CLUB "51" The Squier 51 Owners Club

Those are some sweet 51's, hoping to join soon.

Got one off the Squier 51 forum. Can't wait until she arrives.

I stupidly sold mine....

Ive just got a set of standard '51 pickups off ebay, for not very much money. No-one else bid on them so I got them for a steal.

What I plan to do is return this one

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k7/andys_01/BlondeSquier51sofashot.jpg

to near enough its original state.

Got to remove the fake F****r logo that a previous owner put on the headstock. I will probably leave it blank unless I can find a replacement Squier one. It has a Lace Sensor in the neck slot which I am not so keen on, plus it is wired to a blend pot which doesnt work very well. Managed to get hold of an original three way rotary switch from someone on the '51 Forum, so that will be going back in too.

As for the bridge I dont know. I dont like the GFS bridge it has now. I have a stock one around that I'll either three saddle, or string differently.

I want to do it as I have a much more stock '51 that I play a lot more, but I do prefer the neck on this blonde one. Its amazing really how the necks differ quite a bit on these two '51s:!:

Let me try this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=H2ZXMErjPXU

Here's another try...Different guitar
Was gonna embed the vid, but it was taking a LONG time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u9nZa2HrhE&feature=player_detailpage

Number 3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JilGGouVqC0&feature=player_detailpage

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/98MAR222011005.jpg


Bronze saddles. Not sure how to describe them.

Been reading about the "51. I am picking one up from a non-playing friend for $50. I set this guitar up for him about 6 month ago and had no idea what it was until he offered to sell it to me. I started to research it, based on appearance. I am happy with what I have found. I can't wait to start playing with this guitar.

I'm now a proud owner of one of the very few 51s that has made its way to Estonia from Indonesia, via USA. I paid quite a lot for it, compared to most of you - around $160, but I still feel I got a lot of guitar for the money. It's the black one and it's staying stock for the time being as I wouldn't know how to mod it anyway, nevermind how to make sounds resembling music with it :mrgreen:

http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/pawnshop/?EDID=UUX2WFS-4HNT-KEGS9Q-XH13S-57Y3-v1

the fender '51 coming soon! looks just like my squier '51!

the fender '51 coming soon!
Son of a gun! And only US$999 list! That would make street price about $700 - only 7x what most people paid for their originals. I wonder if this will drive up the price of an original '51. Well at least there will be a source for genuine replacement parts now. I am very curious about where they are being made.

I am tuning my Squier 51 and have had the head airbrushed as well as put a b-bender on it.
Still a long way to go.
Need another bridge (Wilkonson cutaway and other pickups).
Not in a hurry.....:lol:

Oh mama...that headstock looks awesome!
:shock:

No longer in the club but those are cool guitars - ran across this band the other day - the lead guitarist plays a '51 - thought you guys would appreciate this link:

UQ4p1K9Vz1E

Argh, that was a pain to watch.
As I get older I'm hating that "MTV" cut-and-jump style of filming more and more...

Hello all,

I've just inherited a sunburst '51 that I'd like to do a few things to:
- I'd like to change the bridge, most likely with the Bubba mod on the original bridge. Problem is that I don't know if that's a better option with the brass saddles than this:

http://www.guitarfetish.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/products/bridges/C20_a.jpg&maxx=0&maxy=300
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Top-Mount-Hardtail-bridge-Fits-Teles-Squier-51-Chrome_p_759.html

Is the tone more improved with the brass saddles or with something like this? It's got a steel baseplate and cast saddles. I'd like to leave it toploading instead of making it string-thru-body, which makes the Bubba mod a good move. Just not sure if the brass saddles are better than steel. I know brass brightens up the instrument somewhat and gives it more life, which is what a lot of stock '51s like mine need.

Also, if I go with the brass saddles, should it be this:
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/slotrod65/BubbaMod1.jpg

or:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/t_sd_bv.jpg

It's hard to see the difference, but the second pic has has a slant cut into the barrel as opposed to the first pic where it's a smooth barrel. Is there a difference in intonation accuracy? It seems to me that the second choice has a definite 'point' for the string to rest on, seemingly offering more intonation precision. Is this crazy?

Also, is there a need for a tone control on the '51? I can see the pros and cons, and I'd like to know if its worth all the work. If I do it, I'll do the Ian Rich control plate and a pickup switch, and use a tappable tone knob for the humbucker, with a standard volume.

Final question- which string trees, and where do they go on the headstock?
I'm considering this type:

http://www.isdial.net/~xanex/guitar/stringtree.JPG

or this type:

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/images/large/AP-0727-010.jpg

I'm not sure of the down-angle it needs to provide.

Thanks!!

http://www.guitarfetish.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/products/bridges/C20_a.jpg&maxx=0&maxy=300
[/url]


Also, if I go with the brass saddles, should it be this:
http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu49/slotrod65/BubbaMod1.jpg

or:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/t_sd_bv.jpg


Also, is there a need for a tone control on the '51?

Thanks!!

Hello!

