If you’re shopping for a Fender in Australia—whether you’re eyeing a first Squier Strat or a pro‑level American Ultra II—you’ll find there’s a clear pattern to Fender pricing once you know where to look. This guide breaks down current Australian prices (checked September 2025), explains what you get at each tier, and shares quick buying tips for players in Melbourne and across Australia. We’ve also highlighted real‑world pricing from Fender Australia and major Aussie retailers, and included local info for Colemans Music South Melbourne for try‑before‑you‑buy.
Where to try in Melbourne: Colemans Music’s South Melbourne showroom is now open at 266 Coventry St with friendly staff, setups, and fast shipping Australia‑wide. Call (03) 9654 5115.
The quick answer (Australian prices, inc. GST)
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Squier by Fender (entry): from ~$409 for Sonic Strat HSS; Classic Vibe often $699 on sale at Colemans. Expect most Squier guitars to sit roughly $400–$900 depending on series and finish.
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Player II (Mexico): $1,349 for a Player II Stratocaster on Fender AU.
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Player II Modified (Mexico): $1,699 for the Strat; $1,949 for the HSS Floyd Rose.
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Vintera II (Mexico): $2,099 for a ’60s Strat (vintage specs with modern reliability).
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American Performer (USA): $2,499 (SSS) and $2,599 (HSS) on Fender AU.
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American Professional II (USA): typical street pricing ~$2,349–$2,999 at large Aussie retailers; special 70th Anniversary model $3,249 direct from Fender AU.
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American Ultra II (USA): usually mid‑$3,000s to just under $4,000 locally depending on model/finish (e.g., $3,499–$3,999).
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American Vintage II (USA): around $4,099 for a ’61 Strat (Fender AU).
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Made in Japan (Hybrid II): RRP around $1,799 (typical Aussie RRP) with frequent sale pricing.
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Acoustasonic (hybrid acoustic‑electrics): new Acoustasonic Standard models at $1,099; Acoustasonic Player around $1,999 on Fender AU.
Note: Prices above include GST and will move with finishes, limited runs, availability, and local promos.
What each Fender tier really means (and why it costs what it costs)
Squier by Fender (best first step)
For beginners and budget‑minded players, Squier puts classic Fender shapes within reach. In 2025 Australia, you’ll see Sonic and Affinity models in the low hundreds and Classic Vibe models creeping toward the top of the entry range thanks to more vintage‑style specs and pickups. Colemans’ relocation sale has shown Squier Sonic Strat HSS from $409 and Classic Vibe ’50s Strat at $699—nice benchmarks for what a good deal looks like in Melbourne.
Who it suits: Learners, second guitars, travel instruments, or anyone who wants classic Fender tones without the price spike of pro hardware and USA labour.
Player II (Mexico): modern spec, big value
The Player II refresh is Fender’s 2024/25 “sweet spot” series: rolled fingerboard edges, a comfy modern “C”, classic colours, and gig‑ready electronics. The Player II Stratocaster lists at $1,349 on Fender AU, which has cemented this range as the go‑to for first serious guitars and reliable workhorses.
Why it costs what it costs: You’re paying for better hardware, consistent QC, and features that make rehearsal and small gigs easy—without the premium of American‑made labour.
Player II Modified (Mexico): upgrades baked in
Think of Player II Modified as “Player II turned up”—noiseless pickups, locking tuners, treble‑bleed circuits, and (on the HSS FR) a Floyd Rose® for high‑gain fun. On Fender AU, the standard Modified Strat is $1,699 while the HSS Floyd Rose version is $1,949. Many Melbourne players find the extra stability and noiseless pickups are worth the step up from Player II.
Worth it if: You gig regularly, use gain/FX, want low‑noise single‑coil sparkle, or need a locking trem that stays in tune after big dives.
Vintera II (Mexico): vintage vibe, modern reliability
Vintera II nails the look and feel of the classic eras (50s/60s/70s) with era‑style necks and pickups. The ’60s Strat is $2,099 on Fender AU, and comes with a deluxe gig bag. For many Strat/Tele traditionalists, this is the happiest middle ground between price and period‑correct character.
Buy if: You love rounder fingerboard radii (e.g., 7.25"), era‑specific neck carves and pickups, and classic appointments that still behave well on modern stages.
