I would say player 1. The other 2 are aimed asa low end products so if you want the best out of those, it's the player 1
Praise
Music & Instruments
Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Best Intermediate Electric Guitar for Rock and Blues
The Fender Player Stratocaster is built in Ensenada, Mexico, using genuine Fender USA pickups and hardware specifications — the starting point for serious Stratocaster tone that sits between the $599 Squier and the $2,000+ American Standard.
9 mentions · 5 threadslast mention Feb 20257.9/ 10
ClearPick Score
Decent
Score informed by 9 owner mentions across 5 Reddit threads · see every quote ↓
7 positive2 mixed0 negative
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Best Intermediate Electric Guitar for Rock and Blues
Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar
~$999 CAD est. on Amazon.ca
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Every mention, sourced
Real comments from Reddit, linked to the original thread. Nothing paraphrased.
A new Player I for the same price as a CV? Go for it, quick!
Praise
Of course, I don't disagree with you. It is a great value instrument. It's just the player 1 beats it in raw spec
Praise
Gorgeous guitar! Definitely one of my fav looks, particularly the maple fingerboard!
Praise
A Squier Affinity won't hold it's value at all. I'd definitely not buy new if I were going that route. You can find those used dirt cheap all day long (I bought one for $75 last year on craigslist). The Fender will hold it's value very well assuming you don't beat it to shit. It's also going to be a much nicer guitar than the Affinity. If money isn't an issue as you say, get the Fender.
Comparison
Tough choice with two polar opposites. For all round I'd go Strat. Les Paul is like a wall but you can't shake that sound. A Strat is more versatile but not suited for metal rhythm playing. Maybe solos. You'll end up with both of them in the end anyway because you wanna have choices.
Comparison
Nice. I bought the same guitar (same color) used for a little under $400 and it rocks.
Praise
The new "Standard" probably has the most questionable value. A lot of early reviews were very disappointed in the actual build quality considering what Cor-Tek is capable of doing if the company asks for it. I'm reserving full judgement until I can get my hands on them but I wouldn't grab one without getting an opportunity to try one. The Player 1 Strats are good value. People mostly just didn't like the Pao Ferro as fretboard choice. If you don't care about that or want a maple fingerboard they are solid workhorse guitars.
Mention
I'm loving the white look + maple neck on this Strat, it looks so clean and beautiful! The neck is really soft and comfortable to play with as well!
Praise
✅ What Works
- Player Series Alnico 5 pickups deliver the genuine Strat sound — the combination of alder body resonance and Alnico 5 single-coil pickups produces the quack, clarity, and chime that defines Stratocaster tone used by Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, and Mayer. You can't achieve this tone with budget pickups.
- Made in Mexico with American specifications and quality control — Fender's Ensenada facility produces Player Series guitars to the same specifications as the American Series, with quality control that significantly exceeds generic imports.
- 9.5-inch fretboard radius is more comfortable for modern playing — the slightly flatter radius (vs. vintage 7.25-inch) allows lower action without fret buzz during bends, making the Player Strat more comfortable for contemporary techniques while retaining vintage tone character.
- Resale value is exceptional among guitars at this price — the Fender Player Stratocaster holds resale value better than any other $999 guitar. Players who eventually upgrade to American Series or boutique guitars sell their Player Strats quickly at a high percentage of original value.
⚠️ Worth Knowing
- Single-coil pickups hum in electrically noisy environments — all single-coil Stratocasters produce 60Hz hum from electrical interference (lighting, computers, appliances). This is inherent to the single-coil design and not a defect. Hum-cancelling (noiseless) pickups from Fender or Seymour Duncan can replace them if it becomes a problem.
- The tremolo system requires setup for maximum stability — the 2-point synchronized tremolo can be configured floating (for use in both directions) or hardtail (anchored against the body for better tuning stability). Most players who don't use the tremolo spring-block it or anchor it for stability.
- Maple vs. Pau Ferro fretboard is color-dependent — certain color options come with maple fingerboards, others with Pau Ferro. Maple is slightly brighter, Pau Ferro slightly warmer. Both are excellent choices.
- Die-cast tuners are the one hardware area that may be upgraded — while functional, the standard die-cast tuners may eventually be replaced by Locking tuners for faster, more stable string changes. Expect a $60-80 tuner upgrade at some point.
ClearPick Verdict
The Fender Player Stratocaster is the best intermediate electric guitar at $999 for players who want the genuine Stratocaster tone and feel without the American Series price. The alder body, Alnico 5 pickups, and Ensenada construction quality combine to produce a guitar that professional session players and touring musicians have used on recordings and stages. If Stratocaster is the sound you're after, this is where you start.
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