Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS

Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS review

The Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS is a short-scale electric guitar with a familiar Jaguar outline and a more straightforward control layout than some traditional Jaguar designs. Its 610 mm scale, two single-coil pickups, and vintage-style floating tremolo give it a distinct character, while the simpler controls may appeal to players who do not need a bank of extra switches. The listed price is $799.

One player initially hesitated because this model lacks the switches and controls they expected from a traditional Jaguar. After choosing it, though, they were glad they did. That reaction captures the main question around the instrument: whether its streamlined layout and practical setup are a better fit than a more elaborate Jaguar configuration. The feedback is personal, and another owner reported serious problems with the tremolo and tuning stability, so individual setup and expectations matter.

Construction and specifications

The body is alder, finished in three-color sunburst, with a three-ply parchment pickguard. A bolt-on maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard, white dot inlays, and 22 medium-jumbo frets. Fender specifies a Modern C neck profile and a 241 mm (9.5-inch) fingerboard radius. These dimensions give the guitar a conventional feel, while the 610 mm (24-inch) scale is shorter than the scale found on many electric guitars.

The shorter scale was a clear positive for one reviewer, who found the guitar comfortable to play for long stretches and easier to manage than longer-scale instruments. That is a useful point for players who prefer a more compact reach or want less tension under the fretting hand. The owner also praised the smooth fret ends. However, the nut edges felt sharp enough to scratch their index finger when playing close to the first fret. That is worth checking on the individual guitar rather than assuming every example has the same issue.

Pickups and controls

Two Player Series Alnico 5 Jaguar single-coil pickups provide the guitar's SS pickup configuration. The controls are limited to master volume, master tone, and a three-way pickup selector. This keeps operation simple, but players seeking the switching options associated with some Jaguar models should confirm that the layout suits their playing before buying.

The owner who favored the guitar described the pickups as very good and noted that the familiar single-coil hum was much lower than on other Jaguars they had tried, or nearly absent in their experience. That is a favorable individual report, not a guarantee of silent operation in every room or electrical setup. A separate owner gave the sound a passable-to-good assessment, showing that impressions were not uniformly enthusiastic.

Bridge, tuning, and setup

Fender equips the Player II Jaguar with a Jaguar bridge using Mustang saddles, paired with a vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece. The guitar also has Fender ClassicGear tuning machines, nickel and chrome hardware, and a synthetic bone nut. The supplied strings are Fender USA 250L nickel-plated steel in.009,.042 gauge. Neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

Setup feedback is divided. One player found the factory setup less than ideal, but said the neck and bridge were easy to adjust and that the desired string height was reached quickly. They also appreciated the updated components, including the tuners, bridge, and headstock-adjustable truss rod. Another owner, however, found the tremolo unusable and reported poor intonation and very poor tuning stability. They suggested that a replacement nut and locking tuners might help, but those are suggestions from that reviewer, not included features or guaranteed fixes.

These contrasting reports make a careful inspection important. Check tuning stability, intonation, bridge behavior, and nut edges during a trial, and have the guitar set up if its action or tuning is unsatisfactory. The first reviewer's experience suggests that adjustment can be straightforward, but it does not erase the second player's more serious complaints.

Verdict

The Fender Player II Jaguar RW 3TS makes a strong case for players who want Jaguar styling, a comfortable short scale, and uncomplicated pickup controls. The reported playability and low perceived hum are appealing, and the neck and bridge proved adjustable for one owner. Its main cautions are equally concrete: the pared-down switching may disappoint traditional Jaguar fans, the nut edges may need attention, and feedback on tremolo performance and tuning stability is sharply mixed.

At $799, it is worth trying in person if the scale and simple control scheme match your needs. Pay particular attention to the bridge, tuning, and nut before committing. The available feedback supports a recommendation for some players, but not a blanket endorsement of every example.