The GFS item is just marginally better than the stock bridge. Those saddles are pot metal and I don't care for them.

That second image is a set of modded Stew Mac # 5167s on my guitar. They work great, but often you gotta file some brass off the undersides of the outboard saddles as they'll impinge on the bridge plate before they're low enough. Those Callahams will install right on there pronto; you just need to move up to a 9/64ths inch twist bit (the Stew Mac # 5167s need only a 1/8ths inch bit) in the drilling of your Bubba holes in the plate. Btw the way even though that one is a string through mod, the bridge function is basically exactly the same.

Take some time to get acquainted with the 51 in action. I use my volume control as a sort of tone control, and I use my fretting fingers and pick attack and EQ the amp a little different. You don't miss the tone control.

On those trees, the stock ones are fine, the locations are fine. You can leave the D-G tree off if you convert the guitar to split shaft Vintage style tuners, or keep it depending on how aggressive you play and how you new nut is cut.

(the mods to the #5167s are filed down undersides of the outboard bottom barrels, and re-tapped holes to accept 6-32 hardware. If you do this you can tweak the angles of each barrel to perfection, but you gotta drill the Bubba holes to 9/64ths as well).

I found the GFS bridge to be an improvement over the original. Personally, I prefer individual saddles. The lack of a tone control was my only complaint about my 51. I got the Ian Rich control plate & wired it as a standard tele. I also got black tusq string trees.

Hello!

That second image is a set of modded Stew Mac # 5167s on my guitar. They work great, but often you gotta file some brass off the undersides of the outboard saddles as they'll impinge on the bridge plate before they're low enough. [snip] Btw even though that one is a string through mod, the bridge function is basically exactly the same.

(the mods to the #5167s are filed down undersides of the outboard bottom barrels, and re-tapped holes to accept 6-32 hardware. If you do this you can tweak the angles of each barrel to perfection, but you gotta drill the Bubba holes to 9/64ths as well).

Thanks, Boris! What about this Wilkinson bridge at GFS? It's a Tele replacement half bridge made to clear the rear pickup, but they tout it as a direct replacement for the '51. Looks like some drilling will be necessary.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/c36_a.jpg&maxx=0&maxy=300
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Cutaway-Wilkinson-Compensated-Tele-Bridge-Brass-Saddles_p_1805.html#

It was recommended by someone at the TDPRI forum. Not sure about that one. To be frugal, I may just drill the plate out for the Stew-Mac saddles, go topload, and keep the same hardware. Retapping isn't an option for me right now, 1- because I've never done anything like that, and 2- because I don't have any shop space or appropriate tools. If the intonation isn't perfect, I'll look into it further. What does the brass do for the sound exactly? I've heard some vague descriptions.

On those trees, the stock ones are fine, the locations are fine. You can leave the D-G tree off if you convert the guitar to split shaft Vintage style tuners, or keep it depending on how aggressive you play and how you new nut is cut.

I think I'm gonna go with the GraphTech string trees. Still not sure where they should go on the headstock.

For the nut, I went with your suggestion of the Tusq #4750 at StewMac. Any mods necessary on that? It won't be my first nut replacement, but I can't say they were all good jobs before.

I really love the way this looks (from the Ian Rich page):

http://shop.seeker.co.nz/51/pics/51control.jpg

Any idea what kind to get? I know I need non-arched, but how deep?

For now I have finished my project. May be some time I will change the pickups and the machine heads but will see.

For now I have finished my project. May be some time I will change the pickups and the machine heads but will see.

Like it!
I don't know that bender. What is it? More pix please? Nice headstock match.

Facing hernia surgery I have gone lightweight for gigs.

One of my current fave guitars with my little Valve Jnr is my sunburst 51, a great guitar for playing soul music

With the "no heavy lifting" rule after the op, this guitar plus either my Melody Maker or my Danelectro will be my guitar of choice for a while. My heavier Teles might have to be left on the walls for a while;-)

I have finally finished my '51 - it's been in progress for well over a year:

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=45355&g2_serialNumber=2
My 2005 sunburst Squier '51. The only things original left are the body, neck, bridge, string trees, strap knobs, neck screws, and output jack plate. MIM Telecaster neck pickup, Gibson P-94T in the bridge, Gotoh tuners, Graphtec TUSQ XL nut, CTS pots, and so on.

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=45362&g2_serialNumber=2
2006 MIM Telecaster neck pickup. Gibson P94-T bridge pickup. These have virtually identical DC resistance at 8.6K. I modified the neck pickup by reversing the ceramic magnets so that the middle pickup position is hum canceling.

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=45359&g2_serialNumber=2
This plate originally had two holes and was marginally larger than the stock plate (forward screw hole was moved forward about 1/8"). But it had wider hole spacing allowing room to put a full size 3-way toggle in the middle. The wide spacing however meant that the body control cavity was maxed out - there was only enough room for mini pots - full size pots would have taken up too much width for the cavity.

