Best Fender Alternative Design Guitars 2026
Premium Fender alternative design guitars - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang WPL
by
Fender
Progressive Music
Contemporary Players
Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Often improved ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Contemporary aesthetics
- • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
- • May not suit traditional players
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang WPLElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPearl dot...
⭐
4.5/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 615240
$1,638
#2
⭐
4.4/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster SB
by
Fender
Unique Style
Contemporary Players
Innovation
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
- • Conversation starter
- • Unique visual appeal
✗ CONS
- • May not suit traditional players
- • Higher cost for unique design
Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster SBElectric GuitarVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: Late 50s...
⭐
4.4/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 571441
$1,296
#3
⭐
4.5/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang BPL
by
Fender
Innovation
Contemporary Players
Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender MIJ Trad II 60s Mustang BPLElectric GuitarBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPearl dot...
⭐
4.5/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 615232
$1,638
#4
⭐
5.0/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Fender MIJ Trad II Jazzm LTD BK
by
Fender
Unique Style
Distinctive Look
Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
- • May not suit traditional players
- • Limited mainstream appeal
Fender MIJ Trad II Jazzm LTD BKElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPerloid block fingerboard...
⭐
5.0/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 591989
$1,572
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CPB
by
Fender
Progressive Music
Modern Design
Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
- • May not suit traditional players
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CPBElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...
⭐
4.5/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 571458
$1,209
#6
⭐
4.7/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster DS
by
Fender
Unique Style
Modern Design
Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Often improved ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Innovative and modern design
- • Unique visual appeal
✗ CONS
- • Higher cost for unique design
- • Limited mainstream appeal
Fender Vintera II 50s Jazzmaster DSElectric GuitarVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: Late 50s...
⭐
4.7/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 571444
$1,220
#7
⭐
4.7/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster MN MYS SG
by
Fender
Contemporary Players
Unique Style
Innovation
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
- • Higher cost for unique design
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender AM Pro II Jazzmaster MN MYS SGElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck profile: Deep...
⭐
4.7/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 500915
$2,254
#8
⭐
4.9/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW CRR
by
Fender
Modern Design
Unique Style
Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Innovative and modern design
✓ PROS
- • Innovative and modern design
- • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
- • May not suit traditional players
- • Limited mainstream appeal
Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW CRRElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...
⭐
4.9/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595311
$912
#9
⭐
4.6/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW AQB
by
Fender
Contemporary Players
Modern Design
Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Unique visual appeal
✓ PROS
- • Contemporary aesthetics
- • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW AQBElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...
⭐
4.6/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595317
$897
#10
⭐
5.0/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang CO
by
Fender
Innovation
Modern Design
Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Contemporary aesthetics
✗ CONS
- • Resale value uncertainty
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
Fender Vintera II 70s Mustang COElectric GuitarBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...
⭐
5.0/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 571463
$1,209
#11
⭐
5.0/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar BK
by
Fender
Distinctive Look
Unique Style
Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
- • Resale value uncertainty
- • Higher cost for unique design
Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar BKElectric GuitarVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...
⭐
5.0/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 571449
$1,407
#12
⭐
4.7/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar VW
by
Fender
Distinctive Look
Contemporary Players
Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Contemporary aesthetics
✓ PROS
- • Unique visual appeal
- • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
- • Resale value uncertainty
- • May not suit traditional players
Fender Vintera II 70s Jaguar VWElectric GuitarVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...
⭐
4.7/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 571455
$1,407
#13
⭐
4.9/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Fender Am Ultra II Meteora MN AVL
by
Fender
Progressive Music
Unique Style
Distinctive Look
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
- • Contemporary aesthetics
- • Often improved ergonomics
✗ CONS
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender Am Ultra II Meteora MN AVLElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...
⭐
4.9/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 596077
$2,529
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Fender AV II 66 Jazzmaster RW SHM
by
Fender
Progressive Music
Unique Style
Contemporary Players
Key Feature:
• Conversation starter
✓ PROS
- • Often improved ergonomics
- • Conversation starter
✗ CONS
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender AV II 66 Jazzmaster RW SHMElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...
⭐
4.7/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 608711
$3,024
#15
⭐
4.9/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BLK
by
Fender
Innovation
Distinctive Look
Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Often improved ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Conversation starter
- • Innovative and modern design
✗ CONS
- • Limited mainstream appeal
- • Resale value uncertainty
Fender Player II Jazzmaster RW BLKElectric GuitarBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...
⭐
4.9/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595323
$893
How to Choose the Best Alternative Design Guitars
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced alternative design guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
