Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster in Electric Blue, Electric Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster in Electric Blue takes the familiar Player II Strat formula and adds the sort of practical upgrades guitarists often fit after buying their instrument. With Player II Noiseless Strat pickups, locking tuners, a TUSQ nut, treble-bleed circuit, expanded pickup switching and an upgraded two-point tremolo, this is a Stratocaster designed for players who want classic Fender versatility with a more performance-focused specification straight from the factory.

The traditional alder body is paired with a comfortable Modern “C” maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, while rolled fingerboard edges and 22 medium-jumbo frets give it a smooth, familiar playing feel. Its vivid Electric Blue finish and white pearloid pickguard add a contemporary visual edge without losing the unmistakable Stratocaster identity.

For gigging, recording, rehearsals or simply upgrading from a more basic Strat, the Player II Modified offers meaningful improvements in tuning stability, noise control and tonal flexibility without turning the guitar into an overly complicated instrument.

At A Glance

Feature	Detail
Brand	Fender
Model	Player II Modified Stratocaster
Model Number	0147420335
Series	Player II Modified
Finish	Electric Blue
Body	Alder
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Pickups	3 x Player II Noiseless Strat Single-Coils
Special Switching	Push/Pull Neck Pickup Add
Tuners	Short-Post Locking
Main Appeal	Factory-upgraded modern Strat with noiseless SSS versatility
Best For	Gigging, recording, blues, rock, indie, pop, funk and modern Strat players

What's Included?

• Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster in Electric Blue

• Fender Deluxe Gig Bag

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new electric guitar sold through Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving us, with attention given to the instrument's electronics, controls, hardware and general setup.

For the Player II Modified Stratocaster, this includes checking the standard five-way pickup selection, additional push/pull switching, controls, locking tuners and tremolo operation.

As with any guitar, setup can shift slightly during delivery because wood responds naturally to changes in temperature and humidity. If you need advice on neck relief, action, tremolo adjustment, string gauge or general setup after delivery, our experienced team is happy to help.

Why Choose The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster?

Player II Noiseless Strat Pickups

Three Player II Noiseless Strat pickups are designed to retain the bright, articulate character associated with a traditional Stratocaster while reducing the unwanted electrical hum that can accompany conventional single coils.

That makes them particularly useful for live stages, home studios, high-gain rigs and pedal-heavy setups where noise control matters.

Two Extra Pickup Combinations

A push/pull switch built into the second tone control adds the neck pickup when you're using selector positions 1 or 2.

This expands the usual five Stratocaster settings with two additional combinations, including the bridge and neck pickups together and all three pickups simultaneously.

It gives you extra sounds without adding extra switches to the pickguard or changing the familiar Strat control layout.

Treble-Bleed Volume Circuit

Reducing a conventional guitar's volume can sometimes remove top-end clarity at the same time. The Player II Modified uses a treble-bleed circuit to help retain high frequencies as you roll down the volume.

For players who regularly clean up an overdriven amplifier or pedal using the guitar's volume control, this is a genuinely useful performance feature.

Locking Tuners And TUSQ Nut

Fender's short-post locking tuning machines, TUSQ nut and modern string tree are all aimed at improving string management and tuning stability.

Locking tuners also make string changes faster, which is useful for working musicians who do not want to spend unnecessary time winding strings around tuning posts.

Upgraded Two-Point Tremolo

The two-point synchronized tremolo uses block saddles and a chamfered tremolo block designed to provide greater movement for expressive vibrato.

Combined with the locking tuners and TUSQ nut, the tremolo system forms part of a more complete performance-oriented package rather than being an isolated upgrade.

Key Features

• Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster

• Electric Blue gloss finish

• Alder Stratocaster body

• Maple Modern “C” neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Rolled fingerboard edges

• 9.5" fingerboard radius

• 22 medium-jumbo frets

• Three Player II Noiseless Strat pickups

• Traditional SSS pickup configuration

• Five-way blade pickup selector

• Push/pull neck-pickup add switch

• Master Volume with treble-bleed circuit

• Separate neck/middle and bridge tone controls

• Two-point synchronized tremolo

• Block saddles

• Chamfered tremolo block

• Deluxe cast/sealed locking tuners

• All-short-post tuner design

• TUSQ nut

• Modern dual-wing string tree

• White pearloid pickguard

• Nickel/chrome hardware

• Fender Deluxe Gig Bag included

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Player II Modified Stratocaster vs Player II Stratocaster

The standard Fender Player II Stratocaster is an excellent choice if you want a straightforward modern Fender with traditional Alnico V single-coil pickups and the core Stratocaster specification.

The Player II Modified moves towards the player who might otherwise upgrade that guitar later. You gain Noiseless pickups, locking tuners, a TUSQ nut, treble-bleed electronics, additional neck-pickup switching and modified tremolo hardware from the factory.

Choose the standard Player II if simplicity and traditional single-coil character are your priorities. Choose the Modified if the performance upgrades are features you would realistically add yourself.

Player II Modified SSS vs Player II Modified HSS

The Player II Modified HSS Stratocaster replaces the bridge single coil with a higher-output Player II Modified humbucker, while the push/pull control splits that humbucker for additional single-coil-style sounds.

The SSS model here is better suited to players who specifically want three Strat-style pickups and traditional single-coil balance across the guitar. Choose the HSS if heavier rock, more bridge output and humbucker drive are higher priorities.

Player II Modified Stratocaster vs Player II Modified HSS Floyd Rose

The Floyd Rose version takes the Modified idea further towards high-performance rock playing, with a locking tremolo and flatter 12" fingerboard radius.

This standard SSS Player II Modified is the more natural option for blues, indie, funk, pop, classic rock and general-purpose Strat playing. It also keeps tremolo adjustment and string changes considerably more straightforward than a double-locking system.

Player II Modified Stratocaster vs American Professional II Stratocaster

The American Professional II Stratocaster moves into Fender's US-made professional range, with its own V-Mod II pickups, Deep “C” neck profile and higher-tier construction and appointments.

The Player II Modified is an appealing alternative for musicians who care most about practical performance upgrades. Its noiseless pickups, locking tuners and expanded switching provide a particularly complete specification without moving into American-made pricing.

Who Is The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster For?

This model is ideal for players who love the fundamental Stratocaster formula but would normally start thinking about modifications soon after buying one.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Gigging guitarists

• Recording musicians

• Players upgrading from a Squier or entry-level Fender

• Existing Player-Series owners wanting additional features

• Guitarists frustrated by traditional single-coil hum

• Players who regularly use tremolo

• Musicians wanting faster string changes

• Guitarists who control gain from their guitar's volume knob

• Blues and rock players

• Indie and alternative musicians

• Funk, soul and pop guitarists

• Pedalboard users

• Players wanting traditional SSS sounds with additional switching flexibility

Looking for advice on choosing between the Fender Player II, Player II Modified SSS or Player II Modified HSS? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Suitable Genres And Playing Styles

The Player II Modified Stratocaster retains the fundamental versatility that makes the SSS Strat one of the most useful electric guitar formats available.

The neck pickup works beautifully for blues, expressive lead playing, cleaner rhythm parts and warmer chord work, while the bridge pickup provides greater attack for rock, indie and driven sounds. Positions two and four offer the textured combined-pickup sounds associated with funk, soul, pop and cleaner rhythm playing.

The additional neck-pickup switching opens up sounds that a conventional five-way Strat cannot provide, while the noiseless design makes the guitar particularly practical when using compression, overdrive, distortion or other effects that can exaggerate background noise.

What Does The Player II Modified Stratocaster Push/Pull Switch Do?

On a traditional Stratocaster, the five-way switch cannot normally combine the neck and bridge pickups together.

Pulling the second tone control on the Player II Modified activates the neck pickup when the selector is in positions 1 or 2.

With the selector on the bridge pickup, the push/pull switch therefore gives you bridge and neck together. This provides a broader two-pickup sound that sits outside the conventional five Strat positions.

When the selector is in bridge-and-middle position, engaging the push/pull adds the neck pickup as well, allowing all three pickups to operate together.

This gives the Player II Modified seven useful pickup combinations from a control layout that still looks and feels essentially like a traditional Stratocaster.

Why Choose Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups?

Traditional single-coil pickups have a distinctive clarity and openness, but they can also introduce mains hum into a guitar signal.

That noise can become increasingly noticeable when you use high-gain amplifiers, compression, distortion and large pedalboards.

The Player II Noiseless Strat pickups are designed to reduce that unwanted noise while maintaining the bright, articulate response players expect from a Strat-style pickup.

For recording, stage use and modern pedal rigs, this can make the guitar easier to manage without relying as heavily on noise gates or constantly muting between parts.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Player II Modified Stratocaster uses standard passive guitar electronics and will work with virtually any conventional electric guitar setup.

It pairs particularly well with:

• Fender guitar amplifiers

• Valve combo amplifiers

• Digital modelling amplifiers

• Multi-effects processors

• Overdrive and boost pedals

• Fuzz and distortion

• Compressor pedals

• Chorus and modulation

• Delay and reverb

• Wah pedals

• Pedalboards

• Audio interfaces

• Guitar modellers and profilers

The noiseless pickups make it a particularly strong platform for players with larger pedalboards or recording setups where unnecessary background noise can quickly become distracting.

Story & Context

Fender introduced the original Player II Series in July 2024, updating its hugely important Player platform with refinements including rolled fingerboard edges, renewed rosewood fingerboard options and modern player-focused details.

The Player II Modified Series followed in April 2025. Rather than creating an entirely different guitar family, Fender took familiar Player II instruments and incorporated the types of modifications guitarists have historically made themselves.

For the Stratocaster, that meant concentrating on practical improvements: Noiseless pickups, expanded wiring, a treble-bleed circuit, locking tuners, a TUSQ nut and revised tremolo hardware.

That makes the Player II Modified an interesting continuation of Fender's long relationship with guitar modification. The basic Stratocaster remains immediately recognisable, but many of the common aftermarket upgrades are already fitted before the guitar reaches the player.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Brand	Fender
Model	Player II Modified Stratocaster
Model Number	0147420335
Series	Player II Modified
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	Electric Blue
Body Shape	Stratocaster
Body Material	Alder
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Modern “C”
Neck Construction	4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number Of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Position Inlays	White Dot
Nut Material	TUSQ
Nut Width	1.650" / 42 mm
Bridge Pickup	Player II Noiseless Strat
Middle Pickup	Player II Noiseless Strat
Neck Pickup	Player II Noiseless Strat
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Controls	Master Volume with Treble-Bleed, Tone 1 Neck/Middle, Tone 2 Bridge
Standard Switching	5-Position Blade
Auxiliary Switching	Push/Pull on Tone 2 Adds Neck Pickup
Bridge	2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles and Chamfered Tremolo Block
Tuning Machines	Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking, All Short Posts
String Tree	Modern Dual-Wing
Hardware Finish	Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard	4-Ply White Pearloid
Pickup Covers	Parchment
Control Knobs	Parchment Plastic
Neck Plate	4-Bolt with “F” Logo
Factory Strings	Fender USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel .009–.042
Truss Rod	Single Action, Head Adjust
Case / Gig Bag	Deluxe Gig Bag

Power Requirements

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster uses passive electronics and does not require a battery.

Connect it to your amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster in Electric Blue makes a lot of sense for guitarists who like the traditional Strat formula but already know which practical upgrades they want.

Rather than changing what makes a Stratocaster useful, Fender has concentrated on solving common real-world requirements: lower pickup noise, improved tuning stability, faster string changes, better high-frequency retention from the volume control and additional pickup combinations.

Best suited for: Gigging guitarists, serious intermediate players, home and studio musicians and Strat fans wanting modern performance without abandoning an SSS layout.

Customers usually upgrade from: Squier Classic Vibe models, Fender Standard or older Player Stratocasters and more basic S-style electric guitars.

Most commonly paired with: Valve or modelling amplifiers, overdrive, boost, compression, delay, reverb and versatile pedalboards.

Our tip: Try the neck-add switch with the selector in the bridge position. The resulting neck-and-bridge combination is one of the most useful additions because it gives you a sound unavailable from a conventional five-way Strat.

Showroom feedback: The strength of the Player II Modified is that its upgrades solve genuine practical issues without making the instrument feel unfamiliar. If you already know you want locking tuners and quieter pickups, it can make much more sense to buy those features as part of the guitar from day one.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps guitarists choose instruments based on what will genuinely suit their playing, sound and budget. Whether you're moving up from a Squier, comparing Player II models or looking for a dependable professional gigging Stratocaster, we're happy to help you choose the right guitar.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Extensive experience with Fender electric guitars and pre-owned equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Player II and Player II Modified Stratocaster?

The Player II Modified builds on the basic Player II platform with performance-focused upgrades including Player II Noiseless pickups, locking tuners, a TUSQ nut, treble-bleed circuit, additional pickup switching and revised tremolo hardware. It is aimed at players who might otherwise make similar aftermarket modifications themselves.

Are the Player II Modified Stratocaster pickups active?

No. The Player II Noiseless Strat pickups are part of a passive guitar electronics system, so the guitar does not require a battery.

Does the Player II Modified Strat still sound like a Stratocaster?

Yes. It retains three Strat-style pickups, a conventional five-way blade selector and the familiar SSS layout. The main difference is that the pickups are designed for substantially reduced hum and the push/pull control adds two additional combinations.

Can the neck and bridge pickups be used together?

Yes. Pull the second tone control while the selector is in the bridge position and the neck pickup is added, allowing both the bridge and neck pickups to operate together.

Can I use all three pickups simultaneously?

Yes. Select the standard bridge-and-middle position and engage the neck-add push/pull control. This activates the neck pickup alongside the other two.

What does the treble-bleed circuit do?

It helps retain high-frequency clarity as the guitar's volume is reduced. This is particularly useful if you use your volume knob to move between driven and cleaner sounds while playing.

Are locking tuners useful if I don't use the tremolo?

Yes. Their benefits are not limited to tremolo use. They simplify string changes and reduce the amount of string that needs to be wound around each tuning post.

Is the Player II Modified suitable for blues?

Very much so. Its neck pickup, dynamic controls and 25.5" scale make it a natural fit for blues, while the noiseless design can be useful when using compression, boosts and overdriven amplifiers.

Should I choose the SSS or HSS Player II Modified Stratocaster?

Choose this SSS version if traditional Stratocaster-style sounds are central to what you want. Choose the HSS if you need greater output and thickness from the bridge position for heavier rock and high-gain playing.

Is the Player II Modified Stratocaster suitable for professional gigging?

Yes. Features such as locking tuners, noiseless pickups, a treble-bleed circuit and expanded switching are particularly relevant to regular stage use, while the included Deluxe Gig Bag provides practical transport protection.

Fair Deal Music Expert Recommendation

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster in Electric Blue is one of the most logical choices in the Fender range for a player who wants a gig-ready modern Strat without immediately planning a list of aftermarket upgrades.

The core instrument remains reassuringly familiar: alder body, maple Modern “C” neck, rosewood fingerboard, 25.5" scale and three Strat pickups. The difference is in the details that become increasingly valuable once you start gigging and recording regularly.

Noiseless pickups, locking tuners, expanded switching, treble-bleed electronics and the upgraded tremolo systemall contribute something useful, while Electric Blue and the white pearloid pickguard give this version enough visual identity to stand apart from a more conventional Strat.

For the guitarist who wants classic Fender ergonomics with modern working-player refinements already fitted, this is a particularly strong option.