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=45365&g2_serialNumber=2
Waterslide decal that I made myself from web images using GIMP and InkScape. Printed on waterslide decal paper and hand coloured from the back side with silver pen. Top caoted with many layers of poly. Didn't turn out perfect and took many tries (this thing took more work than all of the rest of the guitar) but I am quite pleased overall.

Like it!
I don't know that bender. What is it? More pix please? Nice headstock match.

Just looks like a Hipshot bender.

https://store.hipshotproducts.com/secure/images/categories/571.jpg

I have finally finished my '51 - it's been in progress for well over a year

NICE!

I've got my upgrade parts and shielding foil from StewMac, and am ready to get on the project, but I'm not sure about how to ground it. There is the grounding wire from the volume pot to behind the bridge, and I'm not sure if it needs to be moved or changed. Has anyone done this upgrade?

I've got my upgrade parts and shielding foil from StewMac, and am ready to get on the project, but I'm not sure about how to ground it. There is the grounding wire from the volume pot to behind the bridge, and I'm not sure if it needs to be moved or changed. Has anyone done this upgrade?

The bridge will still need to be grounded, as will the shielding foil, but it's up to you what grounds connect to where. Ultimately all the grounds need to end up at the output jack sleeve connection so that the guitar cable carries this to the amp where it will eventually find earth. What you want to avoid is creating multiple paths to ground for any one item. For example don't ground the Volume control to the output jack, AND the switch to the output jack, AND the switch to the volume control. But even if you end up with a ground loop unintentionally I don't think you will won't notice a problem - it's long ground loops that are the real trouble.

Most people use one common place to bring in their grounds (e.g. volume control) and then from there make a single ground connection to the output jack.

This plate originally had two holes
Actually, I now remember that it was an aftermarket 3-hole Tele Bass control plate. This was so long ago I had forgotten. I had to enlarge the middle hole to accommodate the toggle switch.

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=45355&g2_serialNumber=2



This pickguard looks great. Very professional. Is this your handwork, or did you farm the pickguard out?

Any additional details you can give us on this larger control plate (that you modded) are much appreciated. My recollection is that the GFS sourced plates (in many colors) are actually Smaller than the stock Squier plates and are thus not much good for anything.

Oh. And please if you could, tell us your technique for making all the extra holes in the sunburst body go away. Very nicely done, indeed!! :grin:

GGBB, Although I'm new here, I just wanna say how great your Squire 51 looks. Its really stunning. If possible I'd like to hear the sound too. I'd expect the metal covered pickup to be a lot smoother than the stock single coil, but I'm not sure what to expect from the P94 in the bridge.

I agree.

I think the combo of a sunburst 51 and a red torty scratchplate is a great one.

Its why I did the same combo to mine (its pictured in another post above somewhere)

This pickguard looks great. Very professional. Is this your handwork, or did you farm the pickguard out?
Thanks Boris. Yes - I did the pickguard myself. It was a brown tortoise strat blank that I got from a local dealer. It was in a WD Music package but when I opened it I discovered an AllParts sticker on the back, and when I peeled that off there was another that said Made in Japan. Whoever made it, it's quite nice. I believe it is this one:

http://www.allparts.com/Tortoise-Stratocaster-Outline-p/pg-0992-043.htm

I had to square off the neck pocket, cut the pickup openings, make the bottom straight and beveled and round off the corner, cut the space for the control plate, enlarge the bridge cutout slightly (width), and drill screw holes. Nothing fancy in my technique - make a paper template, rough cut with either jig saw or coping saw, hand file to size. This material is easily workable with a hand file, and with a fine file it was smooth enough to not need any further finishing. It took time to do but wasn't terribly difficult - although I was very careful about measuring particularly for the pickup openings.

Any additional details you can give us on this larger control plate (that you modded) are much appreciated. My recollection is that the GFS sourced plates (in many colors) are actually Smaller than the stock Squier plates and are thus not much good for anything.
I got it from Guitar/Bass Parts Resource:

http://guitarpartsresource.com/bpickguard_telecontrol.htm

It's the TBCP-3C one. I emailed them asking about measurements and they were kind enough to send me a template although the resolution was so low I couldn't really make out all the numbers. But it had part of a watermark which I eventually figured out via google and found the manufacturer's site with the same template at higher res. I lucked out really because I hadn't considered whether or not the plate holes were within the bounds of the cavity. It's just a little longer - not even 1/4" - so I only had to relocate the neck side hole a bit (which was originally off center anyway).

Oh. And please if you could, tell us your technique for making all the extra holes in the sunburst body go away. Very nicely done, indeed!! :grin:
Also pretty much the standard technique: fill (mashed up toothpicks and white glue), a drop of black car paint over top, fill to surface of finish with crazy glue, razor level, and then very light fine sanding followed by a thin coat of poly in a very limited area, multiple times over until it's even, then buff with Scratch-X. I had to be VERY careful with the sanding in order to not go through to the paint. You can see it if you look for it, but you have to get close and really look. The top finish looks fine, it's the wood patch and paint that shows. If you look closely at the pic you will see the one just above the neck pocket - a black dot - this is the most noticeable one. If I had to do it over again I would have used dark brown paint instead of black.

