The Fender Classic Player series, which includes two strats and a tele designed by their Custom Shop master builders, is a welcome departure from Fender's marketing strategy of the past few years. Those years saw the Squire name devalued to the point of becoming generic, and low end MIM Fenders that couldn't compete with Dean and Jackson electrics in quality.

It was certainly a successful sales strategy in the beginning, as the Fender name alone guaranteed a surge in sales. However, a few years down the line, MIM Fender strats can be had used for as low as 200.00 and it no doubt dragged the "Artist" down series with it. Although the various guitars of that line are actually quite good, the "Made in Mexico" tag has essentially become a slang term for a mediocre Fender, particularly the ones with poplar wood bodies.

In itself, improving quality and raising prices would have been a non-starter. Adding the prestige of their Custom Shop was a calculated risk, but it seems to have paid off. You still hear the "even though it's made in Mexico" qualifier, the reception for these guitars has appeared to be excellent. Add to that a new state of the art manufacturing facility in Mexico and you might have a real change not only for Fender, but for the mid-range market.

The Classic Player 50's strat is both a recreation of that vintage guitar, and a bow to modern realities with both up to date customized electronics and a return to alnico pickups and alder bodies (thank God). Sort of an updated version, as opposed to the Classic 50s Series model line (which is a straight attempt to reproduce that era guitar).

The vintage angle is covered with great attention to detail. The Gotoh tuning pegs are in the old style (and just as difficult to turn, but balanced out by being locking types), the plastic knobs and switch piece are aged, with a 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Stamped Steel Saddles.

The single ply pickguard is just like old times, but those were replaced by three plys for a reason. However, this is a recreation, and costs saved here went to more important things.

Like the electronics. Still around are the good old single coil pickups, but with alnico 5 magnets instead of ceramic for their '57/'62 PUP set. Less screaming, but more of the classic spank and roundness of tone. This alone makes it more of a real 50's style strat than many of the modern ones.

The switching has evolved here. Custom Shop master builder Dennis Galuszka designed a strat with 5 way switching. Instead of positions 2 and 4 being out of phase, you get hum cancelling (because the middle is reverse wound) and position 4 is neck and bridge instead of neck and middle.

The tone controls are different. You have one for the neck and bridge, but the middle is kept wide open. There's one master control for volume.

There's also the 9.5 "V" neck. It's the love it or hate it "soft V" neck, that starts with a mild V and changes the a C nearer the neck. Players used to C shaped necks feel this is a slower neck, particularly with the all maple construction.

Which is true if you play it like a C neck. C neck players often open their hands more (resting the neck on or near the palm) and curl their fingers over the fretboard. This is as good as any technique really as there aren't any firm and fast rules.

However, proper left hand position should have your hand over more to the right, with the thumb controlling the distance between neck and hand. That allows you to cover the fretboard with hand and wrist, and that increases speed.

That said, the V style neck is actually very suited to speed playing, and gives the player leverage to create real biting and bent notes, particularly on a maple surface. Also, it's 9.5" radius is not that thick.

Still, it's a matter of taste, so try before you buy.

It's available in two finishes, two tone and Shoreline Gold (which is polyester). The latter is my favorite, as it evokes the old Fender philosophy of using automobile manufacturing techniques to paint guitars. It also looks cool.

If color is part of your aesthetic, you should also try the 50s classic series strat (which is the same price, is more strictly period correct, and often confused with this model). One can add surf-green, daphne-blue and fiesta-red to the palette.

In terms of tone, it ranges from the crisp sound of Buddy Holly and Bobby Fuller, any surf music you care to name, and the early Chicago blues. It's not really a good metal guitar, but just about any alternative style can be covered. I should add, that in this day of choice in terms of pedals and amps, most sounds can be achieved by any guitar, really. It comes down to what you like and feel good playing (and what fits the image desired).

The simplicity of the body makes it possible to put customized electronics into an 800.00 guitar and yet keep the construction at a high level. The setup seems to be as good though there's small flaws (like the pickguard, but if you want period accuracy, what can you do). The Fender Classic Player series suddenly transforms your similarly priced Epiphones from being "good guitars for the price" to "well built guitars with so so electronics."

The Classic Player Series is more in line with what Leo Fender was trying to create in the first place. A low cost, high quality guitar for the average American that doesn't need an automatic pickup upgrade. A great deal.

American Fenders have been creeping up towards Gibson price levels for years, and if the day comes when they reach price parity, that will be a true blow to the American way.

Fenders that cost as much as Gibsons?

Luckily I wake up and it turns out to be just a bad dream.

Make this strat your main axe, and your dreams will be more pleasant than mine.









Recommended: Yes

Weight: Light, but has some presence
Sound Quality: Versatile