If you've ever run across a Fender Lead at a swap meet or vintage guitar store, it's doubtless left an impression. These slimmed-down Strat alternatives from the late '70s and early '80s are still sought out today thanks to their hot-rodded tones, distinct visuals, and slinky playability — not to mention some high-profile users like Bono and Clapton. The Player Series proudly reintroduces the Lead II back into the Fender fray with vintage-correct electronics and performance player upgrades (Modern "C" neck profile, 9.5" fingerboard radius) where it counts. The Lead II's more memorable features include a hardtail 6-saddle bridge, favored by rockers who prioritize tuning stability over arm vibrato, and the formidable dual-pickup electronics package. The Lead II's offset Alnico V Strat single-coils supply a wide range of blues, rock, and indie guitar tones, made all the more diverse by a phase-reverse toggle to elicit those Brian May in-between voicings. A classic Fender Lead II decal and vintage–correct "F" heel plate and tuners round out this throwback original.

Fender Player Lead II at a Glance:

• Player Series Stratocaster Single-Coil Pickups
• 2-Way Phase Toggle Switch
• Modern “C” Neck Profile
• Comfortable Lead Body Shape
• 70s-style “F” Logo Tuners

Vintage design, modern comforts

The Player Series Lead II is a prime example of what Fender does best. From its hardware and finishes to its pots and pickups, the Lead II is a stunning reproduction of everything that made the original so collectible. Updates include a contoured Modern "C" maple neck with 22 medium-jumbo frets and a modern 9.5" fingerboard radius. This means greater playability for all sorts of playing styles, leads to chords. The Lead II's classic finish options (Crimson Red Transparent, Black) are flawless and period correct. And we at Music Experience feel the Neon Green option is a proper spiritual successor to this much-ado'd classic lineup.

Dual alnico single-coils

Like the original, the Player Series Lead II nets you two slant single-coil Strat pickups to cover a wide range of musical styles. These are built with Alnico V elements to unearth a chunky, scooped, and modern response. A simple 3-way toggle and speedy master volume/tone knobs supply fast access to your favorite sounds.

Phase-reverse switch

Throaty Brian May leads and funky scratch tones are yours when you flip the Lead II to position two and engage the phase-reverse toggle. This useful trick cancels out some of the fullness of the pickups, which can help certain parts blend better into a mix.

What Fender Says...

In response to high-quality, low-priced import guitars, Fender created the Lead Series in 1979, featuring a new solid-body design, hard-tail bridges and cool new wiring options. Appealing to a wide variety of players, the sleek new Lead models kicked off a fresh creative era in Fender’s history. The Player Lead II is an homage to those late 70's models, featuring dual-slanted Player series single coil pickups, a modern "C" neck shape with medium jumbo frets, dual-toggle switches (one for pickup selection, one for phase-reverse), and of course that unique Lead double-cutaway shape. Available in Neon Green, as well as vintage-correct Crimson Red Transparent and Black. The Player Lead Series offers style, power and versatility in a comfortable, easy-to-play package.

Dual-Slanted Player Series Single-coil Pickups

Designed for authentic Fender tone—with a bit of an edge—our Player Series pickups keep a foot in the past while looking to the future.

Modern "C" Neck Shape With 9.5" Radius And Medium Jumbo Frets

Our Modern “C” neck is comfortable and slim for fast action and effortless bending.

Special Switching

Dual toggle switches offer tonal variety – the top provides standard 3-way switching and the bottom is a 2-way that puts pickups out of phase when both are on.

Hardtail String-Through-Body Strat Bridge

A hardtail bridge enhances vibration transfer resulting in increased sustain while the six individual saddles can be adjusted for precise intonation along each string.

Fender "F" Tuners