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Post subject: Brand New Tele Break-in
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:49 am
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This may be a very stupid question, but I'm new to electrics, so I want to ask anyway. I've played acoustics for a few years, but wanted to expand into electrics. I bought a very slightly used Am.Deluxe Strat from a close friend and the guitar is just oustanding. Having messed with a friend's MIM several years ago, I could really tell a difference in the feel and quality (no offense to the MIMs, mind you). So I added to the collection with the purchase of a brand new Am. Std. Tele. The color I wanted was on back order and it arrived yesterday. Brand spanking new. They even unpacked it at the music store in front of me. I'm so excited about it. I've got it home and have played it a bit, and it's not feeling quite "broken in" like the Strat. So my question is: do I need to do anything to break in a brand new electric other than just keep on playing on it? (ex. oiling neck, steel wool, etc.) I'm trilled with these guitars and being very picky/anal/near-OCD, I want to make sure I do things right. I'm sure the answer is "just play it for hours on end", but I'd like to be sure. I've noticed the strings are leaving black marks on my fingers, but I'm figuring that's due to a brand new set, oiled neck, etc.

Thanks for your input!!!


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:04 am
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Welcome to the Forum.

Did the shop you buy it from change the strings and do a complete setup?
Other than those 2 things just play it to break in.

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:13 am
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No, they literally unpacked it, and I opened the case, checked it out, and left. They said the factory does a setup on it, but if it wasn't playing right, to bring it back and they'd do it. Do I need to already change the strings if it's literally just cracked open from the factory?


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:33 am
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No offense to the Fender and any other guitar builders. The factory setups are crappy!! Take your guitar back and get a proper setup. Make sure you specify how low you want your action set.

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 7:27 pm
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Hello Kuharris,

Firstly welcome to the forum and congrats on that new Am/std.
A photo or more would satisfy our lusting for guitar photos.

Only tip I can give is replace strings and get some polish to
keep it clean and outstanding looking.

Best of luck with it.

Cheers


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:59 pm
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All the same as above, your favorite set of strings, a good set-up to your choice. Oil on the strings leaving black marks... Are these the factory strings? Usually the products used the clean or keep strings fresh have no color, might it be actually rust?

Anyway, congrats for the buy, and all the best!


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:44 am
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It's difficult to believe that all stores are equal on the setup-tweaking of new guitars. I've got a guru at a local shop that works with a strobe and patience, and have not found one person at GC that appears to be well qualified in setups. Example, our local GC does not have a strobe, and wondering if their guys would know what to do with this 'tool'.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 2:26 pm
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I would never let 99% of the employees I've seen in Guitar Center stores set up my guitar.

I'm sure they have some good techs, especially in stores like Hollywood and Nashville, but I think you'd do better to ask gigging guitarists in your town who sets up their guitars.

Most likely it's an older guy with a grey pony tail who works part-time in the back room of a small "Mom & Pop" guitar store.

If you don't know who to ask, try asking in the Musicians section of your local craigslist. Hopefully you'll get several emails and start to see a consensus of who's good and who to avoid.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 4:05 pm
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If I am not wrong, 9's come standard on all of the Fender factory setups. If you go to a .10, you may have to have it set up for the .10's so it intonates properly. the rest of the break in consists of a lot of playing. Be aware that your strat and acousitcs will be very jealous.

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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:49 pm
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Thanks for all the input, gang. FYI, I did NOT buy it at Guitar Center. I bought it at a local shop that's been in business forever here, Alamo Music (locally owned dealer here in San Antonio, and yes, their techs are all pretty crusty guys who are some of the nicest, most knowledgeable players I've ever spoken with). I'll attempt to add a couple of pics per the earlier request from Mr. Bill. I plan to take it in and have their luthier set it up this weekend. It's actually playing really nice, just doesn't quite have that broken in feel of the stratocaster...yet. :) All I plan to do is lower the action just a tiny, tiny bit.

The pics are taken in my home office at night, so it's dark and the flash really washes out the color, but it's the best I can do. FYI, the Tele is "Candy Cola". Crap...I can't figure out how to post the pics!

Thanks again for the input!


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:38 pm
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The people at Alamo Music are fabulous.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:22 pm
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Nothing too special or different about mine, but since Mr. Bill asked...here they are:

http://gallery.me.com/kharris_tx#100255 ... &view=grid


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:32 pm
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Location: chi town
usually your fingers are black from rust


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 6:20 am
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Would strings that are brand new from the factory really have rust on them? I literally cracked this open straight from Fender (wasn't hanging on the wall in a store, etc.).


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:02 am
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kuharris wrote:
Would strings that are brand new from the factory really have rust on them? I literally cracked this open straight from Fender (wasn't hanging on the wall in a store, etc.).



Just because it's fresh from the box doesn't mean that it didn't sit around in a Fender or supplier warehouse for 6 months or more. The string change and setup would help.


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