Description

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Player II Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde takes one of the most recognisable electric guitar designs ever made and equips it with modern, player-friendly refinements. Classic Telecaster simplicity remains at its heart, but rolled fingerboard edges, 22 medium-jumbo frets, a Modern C neck profile and precise six-saddle bridge make this a guitar designed for today's working and developing players.

This particular Butterscotch Blonde version pairs a chambered ash body with a maple neck and maple fingerboard, creating a distinctive combination of traditional Tele styling and contemporary construction. The black three-ply pickguard completes the familiar Butterscotch Tele look.

Two Player Series Alnico V Telecaster single-coil pickups provide the clear attack, defined midrange and characteristic Tele response needed for everything from clean country picking and funk to blues, indie, rock and driven lead work.

Whether you're moving up from a Squier, looking for your first serious Fender or simply want a dependable Telecaster that can handle regular rehearsals, recording and live work, the Player II Telecaster is an exceptionally versatile choice.

At A Glance

Feature Details
Brand Fender
Model Player II Telecaster
Series Player II
Finish Butterscotch Blonde
Condition New
Body Chambered Ash
Neck Maple, Modern C
Fingerboard Maple with Rolled Edges
Frets 22 Medium Jumbo
Pickups 2 x Player Series Alnico V Tele Single-Coils
Bridge 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Telecaster
Main Appeal Classic Tele character with refined modern playability
Best For Rock, blues, country, indie, pop, funk, recording and live performance

What's Included?

  • Fender Player II Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde

  • 3/16" truss rod adjustment wrench

  • ✘ No case or gig bag included

  • ✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every new guitar supplied by Fair Deal Music is checked before leaving the shop.

For the Fender Player II Telecaster, our team checks the neck, frets, bridge, tuning machines, pickup selector, electronics, controls, output and overall playing condition before dispatch.

The guitar is also checked and set up before leaving Fair Deal Music. Setup can move slightly during delivery because temperature and humidity changes naturally affect neck relief, string tension and action.

Setup & Playing Feel

The Player II Telecaster combines traditional Fender dimensions with several welcome refinements aimed at everyday playability.

Its Modern C-shaped maple neck provides a comfortable all-round profile rather than pushing strongly towards either a thick vintage neck or ultra-thin performance design.

The 9.5-inch-radius maple fingerboard features rolled edges, helping create a smoother, more played-in sensation along the sides of the neck. Combined with 22 medium-jumbo frets, this makes the Player II equally comfortable for chord work, string bending and lead playing.

Why Choose The Fender Player II Telecaster?

Chambered Ash Body

This Butterscotch Blonde version uses a chambered ash body, differentiating it from the alder-bodied versions elsewhere in the Player II range.

The chambering helps manage overall mass while retaining the distinctive feel of an ash-bodied Telecaster, making this particular finish an especially interesting option for players who want something beyond the standard alder specification.

Player Series Alnico V Telecaster Pickups

The two Player Series Alnico V single-coils retain the straightforward Telecaster formula while providing plenty of clarity and output for contemporary playing.

The bridge pickup gives you the focused attack and definition that makes a Tele so effective for rhythm and lead work, while the neck pickup provides a rounder, smoother alternative.

Rolled Maple Fingerboard Edges

Rolled fingerboard edges are one of the most useful Player II upgrades.

Rather than leaving the edge feeling sharply defined, the sides are softened to create a more comfortable transition between the fingerboard and neck. It is a relatively subtle specification on paper but one that can make a noticeable difference during longer playing sessions.

Six-Saddle String-Through Bridge

The six-saddle string-through-body Telecaster bridge gives each string its own block-steel saddle.

This provides straightforward individual adjustment for string height and intonation while retaining the direct string-through construction associated with Telecaster design.

