Built to Be Reimagined
Since inception, Fender guitars and basses have been crafted with an inherent adaptabilityādesigned to shape and be shaped by the artists who redefine music with them. Throughout the decades, musicians from every genre have transformed Fender instruments to suit their unique sound, making them a true canvas for creativity. The ethos of Fender is, in many ways, a history of modificationāwhere each artist's personal touch, whether through altering pickups, adjusting necks, or reworking finishes, has shaped not just the instruments but the songs they are written with.
Performance-Driven Upgrades Straight From the Factory
"From the early days of players hot-rodding their StratĀ® and TeleĀ® guitars to todayās musicians pushing sonic boundaries, Fender has always embraced the art of reinvention," said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product, Fender. "Leo Fender intentionally designed our instruments with modularity in mindāallowing them to evolve alongside the player and enabling more personalization than any other brand. Player II Modified carries that spirit forward, offering modern upgrades like our new Player II Modified noiseless pickups and locking tuners for rock-solid stability. Itās about delivering the most in-demand mods straight from the factory while continuing to push the envelope of innovation and support artists in shaping the future of music."
Player II Modified takes the best of the best from Player II Series and builds on it with new and improved performance-driven modifications, offering a refined playing experience straight out of the box.
Key features include:
āNew Player II Modified pickups: Genuine Fender tone from the Player II Modified Humbucker and Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups.
āUpgraded hardware and electronics: From treble bleeds to brass block saddles, the most popular modifications for each model come standard.
āRock-solid tuning stability: Locking tuners and tapered shaft tuners offer next-level reliability.
This spirit of reinvention is deeply embedded in Fenderās legacy, championed by trailblazing artists like Jimi Hendrix, who flipped his StratocasterĀ® upside down to redefine rock guitar, Kurt Cobain, who customized his JaguarĀ® for raw, grunge-driven power, and Thurston Moore, whose JazzmasterĀ® modifications fueled Sonic Youthās experimental edge. Today, musicians continue this traditionāChris Shiflett of Foo Fighters with his Signature TelecasterĀ® Deluxe outfitted with noiseless P-90-style pickups, Julien Baker with her custom-modded American Vintage Thinline, and Brent Mason with his highly versatile ā67 TelecasterĀ®. Even bassists like Flea have reshaped their sound through modifications, such as the active circuitry in his Jazz BassĀ®.
In the Hands of IDLES
As part of the Player II Modified launch campaign, Fender has teamed up withIDLES, ā a British band known for their explosive live performances and boundary-pushing take on rockāwho are featured prominently in the campaign video. Their involvement in the campaign underscores how the Player II Modified series empowers modern players' need for flexibility, tonal range and sonic exploration, whether on stage or in the studio. Watch IDLES perform āGift Horseā and see what they have to say about these souped up guitars and basses. āEvery guitar that Iāve ever had, Iāve modified almost immediately,ā said Mark Bowen, IDLES guitarist. āModifications can definitely make a guitar more approachable,ā added Lee Kiernan, IDLES guitarist. āBecause everything is to your taste, and what it is you want it to do.ā
Fender Mod Shop: A Global Tune-Up Experience
Like the world of automotive design, where customization and performance upgrades are part of the culture, Fender instruments have long been embraced as a canvas for creative expression. From paint colors inspired by classic cars to modding hardware and swapping pickups, musicians across decades and genres have made each instrument their own. Modification isnāt just part of the Fender storyāitās at the heart of it, fueling a legacy of innovation, individuality, and sonic evolution. Starting this April, Fender will bring the Mod Shop experience to players in key markets across London and Melbourne. In each city, Fender will transform a local auto shop into an immersive guitar garage āinviting musicians to get their instruments ātuned upā by a team of Fender mechanics. By night, the space will shift gears into a live venue, where English Teacher (UK) and Hot Machine (AUS) will take the stage with the new Player II Modified series, showcasing the upgraded guitars in action.
āIDLES is the kind of band that pushes boundaries every time they plug in," said Evan Jones, CMO Fender. "Their energy, on-stage presence, experimentation, and refusal to stay in one lane resonates with all of us here at Fender. The Player II Modified series is built for artists like themāmusicians who want to evolve their sound, are looking to push boundaries, and make something uniquely their own. We're also excited to bring that spirit of modification & innovation of the Player II Modified Series to life with our upcoming Fender Mod Shop events in London and Melbourne in the coming months. With the Player II Modified series at its core, we're not just showcasing new gear; we're building on our commitment to continually give players & musicians at all levels the ability to find, adjust and perfect their sound.ā
Player II Modified Stratocaster
The Player II Modified StratocasterĀ® is a classic guitar with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic StratĀ® chime and sparkle while eliminating unwanted noise and the push/pull switch on the 2nd tone control provides even more tonal flexibility by adding the neck pickup into switch positions 1 and 2. The 2-point tremolo, short post locking tuners, TUSQĀ® nut, and modern string tree all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable, while the wider travel of the chamfered tremolo block allows players to coax even more expressive, musical vibrato from their instrument. Maple Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Sunshine Yellow and Harvest Green Metallic. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in Dusk, Electric Blue, and Olympic Pearl.
