Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster, Maple Fingerboard, 3-Tone Sunburst

The Player II Modified Strat takes the already-solid Player II platform and adds some upgrades that make it more versatile out of the box. The key difference is the pickup configuration and switching, which give you access to tones beyond what a standard three-single-coil Strat can do. The maple fingerboard adds brightness and snap to the attack.

This is still a Mexican-made Fender at a mid-range price, but the modifications bring it closer to higher-end territory in terms of tonal flexibility. The 3 Tone Sunburst finish is timeless, and the overall build quality -- neck pocket fit, fret work, hardware -- is solid. If you want a Strat that can cover more ground than the classic setup without jumping to a significantly higher price bracket, the Player II Modified is a smart pick.