The Fender Player and Vintera/ Vintera-Modified series are similarly priced but they have pretty different features. In this article, I’ll be comparing the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jaguar, Jazzmaster and Mustang guitars from each series so you can decide which is the best option for you.
Contents:
- Guitars Available in the Player and Vintera Series
- Core Differences
- Key Similarities
- Stratocasters Compared
- Telecasters Compared
- Jaguars Compared
- Jazzmasters Compared
- Mustangs Compared
Guitars Available in the Player and Vintera Series
Both the Fender Player and Vintera series have Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, Mustang and Jaguar model available. However, only the Fender Player series also has left-handed models and the Duo Sonic and Lead shapes available. The pickup configurations also vary between series.
Here is a table showing the models and pickup configurations available in the Fender Player and Vintera series.
| Model | Fender Player | Fender Vintera |
| Stratocaster (SSS) | Left and Right Hand | Right Hand Only |
| Stratocaster (HSS) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Stratocaster (HSH) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Telecaster (SS) | Left and Right Hand | Right Hand Only |
| Telecaster (HH) | Right Hand Only | Right Hand Only |
| Telecaster (SH) | Not Available | Right Hand Only |
| Jaguar (SS) | Not Available | Right Hand Only |
| Jaguar (HH) | Not Available | Right Hand Only |
| Jaguar (HS) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Jazzmaster (SS) | Not Available | Right Hand Only |
| Jazzmaster (HH) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Mustang (SS) | Not Available | Right Hand Only |
| Mustang (P90) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Duo Sonic (SS) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Duo Sonic (HS) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Lead (SS) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
| Lead (HH) | Right Hand Only | Not Available |
Core Differences
There are two main subtypes of Vintera guitars: modified and standard. The Modified Vintera models are share more similar features with the Fender Player models compared to the standard Vintera models. There are also ’50s and ’60s versions of the Vintera Stratocasters and Telecasters which have different neck shapes and pickups.
In this next section we’ll look at the most important differences between the Player, Vintera and Vintera Modified series. Later in the article I’ll be comparing specific models e.g. Tele and Strat., in some more detail to highlight additional differences.
Pickups
There are two things to consider here:
- Pickup configuration
- Pickup voicing
When looking at the Strat and Tele models, you’ll get the standard SSS/ SS pickup configurations in both series. However, there are also additional pickup configurations which you’ll only find in one of the two series (more on this later when looking at individual models). The pickup configurations are also completely different for the Jaguar, Jazzmaster and Mustang shapes.
In terms of voicing, there are several types of pickups to consider here. The Player Series uses standard Player Alnico pickups, whereas the Vintera standard models have vintage-style pickups and the Vintera-Modified models have vintage-hot pickups. You can also get ’50s and ’60s pickup variants of Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Teles and Strats.
Player series pickups sound more glassy and crisp whereas Vintera/ Vintera-Modified pickups sound slightly warmer. The Vintera-Modified pickups have a higher output and sound fuller and crunchier compared to the standard Vintera pickups.
Necks
The necks of Player series guitars are much similar to the Vintera-Modified series necks rather than the standard Vintera necks.
- Neck Finish: Player series and Vintera Modified guitars have a satin neck finish whereas standard Vintera models have a gloss neck finish.
- Fingerboard Radius: Player series and Vintera Modified guitars have a 9.5″ fingerboard radius whereas standard Vintera models have a narrower 7.25″ radius. The larger radius makes bending the strings easier for most players.
- Fret Number: Player series guitars all have 22 frets whereas Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Stratocasters, Telecasters and Jazzmasters have 21 frets. Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Mustangs and Jaguar have 22 frets. Check out my comparison between 21 and 22 fret Fender necks to learn more.
- Fretboard Wood: Vintera ’50s guitars have a maple fretboard whilst Vintera ’60s guitars have a Pau Ferro fretboard. Player series guitars have either option depending on the color of the body.
- Fret Size: Player and Vintera-Modified guitars have medium jumbo frets whereas standard Vintera guitars have vintage frets. They are similar widths with the medium jumbo frets being a bit wider. However, vintage frets are significantly taller.
- Neck Shape: Player and Vintera Modified guitars both have C necks (except the ’60s Vintera-Modified Tele which has a soft-V neck). Standard Vintera models have a variety of neck shapes including V, C and U which are model specific.
Check out my guide to the different Fender neck profiles to learn more.
Other Key Differences
- Vintera guitars come with a gig bag unlike Player series guitars.
- Cosmetic differences such as plastic colors, and pickguard thickness.
- Vintera guitars use vintage-style tuners and truss rods, whereas Player guitars have standard cast tuners and 3/16″ hex adjustment truss rods.
- The neck plate has an “F” stamp on Fender Player guitars but not on Vintera guitars.
- Color options.
There are also several other model specific differences including the bridge designs and controls.
Key Similarities
- Scale length
- Alder bodies and maple necks
- Gloss body finish
- Synthetic bone nut
- 1.65″ nut width
- Dot inlays
- Fender USA 9-gauge strings
- Chrome/ nickel hardware
Check out my comparison between Fender Player and Player Plus guitars.
