It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 2:28 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 31 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Author Message
Post subject: Project Telecaster
Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:02 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:40 am
Posts: 44
What was my surprise I learned from my project $179 Squier?

I learned that it is more cost efficient to go buy a guitar outright. I have quickly reached a point where if I spend any more on my Project Tele that I will be throwing good money after bad. Manufacturers and online dealers offer deals on guitars already set up that make it unlikely you can build a guitar piecemeal for less than they can. I have had to pull the plug on my Project Tele prior to where I planned to end it.

I definitely learned several things in the building process because I ended up looking at every part on the Tele individually and as a whole. I looked at the tiny string trees on the head stock all the way to the saddles on the bridge. I became aware of ground(important because this is how you avoid electrocuting yourself).

I'm at the $350 point and I still need to spend another $100 to get what I desired but I have pulled the plug on this Project Tele because of cost overruns. When you figure in resale value it isn't cost efficient to spend more than $400. You'll lose everything when resale value is considered. The imaginary total cost would actually be around $800. You can go buy a real Tele for $800. If you will lose money on resale that is an invisible cost you need to figure into the actual total cost.

The value in doing a Project Tele is purely in the fun you'll have and knowledge you'll gain.

If you want a good guitar just make a list of the features you want in it and go buy that model already set up.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 1:01 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:31 am
Posts: 14049
Location: Province de Québec, Canada
I agree with you .


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:36 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:50 pm
Posts: 4602
Location: ˚ɷ˚
Zentar wrote:
You can go buy a real Tele for $800.

You can buy a brand new real MIM Tele Standard for $500, or even lower at sales. That's not a bad axe.
Or a barely used one for $300. And used is what any guitar you upgrade yourself is going to be considered.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:00 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:40 am
Posts: 44
arth1 wrote:
Zentar wrote:
You can go buy a real Tele for $800.

You can buy a brand new real MIM Tele Standard for $500, or even lower at sales. That's not a bad axe.
Or a barely used one for $300. And used is what any guitar you upgrade yourself is going to be considered.



Yea Fender really sources out their guitars: China, Indonesia, Mexico and USA (in order of price and quality). You can get a Tele or Strat made just about in every country it seems.
USA makes the best guitars and always have.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 10:10 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:40 am
Posts: 44
Changed out the large black pickup selector knob with the smaller white Strat knob. The white knob came off an 82 Squier Bullet but the Strat uses the same white knob.

Changed out the cheapo Allen screws in the saddles which were loose and wobbly as well as they stood up too high above the saddle and would literally back out while I played the guitar. The Allen screws I put in were shorter Fender Allen screws. This made the guitar easier to tune. This was a difference maker. It's the little things that screw up the tuning. Picture your saddles floating around on the loose Chinese made screws. The original Allen screws may have been Zinc or Zinc alloy(pot metal) and I had trouble getting the wrench to fit as if the hex hole in them were burred.
Dump the Affinity Allen screws folks!

To check the Allen screws in the saddles take your finger tip and see if you can rock the saddle side to side. They should not rock back and forth. All six saddles should be sitting flat. Any saddle resting at an angle indicates uneven pressure on the Allen screws and can cause dead strings. Each Allen screw should carry 50% of the string load.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 3:43 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:50 pm
Posts: 4602
Location: ˚ɷ˚
Zentar wrote:
Yea Fender really sources out their guitars: China, Indonesia, Mexico and USA (in order of price and quality). You can get a Tele or Strat made just about in every country it seems.


Your information seems a bit lacking.
Fender runs its own factory in Ensenada, Mexico. No outsourcing.

And for Fender branded electric guitars, the outsourcing to the far east has ended, at least for now. For better and for worse. (Fender Japan is no more.)


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 5:31 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4241
arth1 wrote:
And for Fender branded electric guitars, the outsourcing to the far east has ended, at least for now. For better and for worse. (Fender Japan is no more.)

