A blessing you weren’t sent one - you were able to provide so many pros and cons and alternative options without Fender breathing down your neck.

Not only is Darrell Braun the best looking man in Canada, he's the smartest. Clearly the Charvel is the value buy. Thanks Darrell.

I’ll jump in to this discussion early and light the fuse. I think they needed to be in the $700 range on this to be competitive. My G & L Tribute is equal or better and $300 cheaper. As you rightly pointed out there are many good guitars in the $600 to $750 range. No need to pay for the brand, that doesn’t make it sound better.

The 12" radius is worth the price of admission, rolled edges even better. The string tree DOEs out perform the crappy regular one - it helps trem problems more than locking tuners.

Great episode Darrell. One thing to to note: The later Roadhouse had a built in active 6 position midboost for the middle tone control knob that was engaged with that S-1 type switch in the volume knob. I own that guitar and it's great and it's a shame that they discontinued that model.

Thanks man. Another video that helps me(beginner/intermediate in my 40’s) know what’s out there, but also feel encouraged about my Yamaha Pacífica 612 vfm II and know how it compares. Keep up the good work!

Thank you for acknowledging the difference in the noiseless pickups and single coils pickups. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day

Fender is never going to sell guitars as competitive prices when they know people will pay the extra $150+ for the logo on the headstock. It's like Apple in the sense that they're never going to "water down" their company image with reasonably priced products.

The part that separates you from the other youtubers until now is the 3 last minutes of the video. That last part shows a lot to me for you, and I think you are the top reviewer IMO. The honesty, the quality of the content and the general vibe puts you there. Thanx by a 50 yo Greek guitar lover

I appreciate your reviews as they are always very informative and enjoyable. Keep up the great work ! Thanks for all you do !!

As usual another thoughtful video with your honest pro's and con's. Thanks. I'll keep my Pacifica.

So many great guitars these days at reasonable prices, especially on the second hand market. Thank you for uploading your guitar videos onto YT, Darrell.

I'll bet Fender really hates you for exposing how overpriced they are for such minimal Improvements. Thank you for always providing such thorough and insightful reviews

you're seriously the best!!! i can't believe how many topics you have covered and this is just the video i needed today 😊

Yay. Finally somebody pointed out the heel joint. I'm glad I have my two deluxes to keep me happy for the immediate future.

Great review, you gave an excellent explanation of where the guitar sits in the range and how it compares to the models it replaced.

Excellent overview, thanks! For me, the regular Player gets the nod, but I do like the push-pull voicing and the locking tuners which could be added. Now, if they offered standard pickups in the Plus, I'd likely roll that way.

You are the absolute best at this. So dang much usable information. Thanks!

Thanks for mentioning the the other guitars!! I'm gonna look into them especially the Charvel

The content we need. Thank you Darrell

I just bought a Player Plus HSS. It’s really good. I bought two Charvels and sent both back with QS issues. The PP is really well made with a great neck.

I have the deluxe player. Love the classic noiseless pickups. Gold hardware and ash body. Got it used with the sunburst finish. Wanted the blue but couldn't find one as they are discontinued so I went with the best deal on reverb. It has a push button instead of pulling to engage the neck pickup to get that tele middle position sound

Love this guys style- rather than blindly gush over the guitar he actually talks about the differences in features in detail

I had a plan to mod a CV strat or player strat to have something similar to this plus series…now Fender did it, made me happy then saw the prices and decided to make the mods as planned initially :D

Thanks Darrell Your channel is one of my favorite guitar channels on KZfaq I always give you a thumbs up before the video even starts! 👍👍👍☝☝☝

What do you guys think? Would you consider buying a Player Plus? Enjoy :)

Right on, Darrell. The square heel joint is a deal breaker for many players. I can't understand why the rounded heel is not a standard spec on all bolt-ons that don't fall under the "vintage spec" category.

Thanks for your detailed and objective review Darrell! You mentioned a lot of good points, a lot which I hadn't considered. I also agree that with Fender you pay a premium for the brand, keep it up and hope to see more videos!

