Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the launch of the Player II Modified series, performance-upgraded versions of its best-selling Player II line. To celebrate, the guitar manufacturer will host an exclusive event – The Fender Mod Shop – at The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, London, on the 24th April. The evening will see the iconic venue transformed into a state-of-the-art guitar workshop, where lucky fans can bring their own instruments for free tune-ups by a team of expert techs who work for the likes of Last Dinner Party, Sex Pistols, Bloc Party, Kate Nash, Razorlight, Dua Lipa and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes to name a few.

Tune-up services on offer to those lucky enough to be selected to attend will include:

Changing, stretching, and tuning of new strings
Cleaning the neck (& oiling fretboard if needed)
Checking and cleaning electronics
Select hardware replacement – i.e. new machine heads
Tightening hardware
Adjusting nut slots and saddle
Adjust neck relief/truss rod adjustment
Adjusting action
Setting intonation
But that’s not all, everyone selected to attend a tune-up session will also be given the chance to attend an exclusive live performance in the evening, featuring a headline set from Mercury Prize-winning indie quartet, English Teacher, showcasing the new Player II Modified range in action, alongside a DJ set from Sports Team.

Fans can apply for a chance to get their guitars tuned-up and attend the gig via the following sign-up page HERE. Full terms and conditions apply.
Speaking of the upcoming performance, UK indie rockers, English Teacher, went on to say: “It’s not every day you get asked to play a gig in a motorbike club – especially one as cool as The Bike Shed. Fender’s always been part of our setup, so we’re genuinely excited to be involved in something that champions the hands-on, DIY side of playing. A launch that’s all about shaping your own sound through your instrument really speaks to what we’re about as a band. We can’t wait to play!”

The event forms part of a wider Fender Mod Shop campaign, rolling out globally from April, with similar takeovers of garages and workshops worldwide, giving players everywhere the chance to experience the Player II Modified series up close through free mod sessions and intimate performances.
Since its inception, Fender has served as a canvas for creativity, designed to be shaped by the artists who play it. Across decades and genres, players have modified Fender guitars and basses to suit their own sound — from Jimi Hendrix flipping his Stratocaster® upside down, to Kurt Cobain wiring his Jaguar® for grunge’s raw edge, and Thurston Moore adapting his Jazzmaster® for Sonic Youth’s experimental noise, the spirit of modification has always been prevalent across Fender’s history.

“The Fender Mod Shop event is a celebration of everything that makes guitar culture great – community, creativity and craftsmanship. It’s about connecting directly with players, whether they’re modding their first guitar or have only just picked one up, we want Fender to be part of that journey.” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at Fender.

“Our modular designs are a brand hallmark and lend themselves to allowing people to put their own stamp on Fender classics. These new models take the most popular player-requested mods and build them straight into the guitar, giving fans that custom feel and tone, right out of the box.”
Player II Modified takes the best from Player II Series and builds on it with new and improved performance-driven modifications, offering a refined playing experience straight out of the box. Key features include:
New Player II Modified pickups: Genuine Fender tone from the Player II Modified Humbucker and Player II Noiseless™ pickups.
Upgraded hardware and electronics: From treble bleeds to brass block saddles, the most popular modifications for each model come standard.
Rock-solid tuning stability: Locking tuners and tapered shaft tuners offer next-level reliability.
As part of the Player II Modified launch campaign, Fender is collaborating with IDLES, the Bristol five-piece who have become one of the UK’s most vital and uncompromising live bands. Known for their explosive live performances and boundary-pushing take on rock, IDLES put the new Player II Modified series through its paces both on stage and in the studio.