The "Crafted In China" and labeled "Fender" Modern Player series is still on the menu.
Same with (Fender) Richie Kotzen Signature Telecaster, "Made In Japan".


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 6:09 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:50 pm
Posts: 4602
Location: ˚ɷ˚
jmattis wrote:
The "Crafted In China" and labeled "Fender" Modern Player series is still on the menu.

Not as far as I can tell - the only ones are listed under limited edition, i.e. while supplies last.

jmattis wrote:
Same with (Fender) Richie Kotzen Signature Telecaster, "Made In Japan".

Also "while supplies last', because Fender Japan doesn't exist anymore.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 11:43 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4241
Still on the menu, while supplies last... :mrgreen:
So, what you're saying is that FMIC's current policy is to make Fenders only in the US/Mexico factories, and Squiers in all other parts of the world?
Lots of rumours, hearsay, etc; going around, and we probably won't see a FMIC news bulletin on the subject.

Editing; just to get something ontopic: (And by the way, every "you" written below is generic)
It's beginning to be common internet knowledge that you can't save money by modding/upgrading a cheap guitar, compared to buying the one you want right from the store. There are exceptions, but they're real rare: Hot Rod 52 Clone
And on the resale price, you never can expect to get back even the price of upgraded parts, let alone the hours put in the job. And many times mods/upgrades drop the price below the level od an unmodded guitar (like I suspect will happen here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=99388 ).

But then there is the other side. You get to know a guitar from such sides you never would if you'd only play it. Your setup skills most likely get better, which may even help your playing (of course, you also lose some precious practice hours...).
Plus, modding is a hobby just like playing is (for most of us), and thus, you shouldn't put a price tag on it.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 8:03 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:50 pm
Posts: 4602
Location: ˚ɷ˚
jmattis wrote:
So, what you're saying is that FMIC's current policy is to make Fenders only in the US/Mexico factories, and Squiers in all other parts of the world?

It seems like it, but of course, I could be wrong. There certainly is some consolidation going on.
In the long run, it might help boost the brand recognition for Fender as a premium brand, or make it easier for buyers.

jmattis wrote:
And on the resale price, you never can expect to get back even the price of upgraded parts, let alone the hours put in the job. And many times mods/upgrades drop the price below the level od an unmodded guitar (like I suspect will happen here: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=99388 ).

Absolutely. Many guitar players seem unaware that by upgrading a guitar, it is no longer original, and the price will drop even if the parts you put in are better than the originals. At the very least, changes need to be reversible and the original parts kept and installed again before selling. You'll get more if you reinstall the original parts, preferably in a way so the mod can't be detected. And even more if you then sell the upgrades separately.


jmattis wrote:
But then there is the other side. You get to know a guitar from such sides you never would if you'd only play it. Your setup skills most likely get better, which may even help your playing (of course, you also lose some precious practice hours...).
Plus, modding is a hobby just like playing is (for most of us), and thus, you shouldn't put a price tag on it.


True. And you get to try combinations you can't find in a store. Or even parts that aren't on any store models.
Personally, I don't buy guitars to sell them again, so I don't care what it does to value. I just care about how much I like it. Sometimes the mods may be very simple and cheap, like domed knobs and a rounded switch tip so I won't scrape myself, or adding a tap plate to an acoustic so I won't end up with a Trigger. Other times, far more, like trying out different bridges and pickups. And sometimes, the mods are worth it. To me.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 12:10 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 7:27 pm
Posts: 3448
Location: Connecticut
I cannot recall having a guitar i did not at some point or to some degree not upgrade parts on. That would include 2 Larrivee acoustics, both cost about $3000. On both I was unhappy with the tuners and upgraded them to Gotoh 510...

On Stratocasters, none have survived without a bit of tweaking. Minimum has always been knobs and covers, followed by tuners. For vintage tuners I'm partial to the Kluson Deluxe which are a direct fit vintage style and are much higher quality than the stock tuners.

