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Post subject: Newbie to Fenders (pics of purchase added)
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 12:59 pm
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Hello all.

After owning many guitars I've just bought my first Fender (not counting the Jacksons I have). It's a Seafoam 2002/03 MIM.

What can anyone tell me about this model year? The good, the bad and the ugly. Does the Fender serial # indicate what line of Telecaster it is and if not can someone help me out determining that?

I suppose my first curiosity is about the stock pickups. What are they, are they any good and what does everyone install for upgrades. Primarily hard rock/metal playing. I understand a Tele isn't what one thinks of for these styles so I really bought it just to tinker with it for a change of pace.

Thanks for any advice.

Mike


Last edited by ettev on Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:47 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:07 pm
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Congrats on your purchase Mike! Fender is a good guitar but like all things man and machine made sometimes flaws do occur. First you can check out your serial number located on the headstock on this page :

http://www.fender.com/support/product_dating.php

A guitar should be played as much as possible before buying to insure that it's a "good fit" with what the player desires. As I said, there are no particular "good or bad years" for Fender. Either the player/owner likes the particular model or they don't. I own a Nashville Deluxe Power Tele in Sunburst MIM and a 60's Reissue Tele with Bigsby MIJ in Candy Apple Red. Both of these models I'm highly satisfied with them in every aspect. In my estimation the craftmanship, fit, finish and electronics are excellent! Even though I own American made Fenders these guitars I am completely happy with these models.

I'd suggest if you'd like feedback on a particular model of Fender or any other brand check out the following:


http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi ... and/Fender

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar

Check out the Harmony site they'll give you feedback on amps, pedals, etc., too.


Check out other Fender Forums :

http://www.fenderpick.com/

http://www.fenderforum.com/

You'll find honest opinions here too!

Good Luck!

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Post subject: MIM Pickups
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:56 pm
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I have a 2004 MIM tele with stock pickups. I know it's a year or two later than the one you've got, but I think the stock pickups sound just fine. I don't generally classify myself as a tone hound, but I can get a good array of sounds from the thing using just my hands, the guitar, and a Pro Junior. That said, I think one thing that is really overlooked when it comes to tone are strings. Way, way cheaper than new pickups, I'd say the first thing you should do -- if you want to change your tone / improve it -- is get a few different sets of good strings, play with them, and see what you like!

By the way, congrats on a new guitar! Sea foam green is wicked!


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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:06 am
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Thanks for the responses. I have been on Harmony many-a-time and find the reviews helpful.

I agree with the string change. I do that with everything I buy and my preference is the EB 9's. They just feel better for the type of playing I do, especially on the trem equipped stuff. Some of the hardtails I have still have 10's on and they're ok too.

Also good to here that the stock p/u's are decent. I'll bang around with it for a while and see what they produce.

I guess what I'm really after is any kind of 2002/-03 model year literature or specs that will tell me exactly what it is that I have. Is it a Standard, a Deluxe, Vintage repro, signature series, etc. Also what exactly is in it for electronics, whats the body and neck wood, tuners, etc. I'm a nut like that. I have to know specifics. Anybody know where I can find 2002/-03 data?

Thanks again.

Image

Image

Image

[/img]


Last edited by ettev on Tue Apr 07, 2009 10:21 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:15 am
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wow. thats a nice looking Tele there. enjoy.


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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:35 am
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That is one sweet looking Tele! Have fun and enjoy it.

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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:03 am
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That is a beautiful looking Tele, I love the colour. Enjoy her Mike, and welcome to the forum :)


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Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:51 am
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Snowy72 wrote:
That is a beautiful looking Tele, I love the colour. Enjoy her Mike, and welcome to the forum :)


I agree! Fine looking color and tele. Congratulations! :)


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2009 5:02 am
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Serial is MZ2015027 if that tells me anything about what model tele it is. Also, I guess I'm finding thru research that this is actually called Sage green metallic, not Seafoam.


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 11:26 pm
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Why do you see such great looking necks on alot of the Mex. made Fenders, but most American made have a piece of maple whiter then my leg's?

Great looking guitar
RH

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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:42 pm
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Great looking tele..... that neck looks neat!! congrats! :)


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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:27 pm
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RH1 wrote:
Why do you see such great looking necks on alot of the Mex. made Fenders, but most American made have a piece of maple whiter then my leg's?

Great looking guitar
RH


I dont know!
A couple of weeks ago i played a MIM standard strat with some crazy birdseye figuring, that neck could have been used on a CS guitar!!
My MIM standard also has some flames on the neck not as much as this tele tho.

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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:19 am
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The newer necks are made without the tint found on older necks. Some of the tinted necks are found on MIM's because they tend to use NOS (new old stock) parts on them. When they remodeled the Fender american series, they made this change, along with a subtle change to the position of the decal on the headstock. I like the tinted necks too.

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