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Post subject: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 1:53 pm
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Hi, I'm in the market for a new guitar and want to get something a bit special, either a Strat or Tele. Within my budget I've seen high end Vintage Series, and lower end Custom Shops. Are the Custom Shops really worth the £100-300 extra? Is it more of "badge snobbery" with a Custom Shop? At the moment I'm seriously considering either a Vintage '58 Tele (£1344), the 60th Anniversary Vintage 54 Strat (£1637)or a 2012 Custom Deluxe Tele (£1713). All are brand new from a Fender Authorised Dealer. I already own a Strat and a Telecaster, so I'm familiar with the models, I just want to know whether the cost of the team built Custom Shop guitars is worth paying.
Regards,
Mark

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 3:52 pm
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Hi Mark, you'll be sure to get a fine instrument in any of the guitars which you have listed. Each are very different; it would be best to try them in-person. As to whether the extra scratch a Custom Shop guitar commands is "worth it", it is in the eye of the beholder. I've played AV guitars (and less expensive guitars) which I've liked more than particular CS guitars and vice-versa. Each guitar is different and the only way to determine which is best for you is through trying them for yourself.


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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 4:39 pm
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I don't have any experience with the vintage series. I do have a CS Clapton.
I would say that the main reason to get a CS guitar is to get a combination of features that you can't get in a production model. Say, ebony fret board with Ice Blue body, or whatever gets your eyes spinning. To me, that would be worth the extra money.
But if you can get what you want in a vintage series production guitar, then the extra money might not be worth it.

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 5:15 pm
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I have owned both. The American vintage are very good well made guitars, and the CS guitars are a sted above them. I think for the money the AV is a better buy if the model you are looking at has everything you want. But the CS guitars are fine instruments


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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:06 am
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Thanks Chaps. It looks like a research trip is on the cards then. Your input is appreciated, thankyou

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2014 10:55 am
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Both are excellent instruments. However, if true vintage specs are what you are after I would advise caution with dealing with Custom Shop instruments. Apparently the Custom Shop is now in the business of churning out instruments that look like the vintage models they are based on, but have modern specs. (The current anniversary Strat is a perfect example)

They still even name the models after they years that they obviously don't represent well. Even going so far as to have options seperate model options on their order sheets like "Time Machine [insert year and model] 9.5 radius". Which is ridiculous. It's kind of like buying a Nash or other boutique built knock off. They are very well made instruments, but not well made representations.

The American Vintage models still carry the traditional appointments of the years they represent. However, the models available are very limited. It is possible to still find a real Time Machine Custom Shop instrument. However, if you're looking for vintage specs make sure you confirm with the seller before assuming that it's the real deal.

It's almost like the Custom Shop is full of people who'd rather be working elsewhere... :?

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 5:47 am
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Unfortunately, the research trip threw in a couple of options I'd not considered lol. I tried a Vintage 70's Strat, which was really nice. Almost love at first sight, but the matched headstock really looked "odd". Then there was one of the reclaimed Redwood Strats, sounded great but the HSS configuration kind of tinged things. I loved the finish though. Of my original 3, the 58 Tele is currently top choice, but that reclaimed Strat keeps popping its head up. I'm just not sure about the HSS configuration.

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 6:31 am
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Hi chadders: there's an SSS version of the Reclaimed Wood Strat too, if you can go with a different type of reclaimed timber -

http://www.fender.com/en-GB/guitars/str ... ark-stain/

Personally, I like the neck on the HSS model better. But the all-rosewood neck on the SSS will float some people's boats - it's an unusual and interesting feature on a Strat. You might find it adds to the "special occasion" feel of the purchase, perhaps...

There ya go, I'm just trying to make your decision more difficult. :D

Good luck - C

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 7:23 am
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Ceri wrote:
There ya go, I'm just trying to make your decision more difficult. :D

Good luck - C


Yeah, thanks for that Ceri lol! I tried to find a local store that had a pine Strat, but the closest I could find was up in Preston, so I'll keep looking.

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 11:12 am
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chadders wrote:
Yeah, thanks for that Ceri lol! I tried to find a local store that had a pine Strat, but the closest I could find was up in Preston, so I'll keep looking.

Well... They've got one at Music Junkie in Leicester:

http://www.musicjunkie.co.uk/product/Fe ... tAodVlkAew

26 miles from you. That too far to go and give it a try? They have the Pine Tele and the Redwood HSS Strat as well, all at the same price, so you could demo them side by side. I notice they claim their Reclaimed Pine Strat is one of only nine in the UK. Quite an unusual catch.

Yeah, I know: get thee behind me, Ceri. 8)

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 12:45 pm
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Are you doin' this on purpose!! Nice trip to Leicester tomorrow then!

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 2:47 pm
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Well, I bit the bullet and went for a Reclaimed Redwood Strat. With the change I picked up a Ramparte amp, just because it looked cool, and would match the living room décor!
I'm really happy with the guitar. Sounds and looks wonderful.

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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2014 3:14 pm
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Post subject: Re: Vintage Series vs Custom Shop
Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2014 3:37 pm
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Strataggravater wrote:
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+1


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