Not really new player

Fender launched this quite recently; the Player Plus Strat in a cool gradation fade finish concept.

In the mean time, the Kiesel, LTD, Ibanez & PRS camps, among others, are wondering what the fuss is about. Really. My encounters with Fender throughout the years - they are quite hesitant to break away & manifest daring / bold colours till other brands did so before them. It's like they are waiting to see if it's a safe venture & they don't quite mind being late into the game.

Pics: Kiesel / Ibanez / PRS / ESP

Ibanez 2019

As mentioned previously, it seems that the faded/ gradation finish is flavour of the moment.

So it's no surprise that the Ibanez camp is into it as well but credit to them, this wasn't exclusive for 2019.