Fender Player vs Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Stratocasters
Fender Player and Vintera Stratocasters have different neck shapes, neck finishes, fingerboard radiuses, fret numbers, fret sizes, pickups, tuning machines and bridge designs. Fender Player and Vintera Modified Stratocasters have different fret numbers, fret sizes, tuning machines and pickups.
Available pickup configurations:
- SSS: Player, Vintera and Vintera-Modified
- HSS: Player only
- HSH: Player only
Colors:
- Player: Black, Polar White, Sunburst, Buttercream, Tidepool, Capri Orange, Silver.
- ’50s Vintera: Sonic Blue, Seafoam Green.
- ’60s Vintera: 3 Color Sunburst, Surf Green, Ice Blue Metallic.
- ’50s Vintera Modified: 2 Color Sunburst, Daphne Blue.
- ’60s Vintera Modified: Burgundy Mist Metallic, Olympic White.
Fender Player
Fender Vintera
Images link to Amazon
Check out this table comparing the Fender Player, Vintera and Vintera-Modified versions of the Stratocaster.
| Feature | Player | Vintera ‘50s/ ‘60s | Vintera ‘50s/ ’60s Modified |
| Fretboard | Maple/ Pau Ferro | Maple (‘50s)/ Pau Ferro (‘60s) | Maple (‘50s)/ Pau Ferro (‘60s) |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss | Satin |
| Neck Shape | Modern C | Soft V (‘50s)/ Mid ‘60s C (‘60s) | Modern C |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 7.25” | 9.5” |
| Fret Number | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Vintage | Medium Jumbo |
| Truss Rod Nut | 3/16” Hex Adjustment | Vintage-Style | Vintage-Style |
| Pickups | Player Series Alnico V | Vintage Style ‘50s/ ‘60s | Vintage Style ‘50s/ ‘60s Hot |
| Push/ Pull Tone Pot | No | No | Only on ‘60s |
| Bridge | 2-Point Tremolo | 6-Point Tremolo | 2-Point Tremolo |
| Tuning Machines | Standard Cast | Vintage Style | Vintage Style (Locking on ’50s) |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 1-Ply (‘50s)/ 3-Ply (‘60s) | 1-Ply (‘50s)/ 3-Ply (‘60s) |
| Switches/ Pickguard Color | Parchment White | Aged White | Aged White |
| F-Stamped Neck Plate | Yes | No | No |
| Gigbag Included | No | Yes | Yes |
Considering other Stratocasters? Check out my complete guide to the different Stratocaster models to make sure you get the best option.
Fender Player vs Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Telecaster
Fender Player and Vintera Telecasters have different neck shapes, neck finishes, fingerboard radiuses, fret numbers, fret sizes, pickups, tuning machines and bridge designs. Fender Player and Vintera Modified Telecasters have different fret numbers, fret sizes, tuning machines, bridge designs and pickups.
Check out my article comparing the 3-saddle and 6-saddle Telecaster bridge to learn about the pros and cons of each design.
Available pickup configurations:
- SS: Player, Vintera and Vintera-Modified.
- HH: Vintera-Deluxe.
- SH: Vintera-Custom.
Colors:
- Player: Butterscotch Blonde, Black, Tidepool, Polar White, Capri Orange, Sunburst.
- Vintera ’50s: 2 Color Sunburst, Fiesta Red, Sonic Blue.
- Vintera ’50s Modified: Surf Green, Daphne Blue.
- Vintera ’60s Modified: Seafoam Green, Lake Placid Blue.
Fender Player
Fender Vintera
Images link to Amazon
Check out this table comparing the Fender Player, Vintera and Vintera-Modified versions of the Telecaster.
| Feature | Player | Vintera ‘50s | Vintera ‘50s/ ‘60s Modified |
| Fretboard | Maple/ Pau Ferro | Maple | Maple (‘50s)/ Pau Ferro (‘60s) |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss | Satin |
| Neck Shape | Modern C | Early ‘50s U | Thick Soft V (‘50s)/ ’60s C (’60s) |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 7.25” | 9.5” |
| Fret Number | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Vintage | Vintage |
| Truss Rod Nut | 3/16” Hex Adjustment | Vintage-Style | Vintage-Style |
| Pickups | Player Series Alnico V | Vintage Style ‘50s | Custom Shop Vintage Style (‘50s)/ Vintage Style ‘60s Hot (‘60s) |
| Push/ Pull Tone Pot | No | No | Only on the ‘50s |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle String-Through | 3-Saddle String-Through | 3-Saddle String-Through |
| Tuning Machines | Standard Cast | Vintage Style | Vintage Style |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 1-Ply | 1-Ply |
| Plastic Color | White/ Black | White | Black (’50s)/ Aged White (’60s) |
| F-Stamped Neck Plate | Yes | No | No |
| Gigbag Included | No | Yes | Yes |
Fender Player vs Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Jaguar
Fender Player and Vintera Jaguar guitars have different pickup configurations, neck shapes, neck finishes, fingerboard radiuses, fret sizes, pickups and controls. Fender Player and Vintera Modified Jaguars have different pickup configurations, controls and bridges.