GGBB, Although I'm new here, I just wanna say how great your Squire 51 looks. Its really stunning. If possible I'd like to hear the sound too. I'd expect the metal covered pickup to be a lot smoother than the stock single coil, but I'm not sure what to expect from the P94 in the bridge.
Thanks. Yes - the neck pickup is very smooth and warm without being dull - it sounds as expected like a tele neck pickup. The P94 is, for those unfamiliar, Gibson's P90 in humbucker size. I don't know their P90 so I can't say how close this sounds. The sound of it is closer to single coil than humbucker, slightly hot but more balanced than an overwound single coil. It gets close to a tele bridge pickup but it's not identical. Clean it is bright without being ice-picky but with good linear bass extension. Overdriven it is really great for crunchy rhythm chords. The two pickups both have a very open sound and respond well to picking technique, but are quite different sounding - just like on a tele - so there is a tremendous range of tones available. I play mostly clean so I like using the middle switch position where the two pickups combine for what I would best describe as a somewhat twangy tele-ish sound with some strat thrown in. I try to post some sound samples within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for the detailed replies!

++

Here's my favorite rosewood boarded one (the neck is from a Squier Tele)

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/98APR042011001.jpg

IAM NOW A PROUD OWNER traded my classic vibe 50s strat for one, he got the better end of the deal i know but i had to have one of these twangy awesome guits, does anyone know where in canada you can buy pickguards for it or how i could mint green the current pickguard thanks

Guitar Fetish used to stock them, and I got my red torty one when they were blowing them out ayear or so ago. Mine was originally the more up to date one with the rear pickup slot, but I cut mine back to the old shape again.

Pickguardian can make them for you, or get some pickguard blank, and make your own.

I still cannot believe no one has cut a Squier 51 pickguard that is "puffed out" on both top horns like the original pickguards on the Basses that Leo did.

I meant to do that project, and got to messing with this instead:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/98APR082011008.jpg

I don't see enough room to "puff" out the horns like the original bass. Let's hear the details on the new bridge. I see it doesn't cover the screw holes. Sound/work any better? Cost? Maker? How'd the back (ferrules) turn out?

My '51 shortly before completion, my custom label, and hanging in the music room...

I don't see enough room to "puff" out the horns like the original bass. Let's hear the details on the new bridge. I see it doesn't cover the screw holes. Sound/work any better? Cost? Maker? How'd the back (ferrules) turn out?

Oh, it is a Hipshot I think and it is absolutely top quality. It is too expensive in reality for this level of guitar and requires string through mods so it is sort of a curiosity even though it sounds so flawless and professional. Kinda like good spring water - lot of the garbage we often taste in water is not in our way and that's kinda what this is like.

The ferrules on this guitar you have seen before since this Hipshot conversion was performed on a '51 that had been through strung some time ago. Not bad but not perfect.

++

About the pickguard: Look at this image and tell me there's not a lot of spare body showing around this pickguard. The Japanese '51s should be more precisely made - we don't need so much wiggle room to accommodate mispositioned pickguards and oversanded bodies:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/98APR102011002.jpg

I've played both a Fender '51 and a Fender '72, and their pickguards do indeed maintain a nice, even distance from the body edges.

That's something I intend to emulate if I can ever make myself get started on a leather pickguard for my Squier '51.

Had a real nice '05 burst with the two piece neck, sold it (dumb, dumb, dumb) .
Now I have a '04 blonde with a white pickguard and one piece neck which I do not like as much. Maybe new strings would help?

Had a real nice '05 burst with the two piece neck, sold it (dumb, dumb, dumb) .
Now I have a '04 blonde with a white pickguard and one piece neck which I do not like as much. Maybe new strings would help?

Same here.

I prefer my Sunburst 04 that I got for £41 and it mainly stock, over the blonde 06 I paid more than I should have and has been modded.

Might sell the blonde one.

The sunburst one got used at a gig the other week, and delivered the goods with ease. Great soul guitar

I picked up a '51 at a pawnshop for $95 with a fender Deluxe gigbag. I replaced the bridge pickup with a Duncan Designed, and originally used the stock neck pickup with the ceramic magnets replaced with alnico V pole pieces. The output of the Duncan was way way more than the neck pickup, so I found an alnico Strat pickup on eBay. I also replaced the 3 way rotary switch with a 5 way rotary. The push-pull now switches the pickups from series to parallel. I replaced the bridge with a Wilkinson cutoff Tele bridge. It still looks stock, for the most part.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/mkgearhead/guitars/101_3381.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/mkgearhead/guitars/101_3423.jpg

got a BB on which i put an early 80's usa bullet RW neck

love my 51

Been rockin' my stock '51 for years, great guitar at any price :cool:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n60/jas944/GuitarPics002.jpg

Hey guys, what are your recommendations for upgrading my tuners and pick guard? I have the burst and want to get a pearl pick guard. and I want some good tuners that won't break the bank. Thanks!

