Fender Player II Strat RW 3TS

Fender Player II Strat RW 3TS review

The Fender Player II Strat RW 3TS pairs a familiar three-pickup Stratocaster layout with an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. Its 3-color sunburst finish and parchment-colored pickguard give it a traditional look. The listed price is 759, and the model has been available since July 2024. No gig bag or case is included.

The core specification is straightforward: three Player Series Alnico 5 single-coil pickups, a five-way switch, one volume control, and two tone controls. The 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale length and 42 mm nut width follow standard Stratocaster dimensions. A Modern C neck profile, 241 mm (9.5-inch) fingerboard radius, and 22 medium-jumbo frets round out the playing surface.

Neck, frets, and setup

Owner experiences with the setup vary sharply, which matters more than any single specification on a production guitar. Several buyers describe a comfortable neck and an instrument that arrived well adjusted. One owner found the action high and adjusted the truss rod before reporting that the guitar played very well. Another made a small neck adjustment after changing to heavier strings. These accounts suggest that a modest setup may be needed to suit a player's preferred string gauge and action.

There is also a serious negative report. One buyer returned an initial guitar because the fret ends had not been properly finished, then received a replacement several weeks later that reportedly needed substantial work. The owner described very high action at the 22nd fret and pickup-adjustment screws that would not turn, and said the neck had to be removed to add a shim. That is a single owner's account, not evidence that every unit has the same defects, but it raises a legitimate quality-control concern. A new player without setup experience may find that kind of work frustrating.

Other owners report clean finishing, good fretwork, and a neck that feels comfortable. One described the instrument as light and well finished, while another praised the rolled fingerboard edges. Those positive comments do not eliminate the reported problems. They show why it is worth checking fret ends, action, neck relief, and the pickup screws soon after delivery, and arranging an exchange or professional setup if something is wrong.

Pickups and controls

The three Alnico 5 single coils provide the expected range of Strat-style sounds through the five-way switch. Owners describe a recognizable Fender character, with enough variation to soften the sound using the controls. The bridge pickup can be adjusted with a tone control, a useful detail for players who find that position too bright. The available feedback is subjective, and no measured output or frequency data is provided, so treat those descriptions as listening impressions rather than laboratory results.

The control layout stays simple and familiar. One volume knob and two tone knobs let players make quick adjustments without learning an unusual switching system. Owners who enjoy the traditional Stratocaster sound are generally pleased with the pickup set, and one specifically praised the Player II pickups. The SSS configuration does limit the instrument to single-coil pickup sounds, so players seeking a humbucker-equipped bridge should look at a different configuration.

Tremolo and hardware

The two-point synchronized tremolo uses bent-steel saddles. Fender ClassicGear tuning machines and nickel-and-chrome hardware complete the listed hardware package. One owner reported stable tuning while using the tremolo, although tuning stability also depends on setup, string installation, and playing technique. The supplied strings are Fender USA 250L nickel-plated steel, in a.009,.042 gauge.

The rosewood fingerboard drew favorable notice from a buyer who already owned a Player Strat, while a few owners said the wood felt dry on arrival and treated it. Fingerboard dryness can vary, and these reports do not establish a defect. Inspect the surface when the guitar arrives and follow appropriate care guidance rather than assuming every fingerboard needs treatment.

Verdict

The Fender Player II Strat RW 3TS has a well-established specification: alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, three Alnico 5 single coils, and a two-point tremolo. Owners who received well-finished examples praise its feel, sound, appearance, and playability. However, reports range from near-ready setup to fret finishing problems and difficult adjustments. That spread makes the individual instrument's condition an important part of the buying decision. Check the guitar promptly on arrival, and do not hesitate to request help if the frets, action, or hardware are not right. No case or bag is supplied, so include one in the budget if you need protection for transport.