In a hurry? Here’s our verdict 

In a nutshell, the Fender Standards are about affordability – without sacrificing that renowned Fender quality. These guitars are manufactured in Indonesia rather than Mexico where Fender builds the Player II series. They give you the basic feel of Fender’s most iconic guitars, albeit with some compromise for the lower price.  

The Stratocaster features Fender Standard ceramic single-coil pickups, with the option of S-S-S and H-S-S configurations. Both the Strats and the Teles use Modern C maple necks, with the choice of maple or laurel fingerboards. Poplar bodies are also used across the board, as opposed to alder which has been the go-to choice for Fender in recent years.  

All in all, the ability to buy a Fender guitar for £500 is awesome – the more people with access to quality guitars like this the better. What’s more, reviving flashy finishes such as Aqua Marine Metallic blue and Candy Cola red gives you a unique style that’s usually reserved for higher-end guitars.  

Fender Standard review  

Build quality and hardware 

Some changes had to be made in order for the Standard series to be so affordable and accessible to those on a tighter budget.

One of the main differences between the Standard and Player II lies in the choice of body wood. While the Player II series retains Fender’s traditional alder, chambered ash or mahogany for select finishes, the Standard models use poplar, offering a balanced tone and reduced weight.  

Ultimately, both woods offer a great playing experience – the body wood isn’t the be-all and end-all! Plus, you might even prefer poplar, so that’ll be a welcome change.

One thing that might seal the deal for you, however, is the lack of offset models available in the Standard series. I personally love an offset, so to see that Fender hasn’t included any in this range is a little disheartening.

You can always browse the Squier Classic Vibe series, though this still doesn’t quite scratch the Fender itch. At least there’s room for future expansion of the range.

Both the Player II and the Standards feature a modern C-shaped maple neck, but the former has rolled fingerboard edges for extra comfort. The Standard series also sticks with a 9.5” radius fingerboard, available in maple or laurel, ensuring that familiar Fender playing experience.

Rolled edges aren’t the ultimate factor in determining build quality – yes, they’re a nice little luxury, but they won’t radically change the whole feel.  

On both the Standard and the Player II series, the necks have a satin urethane finish for smooth sliding as you move across the frets – something that’s felt on most Fender guitars. This detail is one of those little things that can make all the difference to the playability of a guitar, and to have it on the affordable Standard series is awesome.

Hardware differences also stand out, with the Standard series guitars using sealed gear tuners and satin steel saddles. Player II, on the other hand, offers ClassicGear tuners and higher-quality bridge saddles for improved tuning stability and sustain. This is a spec where compromise has been made for the sake of affordability.

Visually, both ranges maintain Fender’s classic appeal, with the Standard series featuring three-ply pickguards and a selection of six finishes. Candy Cola red and Aqua Marine Metallic blue make a return, adding a vintage yet flashy touch to the line-up. The Candy Cola is particularly beautiful in my opinion, with a slight sheen that catches the eye. If I was after an affordable Standard Strat, this is the one I’d go for.

Ultimately, the Standard series offers solid Fender quality at an accessible price. If you want a slightly more refined Fender guitar, the Player II series has you covered for the extra cost. However, in my opinion, the Standard series gives you some great guitars that’ll get you through most playing scenarios, especially if you just want something to get jamming on at home!  

Pickups and tone 

The Standard series comes equipped with ceramic pickups, designed for a bright, high-output tone. These pickups deliver a crisp attack and strong midrange with a punchy and clear tone rather than the warmth and nuance found in the Player II’s Alnico V pickups.  

Alnico pickups offer a smooth, more dynamic response. Their magnets produce a warmer vintage-inspired tone with greater sensitivity to playing dynamics. This results in a more expressive sound that’s particularly noticeable in clean and lightly overdriven settings.  

While the Standard’s ceramic pickups provide versatility and clarity, they don’t quite capture the mellow warmth typical of most Fender guitars.

The choice between the two comes down to which sound you prefer and where your priorities lie. For example, if you’re a beginner guitarist, the Standard series might be a better choice as you’ll probably be focusing on technique and precision in your playing. If you’re looking for a richer, warmer sound, the Player II might be a more suitable fit. But whichever you go for, you can still have plenty of fun sculpting your sound.

We also recommend becoming familiar with your playing style and the kind of sound you want before spending a lot on a guitar. A high-output ceramic pickup as seen on Standard series guitars gives you all the power you need.

Playability 

The Fender Standard series offers a lightweight poplar body, which is comfortable to carry for extended playing sessions. In contrast, the Player II alder, chambered ash, or mahogany bodies provide a more traditional Fender feel, with slightly more resonance and sustain. 

Both series feature a modern C-shaped neck with a satin finish and a familiar 9.5” fingerboard radius. However, the Player II has rolled fingerboard edges, creating a smoother feel along the neck. It also uses 22 frets instead of 21, offering a slightly increased range for leads and solos.

These details don’t count the Standard series out completely, as you still achieve a smooth Fender playing experience, just with a marginally less refined feel. 

