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Post subject: Telecaster Model Recommendation?
Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:18 am
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First post, here, hope everyone is doing well!

I was talked out of a tele, when I was a teenager, now 30 years later want one again. I have played for a long time, very intermittently, so am mostly a beginner, as far as skill. So to now, I have never owned a tele or other Fender.

I would like recommendations on a telecaster to purchase as my first and to learn/take lessons on. I like the Vintage '52, G E Smith, and intriqued by the Nashville with "b-bender". I want an easily playable [good action] model [if they are different], good neck shape, but also want something that might at least hold its value down the road.

I appreciate any thoughtful comments.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:59 am
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If you like the typical classic tele then you don't want P90's or Humbuckers. If you want versatility, then you do want one with a Humbucker or even a Hot Rodded one.

Personally, I like Reissues. And I like the finish and look of the 52 Reissue. It comes in 2 models, one reg single coils, one Hot Rod as mentioned above (think Nashville twang and Beach Boys for the single coils and Keef (rolling stones) for the Hot Rod) has a Hot single coil and mini-humbucker.

Of course you can get American or MIM ones, but while you can find competitors with Ash bodies and good pickups, even make your own companies, there is something to the Fender name that "keeps it's value" as you want.

MIM are much better than they used to be. Cheaper electronics.

Depends on how much you want to spend. If you're going to spring 1400 for an American, I'd look into a Reissue. And if you don't mind a used Reissue which will cost you about 1000, it will have the best resale value.

Reissues tend to IMO pick better matching wood than American or MIM. But don't write them off, the cheapest MIM are pretty darn good feeling (try a bunch of them the QA is less) so it depends on how you feel about your guitar.

You can say "I have an MIM" but you might be that kind of person who feels that "American" version is just way better in terms of bragging rights. That being the case I'd shun it for a Reissue as I just love the attention to finish and frets given.

All my opinions. Spend time playing them. At the end of the day, you can get MIM and still get the sound you want at a much cheaper price and they hold their resale price well being Fender name.

But buy it soon. The Hot Rod Reissue for example which currently sells for 1600 but can be talked down say at GC at least 100 with no taxes is going up next year to something like 2200 (check out the magazine rack and 2009 guitar prices)

Nothing wrong with used. Check out eBay, Craigslist.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:33 am
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Thank you.

I am not up to speed on the terminology as I should be, would the American Vintage 52 reissue qualify as traditional "tele" sound?

If so, is it MIM? It and the G E Smith were the 2 I was primarily interested in - I have a Les Paul copy now, so I want the tele sound.

Are the reissues made in the US? If not, which are - I don't understand the numbers people throw out for models, so I am not up to speed on this stuff, sorry.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:51 am
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Hello JWin,

I've had a mex std tele for over a decade,
it's never given me a problem.

but I do have an itch for a USA model
and the GE Smith is at the top of the list.
It has unique fingerboard inlay and
beefy neck with no taper from the
1st to 12th fret

There's a bunch of great tele's out there
try to get to a music store{s} and
check many out.

Best of luck on your choice.

Cheers.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:03 am
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>I am not up to speed on the terminology as I should be, would the American >Vintage 52 reissue qualify as traditional "tele" sound?

Yes, if it doesn't say "Hot Rod" then a straight up 52 Reissue is the classic 50's tele sound.

>If so, is it MIM? It and the G E Smith were the 2 I was primarily interested in >- I have a Les Paul copy now, so I want the tele sound.

MIM is also classic sounding. If you know for a fact you want that sound (that is matching guitars in songs you like to the Telecaster being used) then a MIM will not disappoint you. Unless you're going out a good tube amp, and loudly, you won't notice that it's slightly less tone, less hot than the American models pickups.

>Are the reissues made in the US? If not, which are - I don't understand >the numbers people throw out for models, so I am not up to speed on this >stuff, sorry.

I've heard of reissues being made in Japan, Mexico and the US. Not sure what ones for the Tele were done. I know the Strat did. Certainly look over eBay and Fender's site, or just google how to find the model year from the serial number and you'll see a bunch of web pages showing country of manufacture and year.

My suggestions is to get a MIM model, and Reissue if possible. They sound great, and it seems you're at the level where you'll appreciate it. It took me 18 years to appreciate the finer distinctions that go into an American Reissue. And I'd have been disappointed 5-10 years ago spending a lot of money and not knowing where it went due to lack of experience with this type of guitar.

