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Fender might have just unveiled the final piece of its Player puzzle by unveiling a spin-off lineup that takes the beloved entry level electrics in a radical new direction.
You know what you’re getting in for with the Player range, Fender’s entry level collection of Mexican-made electric guitars and bass guitars. The goal is simple: classic Big F silhouettes, sounds, and setups.
That’s not to say there isn’t potential to have a bit of fun, though. In 2024, for example, Fender took a deep dive into popular mods by way of the Player II Modified series. Now, the firm’s gone one step further.
Enter the Player Fusion series – an assortment of purpose built Stratocasters, Telecasters, Precision Basses, and even a Jaguar Baritone that go big on hot-rodded specs geared for hard rock, frills-free performance, and some gnarly looks.
Fender Limited Edition Player Fusion Stratocaster HSS ($1,149)
For my money, the Fender Player Fusion Stratocaster HSS is the most fusion-y out of all of them. That pickup configuration, for one, promises both hefty, high-output humbucking bridge action along with “surgical clarity” from the Noiseless single-coils.
The 12” radius ebony fingerboard is also a nice touch – especially for a Player series guitar – as is the all-black hardware and streamlined control layout, which offers Master Volume and Tone controls. There’s a two-point tremolo, a black headstock cap, and a choice of either Black or Olympic Pearl finishes.
That Black one is especially cool. It kinda looks like the meaner older brother of Tom Morello’s Soul Power Strat.
Fender Limited Edition Player Fusion Telecaster HH Floyd Rose ($1,399)
The Player Fusion Telecaster, meanwhile, really leans into the hard rock and metal design brief, what with the dual humbucker configuration and Floyd Rose bridge system. That’s not surprising, though, as Fender says this one is “built for the riff”.
Two humbuckers usurp the Tele’s usual SS combo, promising mix-cutting output and power. Again, all black hardware is used, as is a 12” ebony fingerboard. Black and Aura Metallic are the finish options here.
Fender Limited Edition Player Fusion Jaguar Baritone ($1,299)
The standout model of the Player Fusion lineup by a country mile, the Jaguar Baritone is an absolute peach of a guitar. With a 27” scale length, it’s purpose built for heavier playing, tuned B to B for drop-tuned riffing.
It’s got two high-output humbuckers, but retains a Jaguar-inspired switching system that ekes out a bit more versatility from the pickups. In practice, the ‘Spin-a-Split’ system can roll off the humbucker’s character, and make it more single-coil-y for leaner, more cutting tones
There’s also a TBX tone circuit, a 12” radius ebony fingerboard, and the choice of Black or Silverburst finishes.
Fender Limited Edition Player Fusion Precision Bass HH ($1,149)
Last up, the Player Fusion Precision Bass looks to elevate the P Bass template for a hard rock context. It’s equipped with two high-output humbuckers, a thin Jazz Bass neck profile for speedy playing, and that familiar 12” radius ebony fingerboard. Black and Halo Metallic are the finish options here.
More in-depth details are unfortunately rather sparing, because Fender isn't planning to release these until September later this year. I for one am looking forward to hearing more about those high-output pickups...
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