Limited Edition Player II Stratocaster®, Sparkle 3-Color Sunburst

Iconic Fender Style with a Dazzling Finish

The Limited Edition Player II Stratocaster® in Sparkle 3-Color Sunburst is a stage-ready electric guitar from Fender, blending timeless Stratocaster tone with modern playability and a stunning, glitter-infused finish. Crafted in Fender’s Ensenada, Mexico facility, this guitar is designed for players across Australia seeking classic sound with a bold, eye-catching aesthetic. Announced at NAMM 2025, it’s a limited-edition model that’s highly sought after for its unique sparkle finish.

High-Quality Performance

The Player II Stratocaster delivers iconic Fender tone with contemporary upgrades:

• Alder Body: Provides a balanced foundation with punchy articulation, crystalline highs, and tight lows, ideal for a wide range of genres.
• Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Pickups: Three single-coil pickups offer classic Strat chime with enhanced power and bite, delivering crystalline highs, musical mids, and tight lows. The 5-way blade switch allows versatile tone shaping, from glassy neck pickup cleans to punchy bridge pickup snarl.
• Modern “C” Neck Profile: Features a silky satin urethane finish on the back and a gloss urethane headstock face, paired with a 9.5”-radius slab rosewood fingerboard (or maple in some variants) with rolled edges and 22 medium jumbo frets for fast, fluid playability.
• 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo: Equipped with bent steel saddles for expressive vibrato and reliable tuning stability, complemented by ClassicGear™ tuning machines.
• Controls: Master volume, Tone 1 (neck/middle pickups), and Tone 2 (bridge pickup) provide precise sound sculpting.

Users praise its playability and sparkling aesthetic, with a Sweetwater review noting, “The Sparkle 3-Color Sunburst is a showstopper, and the Alnico V pickups deliver authentic Fender tone.” Some note the sparkle finish adds a $100–$200 USD premium over standard Player II models, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Durable and Stylish Design

• Sparkle 3-Color Sunburst Finish: A limited-edition gloss polyester finish with a glitter-infused twist on the classic 3-Color Sunburst, paired with a 3-ply black/white/black pickguard and aged white plastic parts. Inspired by Fender Custom Shop designs, it’s a rare offering outside the Custom Shop.
• Body Options: Primarily alder for balanced tone, with some models offering chambered ash or mahogany for lighter weight and varied resonance.
• Weight: Approximately 7.5–8.5 lbs, depending on body wood, ensuring comfort for long performances.
• Hardware: Nickel/chrome, with a 2-point tremolo bridge, ClassicGear™ tuners, and a synthetic bone nut (1.650” width) for durability and tuning stability.

Backed by a 2-year warranty, it’s built for stage and studio reliability. The guitar is available at retailers like Sweetwater, Music Store, and Long & McQuade, with prices starting at ~$899 USD (£799 in the UK), though availability is limited due to its exclusive run.

Key Performance Features

• Body: Alder (or chambered ash/mahogany in some variants), gloss polyester finish
• Pickups: 3x Player Series Alnico V Single-Coil Strat® (SSS configuration)
• Neck: Maple, Modern “C” profile, satin urethane back, gloss urethane headstock
• Fingerboard: Slab rosewood (or maple), 9.5” radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, rolled edges
• Bridge: 2-point synchronized tremolo with bent steel saddles
• Tuners: ClassicGear™ for precise tuning
• Controls: Master volume, Tone 1 (neck/middle), Tone 2 (bridge), 5-way switch
• Warranty: 2 years

Notes

• Availability: Limited-edition model; available at retailers like Sweetwater, Music Store, and Long & McQuade, but stock is depleting due to high demand. Check Reverb or eBay for second-hand units, often at a premium (~$900–$1,200 USD).
• Setup Tip: Adjust tremolo spring tension for optimal vibrato; consider professional setup for fret leveling to enhance playability.
• Care Instructions: Store in a hardshell case (not included, ~$129 USD for Fender Classic Series case) to protect the sparkle finish; clean with a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
• Compatibility: Works with standard guitar amps; pair with Fender Tone Master amps for authentic Stratocaster tones.
• Warranty: Register at fender.com for support; verify purchase from authorized retailers.

Why Choose Audio Shop Australia

• Access to genuine Fender products with manufacturer warranty
• Fast, reliable delivery across Australia with secure checkout
• Free shipping on orders over $100 (under 20kg) at retailers like Store DJ
• Expert advice from our team of music professionals
• Trusted by guitarists and performers nationwide