I just bought the Player Plus today from Guitar Center. Black/Gray burst, HSS, Pau Ferro neck. LOVE THIS GUITAR! Plays so smoothly, stays in tune, and it has a beautiful sound. I bought and took back a Fender Player Series last Winter. This one I will definitely keep! Problem is, now I want the Tele/Carvel Mike showed.

Darrell - proud to be Canadian everytime I watch your channel! You’re one of the few I subscribe to. Can you do a review on some beginner pedals for an advanced player start with?

one of the best comparison videos. with detailed but easily understandable information🤙🏻👍🏻🔥🔥🔥

A few months back I got a PRS S2 Standard 24 Satin for like $1050. The coil split is fantastic and makes the guitar super flexible. Close enough to strat tone for my ear, made in the USA and does the les Paul/SG thing too. I’m starting to go to it more than my Core McCarty 594. It’s ridiculous for the price.

Loved the alternatives at the end. because of your review I bought the Music Man Cutlass..... And love it. For all of the reasons you outlined. So playable. I have 3 guitars but the Music Man seems to be my automatic go to. Thanks again for all your stellar work , opinions etc Darrell.

I'm sitting here noodling on my Deluxe Series strat from 07/08 as I watch this. I freaking love it. I don't think you can go wrong with these. I have a button on mine that turns on the bridge pickup and it's so cool to get tele style sounds from my strat. Pretty cool they included something similar here.

Great video Darrel!!! Thanks for the information 👍🏼 What about G&L guitars??? 😅

Big fan of the desk and the dark background. It keeps me from getting lost in admiring all your beautiful guitars and having to rewind to hear what you said!

Great review! Thanks a lot

That Charvel again! Really nice review. Cheers!

Thanks for the video mate good lessons to to keep in mind shop around

Great video mate!

Huge fan, Daryl! I really like those finishes! You mailed the rest. As usual. 👍🏼 IMO it's well worth it, and will most likely be my next guitar. Tequila Sunrise??!!! TAKE MY MONEY, FENDER!! 😁👍🏼

The player plus is a much nicer guitar than the player. The pickups are worth it just for those. It compares very well to the American ultra. I adore my player plus, rounded played in neck the feel and sounds are great. Overdrive sounds sublime.

As always, great video

Very good overview of the new models. Totally agree with everything you said. 👍

Hi Darrell love all your videos when buying my last guitar your hints and tips really helped me buy the right guitar for me. Any chance you may review the Vintage 100v vs the Harley benton Les Paul ?? Don't think you have done a review on this yet. Thanks

I think they look great and with the additional spec I think the upgrades kinda make it worth it. I would like to see a deep dive and see what the QC is like under the pick guard and trem cavity..is it a mess of wires and sloppy shielding? or are things in good order.

I just played one today. Here's my 2 cents. 1. For me, I like the Player Plus because it's the only Fender I've played that allows me to play barre chords with small hands. The 12" radius is much easier for me than the 9 1/2. 2. I also played the Charvel with the hss pickups. The Fender's pickups for a "Fender sound" sound much better than the Charvel's. However, the Charvel is a lighter guitar and it just feels wonderful. Must say that the Fender's "Cosmic Jade" green is a beautiful guitar vs the plain white of the Charvel. Thank goodness you posted this video so I can see that there are other, more reasonably priced options!!! I would like you maybe to compare this guitar's tones to the others you have recommended in another video.

Hi Darrell, how are you? This is not related to this video but huge thanks for your videos about the Squire Telecasters, once I get better on the acoustic I have, I'll choose a Tele as my 1st electric guitar. Keep the great work! 👍👍

Sure like to see you demo a Burns once. Never seen a demo of a Burns...and they have cool singles. Do it bro! Just do it!

@Robert Augustine I agree. I opted for used G&L Tributes, both MIK, a Legacy and a S-500. I've upgraded the Legacy with Tusq XL and string tree, GT String Saver saddles, and Ratio locking tuners. The S-500 will eventually get the same, probably, but it gives you a lot more guitar for a significant amount less. I had a Roadhouse Strat with EMG Gilmour's before the G&L's, but it ran off to live with my son.