Fender ClassicGear Tuners

ClassicGear tuning machines combine a traditional appearance with smooth modern operation, providing accurate adjustment without looking out of place on a classic Telecaster design.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Fender Player II Telecaster vs Fender Standard Telecaster

The Fender Standard Telecaster is the more affordable route into a genuine Fender Tele. It uses a poplar body, ceramic Standard single-coil pickups and a Modern C maple neck.

The Player II moves up to Player Series Alnico V pickups, rolled fingerboard edges, 22 medium-jumbo frets and ClassicGear tuners. This Butterscotch Blonde version also gives you a chambered ash body.

Choose the Standard if budget and straightforward Fender ownership are the priorities. Choose the Player II if you want improved neck refinement, upgraded pickups and a specification better suited to long-term use.

Fender Player II Telecaster vs Player II Modified Telecaster

The Player II Modified Telecaster takes the concept further with Noiseless Telecaster pickups, locking tuners and expanded switching that can produce a fuller series-wired pickup sound.

The standard Player II is the better choice for players who want the familiar simplicity of conventional Telecaster electronics and traditional single-coil character. Choose the Modified if eliminating single-coil hum and adding extra switching options are worth the additional investment.

Fender Player II Telecaster vs Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster

The Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster offers a more vintage-inspired route into the Tele format at a lower price, making it an excellent choice for developing players and anyone drawn to old-school styling.

The Player II is the stronger long-term option if you want genuine Fender construction, Player Series pickups, rolled fingerboard edges, 22 medium-jumbo frets and more contemporary playability.

Fender Player II Telecaster vs American Professional II Telecaster

The American Professional II Telecaster sits considerably higher in Fender's range and is aimed at professional players wanting American-made construction and further refinements.

The Player II offers much of what many gigging and recording guitarists actually need at a considerably more accessible level. The American Professional II makes sense when premium USA manufacture and its additional professional-level specifications are priorities.

Who Is The Fender Player II Telecaster For?

The Player II Telecaster is particularly well suited to:

  • Players upgrading from Squier Sonic, Affinity or Classic Vibe models

  • Guitarists buying their first serious Fender electric guitar

  • Telecaster players who prefer a contemporary neck feel

  • Gigging musicians wanting simple, dependable electronics

  • Recording guitarists who need clearly defined single-coil tones

  • Indie, rock, blues and alternative guitarists

  • Country players who value traditional Telecaster attack

  • Singer-songwriters needing a versatile electric guitar

  • Players who prefer a fixed bridge over a tremolo

  • Experienced guitarists looking for a dependable everyday Telecaster

Suitable Genres & Playing Styles

The Telecaster's simple two-pickup layout has proved remarkably adaptable.

The bridge pickup excels at articulate rhythm playing, country picking, cutting rock riffs, punk, indie and driven lead sounds. Its naturally defined attack helps individual notes remain easy to hear within chords and band arrangements.

Switch to the neck pickup for warmer blues sounds, smoother lead playing and fuller clean tones, or combine both pickups for balanced rhythm sounds that work particularly well for pop, funk, soul and cleaner guitar parts.

The Player II Telecaster is therefore well suited to rock, country, blues, indie, alternative, pop, funk, punk and singer-songwriter material.

Why Do Rolled Fingerboard Edges Matter?

Rolled fingerboard edges recreate some of the smoother feel associated with a neck that has already seen plenty of playing time.

The change does not alter the basic dimensions of the neck; instead, it makes the outer edges of the fingerboard feel less abrupt against your fretting hand. On a guitar designed for rehearsals, sessions and gigs, that extra refinement can make extended playing noticeably more comfortable.

It is also one of the clearest practical upgrades that separates the Player II Series from Fender's more affordable Standard range.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Telecaster, Fender electric guitar or complete guitar setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The Telecaster was introduced in 1951, establishing a remarkably simple solid-body electric guitar formula: bolt-on neck construction, two pickups, straightforward controls and a fixed bridge.

That fundamental design has remained relevant across generations because it does not depend on complicated electronics or a particular style of music. Telecasters have subsequently found homes in country, blues, rock, punk, indie, pop and countless studio environments.