Player II Modified StratocasterĀ® HSS Floyd RoseĀ®
The Player II Modified StratocasterĀ® HSS Floyd RoseĀ® is a classic guitar with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the ModernāCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 12ā-radius slab rosewood fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Modified humbucker is articulate with plenty of output and the Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic StratĀ® chime and sparkle while eliminating unwanted noise. For additional tonal flexibility, the push/pull switch on the 2nd tone control splits the bridge humbucker for classic StratĀ® single-coil tones. The Floyd RoseĀ® Special tremolo enables subtle-to-wild tremolo action while keeping the guitar perfectly in tune and ready for more. Offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Dusk and Olympic Pearl.
Player II Modified TelecasterĀ®
The Player II Modified TelecasterĀ® is a classic guitar with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic TeleĀ® twang and bite while eliminating unwanted noise and the push/pull switch on the tone control provides even more tonal flexibility by changing the pickup wiring from parallel to series for fatter tones. The 6-saddle bridge, short post locking tuners, TUSQĀ® nut, and modern string tree all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding bends or roaring rock leads. Maple Fingerboard offered in Olympic Pearl, Electric Blue and Sunshine Yellow. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Dusk and Harvest Green Metallic.
Player II Modified Active Precision BassĀ®
The Player II Modified Active Precision BassĀ® is a classic bass with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and 20 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ PJ pickups deliver classic Fender thump and growl while eliminating unwanted noise and the all-new active preamp with passive tone control and improved EQ section gives players the perfect tool to dial in their favorite tones. The 4-saddle HiMassā¢ bridge, tapered-shaft tuners, and TUSQĀ® nut all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding performances. Maple Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Dusk and Sunshine Yellow. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in Olympic Pearl and Harvest Green Metallic.
Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ®Ā
The Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ® is a classic bass with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and20 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic Jazz BassĀ® growl while eliminating unwanted noise while the all-new active preamp with passive tone control and EQ section gives players the perfect tool to dial in their favorite tones. The 4-saddle HiMassā¢ bridge, tapered-shaft tuners, and TUSQĀ® nut all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding performances. Maple Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst, Olympic Pearl and Electric Blue. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in Dusk, and Harvest Green Metallic.
Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ® V
The Player II Modified Active Jazz BassĀ® V is a classic bass with the modern player in mind. Everything about the neck is designed for fast and fluid playability, from the Modern āCā-profile with silky satin urethane finish on the back to the comfy 9.5ā-radius slab rosewood or 1-piece maple fingerboard with smooth rolled edges and20 medium jumbo frets. The alder body provides classic Fender punch and is available in a variety of exciting new finishes. The Player II Noiselessā¢ pickups deliver classic Jazz BassĀ® growl while eliminating unwanted noise while the all-new active preamp with passive tone control and EQ section gives players the perfect tool to dial in their favorite tones. The 5-saddle HiMassā¢ bridge, tapered-shaft tuners, and TUSQĀ® nut all combine to keep tuning incredibly stable for even the most demanding performances. Maple Fingerboard offered in Dusk and Olympic Pearl. Rosewood Fingerboard offered in 3 Tone Sunburst and Electric Blue.
āAll the kids in all L.A. / Come to hear Dick Dale play,ā or so goes the title track from Dick Daleās Wrecking Crew-heavy 1963 album, King of the Surf Guitar. Immodest though it might seem to proclaim such a status, he was indeed at the top of the heap.
For many, Daleās legend precedes him. His sound, first heard in a So Cal beach ballroom, created the surf guitar vocabulary and transformed the guitar universe, starting with the 1962 release of his take on the traditional song āMisrlou.ā Ever the showman, he worked closely with Leo Fender developing the right gear for the gig as he played his ripping instrumentals to larger and larger audiences. He also inspired a Hendrix lyric and had a late-career renaissance thanks to Quentin Tarantino.
In this episode of 100 Guitarists, weāre talking all things surf rock, from reverb to tremolo picking and much more. And while āMisrlouā is undisputedly his most influential work, maybe Daleās best records didnāt come until a few decades later.
This episode is sponsored byTraveler Guitar.