I gave $ 740 for a sunburst HSS today, it says special edition on back, pretty impressed with it. Hadn’t had a good strat in a while. Been playing an epi Les Paul. Love the looks of the sunburst, maple neck is pretty cool. Thanks for the review, feel better about my purchase.

Last winter when you reviewed the PT Schecter, I gave it a lot of thought, watched your review 12 or 15 times. and finally ordered one last April. I intended to replace my mim Fender Tele modified vinterra, 50’s version. It took until Sept to get the Schecter.

I had been toying with the idea of getting an HSS Strat, so this new series has my attention. I like the green one. I have also noticed the Pro II Strats and Teles are $100 cheaper than they were a few months ago on a few Canadian sites. Not that it matters because they haven't been in stock anywhere for a while. I was expecting something new from Fender when I noticed this price change last week. I wouldn't be surprised if a Professional 3 series will be announced sometime soon too.

Thank you!!! Great video!

another fair honest review! thanks u da man!

I tried one again today, and while they are high quality, the price point is sticking point for me. If they were still at the $950 US mark they were being sold for at the start of the year, I could vouch for them. At the current price of $1,100+, I think most people would be better off buying a used American Strat, a Sire S7 (for 2/3's the cost), or just saving up for an American Strat.

Nice overview. Darrell I am curious about your studio home monitors on the background. What is the type ? Thanks

The Deluxe Roadhouse (and its brother the HSS Highway 1) MIM ended mid-2016 (I got one of the last ones made) and the model moved up to Corona, USA with some changes being a two-point trem, 12" rad, the 1st Gen Noiseless Pickups, lost the Rosewood fret board, contoured heel, and gained the locking tuners (if I recall correctly). And, it jumped up about $300 in MSRP. These had a tone modifying preamp that sucked the life out of a 9 volt battery . . . now, the S-1 switch just changes the wiring to parallel and out-of-phase p/u combos. They used to be scarce as hen's teeth, you could find NOS or used from $500-$800. Now, they are popping up for over $1000.

Darrell showed some great guitars in the competition section of the video, but one he left out is the Godin Session. Amazing strat style guitar in the same price range as the others

About 20 years ago, I bought an American Deluxe Strat. It was the classic sunburst finish, with white pick guard, lace sensor (noiseless) pups, roller nut, etc. The price back then was only $700 new. I didn’t end up playing it much so, after a couple years, I sold it to buy a new Blues Deluxe tube amp. I think I got $550. Now, I sure wish I’d held on to it.

Don't forget the narrow-tall frets on the deluxe old ones. For this price I would prefer to target a Charvel DK22 which does not look or feel like traditional at all but the conversation here is about modern features.

Just picked mine up today for 910 out the door. Honestly my player is nice but this one feels so much more comfortable in my hands👌 you definitely need to feel them side by side to feel the difference. And the noiseless pickups sound damn good too. Opal spark plus an awesome gig bag. I'm honestly very happy about my purchase.

Can't say you compelled me to purchase a Player Plus, but thanks for cluing me in on the alternatives! ;)

Great comparison Darrell. I would stay with the Player Series. I recently saw a Fender Player Series Plus Top which I think is just Blueburst / Greenburst finishes. The extra cost seems excessive for the upgrades to me.

I watched DB vids back at 100k ..over 700k now .well deserved .

Honestly that heel will make it a no-go for me. I like playing up and down the neck and I really dislike those classic thick heel blocks 😅 other options that offer a high radius fretboard, nice pickups and actually have good upper fret access.

