Which Strat is Best for You? Pro II, Performer, or Player FSR Explained
In this video, we’re delving deep into the world of Fender Stratocasters, uncovering the details they don’t usually tell you. We’re comparing three popular models:
???? Fender American Professional II Stratocaster
Key Features: V-Mod II pickups, “Deep C” neck profile, and a 2-point synchronized tremolo.
Best For: Professionals and advanced players looking for versatility and high-quality craftsmanship.
Hidden Gem: The “Push/Push” electronics offer additional tonal options.
???? Fender American Performer Stratocaster
Key Features: Yosemite pickups, “Modern C” neck profile, and Greasebucket tone circuitry.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced players seeking a modern playability with vintage-inspired tones.
Hidden Gem: The Greasebucket tone circuit allows for clearer sounds even when rolling off the tone.
???? Fender Player FSR (Factory Special Run) Stratocaster
Key Features: Custom Shop Fat 50’s pickups, modern “C” shape neck, and a 2-point tremolo system.
Best For: Players of all levels looking for quality at a more budget-friendly price.
Hidden Gem: The FSR models often come in unique finishes not available in the standard Player Series.
Stay tuned as we unearth the lesser-known features of these amazing guitars and find out which Strat has the hidden details that suit you the best!
00:00 Intro
00:50 Headstocks, Tuners & String Trees
02:20 Necks & Frets
05:20 Pickups
06:55 Paints and Finishes
07:35 Pickup Selector Switches
07:50 Tone Pots
09:00 Bridges
10:00 Tremolo Arm Receivers
10:40 Cases & Bags
12:10 Nuts
12:30 Tuners
Welcome to “Guitars & Tea”, this channel is a chronicle of my progress as a guitarist, a platform where creativity finds its voice, and a community where music enthusiasts can connect. What should I play next?
Guitars:
Fender American Pro II (Olympic White)
Fender American Performer Stratocaster (Honeyburst)
Gibson SG Tribute (Cherry)
Fender Player Stratocaster FSR (Surf Green)
Pedals:
TC Electronic Polytune 3 Mini
Donner Compressor
Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
Boss Distortion DS-1
EHX Nano Big Muff Pi
Dunlop Fuzz Face Mini
EHX Lizard Queen
MXR Uni-Vibe M68
Donner Delay
Strings:
Ernie Ball Super Slinky (9-42)
Ernie Ball Extra Slinky (8-38)
Picks:
Ernie Ball Everlast
Recording:
Mic: Shure SM57
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Camera: AnkerWork PowerConf C200
Software: OBS
Laptop: MacBook Air (M2)
#Strat #Pro #Performer #Player #FSR #Explained
Originally posted by UCMMtZEethHFt4acrtYPGLVg at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOk9g4q5cp8
I have that exact same American professional II , I love mine
Best Strat? After owning a Fender American Standard Stratocaster and a Mexico Strat, to, my best Strats are ESP 400 Series-Strat and BLADE Texas Standard Pro and BLADE Texas Classic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The main thing is: On the headstock is no Fender-Logo anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You forgot the nut width, the performer and pro ll have the wider nut. It makes a difference to me because I have large hands and I preffer 43mm verses 42mm nut widths.
Which do you like the most?
I have played loadsa pro 2 and every time it was just yuck. For the money i could not figure out why they felt imo so cheap. Then i had a usa tele and loved it once i had set it up correctly but it was still missing that wow factor in tone. Then i had a tele shape from ltd esp and wow knocks the fenders own version out of the park for the park for quality you get against the amount of money you spend. Then bought a road worn pink shell fsr which had mex pickups and was so shocked by the built so they sent out a replacement and that was even worse with neck plate hanging 3 mm over the edge. Then the other day stumbled across this strat with fat 50 same as in this vid but in sonic blue and for onec i was blown away with an actaul fender. Never thought this would happen lol made all other expensive fenders iv tried seem like childs toys.
Dollar for dollar, The player by far !
I got that exact surf green player with fat 50's and roasted maple neck a few weeks ago. Mind blown. I never took MIM fenders seriously in the past, but this is not your dad's MIM. The neck feels great and i personally think the fat 50's sound better than just about any other fender strat pickups available. Best value strat for sure!
Nice collection, thank you for sharing. Its odd seeing an Olympic White Strat , tortoise pick guard with a maple fretboard. Usually see that combo with a rosewood. Again, great post.
you didnt talked about the body shape
i guess performer has a bigger body than pro 2 and player fsr
plz correct me if i am wrong
I’d buy an American Special or Performer if they only got rid of that stupid CBS headstock. It’s a big dealbreaker. And I reckon they do it to deter people and push them to more upmarket USA.
I have an 06 sunburst mexican strat ive never really liked the way it felt its got medium frets which are now worn halfway down, the 6 screw bridge was always fighting me so i changed it to a wilkinson 2 point and it plays better but still didn't suit me. last year i build a evh frankie partscaster and really paid attention to the details shimmed the neck and bought a 1984 reissue floyd rose taught myself airbrushing and leatherwork for the dog leash strap i really learned alot about how big a difference using high end materials makes in a build, i think i could really improve my mexican strat with a maple neck with huge frets, a shim and a fender 2 point bridge with a brass tone block the added mass and sustain can make the bridge flutter which is an effect I've chased since DLRs first solo album you need a heavy bridge that perfectly floats to get that cat purr sound vai uses.
There's hardly any difference between a low end Fender and a hugely overpriced "master built" "custom shop" Fender, in terms of sound and feel. Pick up any of the literally hundreds of models of strats that have been made over the years, blindfolded, and play them, and you'll have no idea which model MOST of them are, even if you're intimately familiar with them all.
Doesnt seem like too much difference between the player and professional, interested to see part 2
I only started learning how to play the guitar a little over a month ago & I'm documenting my entire journey on here so this was super interesting!