Fender launched the Player II Series in July 2024 as the successor to the original Player Series. Rather than completely redesigning the instruments, Fender focused on meaningful playing upgrades including rolled fingerboard edges while retaining familiar Modern C neck profiles and the established Player Series pickup approach.

The Butterscotch Blonde Player II Telecaster combines those newer refinements with one of the most recognisable Telecaster colour schemes, making it a particularly effective meeting point between classic Fender identity and modern everyday usability.

Technical Specifications

Specification Fender Player II Telecaster Butterscotch Blonde
Series Player II
Orientation Right-Handed
Body Shape Telecaster
Body Material Chambered Ash
Body Finish Gloss Polyester
Colour Butterscotch Blonde
Neck Material Maple
Neck Construction 4-Bolt Standard
Neck Shape Modern C
Neck Finish Satin Urethane Back with Gloss Urethane Front
Fingerboard Material Maple
Fingerboard Edges Rolled
Fingerboard Radius 9.5" / 241mm
Number Of Frets 22
Fret Size Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5" / 648mm
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Nut Width 1.650" / 42mm
Position Inlays Black Dot
Truss Rod Single Action, Head Adjust
Bridge Pickup Player Series Alnico V Tele Single-Coil
Neck Pickup Player Series Alnico V Tele Single-Coil
Pickup Configuration SS
Controls Master Volume, Master Tone
Pickup Selector 3-Position Blade
Bridge 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Tele with Block Steel Saddles
Bridge Mounting 4-Screw Vintage-Style
Tuning Machines Fender ClassicGear
Hardware Finish Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard 3-Ply Black/White/Black
Control Knobs Knurled Flat-Top
Neck Plate 4-Bolt with F Logo
String Tree Butterfly
Factory Strings Fender USA 250L Nickel-Plated Steel
Factory String Gauge .009-.042

Pickup Switching

The Player II Telecaster keeps switching deliberately straightforward:

Position 1 – Bridge Pickup
Bright, articulate and direct. Excellent for riffs, rhythm work, country-style picking and cutting lead sounds.

Position 2 – Bridge + Neck Pickups
A balanced combination that works particularly well for cleaner rhythm parts, pop, funk and general-purpose playing.

Position 3 – Neck Pickup
Rounder and warmer, making it useful for blues, melodic lead work and smoother clean tones.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Player II Telecaster uses conventional passive guitar electronics and works with standard guitar amplification, pedals, modellers and recording equipment.

Useful pairings include:

  • Fender Mustang modelling amplifiers

  • Fender Champion guitar amplifiers

  • Valve and solid-state guitar amps

  • Overdrive and boost pedals

  • Compressor pedals

  • Delay and reverb effects

  • Quality ¼-inch instrument cable

  • Pedal or clip-on tuner

  • Guitar strap

  • Guitar stand

  • Suitable Telecaster gig bag or hard case

  • Spare .009-.042 electric guitar strings

The Telecaster's clear response also makes it particularly useful for players building pedalboards, as its basic sound provides a strong foundation for overdrive, compression, modulation, delay and ambience.

Power Requirements

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

Connect the guitar to a suitable amplifier, modeller, effects processor or compatible audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Player II Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde is a superb choice for somebody who wants the simplicity of a traditional Telecaster with enough modern refinement to make it a comfortable everyday instrument.

The chambered ash body and classic Butterscotch Blonde appearance make this version particularly appealing, while the rolled-edge maple fingerboard is the feature you'll appreciate every time you pick it up.

Player Series Alnico V pickups provide the familiar clarity and attack expected from a Tele without making the guitar feel trapped in one style of music.

Best suited for: Intermediate, experienced and gigging guitarists looking for a versatile Fender Telecaster with classic character and modern playability.

Customers usually upgrade from: Squier Sonic, Affinity, Classic Vibe and other beginner-to-intermediate electric guitars.