I love my lefty Olympic white player strat. So much so, i recently ordered a mod shop hardtail strat. Looking at the plus features, i was surprised that several of them are actually mod shop options. So, I’d say, if you want upgrades, but don’t want to throw down 2k on a mod shop, the plus is a good option…

That tequila sunrise color is awesome! It reminds me of a cocktail 🍹

I am keen to acquire some kind of strat or super strat in the near future. In your opinion is the HSS player plus a solid choice? I had previously been interested in the recent Squier Contemporary range or maybe an Ibanez RG or Jiva guitar. I find without being able to get my hands on them due to Covid it is a bit daunting trying to split hairs when all I currently have is a 50’s Fender Vintera Telecaster. I am familiar with the difference in tone and the benefit of fretboard radius, trem system etc. more difficult to determine what would be most comfortable for me or even to get an idea of size difference etc.

I have the honey blonde Deluxe Players Strat from 2014 it was my first proper guitar. I am still playing it every day and it has been great. I cant believe its been so long I bought it in August 2014 and it started a very long journey that I am still on today and it is right there looking brand new still, thanks to the poly I guess but it is an ash body you can see some grain in it. The thing is a solid guitar I have played for years with no problems but I do regular work on it myself. Great video like always. The 12in board is nice but I would change the finish on the neck in my opinion, I have had some stickiness before after sweating.

I have the cosmic green HSS Strat as of yesterday. Super pleased so far and I have multiple MIA guitars as well. I see a humbucker pickup replacement in its future but that’s it.

I agree with the likening of the deluxe player/roadhouse to the player plus. In that same vein i would compare the player series to the standard series. Basically the same guitar but the standard was around 500 new. I have very little idea as to why the player series is hitting the 600+ mark if it’s essentially the same thing.

Hi Darrell what model was the schecter tele style guitar you showed in the video .... love the show

I got my player for 550 a year ago open box. Very happy with it!

I love my silver burst 2021 Sterling Cutlass

kudos to you for always being so uplifting, it's always a pleasure to watch you review something. That Tequila Sunrise finish is so beautiful...to bad that's the only reason to buy this guitar. I love Fender amps and guitars, I really do, but lately seems like all they ever put out anymore in terms of necks are the Modern C neck or deep C neck and those necks are good for beginners but not for me or all the other guitar players I know. I have been playing on stage and every kind of venue for over forty years and a point of fact is...very few of the guitar players I know or have ever known ever use a C neck for very long. Most of them convert to a soft V, mid sixties C or something thicker like an oval (SRV model) and even a few of them like the fifties U shape (baseball neck). Fender also seems to be pushing those noiseless pups of theirs, I know Beck and Clapton use them and at one time many of my friends and I tried and used them (briefly) but now, no one I know or have known still uses them. We try them every now and again to see if they have gotten better, but in the end the tone is just not there so we always wind up replacing them for something else with much better tonal qualities. One last thing I would like to mention, is that those Zinc blocks on the bridge are not good for sustain or sound transfer, they sound cheap and are cheap. I preface all I have said to say this... If you are a beginner this is a good little guitar for you...however at this price point it's unlikely you would choose this guitar. Again, the paint job (and maybe the nice saddles) is the best thing about this guitar. For me to buy this guitar would mean I would have to upgrade almost everything on it i.e. neck, bridge (not the saddles), tuners, pickups and most likely the wiring assembly and strap locks, which would cost me another grand or so depending on the cost of the pups and neck I would use. If it was in the $500.00 range I might consider it just because of the the paint job...MAYBE. IMO, Fenders pricing of there "MADE IN MEXICO GUITARS" have gotten way out of control. With whats available on the internet I can build my own guitar with close to top of the line everything (including Nitro Paint) for less than what there charging for this guitar. C'mon Fender you can do better than this. PEACE

I have a Deluxe Player Strat. I got it for $500 used a couple years ago. I absolutely love it. It's so comfortable and it looks gorgeous. I must say, it's a lot more attractive than these new ones. I believe they're going for $700-800 now, but I still think you'd be better off getting one of those. The noiseless pickups are the worst part of the guitar, btw. I've been planning to switch them out for a while now.

I'd also mention the Sire Larry Carlton S7... Roasted maple neck; push in trem; locking tuners; abalone inlays; rolled fretboard edges; ergonomic heel joint & bone nut. All this for £429.

