Memorial Day might be over, but one of the best guitars I've reviewed this year still has a whopping $130 off at Guitar Center

A Fender Player II Jazzmaster electric guitar on a green background
(Image credit: Fender)

Whilst Memorial Day itself is now over, it doesn't mean you can't still get your hands on some awesome deals if you missed out over the weekend. For my money, a huge $130 off this Fender Player II Jazzmaster at Guitar Center is fantastic value if you're looking for a new guitar. You'll want to move quickly to lay your hands on it though, as the Memorial Day sale ends on May 28th.

As a guitar reviewer, I’ve had my hands on numerous six-string instruments, but the Fender Player II Jazzmaster has truly captured my heart over the past few months. This beauty has undergone a fantastic evolution, incorporating some much-needed upgrades that make it a must-try for anyone who craves the classic vintage vibe of this iconic offset while desiring modern playability.

This reimagined Jazzmaster has been significantly revamped, returning to its surf roots with upgraded Alnico 5 single-coil pickups that deliver the classic Jazzmaster tone beautifully. But it doesn’t stop there. The silky-smooth Modern C neck and expertly rounded fingerboard add a contemporary twist that feels like butter in your hands.

Whether you're a seasoned shredder or just starting your musical journey, now is the perfect moment to dive into this fantastic instrument. With a price like this, you can enjoy the vibes of the past without breaking the bank. So grab your shades, wax your board, and get ready to explore some serious surf tones.

Guitar Center Memorial Day sale: Save up to 35%

Guitar Center Memorial Day sale: Save up to 35%
Save some serious cash at Guitar Center. Until May 29th, you can save up to 35% on a wide range of guitar gear from big names like Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Blackstar, and more. So, whether your rig needs an upgrade or you'd just like something new, GC is where it's at this Memorial Day.

In my glowing review, I rated this model 4.5 stars, praising its superb playability. I said, "The Player II's 9.5-inch 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 allows for a frictionless glide as I maneuver across its surface. Make no mistake, this is a very good-playing guitar - and one I found hard to put down."

However, it wasn't just the playability that impressed me; the sound backed up its brilliant feel. "Sonically, I've always had a soft spot for the Jazzmaster's unique single-coil pickups - and I think that's why I wasn't enamored with the previous Player model. In a recording situation, the Player II handled a multitude of sounds effortlessly. Plugged into a Fender Twin, it was snappy and unapologetically present, while through a Princeton, it showcased mid-range bark with a bit of grit. Adding an OCD-style overdrive produced a fantastic lead tone that even J Mascis would be proud of."

Overall, I was very impressed with the Player II Jazzmaster, and it feels even more like a bargain with such a substantial discount. So, if you've always wanted this offset classic in your collection, I believe I’ve found the guitar you’ve been looking for.

Head over to our dedicated Memorial Day guitar deals page for even more offers and sales.

Daryl Robertson
Senior Deals Writer

Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at Guitar World, where he creates and maintains our 200+ buyer's guides, finds the best deals on guitar products, and tests the latest gear. His reviews have been featured in prominent publications like Total Guitar, Future Music magazine, and MusicRadar.com.

During his career, he has been lucky enough to talk to many of his musical heroes, having interviewed Slash and members of Sum 41, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Feeder, Thrice, and more. In a past life, Daryl worked in music retail. For a little under a decade, he advised everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros on the right gear for their needs. 

Daryl is also a fully qualified sound engineer, holding a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay. 

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