I asked this question at the end of an old thread but there weren't any replies, perhaps for that reason, so posting as a new thread hoping for some insight.
When comparing the Player Strat to the Vintera Modified Strat, so much of the specs on paper are identical.
The only differences in the specs listed on the Fender website are:
- Frets: 21 vs 22
- Truss Rod: Neck Heel vs Headstock
- Tuners: Locking Vintage vs. Standard
The neck shape are both listed as "modern C" but I'm not sure if they're identically shaped or if there is a subtle difference.
The pickups are apparently different but they're both alnico and neither are branded or Custom Shop.
So are they essentially very similar guitars with the Vintera just having a more vintage look about it? If so, the price difference is quite big just for the addition of locking tuners when there are some functional downsides too, in the name of vintage correctness.
Or are the specs misleading and there's more differences than I've mentioned?
Comments
I don't think the player is worse/inferior to my old classic player, just a slightly different vibe. Despite the modern appointments of the vintera modified, I think it's still trying to retain an element of the vintage vibe. The player isn't, it's very much a modern day take on a strat I guess, much like the the American standard and pro. I suppose it might be like comparing the American pro and American original lines. You may get a little more care and attention with the more expensive line I guess.
Personally I think the player is a steal at 500-550, nothing needs changing. I think the 200-250 jump to vintera is a bit too steep for me, based on my classic player (as nice as it was).
That said I'm sure the vintera is absolutely wonderful. I think the Mexican lines now are brilliant.
Has it got more or less contoured as time went on?
I'm not a huge fan of satin necks. In that case I'd probably go for a Baja second hand and change the pickups. The Baja I had a year or two back sounded good with whatever the stock pickups were anyway.
Just to clarify, I'm comparing the Vintera Modified to the Player model rather than the Classic Player (Baja) line it replaced.
Surprised you don't like satin necks, is that a look thing or feel?
Feel. They improve over time and smooth out with a bit of playing, but I don't like them - with the exception of whatever PRS do on their S2 Satins.
Gloss can be a bit sticky to start with, but once they are worn in a bit, they feel a lot nicer.
I don't like the heavy relics with all the finish sanded off either. Much prefer it with finish on.
I've always found glossy necks a minor annoyance but just got on with it but then I decided to sand down the glossy neck on my bass and it's much better. I did wonder if some people like the feel or if it was just for looks.
Edit! I’ve just decided what would make it perfect for me, the 50s modified but with 9.5-12inch radius. So basically the custom shop post modern tele specs!
I'll be replacing the pickups anyway so I'm actually thinking what more could I want about the Player model.
Is there anything apart from the logo that's definitively either brand?
Personally I like vintage Fender specs and I’ve just bought a Vintera Jazzmaster. It’s a brilliant guitar, the pickups sound great, it’s nice to play and the fit and finish are spot on. Well worth the money in my opinion.