Player Plus Noiseless Single-coil Pickups
The trademark tone of vintage-voiced single-coil pickups is heard across countless records and chart-topping hits, and for good reason — the spank, twang, and chime these pickups produce lend crystal clarity and enhanced articulation to practically anything you play. That said, one thing commonly afflicts most single-coils you will likely encounter — that dreaded 60-cycle hum. This low-pitched din is generally caused by a ground loop or AC electrical induction from power lines near audio lines, resulting in a constant “hum” around 60Hz. To tackle this eternal annoyance, Fender outfitted each of their Player Plus series electric guitars with Player Plus Noiseless single-coil pickups! This significant upgrade provides players with the coveted sonic recipe found in Strats and Teles everywhere with zero unwanted noise issues.
Active Electronics on Every Bass
Low end warriors rejoice — there is a Fender Player Plus bass made just for you, too! Much like their 6-string counterparts, each bass in the Player Plus series features top-notch electronics to deliver classic sounds optimized for today’s players. Active electronics have quickly become the norm among many players here at Sweetwater — their benefits in stage and studio situations vastly outweigh the cons, depending on who you ask. To start, active electronics combat “tone suck” that can occur in long cable runs, running a stronger signal to your amp for an overall cleaner sound. Active electronics typically come with their own EQ section, and Player Plus basses are no different — each features a handy 3-band EQ for tweaking bass, mid-range, and treble frequencies to perfection. Active electronics sounding a bit too hot for your next gig? Switch on over to passive mode courtesy of an active/passive mini toggle for unmatched tonal flexibility.
Unique Switching Options on the Guitars
Fender Player Plus instruments balance classic aesthetics and tone with modern advancements to form an instrument tailor-made for players both new and old. To deliver this, each electric guitar in the Player Plus series features one-of-a-kind switching options for a sound all its own. Both the Player Plus Stratocaster SSS and Nashville Telecaster models have push-pull tone knobs on board, capable of jacking in the neck pickup in first and second positions when engaged — try finding this unique tonal combination on comparable instruments! The Player Plus Telecaster features the same push-pull functionality, this time wiring both single-coil pickups in series for a significant increase in output and fullness akin to a humbucker. Lastly, the Player Plus Stratocaster HSS’s push-pull tone knob activates coil-split mode for additional single-coil flavoring.
Rolled Fingerboard Edges and Satin Finish
In constructing the Player Plus series, Fender paid close attention to making each instrument feel just right in the hands, maximizing playability while giving off an undeniably “boutique” essence. To do just that, Player Plus guitars and basses all feature satin-finished, modern C-shaped necks capped with 12-inch-radius fingerboards with elegant, rolled edges. Satin necks not only look stellar — but also, you’re almost guaranteed a significant speed boost with one in your fretting hand, letting you effortlessly glide across the fingerboard and change chords in absolute comfort. In contrast to the 9.5- and 7.25-inch fingerboard radiuses commonly found on Fender’s instruments, Player Plus guitars and basses boast a flatter 12-inch radius, perfect for furious leads and solos. Though commonly found on custom-shop-quality instruments more than double the price, rolled fingerboard edges on every Player Plus instrument truly set them apart from the competition — their almost-broken-in feel is smooth to the touch and eliminates fret bite for an overall more enjoyable playing experience.
Locking Tuners
With their incredible electronics and silky-smooth necks, Player Plus guitars and basses already set a high bar for pro-quality instruments priced for the working musician. That said, Fender doesn’t rest on their laurels — they ultimately decided to sweeten the pot with hard-working locking tuners on the electric guitars. Locking tuners have quickly become the go-to for many of today’s discerning players, the secret weapon for split-second string changes and enhanced tuning stability. Locking tuners clamp directly onto the string, effectively locking each one firmly in place, resulting in fewer windings and increased string stability. This is especially useful when using the 2-point synchronized tremolo on either Stratocaster model, allowing for expressive bends and warbles without the fear of going out of tune.
New and Exciting Finishes
While classic Fender finishes like the 3-color Sunburst and Aged Candy Apple Red adorn many models in the Player Plus series, eye-popping finishes like Opal Spark, Cosmic Jade, and Belair Blue are sure to help you stand out onstage. Fender included plenty of finish options with their Player Plus series to fit whatever aesthetic you’re going for — whether you’re a diehard fan of that vintage Strat look or are harnessing the iconic Fender sound with a distinct visual flair, the Player Plus series is a surefire way of finding exactly what you desire.
You Can’t Go Wrong with Fender's Player Plus Series!
With any Player Plus series guitar or bass in the hands, it’s easy to see how these incredible instruments live up to the “Plus” in their names. Upgrades like Player Plus Noiseless pickups, active electronics, rolled fingerboard edges, locking tuners, and so much more ensure you get the full bang for your buck, with Fender’s storied uncompromising quality assuring the best feel and sound possible from your first strum to the last.
