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Post subject: Baja Neck Size and Color
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 5:12 pm
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I've seen a number of comments on how large the Baja neck is. The Fender specs describe it as a soft V. The same description is used for the Classic 50s Strat neck. I've played a Classic 50s Strat and a Classic 50s Tele (C shape neck according to the Fender specs) and didn't really notice that much of a difference. It seemed I could easily get used to either one. Can someone compare a Baja neck to a Classic 50s Strat neck? Both are soft V, but is it the same neck? I can't find a Baja in a store locally so I can't check it out myself.

Also, how are the two Baja colors? The Desert Sand looks nice. How is the Blonde? It's tough to tell from pictures.

Thanks!


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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:18 am
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I own a Classic Series 50s Strat and a Baja Telecaster. Both guitars have soft V shape necks but the Baja's neck is thicker. It has a 9.5" radius while the 50s Strat has a 7.25" radius. I don't have large hands but I had no trouble adapting to the Baja's neck.

Desert Sand was the only color I could find when the Baja jumped off the pages of a Guitar Center catalog and up to the number one spot on my Fender lust list. It fits perfectly because I live in the Arizona desert. :) The Blonde looks good too but my personal preference is Desert Sand.

John


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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:59 am
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Thanks, John. That really helps! I don't have large hands either, but I liked the Classic 50s Strat neck. Based on your experoence, the size of the Baja neck probably wouldn't be an issue. I wonder if a lot of the differences in necks is just a matter of giving it a chance and getting used to it. Even though I only played the 50s Strat for a few minutes, I felt I would really get to like it.

The Blonde finish appealed to me at first because it's a "classic" tele look. The Desert Sand has really grown on me, though again I've only seen pictures. I'm still leaning towards the Blonde if I can get the financial side together but I'd be happy with either!

Like you, ideally I'd like a Strat and a Tele. Do you have a preference?

Thanks again,
Dickens


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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:01 pm
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Here is a pic from a Blonde Baja:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b364/ ... eangle.jpg

I never saw one myself, but from the pictures I've seen in different places, they look more like nocaster sort of blonde, not as orange as the AV 52. Much better shade IMO. The Desert Sand also looks sweet.

I wonder if anyone compared the AV52 neck and the Baja?


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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:42 pm
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Iago wrote:
Here is a pic from a Blonde Baja:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b364/ ... eangle.jpg

I never saw one myself, but from the pictures I've seen in different places, they look more like nocaster sort of blonde, not as orange as the AV 52. Much better shade IMO. The Desert Sand also looks sweet.

I wonder if anyone compared the AV52 neck and the Baja?


Nice pics, do you have pics of the Desert Sand Baja also.
I've got the Baja Tele in Desert Sand finish.
Awesome guitar and although i got small hands i like the ''big'' neck.

Peter


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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:35 pm
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The Classic Player Baja and the Classic 50s Strat are both fine examples of MIM Fenders at their best. The Baja wins out of the box though, with all its Custom Shop features. The pickups and the enhanced switching make it one of the best and most versatile Teles I have ever played.

I bought the Classic 50s Strat with the idea that I was probably going to replace the pickups. The vintage pickups were decent but I wanted more classic Fender clean sparkle and less noise when I cranked on the overdrive. I had a set of SCNs installed and it sounds fantastic now. I gave serious consideration to the Classic Player 50s and 60s Strats (which would be better Strat comparisons to the Baja because of their Custom Shop mods) but I couldn't resist owning a Surf Green Strat.

Do I have a preference between Strats and Teles? Four years ago I would have said Stratocaster but I didn't own a Telecaster then. Now that I own a few, it's a toss up. :wink:

John


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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:32 am
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The Baja neck is not a problem. I don't have large hands, but the neck is very comfortable to play. In contrast, I sometimes get mild tendonitis while playing my Strat Ultra, which has a smaller (thinner) neck than all my other guitars. The Baja's neck is like a bat handle on visual inspection, but the feel is sublime. The radius is 9.5", I think the Gibsons are 12" radius. I can't find the specs for my Strat ultra; but it shares a lot of features similar to the Am. Deluxe Stratocaster HSS. That neck is the same radius, 9.5", with a " C" shaped modern neck. The Baja has a soft "V" neck shape.

I have the blonde Baja, with the black pickguard, and the look is stunning. It's a more retro look, though. I found the desert sand color underwhelming.

_________________
2007 Classic Player Baja Telecaster
1991 Strat Ultra
1990 Gibson ES-347
1986 Yamaha SBG2100
1980 Gibson L6-S
1971 Stratocaster
Fender Stage Lead Combo
Marshall MOSFET 100 watt Amp


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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:04 pm
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Thanks, everyone, for your responses. Very helpful! I'm surprised I haven't been able to find a Baja in a local store (the Boston area.) It seems those stores should know better and have at least one in stock!


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