Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $727

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Lead II". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the realm of timeless design and modern innovation with the Fender Lead II, a guitar that seamlessly bridges the past and present. Born from the creative surge of the late '70s, the Lead II embodies a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary playability. Its dual-slanted Player Series single-coil pickups inject a lively, dynamic tone that caters to a wide spectrum of musical styles, making it a versatile choice for both stage and studio.

The Fender Lead II sports a sleek, double-cutaway alder body, providing not only an eye-catching aesthetic but also a comfortable playing experience. The modern "C" maple neck, paired with a pau ferro fingerboard, ensures smooth, fast playability, while the medium jumbo frets offer precision and ease in navigating complex chord progressions or intricate solos. With its distinctive dual-toggle switches, you have the power to explore a diverse tonal palette, including a phase-reverse option that adds a unique twist to your sound.

The hardtail bridge and "F" logo tuning machines contribute to its robust build, ensuring reliable tuning stability even during the most intense performances. This guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a tribute to Fender’s legacy, crafted for the modern musician seeking to push the boundaries of their creativity.

Key Features:

  • Gloss-finished alder body with a double-cutaway design
  • Modern "C" maple neck, satin urethane finish on back, gloss front
  • Pau ferro fingerboard with medium jumbo frets
  • Dual-slanted Player Series Alnico 5 Strat single-coil pickups
  • Dual-toggle switches for pickup selection and phase-reverse
  • 6-saddle string-thru-body hardtail bridge with block saddles
  • "F" logo tuning machines and synthetic bone nut

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Lead II with Maple Fretboard, Lead II with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Arctic White, Black, Brown Sunburst, Cherry Sunburst, Ivory, Sienna Sunburst, Wine
Year 1979 - 1983
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Lead
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What type of pickups are used in the Fender Lead II, and what tones can they produce?

The Fender Lead II features two single-coil pickups that deliver bright, clear tones suitable for genres like rock, blues, and pop. These pickups are known for their crisp articulation and dynamic range.

Is the Fender Lead II suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Fender Lead II is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and straightforward control layout, making it easy to play and understand.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Lead II, and how does it affect playability?

The Fender Lead II features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles and hand sizes, enhancing overall playability.

Does the Fender Lead II have a phase switch, and what is its function?

Yes, the Fender Lead II includes a phase switch that allows for out-of-phase tones, offering unique sound possibilities, particularly in the middle pickup position.

How does the Fender Lead II compare to the Lead III model?

The main difference is that the Lead II uses two single-coil pickups with a phase switch, while the Lead III features two humbuckers with coil-splitting capabilities, resulting in different tonal options.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Fender's Lead Series Is Back & Better Than Ever! - Vintage Looks, Hot Rodded Tones & Player Upgrades

Video thumbnail for Fender's Lead Series Is Back & Better Than Ever! - Vintage Looks, Hot Rodded Tones & Player Upgrades by Andertons Music Co

Fender's Lead Series Is Back & Better Than Ever! - Vintage Looks, Hot Rodded Tones & Player Upgrades

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for A Reissued Blast from the Past! | 2020 Fender Player Lead II Neon Green MiM | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

A Reissued Blast from the Past! | 2020 Fender Player Lead II Neon Green MiM | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Series Lead II & III Guitars - Revamping Awesome Original 70's Fenders! by PMTVUK

Fender Player Series Lead II & III Guitars - Revamping Awesome Original 70's Fenders!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Lead II - Product Demo by Rock Hard Music

Fender Player Lead II - Product Demo

Rock Hard Music

Rock Hard Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Lead II PF, Crimson Red Transparent | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender Player Lead II PF, Crimson Red Transparent | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Lead II - EMPIRE MUSIC by Empire Music

Fender Player Lead II - EMPIRE MUSIC

Empire Music

Empire Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Lead II MN electric guitar, Neon Green | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender Player Lead II MN electric guitar, Neon Green | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions

  • Smooth, glossy maple fretboard enhances playability

  • Amazing sound both clean and with distortion

  • Hot overwound pickups offer great rock and roll tones

  • Offers versatile tonal options with unique pickup configurations

  • High-quality build for an affordable price

  • Smaller body size makes it easy to handle

  • Vintage-inspired design with modern features

  • Made in America, adding to its appeal

  • Great for beginners and experienced players alike

CONS

  • Some units arrive with minor defects like broken toggle switches

  • Old-style tuners may be challenging for some users

  • Body can feel heavy, although still manageable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Lead II.

