saddles
  • Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
  • Pickups: Player Series Alnico 5 Tele Single-Coil (Bridge/Neck)
  • Pickup Switching: 3-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups, Position 3. Neck Pickup
  • Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
  • Control Knobs: Knurled Flat-Top
  • Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome

Fender Player Telecaster Reviews

90

Music Radar

98

Completely Guitars

90

Old Time Music

90

Guitar Player

100

Guitar Fella

Is Fender Player Telecaster Worth It?

If you’re looking for a high-end guitar without the spouse-triggering price tag, the Fender Player Telecaster is one of the strongest potential options on the market right now. Fender has been making the Tele since the 1950s, so the design is now essentially flawless. And its Alnico 5 pickups run really hot, so if you like plenty of punch to your sound, this is the guitar for you – it screams with a dollop of gain and/or fuzz.

The body is made from alder too, which is known for its richness and bright, clear sound. It is a great option for those that like a certain type of brightness in the upper-midrange. It twangs, basically. And this is great for blues, rock, and even metal. Jack White is a big fan of Teles for this explicit reason. And his tone is utterly monstrous.

But what really makes the Fender Player Telecaster so versatile is its Alnico V magnetic configuration pickups; they run hotter than usual, so you get more depth and punch across the board. It also makes the guitar perfectly suited to a wide range of musical genres – all you need is some pedals or FX to dial in whatever tone you like. Honestly, as guitars go, the Fender Player Telecaster – at this price point – is damn near perfect. I have ZERO issues recommending this guitar.

The Everyman’s Tele…
Fender Player Telecaster

Fender has been making the Tele since the 1950s, so the design is now essentially flawless. And its Alnico 5 pickups run really hot, so if you like plenty of punch to your sound, this is the guitar for you – it screams with a dollop of gain and/or fuzz.

Pros:
  • Iconic Sound: The Telecaster delivers a classic, recognizable tone that’s versatile across genres.
  • Reliable Build: Known for its sturdy construction and quality control, it’s a guitar you can count on.
  • Easy Playability: Its well-balanced weight and comfortable design make it accessible for players of all levels.
  • Minimal Setup: Arrives in near-perfect condition, requiring only minor adjustments to suit personal preferences.
  • Good Value: Priced around $600, it offers a solid blend of performance and reliability, making it a sound investment.

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