American Performer (USA): USA build under $2.6k
American Performer gives you USA build quality and stage‑ready specs (Yosemite pickups, Greasebucket tone) without the higher price of Pro/Ultra. Fender AU lists $2,499 for SSS and $2,599 for HSS. If you’re stepping into your first American Fender, this is the cleanest value proposition.
Reality check: Stock can move quickly. If you find the finish you want, jump—Performer runs can go “sold out” at times.
American Professional II (USA): the modern “standard”
Aussie retailer pricing for American Professional II tends to hover around $2,349–$2,999 depending on spec/finish (and whether it’s a clearance). Fender AU’s 70th Anniversary American Pro II Strat landed at $3,249, which is a good reference for special editions. Expect excellent neck feel (Deep “C”), sculpted heel, V‑Mod II pickups and an upgraded two‑point trem.
Buy if: You want a US Fender you can bring to any gig or session, with modern ergonomics and a broad, mix‑friendly tone palette.
American Ultra II (USA): flagship performance
Launched October 15, 2024, American Ultra II is Fender’s most advanced performance series: Modern “D” necks (often quartersawn), Ultra II Noiseless pickups with Haymaker humbuckers on HSS variants, Luminlay side dots, sculpted heels, and upgraded bridges/electronics. In Australia, you’ll typically see $3,499–$3,999 depending on model and finish (e.g., Sinister Red, Solar Flare).
Buy if: You want top‑end playability and silent single‑coil sparkle in high‑pressure studio or stage contexts—modern Fender at full tilt.
American Vintage II (USA): period‑correct, premium
If you crave vintage specs and nitro finishes built in Corona, American Vintage II is the heritage line. As a benchmark, the ’61 Strat is around $4,099 on Fender AU (the left‑hand page shows the price; right‑hand models track similarly depending on finish/availability). These are heirloom‑grade instruments that feel like stepping back in time—by design.
Buy if: You’re obsessed with a specific year’s neck carve, fretboard radius, and pickup voice—and want it as close as production can deliver.
Made in Japan (Hybrid II): cult‑favourite precision
Japan‑made Fenders have long had a following here. The Hybrid II range blends vintage looks with modern playability (locking tuners, 9.5" radius, narrow‑tall frets). Expect RRPs around $1,799 locally, with sale street prices often lower at Aussie dealers.
Buy if: You love crisp fit/finish, modern‑meets‑vintage specs and unique colourways (MIJ lines often get stellar finishes).
Acoustasonic (Standard & Player): the shape‑shifter Fenders
If you need one instrument that covers acoustic textures and electric tones, Acoustasonic is the versatile hybrid. The new Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster & Jazzmaster sit at $1,099 each on Fender AU, while the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster tracks around $1,999. These are clever tools for songwriting, coffeehouse gigs, and pit work.
Buy if: You need convincing acoustic sounds, electric cuts, and fast switching on a single stage‑friendly rig.
Melbourne buying tips (save time, avoid regret)
Play before you pay (if possible): Neck shapes differ more than spec sheets suggest. Drop into Colemans Music South Melbourne, 266 Coventry St to A/B necks (Modern “C” vs Deep “C” vs Modern “D”), pickup voices, and radius feel. Call (03) 9654 5115 for current floor stock.
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Budget by “job to be done”:
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Learning/home: Squier Sonic/Affinity and Classic Vibe (watch for local sales).
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First serious/gigging: Player II; stretch to Player II Modified for noiseless/locking.
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Vintage feel: Vintera II (value) or American Vintage II (premium).
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Pro modern: American Performer (value), American Pro II (all‑rounder), American Ultra II (flagship).
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Factor in the setup: Even new Fenders improve with a setup for your string gauge/tuning. Melbourne humidity swings can nudge neck relief and action over time—budget for the occasional tweak.
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Watch limited colours and dealer exclusives: Some local specials (e.g., Player II or Modified limited finishes) can shift price slightly up or down—worth it if the spec is your dream.
Example price snapshots (Australia, inc. GST)
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Squier Sonic Strat HSS: $409 (Colemans sale). Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Strat: $699 (sale).
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Player II Strat: $1,349 (Fender AU).