Build quality

  • Some users report issues with sharp fret ends, which might be inconsistent on these Mexican-made guitars.

    Source
  • The Fender Lead II from 1980 is notably heavy compared to typical Stratocasters, with a robust build that some owners appreciate despite its weight.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Lead II has a phase switch that alters sound color by putting pickups out of phase, offering unique tonal possibilities.

    Source
  • The Lead II's phase switch offers unique sound alterations, which some players may prefer for specific genres like progressive or alternative rock.

    Source
  • The Lead III's humbuckers are praised for their sound quality, with the coil split providing an additional layer of tonal flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Lead series is described as akin to a hardtail Stratocaster but with a smaller body and non-traditional electronics, making it feel more like a 25.5 scale Duo-Sonic.

    Source
  • The Lead III, with its humbuckers and coil-splitting capability, is considered more versatile than the Lead II by users who prefer dynamic sound options.

    Source
  • The Duo-Sonic is suggested as an alternative to the Lead II, offering similar aesthetics but with a shorter scale length and different pickup configurations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest modding Leads by adding hotrails to convert them into Lead III models, enhancing versatility.

    Source
  • Original owners have experimented with adding DiMarzio humbuckers to the Lead II, although many eventually revert to its original configuration for authenticity.

    Source

User experience

  • The Lead II's satin neck is preferred over gloss necks by some users, enhancing playability for those sensitive to neck finish.

    Source
  • Vintage Lead II guitars can endure significant wear and tear yet maintain playability; some owners note the durability of frets despite heavy use and alternate guitar rotations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For those favoring single-coil tones for genres like punk and pop, the Lead II is recommended over the III's split humbucker sound.

    Source
  • The Lead II is favored for alternative tunings, appealing to musicians inspired by bands like Sonic Youth, highlighting its versatility in experimental music styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Lead II and III Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Fender Lead II and III guitars bring back retro charm with a modern twist. Praised for their playability and affordability, these models offer a unique sonic palette, especially the Lead III with its versatile tones. While the Lead II provides distinctive sounds, its tonal range might not suit everyone. Overall, these guitars represent excellent value and appeal to those seeking something different from the usual Strat or Tele.

positive

The Big Review: Fender Player Lead II & Player Lead III

guitar.com

Fender's revived Lead II and III models are vibrant, nostalgia-infused nods to their late '70s roots, offering fun aesthetics and solid build quality. Both guitars deliver brisk and characterful tones, with the Lead II embracing a Strat-Tele hybrid vibe and the Lead III excelling in its humbucking prowess. Despite some awkward toggle switches and limited coil-split options, these instruments' affordability and unique tonal options make them compelling choices for those seeking vintage flair with modern playability. While not revolutionary, they are reliable performers with a retro twist.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ludwik_jahn

