Fender Player II Jazzmaster in 3 Tone Sunburst Electric Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Player II Jazzmaster in 3-Color Sunburst combines the unmistakable offset shape and wide single-coil voice of a Jazzmaster with a noticeably more straightforward, modern playing specification.

An alder body is paired with a maple Modern “C” neck and slab rosewood fingerboard, while rolled fingerboard edges, a 9.5-inch radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets give the Player II a comfortable contemporary feel. Two Player Series Alnico V Jazzmaster single-coils provide the broad, articulate response that makes this design such an effective choice for indie, alternative, shoegaze, surf, rock, ambient and experimental guitar.

Unlike a traditional vintage-spec Jazzmaster, the Player II uses a simplified master volume, master tone and three-way pickup selector, making it especially appealing to players who love the Jazzmaster format but do not need the additional rhythm circuit controls.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Player II
Model	Jazzmaster
Finish	3-Color Sunburst
Condition	New
Body	Alder
Fingerboard	Slab Rosewood
Neck Profile	Modern “C”
Scale Length	25.5"
Pickups	2 x Player Series Alnico V Jazzmaster Single-Coils
Bridge	Jazzmaster Bridge with Mustang Saddles
Tremolo	Vintage-Style Floating Tremolo
Main Appeal	Classic Jazzmaster character with modern, simplified playability
Best For	Indie, alternative, shoegaze, surf, rock, ambient and studio use

What's In The Box?

• Fender Player II Jazzmaster

• Pop-in vintage-style Jazzmaster tremolo arm

• 3/16" hex truss-rod wrench

• ✘ Hard case not included

• ✘ Gig bag not included

• ✘ No additional accessories included

Why Choose The Fender Player II Jazzmaster?

Genuine Jazzmaster Single-Coil Character

The Player II uses two Player Series Alnico V Jazzmaster single-coil pickups, giving you the wide, clear and harmonically rich sound that makes a Jazzmaster different from a Stratocaster, Telecaster or humbucker-equipped offset.

Modern “C” Neck With Rolled Edges

The maple neck combines Fender's familiar Modern “C” profile with a satin finish on the back and smooth rolled fingerboard edges. It feels approachable from the first play and is equally comfortable for chord work, lead lines and effects-heavy alternative styles.

9.5-Inch Rosewood Fingerboard

The slab rosewood fingerboard uses a contemporary 9.5-inch radius with 22 medium-jumbo frets. It provides a useful balance between comfortable rhythm playing and enough flatness for expressive bends and modern lead work.

Mustang-Style Bridge Saddles

Fender fits the Player II with a Jazzmaster bridge using Mustang saddles, helping keep the strings securely positioned while retaining the floating bridge and tremolo arrangement that forms such an important part of the Jazzmaster experience.

Simplified Controls

Instead of the additional rhythm circuit found on many traditional Jazzmasters, the Player II keeps things direct with master volume, master tone and three-way pickup switching. It is an excellent choice if you want genuine Jazzmaster pickups and tremolo response without a more complicated control layout.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender Player II Jazzmaster vs Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster

The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazzmaster is the more affordable and more traditionally styled option, including a dedicated rhythm circuit and vintage-inspired hardware. The Player II steps up to a Fender-branded instrument with alder construction, slab rosewood fingerboard, rolled edges, medium-jumbo frets, Player Series pickups and a simplified control layout. Choose the Squier for vintage-style features at a lower price; choose the Player II for a more modern Fender playing experience.

Fender Player II Jazzmaster vs Vintera II '50s Jazzmaster

The Vintera II '50s Jazzmaster is aimed at players who specifically want a vintage-inspired neck, period-style electronics and traditional Jazzmaster control layout. The Player II has a flatter 9.5-inch fingerboard, medium-jumbo frets, rolled edges and simplified controls. Choose the Vintera II for vintage character; choose Player II for contemporary comfort and easier everyday operation.

Fender Player II Jazzmaster vs American Professional II Jazzmaster

The American Professional II Jazzmaster moves into Fender's premium USA-made range with higher-spec pickups, expanded switching, upgraded neck construction and additional professional refinements. The Player II offers the essential modern Jazzmaster experience at a more accessible level and is ideal if you do not require the additional American Professional II features.

Fender Player II Jazzmaster vs Player II Jaguar

Both belong to Fender's offset family, but they feel and respond differently. The Jazzmaster uses a 25.5-inch scale and wide Jazzmaster single-coils, giving it a more expansive feel and response. The Jaguar uses a shorter scale and its own distinctive pickup and switching character. Choose the Jazzmaster for full-scale Fender feel and broad single-coil tones; consider the Jaguar if you specifically prefer a shorter-scale offset.

