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Post subject: American Special vs. Baja Tele
Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 9:42 am
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I've narrowed my search for a new Tele down to these two models and although I have played the American Special, I have never tried out the Baja as my local store does not have one to play. They are the same price, but the Baja seems to offer more for 799.99 and I really like the butterscotch finish. How do these compare as far as sound and quality of build?


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Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 1:25 pm
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My preference is the American Special because of :

Brass Bridge Saddles
Greasebucket Tone Circuit

But it's YOUR guitar, so go with what you like.

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Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 2:34 pm
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ahhhhh.

Both come with brass saddles.

Grease bucket circuit may or may not be overrated, depend on who you talk to. And the Baja has the S1 switching thing going on.

Both are listed as 9.5" radius necks.

Baja has the 'soft V' neck. Interestingly enough the Fender website does not specify for the Special. But MF says it's a "C". That's a big difference there.

One's MIA, one's MIM, if that means anything to you.

You're talking two very good guitars, either one would be great to own. We can't make that decision for you.


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Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 2:57 pm
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Quote:
Grease bucket circuit may or may not be overrated, depend on who you talk to.


I don't think that it's overated...but that's just me. :wink:

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Posted: Sun Jul 11, 2010 3:41 pm
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(laughing)

You're exactly right. And there's a couple of folks that swear by the Baja S1 switching.

Past the important specifications (V vs C or neck radius) there is metric tonnes of unquantified subjectivity that's amazing to watch sometimes.

I've thought I should come with some snake-oil neck treatment and see how long I could get away with it.

You remind me, I've got to grab something with that rust bucket circuit and wring it out a little more.


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Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 4:11 pm
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I own a Baja and an American Special and if I could keep only one, it would be the Baja.

The Baja's Custom Shop designed pickups would be the difference maker. The Twisted Tele neck and Broadcaster bridge are an excellent combination. All the vintage Tele sounds are there but there are two additional tones that are available with the 4 way switch and S-1. I also prefer the Baja's vintage tuners over the Special's standard Pings.

The American Special is an excellent Tele for the money, too. Its Texas Special pickups sound darker and have less treble than the Baja's. I like the difference. I also like the 22 fret fingerboard with jumbo frets and the Greasebucket tone control works well with the Texas Specials.

The only problem with the Baja is that it's hard to find. I bought mine when the Classic Player line was introduced in 2006 and I have seen a grand total of three in guitar stores since then. Oh, and the Baja does have a seriously beefy neck. It's probably a good idea to play before you buy.

Good luck with your choice. You will have an excellent Tele either way.

John


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Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:23 am
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Hi! We've recently posted our review of the American Special here:

http://en.audiofanzine.com/tlc-shaped-g ... e-usa.html

I can say that, IMO they are both excellent choices, but the Baja model tends to have a more rootsy sound, whereas the MIA is more retro.


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Post subject: baja tele
Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:46 am
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I bought one a couple months ago and it played great right out the box. do not like the tuners, ( although they stayed in tune) but the split top tuner is not for me when I re-string.i had sperzel tuners installed and I switched caps. this guitar rocks. would like to see it with laquer neck, the polyurethane neck is not the same. :wink:


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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:18 am
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I say Baja Tele. Not too impressed with the Am Spcl, it is just the Hwy 1 with a poly finish and TX Special which are widely used. I say Baja Tele.

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Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 8:50 am
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Audiofan wrote:
Hi! We've recently posted our review of the American Special here:

http://en.audiofanzine.com/tlc-shaped-g ... e-usa.html

I can say that, IMO they are both excellent choices, but the Baja model tends to have a more rootsy sound, whereas the MIA is more retro.


Nice review and GREAT soundclips!!!

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