maction
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SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 19, 2006 17:52:30 GMT -7
My Route 66 is just begging me for a blackguard-style Tele. I can spend up to $1400, maybe $1500, but I’d rather spend less.
Here’s what I want:
-Light ash body, no contours -Nitro finish on neck and body -Big profile maple neck with narrow nut (like a No-caster or Warmoth / USACG boat) -Vintage-style bridge & control layout -Vintage-style pickups, a little more output is OK
Here’s what I don’t want:
-Heavy relic jobs -Shredder-style frets -A long wait -To build it myself
I’ve been looking at a used Fender Custom shop No-caster. It’s a little more than I want to spend, but I know that it will retain its value if I want to sell it. The small neck radius does concern me, too, but not that much.
I’ve also been looking custom Tele-style makers on-line, like RS, Nash, Rock’n’Roll Relics, etc., but I’m a little hesitant to send my money to a maker when I’ve never even tried one of their guitars before, let alone the one I’m going to buy. Then there’s the waiting period, during which I’m sure the prefect Tele will pop up at local store, unbelievably cheap, and mock me.
Are there other options, luthiers, dealers, etc. that y’all could recommend?
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Post by bluzsteel on Jan 19, 2006 19:58:40 GMT -7
get a Fender 52 reissue used and change out the neck
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 20, 2006 10:24:47 GMT -7
Bluzsteel,
Thanks for the suggestion!
A little history: I actually had a 2000 U.S. '52 RI, a black one. Ironically, I ended up selling it to finance my Rt. 66. I liked the guitar but it was pretty heavy (almost as weighty as my 58 RI Les Paul), the finish on the body was really thick, and the neck was a little too shallow for my taste.
Is there a place I can buy a nitro lacquer-finished replacement neck, with tuners and nut installed, that won't need the frets leveled once it's installed?
As I said above, I'm trying to stay away from the DIY thing. I live in a condo in the city, so I don't have a good space to work. I took orchestra instead of shop in high school, so I don't really have skills. And consequently, I don't have any power tools to work with.
Thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming!
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Post by bluzsteel on Jan 20, 2006 12:03:08 GMT -7
Warmouth, WD, Allparts, Chandler. should get you there. as far as the weight , just go play a bunch . there all different
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Post by JoeYello on Jan 20, 2006 13:00:49 GMT -7
I have NOS Nocaster, it is my favorite guitar. You can get a new one for around 2k. The NOS are lower in price than the relics. Mine is very light and resonant. I'll relic it myself. I would think a used one could be had for around $1500. It is well worth it. Get it and be done......with Tele's at least.
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 20, 2006 17:45:46 GMT -7
My '52 reissue bugs me with that thick finish. I had the neck reprofiled with a compound radius and Dunlop 6105 frets. I also put Kinman Avn 48s. I gigged it a lot but after I got my Tom Andersons I don't like it much anymore. The Tom A's are more even toned and sustain much better. Play G on the D string on my '52 reissue and it goes into overtones and the fundemental drops out. It did that before and after the mods. I keep it because it's probably not worth much after the mods. I'm also spoiled by the front and back contours. A few years ago at a Dallas Vintage guitar show there was a guy carrying around a real '53 that at some point had had a bigsby intalled and removed leaving holes in the top and had also had a jumbo refret at some point in the past. I had a guy look at it and the finish and all the electronics were original. It looked and played well to me. I offered the guy $3,500, which was low at the time. He wanted more bids so I didn't get it. Instead I bought a 1939 Charlie Christian Gibson from Dave Hussong. After that I left. He later came back by my friends booth several times looking for me. My friend told him "I think he went to get something to eat", and other things like that to rib the guy for not selling when he had the chance. I would have liked to have gotten it because those things are stupid expensive now and a real '53 is a real '53, mods or not. I kind of like those Highway 1 Fender Teles. I like the thin finish and the necks. You could always put a 3 piece bridge, black guard and better pickups on one and have a good utility piece. Not the be all, end all of course.
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 21, 2006 8:55:29 GMT -7
JoeYello,
yeah, I am really attracted to the NOS and Closet Classic Nocasters. I've liked all of them that I've played, and I'm almost ready to buy a used one on-line without playing it first.
billyguitar,
I wasn't wild about the pickups in my '52 either. they seemed a little squeaky. I have Kinmans in an old Gibson Melody Maker, and really like them. I've played Andersons before, but by the time I custom order what I want, it'll be way out of my price range.
that's too bad about that '53. I saw The Pixies last year, and Frank Black was playing an all-original '53 (according to Vintage Guitar magazine) though some plexi Marshalls -amazing tone.
thanks again, and keep the suggestions coming!
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Post by bluzsteel on Jan 21, 2006 9:41:21 GMT -7
found my Closet Classic Nocaster for 1.500....Cunetto
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Post by JoeYello on Jan 23, 2006 7:49:05 GMT -7
maction,
A friend of mine has purschased 2 Nocasters on-line and both were great. I bought mine locally as I came across it and bonded instantly with it. I wanted a relic but I am glad I got the NOS that I did. Besides the Butterscotch color there are also white blonde nocasters out there. Eddies in St Louis? had a couple of white ones. I almost went for one of those until I came across mine. I don't know if Eddies still has them, but check it out.