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Player II Modified Strat: $1,699; HSS Floyd Rose: $1,949 (Fender AU).
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Vintera II ’60s Strat: $2,099 (Fender AU).
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American Performer Strat: $2,499 (SSS), $2,599 (HSS) (Fender AU).
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American Pro II Strat: seen $2,349–$2,999 at Aussie retailers; 70th Anniversary model $3,249 on Fender AU.
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American Ultra II Strat: ~$3,499–$3,999 at Australian shops.
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American Vintage II ’61 Strat: $4,099 benchmark (Fender AU, left‑hand listing).
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MIJ Hybrid II Strat: RRP ~ $1,799 (Australia), often discounted.
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Acoustasonic Standard Tele/Jazzmaster: $1,099; Acoustasonic Player Tele: $1,999 (Fender AU).
What changed recently (and why prices moved)
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Player II refresh introduced rolled edges, classic colours and spec tweaks without a big price hike, keeping the Strat/Tele sweet spot in Australia around the mid‑$1k mark. Player II Modified arrived with noiseless pickups and locking hardware, nudging prices up but offering better gig stability and lower noise floors.
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American Ultra II launched 15 Oct 2024, sitting above Pro II with premium neck materials, electronics and hardware. That puts most Ultra II Strats in Australia somewhere mid‑$3k to just under $4k, depending on finish and HSS/SSS.
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Acoustasonic Standard made hybrid Fender tones accessible at $1,099—well below earlier American Acoustasonic prices in Australia.
Melbourne next steps
If you’re in Melbourne, the smartest move is to play the short‑list:
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Compare a Player II vs Player II Modified Strat for noise, trem feel, and tuning stability.
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If you’re torn between Vintera II nostalgia and Pro II modernity, try both back‑to‑back; your fretting hand will decide in 30 seconds.
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Curious about Ultra II? Feel the Modern “D” neck and Luminlay in person—you’ll instantly know if it justifies the jump.
Pop into Colemans Music South Melbourne (266 Coventry St, (03) 9654 5115) for hands‑on comparisons and a quick setup chat.
7 FAQs (quick, AI/voice‑friendly)
1) How much does a Fender Stratocaster cost in Australia in 2025?
From ~$409 (Squier Sonic Strat on sale) up to $4,099 for an American Vintage II ’61 Strat, with popular mid‑points at $1,349 (Player II), $1,699–$1,949 (Player II Modified), $2,099 (Vintera II), $2,499–$2,599 (American Performer), ~$2,349–$2,999 (American Pro II), and ~$3,499–$3,999 (American Ultra II). All prices inc. GST.
2) What’s the best value Fender for gigging in Melbourne?
Player II is the value champ; Player II Modified adds noiseless pickups and locking tuners for a small step up—great for pubs/clubs around the city.
3) Are American Fenders worth the extra cost?
If you want premium neck feel, top hardware, and consistent USA QC, American Performer and up feel different in the hand and hold resale well. American Ultra II is the most advanced and stage‑quiet.
4) What’s new in Fender pricing for 2025 Australia?
The Player II update kept prices friendly, Player II Modified added pro features under $2k, and Ultra II sits at the top end from mid‑$3k. Hybrid Acoustasonic Standard arrived at $1,099.
5) How much do Made in Japan (Hybrid II) Fenders cost here?
Expect RRP around $1,799, with Aussie dealers often running lower street prices on particular colours/specs.
6) Where can I try multiple Fenders side‑by‑side in Melbourne?
Colemans Music South Melbourne, 266 Coventry St—easy to reach, friendly setups, and fast nationwide shipping. Call (03) 9654 5115.
7) Do these prices include GST and can they change?
Yes, the figures shown include GST and reflect September 2025 listings. Availability, finishes and limited runs can nudge prices—always check the product page or call the store for the latest.
Final tip
If you’re torn between two models, choose the neck that makes you play more. Specs and pickups matter—but the neck you love is the one you’ll pick up every day.
Disclaimer
All pricing information provided in this blog is intended as a general guide only. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy at the time of writing, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary between stores and online. Availability of products and any promotional offers mentioned may also change over time. For the most up-to-date pricing and stock information, please visit our official website or contact Colemans Music directly.
