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Post subject: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:21 pm
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Hi all guys! It's my first post in this forum so please, don't be angry if I do something wrong!

I've got a project about buying a new guitar having good quality and avoiding ultra-expensive american made beauties (because they are too much expensive for my pocket money :oops: )

So that's the idea (not really an original one): I think I'm gonna buy a 500 bucks Fender Standard Telecaster MIM.

Since I think I could spend more or less 900 for this project I've got some mods in my mind:

1. Changing Mex Std pickups (if I don't like them of course).

That's the most delicate point. I heard and enjoyed Fender CS Texas Special and I think that's more or less the "direction" where I want to guide the sound of that tele, fat, warm, not so clean but clear enough pickups.
I also heard vintage broadcasters and hot for tele from SD and Twang King from DiMarzio.
I think I will play something between blues and rock sounds, have you got any better suggestions?
I know there is an almost infinite list of custom pickups for telecaster and I know very few of 'em.

Another thing is, since I come from a Gibson SG, is the hum really something hard and annoying to handle with or the thing is just getting used to how to handle it?
Because I thought of buying humbuckers or noiseless pickups but I really enjoy the clarity and the brightness of single coil pickups, and really, the "tele" sound.

2. Changing Bridge

To a 3 brass saddle bridge. Is this thing worth it? What is a good choice of bridge?

3. Electronics

Are the pots and the caps good enough or do they eat sound?

Is there any other modifications you think is important to a Std MIM Tele?

Thanks a lot.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 2:34 pm
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Welcome to the forum .

For less than $900 I'll buy a second hand American Standard , no mods needed and best is you try it before .


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:03 pm
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Thanks for the answer.
It could be a stupid question but, is there really such a great difference between a MIM and a MIA telecaster?


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 5:35 pm
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You want a great sounding very playable Tele? Go here: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TeleCV50BB
Do a search on YouTube and you'll hear it's great tone and rave reviews. Several videos there even compare it to an original 52 Tele and custom shop teles. No mods necessary unless you'd like to add one more tone by installing the 4 position switch ( original 3 positions plus the two pickups in series- http://www.guitar-mod.com/rg_4wayinfo.html ) This guitar has tone to die for and it's inexpensive.

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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 10:16 pm
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If your objective is to learn how to work on guitars then buy an inexpensive used MIM Tele and have fun working on it. If you want the best playing and sounding Tele in your budget, then buy a used American made Fender. Either way, welcome to the Forum.
Kenny V


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:36 pm
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I'm of the opinion that you should buy as much guitar as you can for the money. It's an investment in your time and talent !

Buying a used USA Fender for $900, IMHO, is almost always gonna be more guitar than a $900 Partscaster, unless you have a lot of experience w/ all the various aftermarket components out there and how they will interact with one another.

But, GL with whatever you decide !

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:55 pm
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hollycez wrote:
Thanks for the answer.
It could be a stupid question but, is there really such a great difference between a MIM and a MIA telecaster?


Yes. The main difference is the mods you list are already on the Am Tele. If you mod a MIM, in the end, you will have a $900 MIM Tele. Not good finance. Good luck and have fun. :D


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 1:52 am
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hollycez wrote:
Thanks for the answer.
It could be a stupid question but, is there really such a great difference between a MIM and a MIA telecaster?


Yes it worth the extra money .

If you want a MIM and keep original , it is a very good guitar for the price . But if you want a MIM and upgrade it , why don't you buy a better one ; American Standard ?


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 3:27 am
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The Telecaster is such a simple (read: genious) construction that it doesn't make a big difference what the basic model is - better Squiers, Mim's, AmSpecials and AmStandards, all make beautiful music.

hollycez wrote:
It could be a stupid question but, is there really such a great difference between a MIM and a MIA telecaster?
A MIM Standard, minimum advertised price 499$, an AmSpecial MAP 999$, an AmStd MAP 1299$. These price differences aren't based on materials or labor costs... :wink:


But anyway: Texas Specials (without the "CS" prefix, though...) and the three saddle bridge are factory standard in the American Special, which you just might squeeze to the 900$ with some bargaining. Outside the occasional monday units, you won't have problems with the electronics.

And (defining some advice above to my taste), a second hand Classic Vibe or a MIM would be great choices if you're into modding.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 9:01 am
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jmattis wrote:
A MIM Standard, minimum advertised price 499$, an AmSpecial MAP 999$, an AmStd MAP 1299$. These price differences aren't based on materials or labor costs... :wink:

Not sure what you're saying here about pricing.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:24 am
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I was just pointing out (well, trying to...) that the retail price does not depend directly on the production costs.
In other words, the higher price of materials/labor etc. explains only a part of the retail price differences.


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Post subject: Re: Some questions about modding a Telecaster
Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2015 12:04 pm
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The Baja Telecasters are excellent http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search. ... wwodvYwA6g


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