Joe
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 23, 2006 10:24:08 GMT -7
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Post by tele1962 on Jan 23, 2006 10:42:35 GMT -7
Can I add something here without sounding a bit harsh or controversial? You own a Route 66? That amp isn't the cheapest amp out there, but I somehow missed the part about how you bought that piece on price. Do you like that Fender CS Nocaster you've been looking at? If the answer is yes, just lay aside all doubts and buy it.
Good tone and investments don't usually come cheap, as you've proven with the purchase of the Route 66.
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Post by Curt on Jan 23, 2006 11:39:44 GMT -7
Has anyone tried the "Texas Telecaster" in the HiWay 1 line? I have not seen one around yet the sound interesting......
BTW, I have a '97 '52 RI that has a real nice neck, thick as a NoCaster with a very slight soft V, the previous owner had all the finish removed and jumbo frets installed, after I had 'em leveled and polished it is a VERY good playing Guit, has the stock neck pup and a Duncan stacked brindge, quiet and sounds vintage, loves drive..a GREAT axe... a lille heavy but not bad. I just added an Anderson Hollow T so that's gettin' all the playing time..way smoother sound and better sustain...but I miss the edgey sound the '52 has.
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Post by JoeYello on Jan 23, 2006 12:56:27 GMT -7
maction..........that's the one. I have seen some where you can see the grain a bit better, but it's hard to tell in a photo. In any event that is a beauty.
I tried the Texas Tele it felt pretty nice but the neck is definately not as thick as a Nocaster, which to me is a big selling point. I also didn't like the non-glossy finisg, although I am sure it could be easily buffed out.
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 23, 2006 16:26:11 GMT -7
I've read on harmony central that the finish on the Hiway 1's starts wearing real fast. To me that's appealing so it'll take on the road dog look sooner. I don't think my 52 reissue would ever get enough wear. That's a tough finish, not really what you want in a Fender Tele. I don't think you could buff it without going thru. These aren't ash, maybe alder.
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Post by Curt on Jan 23, 2006 18:21:46 GMT -7
I've read on harmony central that the finish on the Hiway 1's starts wearing real fast. To me that's appealing so it'll take on the road dog look sooner. I don't think my 52 reissue would ever get enough wear. That's a tough finish, not really what you want in a Fender Tele. I don't think you could buff it without going thru. These aren't ash, maybe alder. I know what you mean, My '52 RI has some chips to the wood and it's amazing how thick taht finish is !! NO WAY it's gonna wear down much less through !! I may strip mine someday... The Tx. Tele is quoted as being ASH on the Fender site...I've just not seen one in person yet. I agree it cool if the doo wear as it make for a cool guit...natural wear that is
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Post by JoeYello on Jan 24, 2006 7:24:58 GMT -7
The Texas Tele is definately ash. I have only seen the sunburst in person and I could definately see some grain in it. The top on the one I saw did not have much grain , but was a bit spotty.........in any event it did look pretty good. I believe the Texas Tele also has different pups than the stock American Series, which many people seem to like over at the Fender Forum. The Texas Tele seems like a pretty good value, especially if you could find a used one.
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 24, 2006 9:51:39 GMT -7
Can I add something here without sounding a bit harsh or controversial? You own a Route 66? That amp isn't the cheapest amp out there, but I somehow missed the part about how you bought that piece on price.... no offense taken. I bought my Route 66, used, from Laroosco here on the forum. I funded the purchase by selling my old U.S. '52 RI to a buyer for $900. he was happy to pay that price because he just *had* to have a black one. I made up the difference. I've actually never spent more than $1595 on any piece of gear. I got my '58 Historic Les Paul for that much from GC, because it was a return and they lost the C.O.A. & case. I guess, what it comes down to, is that I'm one cheap S.O.B.! I could spend more on a Tele, but around $1500 is what I have set aside for it. back on topic: some great discussion here, folks! the specs on the Highway I Texas looked great until I got to the neck profile. it has the same "modern C" as the other Highway Tele, which I've tried and not really dug.
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 24, 2006 11:10:47 GMT -7
BTW, I have a '97 '52 RI that has a real nice neck, thick as a NoCaster with a very slight soft V, the previous owner had all the finish removed and jumbo frets installed, after I had 'em leveled and polished it is a VERY good playing Guit, has the stock neck pup and a Duncan stacked brindge, quiet and sounds vintage, loves drive..a GREAT axe... I've read that the necks on the '52 reissues changed over the years. mine was a 2000, and there was no V to it at all. I'd call it a somewhat shallow U. not even as deep as the '52s they're making now. I kind of wish I didn't sell my '52, but it was defintely worth it to get my Rt. 66.
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 24, 2006 15:22:43 GMT -7
My '52 reissue has a very standard neck profile. You'd need a Nocaster to get a bigger neck. You'll still get those little bitty frets and 7-1/2" radius. That makes low action and bending difficult to get at the same time. Also you'll have to play really light strings without big frets, if you're a bender like me. At one time I was contemplated having Fender custom shop make me a Tele but it was going to be $ 4,500 !! so I bought a Tom Anderson.
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Post by Stumpy on Jan 25, 2006 13:01:25 GMT -7
Did somone say Route 66 and Nocaster? Me Likey!!!! ;D
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Post by billyguitar on Jan 25, 2006 16:24:33 GMT -7
Now that's cool!!!!!!!!!!! Is it real or Memorex?
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Post by rcrecelius on Jan 26, 2006 9:16:31 GMT -7
maction, I know you specified that you dont want to DIY but I've just gotta chime in here with my DIY tele. Its a 3lb11oz 2 pc Swamp Ash body from Guitarmill finished in Mary Kay White nitro. Allparts TMNF-FAT neck, complete Calaham hardware package and Amalfitano pickups. This is absolutely the best tele I have ever played, bar none. Cost me $1040 in parts and a local luthier did the final setup on it for another $50(bone nut, setup and I believe I had him solder the pups in). Im sure there are guitars out there that will fit your needs but for me, I'll probably never buy off the shelf again. YMMV of course More pics of the guitar hereBodyHardwarePickupsThe only bad part of building this guitar is that I built it for my daughter before she was born...so someday I'll have to turn it over to her...but I'm gonna play the heck out of it until then
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Jan 26, 2006 11:39:48 GMT -7
Stumpy:
YES! exactly. I'll be running mine through an Airbrake and a Z 2x10, though.
rcrecelius:
that is so pretty. love that Mary Kaye white.
thanks a lot for the heads-up regarding Guitarmill. it's great that they'll ship a nitro-finished body. if only they did necks, too.
let me crunch the numbers one more time... it looks like aound $1125 for the whole thing: the body and finish from Guitar Mill, USACG neck, parts kit from Callaham, and $160 budget for pickups, shipping not included on anything. I'd still need someone to put the whole thing together for me, cut the nut, etc. hmmmm...
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Post by rcrecelius on Jan 26, 2006 12:16:37 GMT -7
Stumpy: YES! exactly. I'll be running mine through an Airbrake and a Z 2x10, though. rcrecelius: that is so pretty. love that Mary Kaye white. thanks a lot for the heads-up regarding Guitarmill. it's great that they'll ship a nitro-finished body. if only they did necks, too. let me crunch the numbers one more time... it looks like aound $1125 for the whole thing: the body and finish from Guitar Mill, USACG neck, parts kit from Callaham, and $160 budget for pickups, shipping not included on anything. I'd still need someone to put the whole thing together for me, cut the nut, etc. hmmmm... FWIW...I believe my figure of $1040 included shipping. My allparts neck came from eBay at less than what Allparts would sell it for. What options are you looking for in a neck? I should re-read, youve probably answered that questrion. That MK White really is nice...you can see the grain much better than those pics show. Guitarmill has a couple of lightweight bodies on eBay right now... Guitarmill bodies
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Feb 1, 2006 9:45:51 GMT -7
TRIGGER PULLEDwww.cowtownguitars.com/itemtest2.php?invno=ft120&itemtop=includes/fenderitemtop.txtThanks so much to all of you who posted here and gave me their expertise on this subject. It's great to have a forum where folks not only post their opinions, but are willing to discuss them rationally. In the end I decided that, although it was at the high end of my price range, a CS Fender was the way to go. Building up a guitar from pre-finished parts was a close second, but my impatience and fear of screwing it up got the better of me.
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Post by billyguitar on Feb 1, 2006 15:26:24 GMT -7
That is a great looking Tele! Funny, I've never met one I didn't like. How can a design that's almost 50 years old still look fresh. Like a '53 Studebaker, good design will always be good design. They must be products of their era because I don't see new stuff that has that forever good look.
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Feb 1, 2006 15:49:31 GMT -7
That is a great looking Tele! Funny, I've never met one I didn't like. How can a design that's almost 50 years old still look fresh. Like a '53 Studebaker, good design will always be good design. They must be products of their era because I don't see new stuff that has that forever good look. Thanks! I can't wait until it gets here! As Keith Richards said, "it's amazing how Leo Fender got it right on the first try."
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Post by JoeYello on Feb 2, 2006 14:52:40 GMT -7
That's a beauty! Best of luck. You will love that guitar. Play the heck out of it.
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maction
Full Member
SRZ for me
Posts: 227
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Post by maction on Feb 3, 2006 9:31:22 GMT -7
Thanks Joe and Tele!
can't wait until it gets here. should be Monday.
;D
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Post by tele1962 on Feb 3, 2006 10:19:00 GMT -7
Maction, you'll be happy with that purchase! I went and played some stuff yesterday, ( Highway One Texas Tele , etc) and what you have is fabulous compared to the H-1, or anything else I grabbed for that matter. Short of finding a vintage one for decent $$, which hardly happens anymore...you've got the real deal!!
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