Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$639.99
Amazon
4.3 (64)
$749.99
Reverb
5.0 (14)
$631.18 New
$379.95 Used
zZounds
0.5 (2)
$749.99

Average Price: $630

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Born from an era of innovation and creativity, the Fender Player Series Lead II carries the torch of Fender's unique legacy. A tribute to the late '70s models, the Lead II holds its ground in the face of competition with its quintessential features and modern enhancements.

This electric guitar showcases a solid body design that provides a robust and resonant tone, making it a standout in the solid body electric guitar category. Its hardtail bridge maintains a consistent tuning stability and offers a precise intonation, producing harmonious sounds for both beginner and expert players alike.

The Lead II is equipped with dual-slanted Player series single-coil pickups that deliver a rich, dynamic sound. Complemented by a modern "C" neck shape with medium jumbo frets, this guitar ensures a comfortable and smooth playing experience. To add to its versatility, it features dual-toggle switches, one for pickup selection and another for phase-reverse, providing an array of tonal options.

The unique Lead double-cutaway shape not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also allows easy access to higher frets, making it a perfect companion for those indulging in solos and intricate chord progressions.

If you're seeking a guitar that offers style, power, and versatility in a comfortable, easy-to-play package, the Fender Player Series Lead II is worth a strum.

Key Features:

  • Solid body design for robust and resonant tone
  • Hardtail bridge for consistent tuning stability and precise intonation
  • Dual-slanted Player series single-coil pickups for a rich, dynamic sound
  • Modern "C" neck shape with medium jumbo frets for comfortable and smooth playing
  • Dual-toggle switches for versatile tonal options
  • Unique Lead double-cutaway shape for easy access to higher frets
  • A homage to the late '70s models, blending tradition with modern enhancements

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Player Lead II
Finish Black, Crimson Red Transparent, Neon Green
Year 2020 - 2025
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Green, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Pau Ferro
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Fender Lead
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Player
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender Player Series Lead II feature?

The Fender Player Series Lead II is equipped with two single-coil pickups, providing a bright and clear tone suitable for a variety of music styles.

Is the Fender Player Series Lead II suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Player Series Lead II is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and solid build quality.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Player Series Lead II?

The Fender Player Series Lead II features a modern "C" shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip and is well-suited for various playing styles.

Does the Fender Player Series Lead II have a phase switch?

Yes, the Fender Player Series Lead II includes a phase switch, allowing for in-phase and out-of-phase tones in the middle pickup position, adding tonal versatility.

What are the finish options available for the Fender Player Series Lead II?

The Fender Player Series Lead II is available in Black, Crimson Red Transparent, and Neon Green finishes, each with a gloss finish style.

What is the scale length of the Fender Player Series Lead II?

The Fender Player Series Lead II has a scale length of 25.5 inches, which is standard for Fender guitars and provides a familiar feel for many players.

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Fender's COOLEST New Guitar! - The Lead II!

Video thumbnail for Fender's COOLEST New Guitar! - The Lead II! by Darrell Braun Guitar

Fender's COOLEST New Guitar! - The Lead II!

Darrell Braun Guitar

Darrell Braun Guitar

Video thumbnail for The Lead II & III | Player Series | Fender by Fender

The Lead II & III | Player Series | Fender

Fender

Fender

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 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

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tonal range with a unique blend of Strat and Tele sounds

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions

  • Smooth, low action with no buzzing for easy playability

  • Vintage styling with modern features like the additional 22nd fret

  • Solid build quality with a sleek, flawless finish

  • Great value for money given the features and sound quality

  • Offers a distinct "Fendery" sound with excellent sustain

  • Well-balanced body, no neck dive issues

CONS

  • Some guitars arrived with broken or missing parts like toggle switches

  • Sharp and uneven frets reported on some units

  • Vintage tuners can be challenging to string

  • Some users found the neck finish overly thick and glossy

  • Bridge pickup can sound too bright for some preferences

  • Requires time to stay in tune after initial setup

  • Phase switch can be confusing and less useful for some players

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some owners report sharp frets on the Lead II, indicating inconsistent quality control in fret finishing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Lead II features a phase switch that alters the sound by putting pickups out of phase in the middle position.

    Source
  • The Lead II uses a hardtail bridge, unlike the Strat's 2-point tremolo, offering stability for players who prefer less maintenance.

    Source
  • The Lead III features humbuckers that can split into single coils, providing more versatility compared to the Lead II's dedicated single coils.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Lead II is likened to a mini Stratocaster, sharing contours but with a smaller body, making it lighter and more compact.

    Source
  • While the Player Strat uses a 5-way toggle switch, the Lead II features a simpler 3-way toggle, making it less complex for switching between pickups.

    Source
  • The reissued Lead models are lighter than several vintage counterparts, addressing previous concerns about weight.

    Source
  • The Duo-Sonic offers a similar style with either two single coils or a humbucker and single coil, plus a shorter scale length, making it a potential alternative.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have installed hotrails in the Lead II, effectively converting it into a Lead III for enhanced tonal versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The lightweight body and modern C neck make the Lead II an attractive option for players with smaller hands.

    Source
  • For those who prefer single-coil sounds, the Lead II may be more suitable, as split humbuckers don’t quite match dedicated single-coil tones.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Fender's Lead II is noted for being significantly cheaper than Player Strats, making it an affordable entry point into the Fender brand.

    Source
  • The Lead series was initially launched as a more affordable alternative to the Stratocaster to compete with lower-cost imports, making it a budget-friendly choice.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the gap between the pickups on the Lead II provides more playing space, preventing interference from a middle pickup.

    Source
  • Owners of the Lead III praise the sound quality of its humbuckers and coil-split feature, enhancing its versatility in various music genres.

    Source

Other

  • Some vintage Lead II models have seen significant finish degradation over time, whereas others remain in excellent condition, suggesting inconsistencies in the original finish quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

guitar.com

Fender's Player Series Lead II and Lead III bring a vibrant splash to the market with their bold colors and retro charm, but they come with a few quirks. While their construction and tonal versatility impress, the cramped control layout and toggle switch design could frustrate players. The Lead II excels in clean, characterful tones, perfectly blending Strat and Tele vibes, while the Lead III offers a robust humbucker sound with useful coil-splitting options. Still, the tonal switching might not resonate with every musician. Overall, these guitars are solid options for those seeking fun, accessible instruments, but they may not satisfy purists.

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Artist usage

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See how beabadoobee uses Fender Player Series Lead II

beabadoobee

Composer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

As she introduces the guitars to us, this guitar is seen behind a pink mini stratocaster named Bea Jr. . She holds the guitar dear to her despite it given the name Phlegm, she finds it cute. She also be seen playing it live at the 2020 NME awards.

See how Anton Pearson uses Fender Player Series Lead II

Anton Pearson

Guitarist

Squid

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Red

In the video "Squid - Houseplants (6 Music Festival 2020)" by BBC Music, Anton Pearson is seen using a Fender Player Series Lead II guitar.

See how Jake Ingalls uses Fender Player Series Lead II

Jake Ingalls

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Flaming Lips

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video at 0:05 you can see Jake Ingalls demonstrating the Fender Player Series Lead II

See how Claud uses Fender Player Series Lead II

Claud

Singer, Guitarist

Shelly

...
Verified via Photo

Fender Player Series Lead II is in this post.

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