Hey guys, what are your recommendations for upgrading my tuners and pick guard? I have the burst and want to get a pearl pick guard. and I want some good tuners that won't break the bank. Thanks!

For tuners, I put these Gotohs on mine and would highly recommend them - they are really good. And a bargain as well:

http://www.warmoth.com/%2FGotoh-SG38-Tuner-Left-Side-Chrome-P980.aspx

Could you send me the Logo you made? It looks great! Thanks!!

Thanks for the help, those are a great price!

Could you send me the Logo you made? It looks great! Thanks!!

Check your email.

I'm in, mine is a 2005 with a 1984 Bullet 1 neck. cost me alot more than most here ... oh well, soon to be modded more ...

Thanks a million! Now i need help deciding on pickups? I don't know where to begin. I see a lot of guys doing the GFS and Lipstick. Any suggestions. Im sticking with blues, rock and warm clean tones. Thanks guys!!!

I am tuning my Squier 51 and have had the head airbrushed as well as put a b-bender on it.
Still a long way to go.
Need another bridge (Wilkonson cutaway and other pickups).
Not in a hurry.....:lol:

THAT LOOKS KILLER !!! :shock:

Thanks a million! Now i need help deciding on pickups? I don't know where to begin. I see a lot of guys doing the GFS and Lipstick. Any suggestions. Im sticking with blues, rock and warm clean tones. Thanks guys!!!
I'm thinking of putting a silver Lace in the neck and maybe a Seymore JB humbucker with the tap. or maybe go Tele Custom, with a Wilkinson Vintage style bridge and compensated saddles. and tap the JB at the neck ... so many options ... I guess it's more a sweet spot position ? than a neck position ? any way I'm with you on the help with decisions ...plus I'm thinking Black Guard maybe ? DAMN !!!!

my 51
two tonerider p 90 (humbucker size)
holes from bigsby
and Imelda May
http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv216/oxygel/p512.jpg

http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv216/oxygel/p511.jpg

I remember very well the first time I saw a picture of a '51, the guitar was offered for sale on a secondhand site. I looked at the pic and immediately I became aware of a very retro looking instrument that incorporated the three landmark guitars Leo Fender designed. The Tele, the P Bass and the Strat.
And to me those 3 designs were the pinnacle of what Leo achieved, it never got any better.
I bought that 2nd hand "as new" blond '51 forthwith and gave it a lot of modifications, see pics
Some 6 months later I sold it to a guy who had to have it and paid good money for it.

But just last week I found another "as new" blond secondhand one, and after four '51 less years it all came good again.
Holy smoke do I like that guitar. This time I will give it only a few modifications. See pic 3, I will post more when it is finished soon.


http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6255/squire51mod.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/691/squire51mod.jpg/)

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/7378/squire51mod13.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/691/squire51mod13.jpg/)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/3537/p1040274eq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/24/p1040274eq.jpg/)
In the meantime I am bidding on a black '51, hopefully I will get it.

Im thinking of running a TV Jones power/tron and a Dimarzio area T neck pickup in my 51. Thoughts?

If anyones interested this is a Vintage blonde version im selling on ebay at the moment

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180718343029?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_500wt_1156

Hey guys. What do I need to get when buying my new tuners? Is there a certain size?

Picked this up yesterday evening.
New old stock Squier '51. I will make some modifications to it like vintage Kluson tuners, a black pickguard and black pu cover, button string retainers but further nothing major.
Put a fake Fender F hole on it, makes it look a little like a Pawn Shop '72.
As a bonus it has some birdseye on the maple neck.
Also got a blond one and a black one is in the pipeline.

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4816/img0004xs.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/846/img0004xs.jpg/)

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/728/img0005xc.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/img0005xc.jpg/)

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/268/img0006xd.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/img0006xd.jpg/)

I'm late to the game as usual, but here's mine. Purchased used from Guitar Center for $149.00.

I'm just figuring out the odd pup controls, but like it well enough so far. I'm just going to play it for a while before considering any mods.

I love the lightweight body with tummy and forearm cut.

I'm late to the game as usual, but here's mine. Purchased used from Guitar Center for $149.00.

I'm just figuring out the odd pup controls, but like it well enough so far. I'm just going to play it for a while before considering any mods.

I love the lightweight body with tummy and forearm cut.

Nice one, I am bidding on a black one, hope I'll get it.
Just love these '51 's.
Here my two slightly modded ones:
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2603/p1040298w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/571/p1040298w.jpg/)

jefsut, I think I figured them out, the three way switch, the first pos is Bridge only, the second is Both pickups and the third is Neck only. .. The push / pull knob switches the bridge Humbucker to Single coil when pulled up.

