Fender, a name synonymous with iconic guitars like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, constantly delves into its rich history. While the Strat and Tele often steal the limelight, Fender’s journey is paved with fascinating variations and designs, many of which are experiencing a well-deserved resurgence. Among these revived models, the Fender Lead Ii Guitar stands out as a cool and distinctive twist on the classic Fender legacy.
Think of the Fender Lead series as that beloved, yet perhaps initially overlooked, album in a legendary band’s discography – full of hidden depths and timeless appeal. Just like those albums that age gracefully, the Fender Lead II guitar has proven its enduring quality and relevance, far exceeding initial perceptions.
Gear aficionados might recall Steve Morse gracing the original Fender Lead series advertisements. It’s interesting to note that these guitars, unlike Morse’s famously modified Telecaster, boasted a more streamlined pickup configuration. Yet, the endorsement of a guitar virtuoso like Steve Morse hinted at the inherent potential of the Lead series.
Driven by this legacy, and with a healthy dose of retro curiosity, we unboxed the Fender Lead II to explore what makes this guitar a compelling choice for modern players.
A Closer Look at the Fender Lead II: Design and Features
The Fender Lead II presents a familiar yet subtly different Strat-style body. It’s slightly scaled-down, offering a comfortable and unique feel. Equipped with a duo of Alnico V Strat single-coil pickups, the Lead II promises classic Fender tones with a twist. The control layout is straightforward but versatile, featuring a three-position toggle switch for pickup selection and an intriguing two-position phase switch.
Initially, the control configuration might seem unconventional for a guitar with an ’80s association. However, plugging in quickly dispels any preconceived notions. Guitar heroes like Gary Moore and Ritchie Blackmore carved out legendary tones in that era with guitars often devoid of humbuckers, proving that single-coils are more than capable of delivering powerful sounds. The Lead II taps into this legacy, offering a potent voice all its own.
Image: Close-up of the Fender Lead II guitar body showcasing its single-coil pickups and toggle switches.
Unleashing the Sound of the Lead II: Tone and Performance
Paired with a Victoria 1×12 combo and a Kemper profiling amp, the Fender Lead II revealed its sonic character. The Alnico V single-coil pickups exhibit a vibrant and articulate output, leaning towards a bright tonal spectrum. This brightness is likely enhanced by the Alnico V magnets and the pickups’ subtle treble-side tilt. Personal preference might lean towards a reversed slant for a different tonal flavor, but the current configuration offers a distinct voice.
Adjusting the amp settings to emphasize lows and tame highs unveiled the true potential of the Lead II. This guitar is remarkably lively, resonating beautifully thanks to its comfortable C-shaped neck and resonant alder body. The hardtail bridge and string-through body design further contribute to this resonant and responsive feel.
The bridge pickup delivers a focused and cutting tone, ideal for articulate leads and rhythm work. The neck pickup evokes classic SRV/Jimi Strat vibes, but with its own unique character. Perhaps due to the pickup angle, it presents a slightly different flavor, adding to the Lead II’s individuality.
The middle position is where the Lead II truly distinguishes itself. Due to the pickups’ positioning, it leans more towards a Telecaster-esque character than a traditional Stratocaster. In fact, it can almost emulate a broad, expansive humbucker tone. The reverse-wound/reverse-polarity wiring in this position technically creates a humbucking effect, albeit in a unique single-coil configuration. This results in a cool, funky sound that shines in both clean and driven settings, particularly with the pickups in phase.
The Phase Switch: A Secret Weapon for Sonic Exploration
The phase switch adds another layer of sonic versatility to the Fender Lead II. Fans of Brian May will appreciate the out-of-phase possibilities. As Dr. May himself described, out-of-phase tones are characterized by “pure harmonics, with almost no fundamental.” This perfectly encapsulates the effect of the Lead II’s phase switch.
While not an everyday tone for every genre, the out-of-phase setting offers a unique sonic palette unavailable elsewhere. Hollow, nasal, and thin – these descriptors, used positively, define a tone that’s perfect for adding distinctive overdubs in the studio or grabbing attention during live performances. It truly embodies the harmonic-rich character May described.
Experimenting with harmonics, especially around the 12th fret, reveals the phase switch’s dramatic effect. Harmonics jump octaves, creating surprising and inspiring sonic textures. The tone control becomes a crucial tool when utilizing the out-of-phase sounds. While it can deliver bright and hollow tones effortlessly, rolling back the tone knob unveils a wider range of more conventional, yet still musically compelling, sounds.
Fender Lead II Specifications: A Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $599 Street |
| Nut Width | 1.65” |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Maple, 25.5” scale, 9.5” radius |
| Frets | 22 Medium Jumbo |
| Tuners | Fender Vintage “F” Stamped |
| Body | Alder |
| Bridge | 6-Saddle String-Through Hardtail |
| Pickups | 2 Player Series Alnico V Strat Single-Coils |
| Controls | Volume, Tone, 3-Way Selector, Phase Switch |
| Factory Strings | Fender NPS .009–.042 |
| Weight | 8 lbs. |
| Made In | Mexico |
Fender Lead II: Bridging the Gap Between Vintage Vibe and Modern Versatility
The Fender Lead II guitar successfully captures the essence of Fender’s legacy while offering a unique voice and modern playability. It’s not a Stratocaster, nor is it a Telecaster, and that’s precisely its appeal. For players seeking a Fender with a distinctive character, a touch of retro charm, and surprising sonic versatility thanks to its phase switch, the Lead II is an exceptional choice. It stands as a testament to Fender’s innovative spirit, proving that even guitars from the “vault” can offer fresh inspiration for today’s musicians. If you’re looking to carve your own path with a Fender, the Lead II offers a compelling route to lead, not follow.
