Fender Player II Strat HSS RW MNLT

Fender Player II Strat HSS RW MNLT review

The Fender Player II Strat HSS RW MNLT pairs a familiar Stratocaster layout with a bridge humbucker and two single-coil pickups. Its listed price is 855, and the model has been available since May 2025. The specification combines an alder body, a roasted maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, with a two-point synchronized tremolo. The Moonlight Drive finish is described as blue, with a three-ply parchment pickguard and nickel-and-chrome hardware.

The HSS arrangement gives the guitar different pickup voices to select without changing its basic control layout. A Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucker sits at the bridge, while Fender Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single coils occupy the middle and neck positions. The controls comprise one master volume and two tone knobs, with a five-way switch for selecting pickup combinations. One player report praises the bridge humbucker for adding versatility, though that is a personal impression rather than a measured comparison.

Neck and playing feel

The bolt-on neck is made from roasted maple and has a Modern C profile. Its rosewood fingerboard has white dot inlays, a 9.5-inch radius, and 22 medium-jumbo frets. The scale length is 25.5 inches, and the nut measures 1.650 inches wide. Fender lists a synthetic bone nut. Together, these details describe a conventional, full-scale electric guitar layout, rather than a short-scale instrument.

One owner described the roasted maple neck as especially comfortable to play. That report also praised the guitar's color in person. Those comments are useful as firsthand impressions, but neck comfort depends on hand size, playing style, and personal preference. The listed neck profile and fingerboard measurements provide a more concrete basis for comparison if you already know what dimensions work for you.

The supplied strings are Fender USA 250R nickel-plated steel, in a.009 to.042 gauge set. That is a light set, a practical starting point for bends and fretting comfort. Any change in string gauge can affect setup, including neck relief and tremolo balance, so players switching to heavier or lighter strings may want to check the adjustment afterward.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

The bridge humbucker provides a different pickup type from the two Alnico 5 single coils. The five-way switch lets players move among pickup selections, while the master volume and two tone controls offer straightforward adjustments at the guitar. The available specifications do not give output measurements or detailed tonal curves, so exact claims about frequency response would go beyond the information provided. The mix of pickup types, however, is the defining hardware choice in this model.

For pitch effects, Fender specifies a two-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles. One owner reported that the tremolo worked well and that the guitar held its tuning reliably after arrival. That is encouraging real-world feedback, but tuning stability can also depend on string installation, setup, playing technique, and how far the arm is used. The instrument comes with Fender ClassicGear tuning machines.

Setup and ownership details

The same owner said the guitar arrived properly adjusted, with comfortable action and a well-functioning tremolo. A good initial setup can make a meaningful difference to the first playing experience, particularly for a guitar with a floating or moving tremolo system. Individual examples can vary, so a player who notices fret buzz, unusual string height, or tuning problems should have the instrument checked rather than assuming every unit will behave identically.

Neither a bag nor a case is included. Buyers who need protection for transport or storage should account for that separately. The listed sales unit is one piece, and the product item number is 617691. These details are worth checking when comparing listings, especially if a retailer's bundle appears to include accessories that are not part of the stated package.

Verdict

The Fender Player II Strat HSS RW MNLT has a clear appeal for players who want Strat-style controls with a bridge humbucker alongside two single coils. Its roasted maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets, and two-point tremolo are all specified plainly, while owner feedback points to a comfortable neck, attractive in-person finish, and strong initial setup. The available information does not establish how every example will feel or sound, but it gives buyers a specific set of features to evaluate. The main practical omission is the lack of an included bag or case.