Leo's intent with the Stratocaster was of a user friendly instrument which could be repaired / parts replaced and return to the stage within reason...
That this eventually developed into modding is I suppose evolution, however, not all guitars should be transformed, some not for the better.
For instance, the only mod I performed on my Custom Shop 56 NOS was a change of strap pegs to Schaller lockers.... ( having once snapped the neck on my 59 LPC ) It is a necessity if you care about your guitar...

As for the resale value, Ho .. Hum ... these are not securities but rather musical instruments, tools to be more specific that should be upgraded if warranted. The amount lost on a $500 - $1000 guitar is negligible as it is going to be lowballed anyway on offers vrs ask..
However, if you've upgraded to better hardware, pups etc then the guitar is actually of a higher value on resale then before..
That is of course with the understanding that the mods improved the guitar and were of professional quality... That is unfortunately usually the exception to the rule.....

Upgrade or mod your guitar because it needs it, but first make sure it is not your amp that needs an upgrade or perhaps most importantly your skills as a guitarist which should be followed by musicianship ...

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 1:43 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:40 am
Posts: 44
A good way to look at it is to think that Squires and foreign made Fenders are crap. The Mexi Fenders are better crap than the Indonesian crap. Fenders are an American invention. They're the folks who know how to make them best.

I like to buy Squires and experiment using upgrades but I keep a running total on costs. If I spend too much I get cold chills by realizing I could have bought an American Fender for what I spent.

The only reason to buy Squires is to have a guitar you can do anything to. Ive drilled holes in them. Ive scraped off wood. Ive spray painted them ridiculous colors. Ive done all kinds of drastic stuff to Squires. They are my musical punching bags.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 3:35 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:50 pm
Posts: 4602
Location: ˚ɷ˚
Zentar wrote:
A good way to look at it is to think that Squires and foreign made Fenders are crap. The Mexi Fenders are better crap than the Indonesian crap. Fenders are an American invention. They're the folks who know how to make them best.


I'm not sure that you know that the Corona (US) and Ensenada (MX) plants are both owned and operated by Fender, with largely Mexicans on the floor, some being relatives and some having worked both places. Materials are often the same, or shipped from one factory to another. Fender HQ is far away, in Scottsdale, AZ, and don't make guitars.
The quality control has not always been the best in Ensenada, and I have had to fix more minimal issues (setup, screw fastening) than I've had to on American models. But overall, calling MIM Fender guitars crap is really unreasonable. They are real Fender guitars, and not made by the cheapest outsourcing facility available. These are people with as much experience as those in Corona, and they produce great instruments.
If you want better, there is Custom Shop.

I currently own three teles, one American and two Mexican. My goto of the three is a MIM. Made by Fender. Plays like a Fender. It's very much a real Fender.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 6:47 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 7:27 pm
Posts: 3448
Location: Connecticut
I would beg to differ on the Squier Line " Classic Vibe Player " as warranting the label .... Crap ... :roll:

Ironically there was a time when all Fender guitars were made by the japanese outsourcing that made Squiers.
That being said, they are price point focused level of guitars. From basic entry level to quite refined but still very budget conscious Classic series... A well set up Squier in the hands of an accomplished musician will be a far superior musical statement than a Custom Shop in the hands of an intermediate.

Sure, a Squier can be a fairly inexpensive guitar to experiment on, however, the dimensions of the body restrict upgrading it to high end hardware and that is the point.
Crap in my book is a Danelectro, a guitar primarily pressed out of papier mache and all the refinements of a hastily designed throwaway product...

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Project Telecaster
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:25 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:53 am
Posts: 4241
Zentar wrote:
A good way to look at it is to think that Squires and foreign made Fenders are crap. The Mexi Fenders are better crap than the Indonesian crap. Fenders are an American invention. They're the folks who know how to make them best.

I'd say that statement is utterly, totally, absolutely false - except for the "invented in America" part :wink:


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 31 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: