Fender's Fabled Hot Rod Hardtail Makes a Triumphant Return
If you've ever run across a Fender Lead at a swap meet or vintage guitar store, it's doubtless left an impression. These slimmed-down Strat alternatives from the late '70s and early '80s are still sought out today thanks to their hot-rodded tones, distinct visuals, and slinky playability — not to mention some high-profile users including post-rock royalty Roger Miller in his Mission of Burma days. The Player Series proudly reintroduces the Lead III back into the Fender fray with vintage-correct electronics and performance player upgrades (Modern "C" neck profile, 9.5" fingerboard radius) where it counts. The Lead III's more memorable features include a hardtail 6-saddle bridge, favored by rockers who prioritize tuning stability over arm vibrato, and the formidable dual-pickup electronics package. The Lead III's overwound alnico humbuckers are tailor-made for gain. Driven hard into your favorite tube amp, the Lead III gives you dynamite crunch and sustain. Engaging the coil-split toggle unearths classic single-coil Fender tones in positions 1 and 3, making the Lead III a real multitasker for stage and studio work.
Related Videos: Player Lead III - Metallic Purple
Vintage design, modern comforts
The Player Series Lead III is a prime example of what Fender does best. From its hardware and finishes to its pots and pickups, the Lead III is a stunning reproduction of everything that made the original so collectible. Updates include a contoured Modern "C" maple neck with 22 medium-jumbo frets and a modern 9.5" fingerboard radius. This means greater playability for all sorts of playing styles, leads to chords. The Lead III's classic Fender finish options (Olympic White, Sienna Sunburst) are flawless and period correct. And we feel the Metallic Purple option is a proper spiritual successor to this much-ado'd classic lineup.
Dual alnico humbuckers
Like the original, the Player Series Lead III nets you two high-output humbuckers to spice up your licks with classic American heat and flavor. These are built with alnico elements to unearth a chunky, scooped, and modern response. A simple 3-way toggle and speedy master volume/tone knobs supply fast access to your favorite sounds.
Coil-split toggle
A guitar like this covers a lot of ground onstage and in the studio. Flip the coil-split toggle, and you get Strat-like single-coil sound in positions 1 and 3. So whether you're searching for a quacky country lead or a smooth funk scratch, you'll find these and more in the Fender Player Series Lead III from Sweetwater.
Fender Player Series Lead III Solidbody Electric Guitar Features:
- A modernization of the classic 1980s Fender Lead III
- Blends vintage design with modern comforts
- Dual alnico humbucking pickups are overwound to give you crunch and sustain
- Coil-split switch engages classic Strat-like tones in positions 1 and 3
- Speedy 3-way toggle with master volume/tone
- Modern "C" maple neck with 9.5"-radius fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets affords excellent playability
- Hardtail 6-saddle bridge maximizes tuning and vibration transfer
