Fender’s Player II Mod Strat is almost identical to the American Ultra II — but costs less than half the price. In this video, I compare them head-to-head and explain why this might be Fender’s smartest move yet.
? Thanks to Sweetwater for sponsoring this video and sending the Player II Mod for review. You can check out both guitars at the links below — it helps support the channel.
? In my opinion, this guitar marks a bigger shift in the industry. As income inequality rises and younger players have less to spend, brands like Fender are leaning into value-focused gear to keep future players in the fold — and I think that’s just the beginning.
? Plus — I’m giving away my favorite ribbon mic (AEA R92)! Details below.
? Enter to with an AEA R92 Ribbon Mic Here ⬇️
https://kingsumo.com/g/3l5gqp1/rhett-shulls-aea-r92-mic-giveaway
? Links to the gear ⬇️
Fender Player II Mod Stratocaster (affiliate link)
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/4G2Wdr
Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster (affiliate link)
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/xLONnR
Other Stuff in the Player II Mod Series (affiliate links)
Telecaster
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/55K7j3
HSS Stratocaster
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/e1aARX
Check out the Revv D25 Joey Landreth Edition (affiliate link)
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/Qj06KM
and also the AEA R92 Ribbon Mic (affiliate link)
https://sweetwater.sjv.io/jeVO1v
0:00 Intro
1:12 Thanks to Sweetwater for sponsoring this video
2:00 Let's hear the guitars back to back
3:42 Heres the signal flow
4:56 My initial thoughts on the Player II Mod
6:51 There was a problem though
7:36 The new pickups
8:13 Let's hear the Player II Mod on its own
9:45 Lets look at the American Ultra II
11:32 Let's hear the American Ultra II on its own
12:39 What is Fender thinking?
14:25 They're hedging their bets
16:50 Wrap up