An incredible guitar

Bought it new in 1999. It was already 20 years old or so and looked like it had been barely played. It was transparent red at the time and, contrary to the myth, the lacquer had not suffered at all. However, following an incident I had with it, I had a luthier redo the lacquer but this time in transparent white/cream. The story behind the quite unconventional model is that they those were quite cheap US-made guitars, that Fender (in the CBS era) produced to cope up with the production overseas. It was supposed to have "modern" features. Those were achieved using a combination of two X1 pickups and two switches, one changing the polarity, which only affects the middle position (so that there are four different sound that you can get with this guitar). Some of those were made of alder, others of swamp ash, but each copy was quite different and uneven in terms of quality. Seems like I got a good one. It's in swamp ash and, while it's quite heavy, its body vibrates in a way that all good Fender guitars do. The sound out of the original pickups was already quite full, not as clear as those in a Fender Strat but with something of their own. After playing it for about twelve years of so, I had those original pickups swapped for a couple of DiMarzios. This was the best decision I've ever made on an instrument. The Fast Track (neck) and Chopper (bridge) are truly wonderful. Don't let yourself being fooled by the company's image as a provider of clean, sterile pickups for shredders. Those pickups are just a tad hotter than normal single coils but they're noiseless, extremely articulate, and they are perfect to achieve a vintage sound. With this change, this is the best guitar I possess. You can do whatever you want with it, from crisp, articulate funky licks to quite heavy sounds when coupled with a good distortion on a Marshall-like amp.

august_ninth

My Workhorse

I modded mine heavily. Removing all the electronics and doing a single humbucker and volume knob. Added locking tuners, changed all hardware to black. The thing is a beast and super comfortable to play.

P

Great for jazz events

Really good guitar. Not as much tone and distortion, though, as I have a Lead II with 2 single-coil pickups, but sounds amazing for clean jazz events.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew Savage uses Fender Lead II

Andrew Savage

Singer, Guitarist

Parquet Courts

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video of "Human Performance" at The Bell House in NYC, Andrew Savage of Parquet Courts can be seen playing a Fender Lead II.

See how William Butler uses Fender Lead II

William Butler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Arcade Fire

...
Verified via Photo

Butler can be seen in this photo playing a Fender Lead II.

See how Roger Miller uses Fender Lead II

Roger Miller

Singer, Guitarist

Mission of Burma

...
Verified via Photo

In this article, Bob Moses notes, "I spent a lot of time with those Leads during Burma’s first incarnation, watching from behind Roger’s amp, minding the guitars. I owned four over the years, including the early Lead II that is Roger’s primary guitar now."

See how John Reis uses Fender Lead II

John Reis

Singer, Guitarist

Drive Like Jehu

...
Verified via reverb.com

Reis' second guitar, as mentioned in this June 5, 2018 Reverb.com interview.

"My first guitar ever was a Japanese Les Paul knockoff that was sold through the Sears catalogue. It was a cool guitar—it had these built-in effects that were in the guitar itself. If I remember correctly, it definitely had a fuzz, distortion, and two other effects—I want to say some kind of auto-wah kind of thing," Reis says. "My second guitar was a Fender Lead II," the oft-overlooked model most known in the underground as the choice of Mission of Burma's Roger Miller. "And since that guitar I've had… more than a couple."

See how Sabrina Mai uses Fender Lead II

Sabrina Mai

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Fender sent her a Fender Lead II and she posted a demo on her Instagram

See how Michael Nielsen uses Fender Lead II

Michael Nielsen

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 33:10 mark of his YouTube video "Every Guitar I Own," Michael Nielsen features the Fender Lead II.

P

Pat Place

Guitarist

James Chance and the Contortions

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen playing one throughout the video, starting at 0:24.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Lead II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Friedman Vintage T
Friedman Vintage T Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Marshall JCM800 2203
Marshall JCM800 2203 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Moog Minifooger MF Delay v2
Moog Minifooger MF Delay v2 Delay Effects Pedals
1
Boss PS-6 Harmonist
Boss PS-6 Harmonist Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Huss & Dalton D-RH Acoustic
Huss & Dalton D-RH Acoustic Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Suhr Modern Koa
Suhr Modern Koa Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Custom Shop Nocaster Reissue
Fender Custom Shop Nocaster Reissue Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Ibanez RG760
Ibanez RG760 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Luxxtone Guitars Choppa T
Luxxtone Guitars Choppa T Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
francis_fernandes

francis_fernandes

Gear IQ 9707

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Similar

Gear Guides