Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (10)
$829.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (10)
$829.99
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$900.00 New
$599.00 Used
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$829.99
Thomann
4.4 (9)
$869.00

Average Price: $788

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS, a high-performance electric guitar that brings together the best of Fender's classic design, modern innovations, and impressive affordability. This model is a stunning upgrade from the popular Player Series, offering a perfect blend of professional features and extraordinary value.

Crafted in Fender's Ensenada factory, this guitar benefits from quality construction and attention to detail. It flaunts a resonant, gloss-finished alder body and a modern C profile neck, ensuring both a rich tone and comfortable play. The neck is adorned with a rounded-edge 12"-radius pau ferro fingerboard, providing an ultrasmooth fretting experience.

The Player Plus Stratocaster HSS is powered by Fender’s latest generation noiseless pickups and a coil-splittable bridge humbucker, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. From vintage Strat tones to aggressive rock sounds, this instrument delivers. The 2-point fulcrum vibrato and locking tuners add to the stability and sustain of the guitar, making it a true performer for every style of music.

Key Features:

  • Gloss-finished alder body with classic Strat comfort body cuts
  • 22 medium-jumbo fret, Modern C profile neck with rounded-edge 12"-radius pau ferro fingerboard
  • Latest generation noiseless pickups and coil-splitting bridge humbucker for extensive tonal versatility
  • 2-point fulcrum vibrato with high-mass steel-block saddles and locking tuners for smooth action and stability
  • Player Plus humbucker in the bridge and a pair of Player Plus single-coils in middle and neck positions
  • Push-pull coil-split tone knob for instant access to single-coil sounds
  • Modern "C" Player Plus neck profile with rolled-edge fingerboard
  • 2-point synchronized tremolo perfect for subtle warbles and textures
  • Deluxe Cast Locking closed machine heads for tuning stability
  • Comes in a variety of spectacular finishes, including the eye-catching linear burst finish.
Fender

Fender

Exploring the Player Plus Stratocaster Models | Fender

Video thumbnail for Exploring the Player Plus Stratocaster Models | Fender by Fender

Exploring the Player Plus Stratocaster Models | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for WHEN DID MEXICAN STRATS GET SO GOOD? - Fender Player Plus HSS  Stratocaster in Cosmic Jade by 60 Cycle Hum

WHEN DID MEXICAN STRATS GET SO GOOD? - Fender Player Plus HSS Stratocaster in Cosmic Jade

60 Cycle Hum

60 Cycle Hum

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS | Henny Hendrexz First Impressions by Guitar Center

Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS | Henny Hendrexz First Impressions

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for NEW Fender Player Plus HSS Stratocaster - Playing Only Demo! by Andertons Music Co

NEW Fender Player Plus HSS Stratocaster - Playing Only Demo!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Demo | No Talking by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Demo | No Talking

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for CAN A FENDER PLAYER PLUS STRATOCASTER DO METAL?! by Xander Raymond Charles

CAN A FENDER PLAYER PLUS STRATOCASTER DO METAL?!

Xander Raymond Charles

Xander Raymond Charles

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Quick Test by Effect On Line

Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Quick Test

Effect On Line

Effect On Line

Video thumbnail for The All-New Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS by N Stuff Music

The All-New Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS in sunburst finish by onevoiceinc

Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS in sunburst finish

onevoiceinc

onevoiceinc

Reviews

PROS

  • Noiseless pickups provide clean and hot sound with excellent noise reduction

  • HSS pickup configuration offers versatility from clean to hair metal tones

  • Locking tuners enhance tuning stability during play

  • Satin neck finish is smooth, comfortable, and quick for chord transitions

  • Modern radius neck appeals to players seeking comfort and flexibility

  • Bel Air Blue and Silverburst finishes are stunning and eye-catching

  • Affordable alternative to American-made Strats without sacrificing quality

  • High-quality craftsmanship rivals more expensive models

CONS

  • Push-pull pot can be stiff and difficult to operate

  • Some quality control issues like paint overspray and stain marks

  • Neck may feel too flat for players used to traditional models

  • Tone may lack the characteristic warmth and roundness some players expect

  • Slightly heavier than other Stratocasters, affecting playability for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS.

Build quality

  • Some owners report that the fretwork on their Player Plus Stratocaster was sharp at the edges, requiring at-home smoothing for better comfort.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner noted that Player series frets are uncrowned and scratchy, which can hinder smooth bends compared to the Player Plus model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Player Plus Stratocaster is equipped with noiseless pickups and a 12” radius, offering a distinctly different feel than traditional 9.5” radius Stratocasters.

    Source
  • The Player Plus Stratocaster HSS includes a tremolo system praised for maintaining stable tuning, an often challenging feat for Stratocasters.

    Source
  • The Player Plus series features a unique belly cutout and push-pull pots, enhancing comfort and tonal variety for some players.

    Source
  • The Player Plus Stratocaster HSS HT includes a unique vintage white finish that subtly yellows over time, distinct from other Fender finishes like buttercream or Hialeah yellow.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Many suggest the Freeway 10-way switch as a mod to expand the tonal palette of the Stratocaster significantly.