Most commonly paired with: Fender guitar amplifiers, overdrive or compressor pedals, a quality instrument cable and a suitable Telecaster gig bag or hard case.

Our tip: Use your guitar's volume and tone controls rather than leaving everything permanently wide open. Telecaster pickups respond particularly well to small adjustments, giving you a surprising amount of tonal range from a very simple control layout.

Showroom feedback: The rolled fingerboard edges are one of the features that immediately separate the Player II from more entry-level instruments. This Butterscotch Blonde chambered ash version also has exactly the sort of traditional Tele appearance many players are looking for without feeling like a strict vintage reissue.

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 players choose instruments and equipment that genuinely suit their playing style, experience and budget.

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

  • Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

  • Carefully checked new and pre-owned instruments

  • Guitars checked and set up before leaving the shop

  • A large Birmingham showroom

  • Friendly support before and after your purchase

  • Secure online ordering

  • UK delivery options

  • Decades of experience supplying guitars, amplifiers and accessories

  • Specialist knowledge across new, used and pre-owned equipment

Whether you're upgrading from a Squier, choosing between Fender Telecaster models or building a complete new guitar setup, our team is here to help by phone, online or in-store.

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

Is the Fender Player II Telecaster good for gigging?

Yes. Its simple passive electronics, fixed string-through bridge, ClassicGear tuners and versatile Alnico V pickups make it very well suited to regular rehearsal and live use.

What body wood is used on the Butterscotch Blonde Player II Telecaster?

This Butterscotch Blonde maple-fingerboard version uses a chambered ash body, rather than the alder construction found on several other Player II finishes.

Does the Player II Telecaster have rolled fingerboard edges?

Yes. The maple fingerboard has rolled edges designed to create a smoother and more comfortable fretting-hand feel.

Are the pickups hum-cancelling?

No. The Player Series Alnico V Telecaster pickups are traditional-style single-coils and can produce normal single-coil electrical hum in certain environments. Players specifically wanting reduced-noise pickups should consider the Player II Modified Telecaster.

Does it have a vintage three-saddle Telecaster bridge?

No. The Player II uses a six-saddle string-through-body bridge with individual block-steel saddles, allowing independent intonation adjustment for each string.

Is the Player II Telecaster good for rock?

Yes. The bridge pickup has plenty of attack for riffs and overdriven rhythm guitar, while the simple fixed bridge and clear pickup response work particularly well with distortion, boosts and overdrive pedals.

Can I use the Player II Telecaster for blues?

Absolutely. The neck pickup provides a warmer sound for blues lead playing, while reducing the Tone control can soften the brighter edge further.

Is the Player II Telecaster suitable for country guitar?

Yes. The bridge pickup's fast attack and definition make the Telecaster one of the classic choices for country-style picking, although the guitar is capable of covering far more than country alone.

Can I fit heavier strings?

Yes. The guitar can be set up for different string gauges. Moving significantly away from the factory .009-.042 set can alter neck relief, action and intonation, so a setup adjustment may be beneficial.

Does it need a battery?

No. The Player Series Alnico V pickups are passive and require no battery.

Player II Telecaster or Fender Standard Telecaster?

The Standard Telecaster is an excellent more affordable entry point into genuine Fender ownership. The Player II is the better long-term choice if you value Alnico V pickups, rolled fingerboard edges, 22 medium-jumbo frets and ClassicGear tuning machines.

Player II Telecaster or Player II Modified Telecaster?

Choose the Player II if you want straightforward traditional Telecaster switching and regular Alnico V single-coils. Choose the Player II Modified if you want Noiseless pickups, locking tuners and expanded electronics.

The Fender Player II Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde combines one of Fender's most timeless visual combinations with genuinely useful modern improvements. Its chambered ash body, rolled-edge maple fingerboard, Alnico V Tele pickups and dependable six-saddle bridge make it an excellent choice for players who want a Telecaster capable of moving comfortably from home and studio work to rehearsals and the stage.


 

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

Need more help?

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