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Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
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Playability
67
Sound
74
Build
65
Value
74
Score
69
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Playability
73
Sound
80
Build
63
Value
77
Score
72
FIND IT ON:
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Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS vs EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote Specs Comparison
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
General
Brand: Fender EVH
Year: 2024 2022
Configuration: HSS HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Mexico Indonesia
Series: Player II Wolfgang Standard
Colors: White, Sunburst, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow Natural
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Basswood
Bridge: 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Bent Steel Saddles EVH-Branded Floyd Rose Special Locking Tremolo
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Fender ClassicGear EVH-Branded
Fretboard: Slab Rosewood Baked Maple
Neck Material: Maple Baked Maple
Decoration: White Dot Black Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Modern "C" Wolfgang Backshape
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 9.5" 12" to 16"
Nut: Synthetic Bone Locking
Nut Width: 41.9mm (1.65'') 41.3mm (1.625'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Player Series Alnico 2 Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) Direct Mount EVH Wolfgang Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Player Series Alnico 5 Strat Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Player Series Alnico 5 Strat Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) Direct Mount EVH Wolfgang Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Bell Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 2 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Nickel Black
Show Diagrams Comparison
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's switch options
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote pickups switch and push knobs diagram
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's switch options

Reasons to Get
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS over EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote

Weight Relief
Yes vs None
Lighter Body
Release Year
2024 vs 2022
From a more recent year
Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo vs Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Switch Positions
5 vs 3
More tone options
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Pickups
HSS vs HH
High output with beautiful cleans and tone versatility
Nut Width
1.65'' (41.9mm) vs 1.625'' (41.3mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Bridge
Tremolo vs Floyd Rose
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance

Reasons to Get
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote over Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS

Decorative Top
Bocote vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Type of Frets
Jumbo vs Medium Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Compound Radius
12" to 16" vs 9.5"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Pickups
HH vs HSS
High output without hum
Nut Width
1.625'' (41.3mm) vs 1.65'' (41.9mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Tremolo
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Avg. Weight
7.075lbs (3.2kgs) vs 7.9375lbs (3.6kgs)
Tends to be lighter
Value Score
77 vs 74
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS vs EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote

Bridge Pickup
Player Series Alnico 2 Humbucker vs Direct Mount EVH Wolfgang Humbucking
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Player Series Alnico 5 Strat Single-Coil vs Direct Mount EVH Wolfgang Humbucking
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Alder vs Basswood
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple vs Roasted Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Rosewood vs Roasted Maple
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6 vs 3-3
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Synthetic Bone vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS vs EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote

Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

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Hand Size Comfortability

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS favors large hands more than the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS:
Big Hands
Small Hands
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Beginner Friendliness

The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote meets only 4. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

New Player Friendliness

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable shape
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
Rosewood
Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

Rosewood is an almost purple-looking wood that is used mainly for fretboards since it's heavy, rare, and expensive. It's sometimes used on acoustic guitar bodies to create stronger warm tones. Find out more about Rosewood.

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Woods Used in the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote

Roasted Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Roasted Maple
Basswood wood pattern used for guitar building
Basswood

Roasted Maple is just maple without a finish. It's technically cheaper than regular maple, but it doesn't have any extra disadvantages because of this. The color is darker, and it's lighter weight and very stable even when there's a lot of humidity.

Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.

Winner: Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS.

Pickup Configuration

The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS has an HSS configuration while the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote has HH pickups.

HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.

On the other hand, Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS gives you 5 switch options while the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote gives you 3. This means that the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS gives you more options to find the right pickup combination for the type of sound you want to achieve

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS
Pickups 90
Sustain 70
Versatility 72
Tuning Stability 65
Sound 74
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 64
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 80

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS compares to the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS is built in Mexico while the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote is made in Indonesia.

Mexico has been for a long time where Fender has built their semi-premium series. If you don't want to overpay for a wellp-built instrument, a guitar built in this country by a good brand always offers good value for the money.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS has a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

On the other hand, the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote comes with a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's brige is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

On the other hand, the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. The Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's are Fender ClassicGear while the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's are EVH-Branded

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS
  • Expensive Wood
  • Synthetic Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Weight Relief
  • Tremolo
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS
Quality of materials 66
Features 60
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 65
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
Quality of materials 45
Features 75
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 63

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Nut Width
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Nut Width
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote Nut Width
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS has the wider nut with 41.9mm (1.65'') vs 41.3mm (1.625''). This is a 0.6mm (0.025'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS and EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Neck Profile
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's neck profile
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote Neck Profile
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS and the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Fingerboard Radius
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's Fingerboard radius
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote Fretboard Compound Radius
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's Compound Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

In this case, the EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote is the only one with a compound radius. This is a huge win because it will give you the best of both worlds: a more curved radius in the first few frets for chords, and flatter as you come closer to the body for soloing.

Fret Size

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS Frets Size
Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's Frets Size
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote Frets Size
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote's Frets Size

The EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote has Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS's Medium Jumbo frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Fender Player II Stratocaster HSS
Bending & Vibrato Ease 60
Chord Playability 80
Solo Playability 60
Playability 67
EVH Wolfgang WG Standard Exotic Bocote
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 80
Playability 73