Hey folks

I remember seeing a 51 in the shop a long time ago... years ago... and I remember noticing how cheap it was. I thought it was cool, but not cool enough (I was looking at tele customs). After lots of research, I decided to buy one on ebay... should be showing up pretty soon. I also ordered a black vinyl cover for the pickguard, cause I can't seem to find a black one for sale anywhere on the net! any suggestions on where to find a three ply b-w-b or just plain black pickguard for one of these? thanks alot!

jefsut, I think I figured them out, the three way switch, the first pos is Bridge only, the second is Both pickups and the third is Neck only. .. The push / pull knob switches the bridge Humbucker to Single coil when pulled up.

Thanks!

Hey folks

I remember seeing a 51 in the shop a long time ago... years ago... and I remember noticing how cheap it was. I thought it was cool, but not cool enough (I was looking at tele customs). After lots of research, I decided to buy one on ebay... should be showing up pretty soon. I also ordered a black vinyl cover for the pickguard, cause I can't seem to find a black one for sale anywhere on the net! any suggestions on where to find a three ply b-w-b or just plain black pickguard for one of these? thanks alot!

I think it will be very hard to find such a pg.
The modding boom of Squiers '51 is not what it has been before and stock
for replacement parts is hard to find.
I use vinyl cover and it works wonders.

This gigging player owns one too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WvOMrROzrA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsCDERXbwZM&feature=related

Stock blonde '51 being played on a big stage!!!

I think it will be very hard to find such a pg.
The modding boom of Squiers '51 is not what it has been before and stock
for replacement parts is hard to find.
I use vinyl cover and it works wonders.


I made my own black pickguard fro mine out of High Impact Polystyrene Sheet, or vacuum forming plastic. Cut it out with a craft knife and filed the edges.


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k7/andys_01/BlondeSquier51sofashot.jpg

The pickguard looks great. Where did you the polystyrene?

Almost finished.
Vintage Kluson type tuners, Bubba Mod, body color headstock and
fake F hole.
Need strings, logo, button type string retainers and maybe I'll put in a Filtertron buckhummer.

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8492/p1040319.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/p1040319.jpg/)

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/7059/p1040316iz.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/p1040316iz.jpg/)

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2275/p1040314e.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/p1040314e.jpg/)

This was my first guitar. I got her for $50 (the guy I got her from had no idea what it was). The biggest thing I did was to refinish it. I was never really fond of the sunburst it was originally and she had gotten really beaten up. I was spraying a bass blonde at the time so I decided I might as well refinish the 51 at the same time. The only other thing I did was to change the controls to a blend pot and a volume pot. I love this guitar!:grin:http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m592/thumperjr/p%20bass/DSCN0693.jpg

I acquired a 2005 this afternoon-unmodded and with no dings or divots. When finances allow, I'll put another bridge on it and would like a black pick guard. I'm well impressed with the sounds and the neck feels great.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d105/123lester/IMGP9869.jpg

Finally made it.
As the pictures show I have made some modifications.
Body color headstock with silver Fender logo.
Split shaft vintage Kluson type tuners.
Button type string retainers.
Pickguard with carbon pattern foil.
Artec Tele neck pick-up.
GFS Nashville Retrotron humbucker.
Black strap pins.
Bubba mod bridge with compensating saddles.
Knobs with thicker knurling.
Fake F hole.
Switching is standard
I guess a chrome pick up ring (if I can find a good one), might be the last thing to add.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2915/p1040327l.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/508/p1040327l.jpg/)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4581/p1040329rn.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/p1040329rn.jpg/)

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/7062/p1040332s.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/689/p1040332s.jpg/)

And here my super trio:
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/3703/p1040339o.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/94/p1040339o.jpg/)

I recently became hopelessly enamored of the 51, however it is a fender, not the squier. I haven't seen the squier version but i have no problems with buying a squier. I have 2 CV's and love them. But heres the thing....the fender i played was what i can only describe as having the best fender neck i have played in 40 years of owning and playing a boatload of fenders. That neck was like a gift from god for me. I can't get over it ! However, i'm not in a position to spend $800 bucks right now easily, so i'm considering the squier. So 2 questions. 1-are the maple necks exactly, and i mean EXACTLY the same as far as shape and radius. It has to be EXACT or i have to pass for the fender because thats 95% of why i want it. 2-what did they use for body wood, and if they used more than one are there any known guidelines to use to tell what a particular one is made of if it's a solid color? I heard they were basswood and if so i'd pass because i don't like the tone of basswood.

So basically i need to know the neck is going to be exactly like the fender pawnshop 51 and the body must be alder or light ash, preferably alder.

Sunburst 51, new string through bridge, GF black pickguard (I have the MOP and TS PGs too in case I ever decide to repaint it), I painted the headstock and did a custom decal which I think turned out really nicely.

SELLING MY '51 - As described above, about 10 hours total play time on it.
- Includes 5 pickguards (stock black, white, GFS Black,
White Pearl and Tortoiseshell)
- $150 + shipping
It needs a good home and I'm financing another guitar.
Email me.

Sunburst 51, new string through bridge, GF black pickguard (I have the MOP and TS PGs too in case I ever decide to repaint it), I painted the headstock and did a custom decal which I think turned out really nicely.

