Aside from paying a premium for the right headstock and name, I recently had an issue with Squire Telecaster and it was very little bother to get it addressed by Fender. My experience is they do stand behind their products.
Wonderfully moving, beautiful into... and as always an in-depth review. Thanks John ! I prefer 9's and a flatter neck radius (10-12" preferably) and maple necks. The older I get the name on the headstock means less and less... Most important to me is the feel of the neck and the weight of the guitar.
Use a deep well socket and Wonderfully moving, beautiful into... and as always an in-depth review. I’d be replacing the pickups and whacking on a vintage bridge.
I got one, a black one with maple fretboard. Mine is exactly 3,5kg so perfect. There is a little blemish in the paint job but its really hard to tell. Normal price was 766 euro’s, but got mine for 700 euro’s. A bargain, its my first tele (I like the darker maple comparing to previous player series) and offcourse the rolled edges are a bonus. I do like 010 strings better, resonates allot more. Only needed to adjust the neck a bit. Its a keeper for sure.
I picked up a player tele about a month ago at a steep discount from a US retailer (likely making way for the IIs) and at first I couldn’t bond with it either. Then I swapped the strings for 10s and it completely transformed the instrument. It feels better in the hand and more responsive to my playing with the heavier strings. IDK why that is, but give it a shot.
The thing about Teles is they can make so many different sounds. There is the classic "Tele" sound, but it works with effects so well that it can produce so many different tones.
Tape up your pickups and run some 0000 steel wool over the fret board edge. That should smooth them up in no time. If it requires more than that, I'd return it. BTW... I certainly hope they are rolling the edges by removing material and not crushing it was you suggest... the thought of that makes the former woodworker in me shiver!
All the player series guitars I’ve played (mostly in GC) had fretwork I found lacking. I’m also not a fan of the fret wire. A bit low and wide for my taste. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen a squire classic vibe in any guitar store. Fwiw, my main guitar is an 80’s MIJ Strat. It’s a whole level up, maybe more, from a player Strat.
I think for the Fender range it’s probably important that this guitar isn’t too impressive. These will sell well no matter what. If you’re not fussed with brands though the competition in this price range at the moment is unreal
FWIW i own a custom Partcaster Tele Lite weight body pelham Blue thjin nito, w/Fender 12 rad neck, and MIM bridge, its so good i cant begin to describe, like a 59 Le Paul tele..The 12 rad neck makes a Tele the PERFECT guitar..
People will always want to buy a “Fender”….i roll my own fretboards and dress my own frets….i’ve soured on taking my guitars to a guitar tech when I can do a lot myself….if u start doing your own work, you’ll start to see you can make Ok guitars play awesome.
The rolled fretboard was one of the big reasons I was even considering the Player II Jazzmaster. I have a Player Plus Strat which has a rolled fretboard and it feels amazing. It's much easier to reach frets, especially for barre chords. But if they didn't even do a good job with that aspect on the Player II, then it's not worth it, since the Jazzmaster doesn't even have the rhythm circuit. But the blue finish looks amazing.
Saw a 2012 Fender Stratocaster “Mark Knopfler’ Artist in average condition for sale in a a well known UK guitar shop for £2999. After doing some research these were £2199 new in 2012 £200 less than a Malmsteen Stratocaster that now sell s/h for around £1700.These are not custom shop Stratocasters and I was told that the reason that it is up for £2999 is that they are rare. So you are paying a premium for its rarity than than the quality of the instrument that seems bonkers to me.
Have you done it with you on the positive grid spark stuff yet? I’ve had a look on your CZcams and can’t seem to find any would just be interested in your opinion.
Buying a Tele in this price range just doesn't make sense to me. For the same price (give or take $100), you can build one from high quality parts of any spec you desire. And unlike a Strat, which may require some extra skill to assemble/set-up for maximum playability, a Tele is just bolt, solder, and go.
@@dmc549 I guess that depends on what you want from your Strat trem. If you just want it to play nice with a smooth travel, it's easy. If you want the Beck interval-stop thing, it's less so.
Get a player series tele and jazzmaster for the same price as an American one. They are just pieces of wood. You can always supe up hardware and electronics later if you need to
A great Mexican guitar is a better buy than an average USA one IMO. Play them side by side and try a few MIM because I’ve had some absolutely crackers. I have a MIM Deluxe Telecaster which is incredible and better than USA guitars I’ve owned in the past. The Japanese stuff is exceptional too.
In my opinion, if you're limited by space, and could reasonably allocate the funds for the Am Pro II, those are really nice instruments. If you have enough space to develop a collection and having more guitars (Pokemon gotta have em all) is what you'd rather have, then getting the player series is fine, too, and lets you get a good fender for a good price. But yeah, if you're like "I'm going to have one telecaster, and I want it to be as good as possible," then you'll be happier with the pro II.
Not sure how much Sire is US market. I think there's a couple brands that might be better in price range but won't be same look or sound. [Epiphone; Ibanez; other?]
Need convincing about Teles being the great workhorse etc blah blah after buying a Squier CV 50s which was a dud from the get go . Didn’t buy it to mod , bought it to play . The nut needed replaced and the neck pickup is a dog , dull in comparison to a Strat neck pickup . So £700 for a Player 2 …. No ta
Wow, this seems like it may be an informative video, but I couldn't understand what the guys saying. I don't mean some of the what he was saying, I mean I couldn't understand one . . . single . . . word of what this bloke was saying. I don't know what language that is he's speaking, but it ain't English.
It sounds strange for me, that you are placing MIM Fenders in one row with Squiers. Even top Squiers have very thin necks, ugly hardware, not really good finishes, bad fretworks (and frets material). Yeah, they are good, but comparing to preceding Squiers. MIMs in other hand aren't impress much, but feels like a "real" guitars at least.
The player series often is a huge trap, or at least, It has become one. You could argue that It was the first upgrade a young guitarrist would go for after his very first instrument, but with the improvements of the squiers and more competition outside of the brand that role Is now superfluous. The player series still shares the same difects as a beginner guitar typically has ( poor set-ups, below average materials, questionable electronics) and doesn't give you anything back for the trouble of basically doubling its pricetag (except the name on the headstock). Most classic vibes i've played are either on part or better then their player series counterpart while also leaving you a lot of room for modding them ( if you put 250 worth of upgrades into a squier you still are 100 euros away from.your typical player series price, if you do the same with a player series you start adventuring into the 1000 plus euro territory where there already are absolute bangers guitars that completely sweep the mim fenders). I feel like this changes a little if you adventure out of the tellys and strat world, the jaguars and jazzmasters or mustangs are a different ballgame. This also doesn't apply to all mim fenders, the vinteras are incredible instruments.
I disagee, Squiers have really upped their game in the last decade, it's not what it used to be. Quality guitars, always a top contestant in their price range and therefore a competitor with the lower Fender range.
Man... That opening jam was amazing.
The honest transparent review is appreciated, jnc. Thanks!
Just closed my eyes and the solo took me to a happy place.. filled with the most melodious guitar playing I've heard in a long time.
You’re playing is beautiful !
Aside from paying a premium for the right headstock and name, I recently had an issue with Squire Telecaster and it was very little bother to get it addressed by Fender. My experience is they do stand behind their products.
Overall that is beautiful guitar! Love that color. Nice progression on your intro piece. Very nice tone!
Wonderfully moving, beautiful into... and as always an in-depth review. Thanks John ! I prefer 9's and a flatter neck radius (10-12" preferably) and maple necks. The older I get the name on the headstock means less and less... Most important to me is the feel of the neck and the weight of the guitar.
Use a deep well socket and Wonderfully moving, beautiful into... and as always an in-depth review. I’d be replacing the pickups and whacking on a vintage bridge.
Beautiful intro dude.
the opening jam melted my face J.. Killer!!!
Use a deep well socket and run it down the Fretboard edges. Rolls it perfectly.
Great playing. You sold me.
I got one, a black one with maple fretboard. Mine is exactly 3,5kg so perfect. There is a little blemish in the paint job but its really hard to tell. Normal price was 766 euro’s, but got mine for 700 euro’s. A bargain, its my first tele (I like the darker maple comparing to previous player series) and offcourse the rolled edges are a bonus. I do like 010 strings better, resonates allot more. Only needed to adjust the neck a bit. Its a keeper for sure.
Ive been curious about this guitar, let’s go!
Awesome playing, dude.
I picked up a player tele about a month ago at a steep discount from a US retailer (likely making way for the IIs) and at first I couldn’t bond with it either. Then I swapped the strings for 10s and it completely transformed the instrument. It feels better in the hand and more responsive to my playing with the heavier strings. IDK why that is, but give it a shot.
Love your playing!
You can't fix the weight or the putty thick paint on this guitar. Move it on!
I like Teles so much more than strats, this one sounds similar to my older standard MIM but with Dimarzio true velvets in it.
The thing about Teles is they can make so many different sounds. There is the classic "Tele" sound, but it works with effects so well that it can produce so many different tones.
really thinking about picking one of these up, in that particular color too.
finish looks like my sage green strat and i do not own a tele rn
Looks a lot like my aged sage green tele
I’d be replacing the pickups and whacking on a vintage bridge. And probably sanding the back of the neck.
Tape up your pickups and run some 0000 steel wool over the fret board edge. That should smooth them up in no time. If it requires more than that, I'd return it. BTW... I certainly hope they are rolling the edges by removing material and not crushing it was you suggest... the thought of that makes the former woodworker in me shiver!
Better off getting some 1200 grit sandpaper or emery paper. It's so fine it's almost like a polished finish. And none of it is attracted to magnets.
Incredible jam at the start 🔥
Sounds beautiful!
All the player series guitars I’ve played (mostly in GC) had fretwork I found lacking. I’m also not a fan of the fret wire. A bit low and wide for my taste. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen a squire classic vibe in any guitar store. Fwiw, my main guitar is an 80’s MIJ Strat. It’s a whole level up, maybe more, from a player Strat.
Hate the nut width !
Why don’t they make the player series with the full nut width ????
I think for the Fender range it’s probably important that this guitar isn’t too impressive. These will sell well no matter what. If you’re not fussed with brands though the competition in this price range at the moment is unreal
Could it be 9s tuned down to Eb which is just bringing out the worst in the guitar?
My thoughts exactly!
FWIW i own a custom Partcaster Tele Lite weight body pelham Blue thjin nito, w/Fender 12 rad neck, and MIM bridge, its so good i cant begin to describe, like a 59 Le Paul tele..The 12 rad neck makes a Tele the PERFECT guitar..
People will always want to buy a “Fender”….i roll my own fretboards and dress my own frets….i’ve soured on taking my guitars to a guitar tech when I can do a lot myself….if u start doing your own work, you’ll start to see you can make Ok guitars play awesome.
Did you ever own or play a Baja Tele? They were quite good and had a very nice neck profile.
'neither one of us is getting blown' 🤣
Wow you surely make it sound nice! Especially the neck pickup has a nice brightness, can you pleeeease make a similar preset for the Katana?
The rolled fretboard was one of the big reasons I was even considering the Player II Jazzmaster. I have a Player Plus Strat which has a rolled fretboard and it feels amazing. It's much easier to reach frets, especially for barre chords. But if they didn't even do a good job with that aspect on the Player II, then it's not worth it, since the Jazzmaster doesn't even have the rhythm circuit. But the blue finish looks amazing.
Great Intro Song 👍
Can you compare it to the Nick Johnston Schecter Signature PT please?
Saw a 2012 Fender Stratocaster “Mark Knopfler’ Artist in average condition for sale in a a well known UK guitar shop for £2999.
After doing some research these were £2199 new in 2012 £200 less than a Malmsteen Stratocaster that now sell s/h for around £1700.These are not custom shop Stratocasters and I was told that the reason that it is up for £2999 is that they are rare. So you are paying a premium for its rarity than than the quality of the instrument that seems bonkers to me.
I think I will buy this guitar.
Surprised at home much these player ll weigh.
please try a levinson sceptre arlington (tele) or ventana (strat). mine arrived i love it. strat boi.
Have you done it with you on the positive grid spark stuff yet? I’ve had a look on your CZcams and can’t seem to find any would just be interested in your opinion.
Will we see some G&L or Fret-King guitars on your channel Jon? Cheers
Nice rendition of Tom Petty's Swingin
telecasters >
Is that opening jam supposed to be based on Lightning Crashes by Live?
Even what you're nitpicking about it would not be there on a sire T7 for less money.
Buying a Tele in this price range just doesn't make sense to me. For the same price (give or take $100), you can build one from high quality parts of any spec you desire. And unlike a Strat, which may require some extra skill to assemble/set-up for maximum playability, a Tele is just bolt, solder, and go.
How is a Strat different to build other than the tremolo?
@@dmc549 Getting a Strat trem truly dialed is a skill unto itself. Not super difficult, but a significant amount of work beyond a Tele.
@@trev3971 you’re overthinking it.
@@dmc549 I guess that depends on what you want from your Strat trem. If you just want it to play nice with a smooth travel, it's easy. If you want the Beck interval-stop thing, it's less so.
Another thing to consider is that you'll never be able to resell a parts caster for what you put into it. You'd most likely have to part it out.
The question is, would it be better to splash out on a US Telecaster?
I believe the performer Tele is about $1400.
Get a player series tele and jazzmaster for the same price as an American one. They are just pieces of wood. You can always supe up hardware and electronics later if you need to
A great Mexican guitar is a better buy than an average USA one IMO. Play them side by side and try a few MIM because I’ve had some absolutely crackers. I have a MIM Deluxe Telecaster which is incredible and better than USA guitars I’ve owned in the past. The Japanese stuff is exceptional too.
In my opinion, if you're limited by space, and could reasonably allocate the funds for the Am Pro II, those are really nice instruments. If you have enough space to develop a collection and having more guitars (Pokemon gotta have em all) is what you'd rather have, then getting the player series is fine, too, and lets you get a good fender for a good price.
But yeah, if you're like "I'm going to have one telecaster, and I want it to be as good as possible," then you'll be happier with the pro II.
Player II series telecs and strats sounds thin
Heavy and not Premium? You mean like a PLAYER? Will he upgrade to Performer Model and give a review, then?
Also has the non-traditional bridge here.
Not sure how much Sire is US market. I think there's a couple brands that might be better in price range but won't be same look or sound. [Epiphone; Ibanez; other?]
guitar resemblance comment too controversial?
When you heading back to the semi hollow world? Deusy Gretsch the 3 series ...one that would light a bit more fire than the average tele ?
It’s an okay guitar. But does that cut it anymore? I’d rather be playing something mre fun to play.
Just buy new Japanese Fenders
Need convincing about Teles being the great workhorse etc blah blah after buying a Squier CV 50s which was a dud from the get go . Didn’t buy it to mod , bought it to play . The nut needed replaced and the neck pickup is a dog , dull in comparison to a Strat neck pickup . So £700 for a Player 2 …. No ta
I'm sorry, but truly one of the 'whiniest' reviewers here on CZcams'.. cheer up man
Dude probably melts if the sun touches his arm during a gig.
Wow, this seems like it may be an informative video, but I couldn't understand what the guys saying. I don't mean some of the what he was saying, I mean I couldn't understand one . . . single . . . word of what this bloke was saying. I don't know what language that is he's speaking, but it ain't English.
Great channel. Your playing is great but the click bait is information. Maybe put the playing bit at the end?
It sounds strange for me, that you are placing MIM Fenders in one row with Squiers. Even top Squiers have very thin necks, ugly hardware, not really good finishes, bad fretworks (and frets material). Yeah, they are good, but comparing to preceding Squiers. MIMs in other hand aren't impress much, but feels like a "real" guitars at least.
😂
They’re all real you noodling hack snot
MIM are much better than the Squiers.
The player series often is a huge trap, or at least, It has become one.
You could argue that It was the first upgrade a young guitarrist would go for after his very first instrument, but with the improvements of the squiers and more competition outside of the brand that role Is now superfluous. The player series still shares the same difects as a beginner guitar typically has ( poor set-ups, below average materials, questionable electronics) and doesn't give you anything back for the trouble of basically doubling its pricetag (except the name on the headstock). Most classic vibes i've played are either on part or better then their player series counterpart while also leaving you a lot of room for modding them ( if you put 250 worth of upgrades into a squier you still are 100 euros away from.your typical player series price, if you do the same with a player series you start adventuring into the 1000 plus euro territory where there already are absolute bangers guitars that completely sweep the mim fenders).
I feel like this changes a little if you adventure out of the tellys and strat world, the jaguars and jazzmasters or mustangs are a different ballgame. This also doesn't apply to all mim fenders, the vinteras are incredible instruments.
I disagee, Squiers have really upped their game in the last decade, it's not what it used to be. Quality guitars, always a top contestant in their price range and therefore a competitor with the lower Fender range.
Plain and boring - same ole thing ..
Agree…the content is seriously on repeat…