    Source
  • Consider replacing the stock pickup with a Super Distortion for enhanced sound, though the existing split pickup also delivers satisfactory tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Schecter Nick Johnston HSS is noted for its flatter 14” radius and roasted maple neck, offering a compelling alternative to the Player Plus.

    Source
  • Charvel’s San Dimas model is praised for its superior neck features compared to the Player Plus, including a no-heel neck joint and jumbo frets.

    Source
  • The Sire S7 is noted to have superior neck, tuners, bridge, and pickups compared to the Player Plus, making it a worthwhile alternative to consider.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with smaller hands find the Player Plus Stratocaster exceptionally playable and well-suited to their needs, maintaining tuning stability and crisp tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This guitar is versatile enough to handle genres like metal, math rock, and blues effectively, showcasing its wide-ranging tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • This hardtail model appeals to fans of Weezer for its nostalgic connection to 90s rock, maintaining the classic Strat feel with modern enhancements.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Although more expensive, the Player Plus is considered worth the investment over the standard Player series, especially due to features like locking tuners and the 12" neck radius.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

Fender's Player Plus Stratocaster HSS dazzles with its stunning finishes and versatile sound, making it a formidable choice for a range of genres, including high-gain metal. With a comfortable neck and low action, it plays as beautifully as it looks. However, the push/pull coil-split design is cumbersome, and the tone controls lack nuance, offering little in the way of subtle sound shaping. While it may not match the brightness of pricier models, its overall value at $1,129 is hard to beat. For players seeking a modern Strat with flair, this guitar is a worthy contender, despite a few disappointing quirks.

positive

Review: Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

mixdownmag.com.au

Fender’s Player Plus Stratocaster HSS redefines versatility with its blend of classic design and modern features. The combination of Player Plus Noiseless single coils and a humbucker delivers a wide tonal range ideal for contemporary rock. Its comfortable neck and quality setup right out of the box enhance playability. However, while it retains Fender's iconic aesthetics, some may find it strays too far into modernity for traditionalists. Overall, this guitar strikes a solid balance between vintage charm and cutting-edge functionality, making it a compelling option for players seeking both style and substance.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hester Chambers uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Hester Chambers

Singer, Guitarist

Wet Leg

...
Verified via YouTube

In Fender's Player Plus Sessions with Wet Leg, Hester can be seen using the Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS.

See how Mauricio Durán uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

Mauricio Durán uses the Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar - 3-tone Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in his performances from 2001-2012, including songs like "Yo sembré mis penas de amor en tu jardín" and "Te vistes y te vas". This is supported by the video "Los Bunkers en Concierto parte 1 - Ven Aquí / Te vistes y Te Vas," captured during the DVD release of the "Vida de Perros" album launch at Teatro Teletón on December 3, 2005, by Macarena albiña Videla.

See how Nilüfer Yanya uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Nilüfer Yanya

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see her play this guitar is almost every recent live session. It’s distinctive ombré tells you what type of strat this it is exactly

See how Amy Love uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Amy Love

Singer, Guitarist

Nova Twins

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Fender, Amy Love performs three songs using the Player Plus Stratocaster.

See how Andy Scott (Sweet) uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Andy Scott (Sweet)

Guitarist

Sweet

...
Verified via YouTube

He's Using A fender player plus hss blue strat that looks so pretty

See how Lucia de la Garza uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Lucia de la Garza

Guitarist, Singer

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "The Linda Lindas | Player Plus Sessions | Fender," Lucia de la Garza is seen playing a Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS in Cosmic Jade. The video, produced by Fender, showcases her using this specific guitar model throughout, which serves as a promotion for the Fender Player Plus line, thereby confirming the version of the Stratocaster being used.

See how Thắng uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Thắng

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Mất Tích - Ngọt live at Thở Symphony," which is available on YouTube and produced by Ở đây toàn nhạc Ngọt, Thắng can be seen using a Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS. This guitar is regularly used by Thắng both in the studio and on stage from 2020 to 2024.

See how Nina Nesbitt uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Nina Nesbitt

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Performed supporting Coldplay 24/8/2022. Whilst performing “Teenage Chemistry” she used a Fender Player Plus HSS stratocaster

See how Miloe uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Miloe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Seen at a St. Paul performance.

See how Otlo uses Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS

Otlo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Otlo is confirmed to use a Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS, as evidenced by a photo shared by Eliana Galán on Instagram. In the image, posted on August 27, 2025, Otlo is seen playing the Cosmic Jade Stratocaster during a performance at Brick and Mortar. The Instagram post is captioned "another summer of music" and tags @mtjoyband and @greekberkeley.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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naive_nature

naive_nature

Gear IQ 510

naive_nature

naive_nature

Gear IQ 510

M

megscetera

Gear IQ 117

naive_nature

naive_nature

Gear IQ 510

naive_nature

naive_nature

Gear IQ 510

1 alternative for Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS, curated by the Equipboard community.

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