Available pickup configurations:
- SS: Vintera
- HH: Vintera-Modified
- HS: Player
Colors:
- Player: Tidepool, 3 Color Sunburst, Black, Capri Orange.
- Vintera ’60s: 3 Color Sunburst, Ocean Turquoise.
- Vintera ’60s Modified: Sonic Blue, Surf Green.
Check out this table comparing the Fender Player, Vintera and Vintera-Modified versions of the Jaguar.
| Feature | Player | Vintera ‘60s | Vintera ‘60s Modified |
| Pickup Configuration | HS | SS | HH |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss | Satin |
| Neck Shape | Modern C | ‘60s C | Modern C |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 7.25” | 9.5” |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Vintage | Medium Jumbo |
| Truss Rod Nut | 3/16” Hex Adjustment | Vintage-Style | Vintage-Style |
| Pickups | Player Series Alnico III | Vintage-Style Single Coil | Atomic Humbucking |
| Controls | 1 x Tone, 1 x Vol | 2 x Tone, 2 x Vol | 2 x Tone, 2 x Vol |
| Rhythm/ Lead Circuit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coil Split | Yes | N/A | No |
| Mid-Cut Switch | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style w/ Floating Tail Piece | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style w/ Floating Tail Piece | Adjusto-Matic with Vintage Style Floating Tailpiece |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 4-Ply | 3-Ply |
| F-Stamped Neck Plate | Yes | No | No |
| Gigbag Included | No | Yes | Yes |
Fender Player vs Vintera/ Vintera-Modified Jazzmaster
Fender Player and Vintera Jazzmaster guitars have different pickup configurations, neck shapes, neck finishes, fingerboard radiuses, fret sizes, fret numbers, pickups and controls. Fender Player and Vintera Modified Jazzmasters have different pickup configurations, fret numbers, controls, and bridges.
Available pickup configurations:
- SS: Vintera and Vintera-Modified
- HH: Player
Colors:
- Player: Buttercream, Polar White, Capri Orange, 3-Color Sunburst.
- Vintera ’60s: Olympic White, Ice Blue Metallic.
- Vintera ’60s Modified: Surf Green, 3 Color Sunburst.
Fender Player
Fender Vintera
Images link to Amazon
Check out this table comparing the Fender Player, Vintera and Vintera-Modified versions of the Jazzmaster.
| Feature | Player | Vintera ‘60s | Vintera ‘60s Modified |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | SS | SS |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss | Satin |
| Neck Shape | Modern C | Mid ‘60s C | Modern C |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 7.25” | 9.5” |
| Fret Number | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Vintage | Medium Jumbo |
| Truss Rod Nut | 3/16” Hex Adjustment | Vintage-Style | Vintage-Style |
| Pickups | Player Series Alnico II | Vintage Style ‘60s | Vintage Style ‘60s Hot |
| Controls | 1 x Tone, 1 x Vol | 2 x Tone, 2 x Vol | 2 x Tone, 2 x Vol |
| Rhythm/ Lead Circuit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Coil Split | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style w/ Floating Tail Piece | 6-Saddle Vintage-Style w/ Floating Tail Piece | Adjusto-Matic w/ Vintage Style Floating Tailpiece |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 4-Ply | 4-Ply |
| Plastic Color | White | Aged White | Aged White |
| F-Stamped Neck Plate | Yes | No | No |
| Gigbag Included | No | Yes | Yes |
Fender Player vs Vintera Mustang
Fender Player and Vintera Mustang guitars have different pickups, neck shapes, neck finishes, fingerboard radiuses, bridge designs and controls.
Available pickup configurations:
- P90 P90: Player
- SS: Vintera
Colors:
- Player: Burgundy Mist Metallic, Seafoam Green, Aged Natural.
- Vintera ’60s: Lake Placid Blue, Seafoam Green, 3 Color Sunburst.
Check out this table comparing the Fender Player and Vintera versions of the Mustang.
| Feature | Player | Vintera ‘60s |
| Pickup Configuration | P90 P90 | SS |
| Neck Finish | Satin | Gloss |
| Neck Shape | C-Shape | ‘60s C |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5” | 7.25” |
| Fret Size | Medium Jumbo | Vintage |
| Pickups | Mustang MP-90 | Vintage-Style ‘60s Single Coil |
| Pickup Selector | 3-Way Switch | Slider Control |
| Controls | 1 x Tone, 1 x Vol | 1 x Tone, 1 x Vol |
| Push/ Pull Tone Pot | Yes | No |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle String-Through Hardtail | 6-Saddle Vintage Style Tremolo |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply | 4-Ply |
| Headstock | Oversized ‘70s | Standard |
| F-Stamped Neck Plate | Yes | No |
| Gigbag Included | No | Yes |
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