When it comes to response, the Player II alnico pickups provide better dynamic sensitivity, making them ideal for expressive playing. The Standard’s ceramic pickups deliver clarity and high output, but they don’t capture the same level of nuance.

Again, since the Standard series represents an entry into Fender guitars, sensitivity isn’t too important. As long as you get your sound across, you’re good to go.

Who is the Fender Standard series suited to?  

As you’ve probably gathered by now, the Fender Standard series is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable yet well-built guitar that captures that classic Fender feel. If you’re making the transition from Squier to Fender, the Standard models are also the ideal stepping stone for you. The range of Strats and Teles in the Standard series ensures that there’s plenty to choose from in terms of iconic Fender shapes and sound.  

You can dive into any musical genre. The Teles give you a gateway into country, classic rock, indie, and much more, while the Strats let you pull off anything from psychedelic Hendrix-inspired rock to fast-paced funk rhythms. Everyone needs one of these two in their collection.

There’s no denying that the Player II series offers higher-grade guitars. Rolled fingerboard edges, alnico pickups, and premium hardware all culminate in a more refined instrument. You’re most likely to notice these subtle improvements in professional stage or studio settings, where sound checks and tone become all the more important. 

However, if you’re just after a solid, budget-friendly Fender, the Standard series is a great entry point. This collection provides all the essentials of iconic Fender models. From home practice to casual live gigs, the Standard series won’t let you down. You’ll achieve an awesome sound, a smooth feel, and an incredibly enjoyable playing experience! 

Alnico vs. ceramic pickups 

Pickups are the main difference between the two series. The Fender Standard series uses ceramic pickups, while the Player II uses alnico pickups. Alnico and ceramic pickups use different magnets, which directly impacts their tone and response.

Ceramic pickups tend to have a higher output with a sharper, more aggressive tone. They emphasise clarity and punch, making them great for modern styles that require strong mids and a crisp attack. However, they can sometimes sound less dynamic compared to alnico pickups. 

Alnico pickups produce a warmer, vintage-inspired tone with a smooth response. They’re more sensitive to your playing dynamics, offering greater depth and a more natural feel. This makes them a popular choice for classic rock, blues, and clean-tone genres. 

Admittedly, with the Standard series, you’re getting less responsive sound. But having said this, I don’t think ceramic pickups should put you off altogether. After playing a few of the S-S-S and H-S-S Strats, I found that they provide a perfectly solid sound that gives you all the tones you need to play a range of styles.

You can find out more about these pickups in our guide to humbuckers and single coils.

Fender Standard series vs. Player II 

Standards are made in Indonesia, constructed with a poplar body, laurel or maple fingerboard, ceramic pickups, and Fender Standard sealed gear.  

Alternatively, the Player II series is built in Mexico, boasting alder or chambered ash and mahogany bodies for certain models. They use Rosewood fingerboards, ClassicGear tuners and Player series alnico pickups.

Fender Standard vs. Squier Classic Vibe 

Some people have claimed that the Standard series specs are close to those of the Squier Classic Vibe series, arguing that you might as well just buy the even more affordable Squier guitars. While there are some similarities – both are crafted in Indonesia, and both use maple and laurel fingerboards – there are some key differences that set the tone and feel of the two apart.  

Firstly, the body wood is different, with Squier Classic Vibe guitars using Nato and Pine. On top of this, the Classic Vibe series uses Vintage style tuning machines as opposed to Fender Standard sealed gear. The pickups also differ, with Squier making use of Fender-designed alnico pickups for an authentic sound.  

FAQs  

What is the Fender American Standard called now?  

The Fender American Standard was replaced by the Fender American Professional Series in 2017. The American Standard Series ran from 1987, delivering some of the most iconic Fender guitars for generations. With the introduction of the American Professional series came a number of changes, such as a ‘deep C’ neck, narrow-tail frets, and new V-mod/Shaw pickups. The new 2025 Standard series is a different collection altogether, offering affordability and filling the gap between Squier and the Player II series.  

What is the most sought-after Fender guitar? 

The most sought-after Fender guitars are Vintage Fender Stratocasters from the ‘50s and ‘60s. To own an original vintage Strat would be any guitarist’s dream. 

 What are the sub-brands of Fender?  

Current Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) brands include Fender, Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, Charvel, and EVH. Fender was founded in Southern California in 1946 by Clarence Leonidas Fender (Leo Fender).

Final thoughts 

The new Fender Standard series is an affordable entry into the world of Fender, letting more players experience that classic Fender feeling. Essentially, it’s granting more guitarists the opportunity to play great-quality guitars without breaking the bank. 

If this review has given you the urge to pick up a Fender Standard and create an affordable setup to start your journey, you couldn’t have chosen a more high-quality, respected, and coveted brand. 

While they might not feature some of the finer details seen in the Player II series, the Standards still boast some pretty impressive specs. 

To gain an even greater understanding of the Player II series, check out our Strat and Tele review. For something at the opposite end of the spectrum, see what kind of premium, masterfully built guitars you can get at the top of the price range in our Fender Custom Shop guide. These guitars are the best of the best when it comes to Fender.