See Post #245 of this thread for pics

SELLING MY '51 - As described above, about 10 hours total play time on it.
- Includes 5 pickguards (stock black - painted black,
white,
GFS Black, White Pearl and
Tortoiseshell)
- $150 + shipping
It needs a good home and I'm financing another guitar.
Email me.

I recently became hopelessly enamored of the 51, however it is a fender, not the squier. I haven't seen the squier version but i have no problems with buying a squier. I have 2 CV's and love them. But heres the thing....the fender i played was what i can only describe as having the best fender neck i have played in 40 years of owning and playing a boatload of fenders. That neck was like a gift from god for me. I can't get over it ! However, i'm not in a position to spend $800 bucks right now easily, so i'm considering the squier. So 2 questions. 1-are the maple necks exactly, and i mean EXACTLY the same as far as shape and radius. It has to be EXACT or i have to pass for the fender because thats 95% of why i want it. 2-what did they use for body wood, and if they used more than one are there any known guidelines to use to tell what a particular one is made of if it's a solid color? I heard they were basswood and if so i'd pass because i don't like the tone of basswood.

So basically i need to know the neck is going to be exactly like the fender pawnshop 51 and the body must be alder or light ash, preferably alder.

The Squier 51s are basswood.

yeah, i found that out after i posted here. Also found the necks are similar but they are different. Si i'm going with the fender when i can afford it.

yeah, i found that out after i posted here. Also found the necks are similar but they are different. Si i'm going with the fender when i can afford it.The Squier '51 necks are a lot beefier than the necks on the new Fender '51's. Was really disappointed to find this out (tried the Fender last week)...

The Squier '51 necks are a lot beefier than the necks on the new Fender '51's. Was really disappointed to find this out (tried the Fender last week)...

+1

Although I was not disappointed, since I knew what to expect.

The Indonesian guitar looks better every day.

the fender version neck is literally my ideal neck tho, so for me it's a no brainer. The neck is 90% of the reason i'm lusting after that thing. I'm not crazy about beefier necks than that.

Bought mine around 2006 but I only started modding it a few months ago when I ran into a cheap neck with rosewood fretboard (the original neck was finished very badly and it needed a replacement or a complete refret):

http://taiga.nl/userfiles/image/squiersonic6.png

Bridge with Bubba mod, replacement neck, Bigsby B50 a '69 MIM thinline telecaster neck pickup.

Real fun to play now and I must say that I still really like the original bridge humbucker. Lots of character.

Well, i decided against getting the fender 51, but i do have a guy who wants to trade a squier 51 for a classic vibe tele i'm selling. How do these 51's stand up to the classic vibe stuff quality wise?

I haven't held a CV long enough to make a good comparrison but I'd say that the CV is higher quality that the 51s (Squier 51s that is).

You have to hold the Squier 51 in your hands though. It's almost like a cult thing. An addiction. It's hard to explain, but once you get the thing in your hands and if you're as weak as most then you just can't put it down.

On ebay the CVC are on the $225-250 range (used) and the 51's on the $150-160. Price is not a true measurement of quality but I'd agree with Roscoe. If I got a CVC for my 51 in a straight trade I would feel that I got a very good deal

Please count me in to the club. Just scored a Squier '51 from the Bay. I paid a bit more than what I wanted, but the guitar is said to be in mint condition and fully stock (which is what I wanted), so we'll see how it is once it arrives. I keep reading about the necks on these being on the beefier side, which is also perfect with me and one of the reasons I wanted one. Were there any variances in the necks over the years on these, or were they all the same for the two years (I think two years) they were in production? Pics from the seller:

Wow a tuxedo '51!

Nice.

A black one is all I need to complete my collection.

Top score!!

Thanks Sollo - do you know if the neck profiles ever changed on these over the years they were made? I understand that the Fender Pawn Shop '51's have a smaller neck, but I am curious to know if all of the Squier '51's had the same necks...

Thanks Sollo - do you know if the neck profiles ever changed on these over the years they were made? I understand that the Fender Pawn Shop '51's have a smaller neck, but I am curious to know if all of the Squier '51's had the same necks...Yup, all the Squier '51's have beefy C shape necks. The Fender version's neck isn't nearly as substantial.

Thanks for the info., Rusty. I asked because I thought I read that Squier offered these with two different necks throughout the span of these - one being a one piece maple, and the other being a maple cap fretboard. I didn't know if this is true, and if so if they used the same neck carve...??

The neck profile on my two 51s, one is an 04, the other an 06, is identical to me.

They did make two necks, my 04 has a one piece, my 05 had a maple cap. I did not own them at the same time, so impossible to compare. I think I preferred the two piece, but that could have the strings, setup, the nice figuring in the wood, the phase of the moon, etc. I cannot say if they were truly different

Thanks, Joe - I thought I read this.