Fender has priced the name into the No Go area for me. Seeing how I picked up a new "Player" series guitar a couple of years ago for $425 on a sale in a softer market.

Lines like this make me glad I bought my Trad Copper Deluxe Roadhouse when I did. The only thing I wish it had, that this does, is the smaller headstock. But, what made THEM so great was all the 'upgrades', and they were priced unbelievably well. I actually think they were close to standard MIM prices of the time. These seem a bit over priced in that regard. GRANTED compared to MIA, great price, but that speaks more for the MIA prices. After all, MIM are mostly the same materials, made by mostly the same people (appears to be a lot that work at both factories, being so close to each other).

Reverend is another great competitor in this price range. I sold my Deluxe Roadhouse Strat for a Charger 290 (yeah I know, different beasts) and I don't regret one bit!

A very detailed take on the Player Plus and a great buyer's guide for this price range. Fender is still stingy with the "right" finishes...

Ill say one thing. It makes used MIA strats way more attractive.

I didn't expect to be able to hear the superiority of the Fender, but I can. Lots of guitars are close, but no cigar. Fenders, real ones, do sound better up to perfection. I want that pure natural sound and it appears to me that only a real Fender will do it.

I have the same charvel but with the goto two point trem w/ the push in bar. I love it

I bought a Player Strat a few year ago, put some SSL-1 in the Neck and Middle and a SSL-5 in the Bridge, had a new pickguard fitted with the switch in to add the neck pick up, fitted locking tuners, and a set up. Sounds and looks killer, if the Player Plus had been available back then I'd of bought one for sure, put I've got almost everything it offers now ( better pups on my Player strat imo ) So wouldn't be much of an upgrade for me.

The Charvel also has 2 more frets if you go for the 24 fret model. To be honest I have never looked at the prices of noiseless pickups or ever used them. If they are a good thing and don't cost much you could always add them later. I think the G & L's allow you to select all pickups if I remember correctly in a similar manner. I really like the paint schemes on the new Player Plus. I think you also get a gig bag on the Player Plus?.

Hey Darrell, pretty sure the tuners on the plus have staggered post heights for the higher strings for better tuning stability in addition to the changed string tree. So they're not just locking.

Hey Darrell, why aren't Godin guitars (other than Multiac's) ever really showcased on your channel? The electric solid bodies offer so much compared to the "brand" rivals in the way of tones, pickup options, outstanding build quality, playability, versatility, neck feel, etc. Being Canadian made I'd would have thought to see many featured on your channel. Love what you do with your reviews, keep up the excellent work!!!

I absolutely agree about the countoured heel joint... A missed opportunity!

Good video bro. I really tried to like at least one of the guitars and/or finishes in the series, just couldn't do it.

That Sterling you reviewed is looking better and better!

The Charvel with Fishman pickups rules if you like 24frets and thinner necks, thanks for the recommendation Darrell.

MiM strats are a great deal…..used. New, with tax, maybe not so much.

I'd say that for that price, Charvel are the better option...that said, I ordered one in March and still haven't gotten it - they did send me one with glue marks on the neck and uneven frets, that I sent back. But apart from those mistakes, the guitar would have been excellent. I am looking forward to getting mine probably in Novembre.

Your "regular" Player guitar is beautiful, and sounds great 👌

I have the HSS player plus in Cosmic Jade and also the Aged candy apple in the SSS configuration...I have to say..fender nailed it on these strats.

Oooooh, new string trees! 🤗

After a nice set up job and proper intonation I am very happy with my player plus 😊 I have the tequila sunrise

I tried it, the rolled edge fretboard and noiseless pickups sold it for me. I'm getting the Tele first. I think it's worth it if you don't already have a player series, or just want a new guitar. Side tangent: It's funny how everyone loves locking tuners, sure they are easy. I guess I love them too... but I enjoy wrapping the strings on the post and I like the look of it. I wonder if thereis any negative effect in wrapping the posts on locking tuners 🤔