Fender has been one of the most iconic and influential electric guitar brands for over 70 years. Based in California, they are renowned for producing legendary models like the Telecaster and Stratocaster that have shaped the sound of rock, blues, country, and countless other genres. Fender's smooth, rich tone and comfortable feel have made their guitars wildly popular with musicians of all levels.

In this review, we will be comparing six of the best Fender electric guitars across various price points and styles. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first real guitar or a pro searching for your next prized instrument, you're sure to find a fantastic Fender to suit your needs and budget. From timeless classics to contemporary iterations, these models demonstrate the quality, playability and amazing tones Fender is known for. Read on to discover which exceptional Fender guitar is right for you!

Fender Player Telecaster

The Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made. First introduced in 1950, the Telecaster has been played by countless musicians across all genres. Known for its simple yet versatile design, the Telecaster delivers the classic Fender tone that defined early rock and roll.

The Fender Player Telecaster continues this legacy with some modern enhancements. It features an alder body and maple neck for balanced tone and smooth playability. The Tele pickup configuration - with a bridge pickup for treble and neck pickup for bass - allows for a wide range of tones. From sparkling cleans to growling overdrive, the Player Telecaster can do it all.

Some key pros of the Fender Player Telecaster include its comfortable C-shaped neck profile, vintage-style bent steel saddles for great intonation, and updated medium jumbo frets. The two Player Series Tele single-coil pickups provide classic Tele twang and bite. The tone knob offers treble roll-off for more flexibility.

In terms of cons, some guitarists feel the Player Telecaster pickups don't have quite the vintage output and warmth of higher-end Fender models. The bridge pickup can also be noisy with distortion. The tuners are serviceable but not as smooth as upgraded tuners. The synthetic bone nut is a cost-saving measure, but a real bone nut would offer fuller resonance.

Overall though, the Fender Player Telecaster hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. For guitarists who want that timeless Tele sound and feel without breaking the bank, it's hard to beat the Player Telecaster.

Fender Player Stratocaster

The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most iconic electric guitar models in history, known for its versatile sound and smooth playability. The Fender Player Stratocaster aims to bring classic Strat tone and feel to players at a more affordable price point.

The Player Strat features an alder body and maple neck for balanced tone and great sustain. It has a modern "C"-shaped neck profile that is comfortable to play. This guitar comes equipped with three single-coil Strat pickups that provide classic bell-like tone. The 5-way pickup selector switch allows for a wide range of tones from glassy and chimey to fuller and warmer.

Some pros of the Fender Player Stratocaster are its comfortable modern neck profile, classic Strat sound, and smooth playability right out of the box. The quality and components are impressive for the price. Some cons are that the pickups may lack some vintage character that pricier models have, and the tremolo bridge may need a bit of setup for optimal tuning stability.

Overall, the Fender Player Stratocaster hits a sweet spot between price and performance. For guitarists looking for an affordable workhorse Strat with authentic Fender tone and feel, it's an excellent choice. While not a vintage reissue, it aims to embody the spirit of Leo Fender's iconic design in a gig-ready package.

Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster

The Fender Jazzmaster was first introduced in 1958 as an upmarket model aimed at jazz guitarists. With its offset waist body shape and innovative switching circuits, it stood out from Fender's more traditional Tele and Strat models. However, the Jazzmaster failed to gain much traction with jazz players and was embraced more by alternative rock guitarists in later decades.

The Squier Affinity Jazzmaster brings this iconic guitar model into an affordable price range. Made in Indonesia, the Affinity Jazzmaster has a poplar body with a slim C-shaped maple neck. It features two single-coil Jazzmaster pickups controlled by a 3-way toggle switch, providing a wide range of tones. The floating tremolo bridge allows guitarists to add expressive pitch effects.

Pros: - Iconic offset body shape at a budget price - Smooth and comfortable slim C neck profile - Versatile tone from two Jazzmaster pickups - Includes tremolo arm for pitch effects

Cons:
- Tuning stability can suffer with tremolo bridge - Pickups may lack richness of USA models
- Quality control less consistent than American Fenders

For guitarists looking to try the Jazzmaster design without breaking the bank, the Squier Affinity model captures the vibe at a fraction of the cost. While it lacks some refinements of its pricier siblings, it's still a quality instrument that nails the Jazzmaster's offset aesthetic and unique sound.

Fender Player Plus Top Stratocaster

The Fender Player Plus Top Stratocaster is one of the upgraded models in Fender's mid-range Player Plus Top series. This line aims to provide players with premium features and appointments at a more affordable price point compared to American-made Fender guitars.

The Player Plus Top Stratocaster has an alder body with a stunning flame maple top, giving it a beautiful and distinctive look. It has a modern "C"-shaped maple neck with a pau ferro fingerboard. The fingerboard has narrow-tall frets, providing very smooth and fast playability.

Some standout features on this model include custom Shop Designed Alnico V single coil pickups, giving classic Strat tone with a bit more warmth and richness. It also has an updated 2-point fulcrum tremolo bridge, which provides excellent tuning stability even with heavy use of the whammy bar.