But again, buying used saves you in that regard a bit, you can always resell it for cost or near costs.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:25 am
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I appreciate the help.

I thought it would be easier to tell, given the perception of "premium" of the US made models, which are made here.

I assume teh G E Smith and the American Vintage '52 are both US made, but don't know. The only thing about the GE is I assume from the description you can't adjust the rear pickup height on it, but I like the look and sound.

If the American Vintage is not US made, which I have some preference for, is it as simple as certain "series" being made here, others in Mexico? [Assuming, I were to buy new, current model]


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:42 am
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I appreciate the help.

I thought it would be easier to tell, given the perception of "premium" of the US made models, which are made here.

I assume teh G E Smith and the American Vintage '52 are both US made, but don't know. The only thing about the GE is I assume from the description you can't adjust the rear pickup height on it, but I like the look and sound.

If the American Vintage is not US made, which I have some preference for, is it as simple as certain "series" being made here, others in Mexico? [Assuming, I were to buy new, current model]


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:23 pm
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Hello JWin,

GE Smith and American Vintage both US made.

GE Smith has body mounted bridge pickup
but you can still adjust pickup hight.

Cheers.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 1:45 pm
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I don't get political about guitars. I buy based on sound and playablility.

But if American made is the issue, why stop there? Why support a company that even has a Mexican presence? If you give money to a company with a Mexican presence, you're supporting a company that doesn't share the same political philosophy as you, no?

If I was to get political, I wouldn't have an issue supporting Mexican manufacturing. In fact, I'd support that over Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian manufacturing (I have an awesome Gretsch from China, Electromatic Double Jet whose recorded tone richly equals American Made Fenders) Enriching our neighbors to the south will only make their economy better and make people want to live there. And I do want a stable economy in our neighbors who have such a large border with us.

If I was political that is ;)


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 2:49 pm
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Thank you Mr. Bill.

I appreciate the kindness of those offering their thoughts. I grew up in a musical environment, but didn't maximize my opportunity. I want to make up for it and introduce my kids to it.

I sort of like the GE Smith, which has an interesting tone, but I 100% believe you are right, I should play a couple and go from there. These are the 2 I am going to start with. Thank you.

Any pointers, if buying used on what to look out for?


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 4:38 pm
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Hello JWin,

On used guitar buying

First thing I look at is fretwear
Secondly condition of plated parts{tuners,screws,tremolo,etc}
thirdly condition of painted parts{neck and body}
Fourthly excessively noisey

If the guitar looks in nice shape it was
most probably taken care of.

Cheers.


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Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:29 pm
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If you go to products then telecaster it comes up with categories so i'll try to break it down that way.
As far as country of origin:

American Deluxe
American Vintage
American Standard
Highway One
Deluxe
Vintage Hot Rod
are all Made in USA (as would be indicated by the names haha)

Classic
Classic Player
Standard
are all MIM

Artist
Special Edition
are mixed and some are US made and some are MIM

Some of the models also have MIJ/CIJ (whichever it is now) counterparts that will cost a little less than US made guitars because they won't have the mark up of the USA names. The American Vintage 62 Reissue is an example of this. There is a japanese 62 reissue as well.

Hopefully this helps if you are concerned over country of origin. In truth, its becoming more of a label than an indication of the quality of the guitar. USA are known to have a little more attention paid to them but are not necessarily superior to MIM and CIJ models. But they will hold their value better. Happy tele hunting.


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Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 6:17 am
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Thank you, that helps me greatly.

I had been told the "American" or at least some were MIM, so was confused. I have heard good things about the MIM guitars from reading too.

thank you again.


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Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:47 am
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I would say, if you can, go to your local music store, one with a wide variety of teles and play them all. Find the one that you like and then look to see where it is made and see if it's in your budget. IMO, the new standard american tele is an awesome guitar, with great quality and the price is reasonable as well.
If you are looking to re-create the sound from the 50's, then your best bet is the 52 reissue, otherwise you can't go wrong with an american standard. Again, all my opinion. What did all the tele players do before there were so many models to pick from? I'm thinking they all played something very close to the american standard (unless it was 1952). Good Luck with your search. 8)

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