Who Is The Fender Player II Jazzmaster For?

The Player II Jazzmaster is particularly well suited to:

• Indie and alternative guitarists

• Shoegaze players

• Surf musicians

• Ambient and experimental players

• Rock guitarists wanting something different from a Strat or Tele

• Pedalboard-heavy musicians

• Home and studio recording players

• Guitarists who like offset Fender body shapes

• Players upgrading from a Squier Jazzmaster

• Musicians who want real Jazzmaster single-coils without traditional rhythm-circuit complexity

• Players who prefer rosewood fingerboards

• Guitarists looking for a versatile contemporary Fender

It is especially appealing if you have always liked the look and sound of a Jazzmaster but have been put off by the additional controls and more vintage-specific feel of traditional versions.

Suitable Genres And Uses

The Player II Jazzmaster feels particularly at home in indie, alternative rock, shoegaze, surf, post-punk, ambient, psychedelic music and experimental guitar, but it is far from restricted to those styles.

The neck pickup provides a broad, smooth sound for clean chords, atmospheric textures and warmer lead work, while the bridge pickup offers greater cut and attack for driven rhythm sounds and more aggressive parts. Using both pickups together gives a balanced response that works especially well with modulation, delay and reverb.

Its floating tremolo also encourages a different style of expression from a conventional hardtail guitar, making subtle pitch movement, chord shimmer and atmospheric effects easy to incorporate into your playing.

Jazzmaster Pickups vs Stratocaster Pickups: What's The Difference?

Although both are single-coil designs, a traditional-style Jazzmaster pickup is physically wider and constructed differently from a Stratocaster pickup. That gives the Jazzmaster its own recognisable character rather than simply sounding like a Strat in an offset body.

The Player II's Alnico V Jazzmaster pickups are a strong choice when you want clarity, broad frequency response and enough attack to remain articulate through effects. This is one reason Jazzmasters have become such popular platforms for players using fuzz, modulation, delay and large ambient pedalboards.

Compatibility And Practical Pairing Advice

Guitar Amplifiers

The Player II Jazzmaster works particularly well through clean and edge-of-breakup amplifiers where the character of its pickups remains easy to hear.

It is equally comfortable with modern modelling systems and higher-gain amplifiers, particularly when the bridge pickup is used for extra definition.

Effects Pedals

Jazzmasters are famously effective with pedals. Particularly useful pairings include:

• Reverb

• Delay

• Chorus

• Vibrato

• Phaser

• Tremolo

• Fuzz

• Overdrive

• Distortion

• Compressor

For shoegaze and ambient playing, stacking reverb, delay and modulation with the floating tremolo opens up a huge range of textural possibilities.

Cases And Gig Bags

A case or gig bag is not included with the Player II Jazzmaster. If you plan to travel regularly with the guitar, a correctly sized Jazzmaster/Jaguar case or padded offset-guitar gig bag is a sensible addition.

Strings

The factory specification uses .009-.042 nickel-plated steel strings. Heavier strings can be fitted, but changing gauge can alter neck relief, action, intonation and the balance of the floating tremolo, so a setup is recommended after significant changes.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Jazzmaster, guitar amplifier, effects pedals or protective case? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

Fender introduced the Jazzmaster in 1958 as a new top-of-the-range electric guitar, originally hoping its offset body, advanced electronics and comfortable seated playing position would appeal to professional jazz musicians.

Its eventual story took a very different direction. The Jazzmaster became closely associated with surf music before later finding a new audience among punk, new wave, indie, alternative and experimental players. Its offset shape, floating tremolo and distinctive pickups made it particularly attractive to guitarists looking beyond conventional Stratocaster and Telecaster sounds.

The Player II Series launched in 2024 as the next generation of Fender's Player range. On the Jazzmaster, the idea is particularly clear: retain the offset shape, genuine Jazzmaster single-coil pickups and floating tremolo, but combine them with a Modern “C” neck, rolled fingerboard edges and a much simpler control layout.