Overall, the Player Plus Top Strat offers fantastic bang-for-the-buck in the mid-priced Fender lineup. The gorgeous flame maple top and crisp-sounding pickups make this an excellent choice for players looking for a hot-rodded American-style Strat. The main downsides are the pau ferro fingerboard instead of rosewood, and the fact that it is made in Mexico rather than the USA. However, for most players, these are minor tradeoffs considering the premium features and sub-$1000 price tag.

Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe

The American Professional series is Fender's flagship line, representing the pinnacle of their US-made guitars. Introduced in 2017, the American Professional II series is the latest iteration with upgraded features.

The American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe is a versatile modern twist on a classic. It has an alder body with a gloss polyester finish, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. There are two V-Mod single-coil Tele pickups controlled by a redesigned S-1 switch that adds more tonal options. Other upgrades include a contoured neck heel, treble-bleed circuit, and narrow-tall frets.

Pros: - Great attention to detail and craftsmanship being US-made - Clear, balanced tone from the V-Mod pickups - Very playable with rolled fingerboard edges - S-1 switch adds wider selection of tones - Quality upgrades make this an excellent modern Tele

Cons:
- High price tag around $2,000 - Gloss finish less comfortable for some vs satin
- Not as vintage-accurate if that's preferred - Only available in 2-3 color options

Overall, the American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe is ideal for players wanting a top-tier flexible Telecaster with Fender's latest refinements and appointments. The price tag is steep but it delivers superb fit, finish, tone, and playability.

Direct Comparisons

The Fender Player Telecaster and Fender Player Stratocaster are two of Fender's most popular models. Here's a head to head comparison:

Playability

The Telecaster has a 25.5" scale length, while the Stratocaster is slightly longer at 25.5". The Telecaster's single cutaway design provides easier access to the upper frets compared to the Strat's double cutaway. The Stratocaster's contoured body makes it more comfortable for some players. Overall they are both very playable and comfortable instruments.

Sound

The Telecaster is known for its bright, cutting tone that works well for country, rock, and blues. The Stratocaster offers a wider tonal palette with its three single coil pickups compared to the Tele's two pickups. The Strat can produce bell-like tones as well as thicker sounds in the neck pickup position. Both produce classic Fender tones, but the Strat offers more versatility.

Value

The Player models are similarly priced, usually between $650-750 USD. They offer great quality and features for a mid-range Fender guitar. The American Professional models cost significantly more, from $1400-1500+ USD, but add features like customized pickups and higher end hardware and electronics. Overall the Players provide excellent value for a genuine Fender at an attractive price point.

Recommendations

When it comes to choosing a Fender guitar, recommendations can vary greatly depending on your skill level and needs as a guitarist. Here are some recommendations for beginners versus professionals:

For Beginners

The Fender Squier Affinity Jazzmaster is an excellent choice for those just starting out on guitar. As part of Fender's more affordable Squier brand, it provides great bang for your buck with classic Jazzmaster styling. The slim neck and comfortable body size are ideal for new players.

The Fender Player Telecaster is also a great option for beginners. It captures the classic Telecaster tone and feel, with a slightly more affordable price tag than American-made models. The versatile sound works for all genres, and the Tele is easy to play while still sounding full and rich.

For Professionals

When looking to upgrade, the Fender American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe is a top-notch choice loved by professional guitarists. It has premium features like noiseless pickups and a unique "Deep C" neck profile. The craftsmanship and attention to detail deliver perfect weight, feel, and balanced tone.

For those who want a more modern and versatile professional instrument, look no further than the Fender Player Plus Top Stratocaster. The powerful Player Plus pickups provide exceptional clarity across positions. Combined with the flame maple top, it looks, sounds, and plays like a dream.

Conclusions

After reviewing some of Fender's most popular guitar models, a few clear favorites emerge. The Fender Player Series offers great quality and classic Fender tone at a reasonable price point, making the Player Telecaster and Player Stratocaster excellent choices for most players. For those seeking premium features and appointments, the American Professional II Telecaster Deluxe represents the pinnacle of Fender craftsmanship and sound.

However, the truth is that all Fender guitars benefit from the company's decades of experience and iconic legacy. Going back to Leo Fender's innovative early designs like the Telecaster and Stratocaster, Fender has defined the sound of rock, blues, country, and countless other genres. Musicians around the world have relied on the quality, playability, and iconic style of Fender guitars. While personal preference will play a role, any of these models would make a great addition to a guitarist's arsenal. Fender's continued innovation, along with respect for tradition, ensures their guitars will be coveted instruments for generations to come.

Disclosure

I have no affiliations with any guitar brands or manufacturers. This article was written independently based on my own experience playing and researching Fender guitars. The recommendations made are my personal opinions, and I have not received any compensation or sponsorship related to the content in this article. All product details and descriptions are based on publicly available information about the guitars discussed.

The purpose of this article is to provide an unbiased comparison of popular Fender guitar models to assist readers who may be considering purchasing one of these instruments. I strive to give honest assessments to help guitarists select the best Fender for their playing style and budget. This content is not officially endorsed by or connected to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in any way.