The result is one of the easiest ways into a Fender Jazzmaster for somebody who wants the essential character of the design without committing to every vintage-era feature.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Player II
Model	Jazzmaster
Orientation	Right-Handed
Colour	3-Color Sunburst
Body Material	Alder
Body Shape	Jazzmaster
Body Style	Solid Body
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Modern “C”
Neck Construction	4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane on Back with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
Fingerboard Material	Slab 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
Side Dots	White
Nut Material	Synthetic Bone
Nut Width	1.650" / 42 mm
Truss Rod	Single Action, Head Adjust
Truss Rod Adjustment	3/16" Hex
Bridge Pickup	Player Series Alnico 5 Jazzmaster Single-Coil
Neck Pickup	Player Series Alnico 5 Jazzmaster Single-Coil
Pickup Configuration	SS
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Pickup Selector	3-Position Toggle
Position 1	Bridge Pickup
Position 2	Bridge And Neck Pickups
Position 3	Neck Pickup
Bridge	Jazzmaster Bridge with Mustang Saddles
Bridge Mounting	Floating
Tailpiece	Vintage-Style Floating Tremolo
Tremolo Arm	Pop-In Vintage-Style Jazzmaster
Tuning Machines	Fender ClassicGear
Hardware Finish	Nickel / Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply Black / White / Black
Pickup Covers	Aged White
Control Knobs	Aged White Plastic
Switch Tip	Aged White
Neck Plate	4-Bolt with “F” Logo
Strap Buttons	Standard
String Tree	Butterfly
Strings	Fender USA 250L Nickel-Plated Steel .009-.042
Case / Gig Bag	Not Included

Power Requirements

The Fender Player II Jazzmaster uses passive single-coil pickups and does not require a battery.

Connect it to a suitable guitar amplifier, effects system, modeller or audio interface using a standard instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Player II Jazzmaster is one of the most approachable ways to get into a genuine Fender Jazzmaster without losing the features that make the design special.

The real strength is the balance between offset character and modern practicality. You still get proper Jazzmaster single-coil pickups, a floating tremolo and the unmistakable offset body, but the Modern “C” neck, rolled rosewood board and simplified controls make it considerably easier to approach than a strict vintage recreation.

Best suited for: Indie, alternative, shoegaze, surf and effects-driven players wanting a modern Fender Jazzmaster.

Customers usually upgrade from: Squier Affinity, Sonic and Classic Vibe Jazzmaster models, or other entry-to-intermediate offset guitars.

Most commonly paired with: Reverb, delay, fuzz, modulation pedals, clean or edge-of-breakup amplifiers and a padded Jazzmaster gig bag.

Our tip: If you are choosing between the Player II and a Vintera-style Jazzmaster, decide how important the traditional rhythm circuit is to you. If you prefer straightforward controls and modern playability, the Player II is likely to be the better fit.

Showroom feedback: The rolled fingerboard edges and medium-jumbo frets make the Player II feel immediately accessible. It retains the visual and sonic personality players want from a Jazzmaster without demanding that they adapt to every vintage feature.

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 customers choose guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, drums, studio equipment and much more.

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

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Decades of experience with new and pre-owned musical instruments and equipment

If you're deciding between a Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Stratocaster or another Fender model, speak to our team for friendly musician-to-musician advice before you buy.

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

Does the Player II Jazzmaster have the traditional Jazzmaster rhythm circuit?

No. The Player II uses a simplified master volume, master tone and three-position pickup selector. This makes it easier to operate than a traditional dual-circuit Jazzmaster while retaining genuine Jazzmaster-style single-coil pickups.

Are the Player II Jazzmaster pickups humbuckers?

No. It uses two Player Series Alnico V Jazzmaster single-coil pickups. They provide the broad, clear response associated with the Jazzmaster format rather than the thicker character of a humbucker.

Is the Player II Jazzmaster good for shoegaze?

Yes. The combination of Jazzmaster single-coils, floating tremolo and strong compatibility with reverb, delay, fuzz and modulation makes it particularly well suited to shoegaze and other texture-heavy styles.

Is a Jazzmaster harder to play than a Stratocaster?

Not inherently. This Player II model uses the same 25.5-inch Fender scale length found on a Stratocaster, alongside a comfortable Modern “C” neck, 9.5-inch radius and medium-jumbo frets. The main differences are its offset body, pickups, bridge and tremolo arrangement.

What are the advantages of Mustang bridge saddles?

The grooved Mustang-style saddles help hold each string in position securely while maintaining the floating bridge arrangement associated with the Jazzmaster. They are a practical update for players who want to use the guitar aggressively without losing the essential offset bridge concept.

Can I use the floating tremolo for subtle chord movement?

Yes. This is one of the Jazzmaster's strongest creative features. The floating system works especially well for gentle pitch movement across full chords, making it ideal for surf, ambient, indie and shoegaze playing.

Can I fit heavier strings to the Player II Jazzmaster?

Yes. Many Jazzmaster players choose heavier gauges, particularly if they want a firmer feel. A significant gauge change can affect the neck and floating tremolo setup, so adjustment is recommended afterwards.

Should I choose a Player II Jazzmaster or a Telecaster?

Choose the Jazzmaster if you value the offset body, floating tremolo, wider-sounding single-coil pickups and effects-friendly character. Choose a Telecaster if you prefer a fixed bridge, sharper traditional attack and an even simpler hardware layout.