Finally took ownership of my 2005 black '51 and it is great! I was concerned if the guitar was as described in the add as being mint, and it surely is. The seller said that it never got played and just sat in its case - and it shows. The neck on this feels very nice - surely not a thin neck, but still not overly thick. In fact, if it was just a bit thicker I wouldn't mind but still like it well as is. I can see myself attacking the bridge first thing as the under then over the saddle design is a bit counter productive, IMO. I mean, it works as is but I would rather not have the strings pusing up on the saddle and then down again. I seen that GFS has a replacement bridge for a few bucks that I might consider. The pickups are fair and will last for a while but I may replace them as well, after the bridge/saddles are taken care of. The neck single coil would be the first to be replaced. It just seems to lack a bit of character. Though, I will say that I have heard worse pickups. The bridge pickup seems nice, and I actually prefer it when split. If I do change it, I would most likely get a conversion ring and put a tele pickup in there. Still, being split is fine with me and I may just leave it. Plus, if I ever need a jolting boost, I can just drop the splitter down for a kick in the a$$.

All in all this is a very nice guitar and I can't believe they sold for so little. My feeling (from rumors I have read) is that Fender put these out under the Squier name to see how the market would react before they put out their Pawn Shop series for more money... I could be wrong :)

Here's my two Squier '51s. Completely stock.

I love them! They have a really crystal clear tone but fatten up very nicely through a Tubescreamer into a cranked amp.

Here's a rather long-winded clip of my tobacco burst one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQq-oAxN2js

oQq-oAxN2js

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q126/davecooper36/DSC06371.jpg

Here's my two Squier '51s. Completely stock.

I love them! They have a really crystal clear tone but fatten up very nicely through a Tubescreamer into a cranked amp.

Here's a rather long-winded clip of my tobacco burst one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQq-oAxN2js

oQq-oAxN2js

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q126/davecooper36/DSC06371.jpg

Nice! I've got a blonde and a sunburst, too. Both completely stock. My blonde has the white pickguard, though. Combined, paid less than $200 for them. Fun guitars.

Hey there - great looking '51s you've posted! I recently picked up a blonde stock for 110$ off c-list and I love this thing! The fella who had it before me had the frets dressed and they are great! I also love the volume only control it really gives a throw-back vibe.

Here's the question. Any ideas on where to pick up body blanks? I'd love to take a shot at building one of these from the ground up. I'm already kicking mod ideas like string through and brass tri barrel bridge. The body seems to be the real sticking point. Of course there are sites where I can have a body custom made, but I'm comfortable doing the routing. I just need a "blank" strat body relatively cheap. Any thoughts or links greatly appreciated.

I just joined the club today myself. '05 Blonde with white guard stock pickups a a bone nut. A few other mods done prior; under the Control Plate it was routed for a 3-way switch. As well as the Squire Logo Head Stock is gone.

This is fun guitar with the splitable HB. However, I'm thinking of going with the 3or4-way switch, T&V pots down the road?

The neck alone was worth the purchase. It's much more comfortable than most of the MIM Teles I've owned or tried.

Hey there - great looking '51s you've posted! I recently picked up a blonde stock for 110$ off c-list and I love this thing! The fella who had it before me had the frets dressed and they are great! I also love the volume only control it really gives a throw-back vibe.

Here's the question. Any ideas on where to pick up body blanks? I'd love to take a shot at building one of these from the ground up. I'm already kicking mod ideas like string through and brass tri barrel bridge. The body seems to be the real sticking point. Of course there are sites where I can have a body custom made, but I'm comfortable doing the routing. I just need a "blank" strat body relatively cheap. Any thoughts or links greatly appreciated.

All I can tell you is I've been present at the Squier 51 Modders Forum and no easy source ever opened up.

Remember the bodies have been so plentiful and so cheap. The demand is just weak.

If you have a friend who is an Allparts dealer, maybe you could order one of their S outline bodies and get their price. You have to reshape the neck pocket to a T then do the guys routing, and it will be 15% thicker but that's an idea.

All I can tell you is I've been present at the Squier 51 Modders Forum and no easy source ever opened up.

Remember the bodies have been so plentiful and so cheap. The demand is just weak.

If you have a friend who is an Allparts dealer, maybe you could order one of their S outline bodies and get their price. You have to reshape the neck pocket to a T then do the guys routing, and it will be 15% thicker but that's an idea.

Boris,

Thanks! I did find one place where I could order a routed '51 body, just wasn't comfortable on price.

Some old "bullet" strats have the right body and didn't come with a trem route, but the control route is like a standard strat - those aren't worth the mess.

I'd also like to do a hard tail strat with one humbucker and a volume only set -up (possible tele neck) so I have a couple uses if I can find the right bodies at the right price.

I just picked up what I believe is a Squier 51. It looks just like the guitars on this forum. Its Blonde, black pick guard,hard-tail style string thru bridge..Strat body with Tele neck etc etc etc. I would hate to think I got ripped off on the cost of the guitar.. The main reason I am doubting that it may not be a 51 is the I have noticed on everyones pics that it says FIFTY ONE below the Squier on the head stock. Mine says Squier by Fender, and nowhere on the guitar it says Fifty One. For $90 I know I got one hell of a guitar. This thing sounds amazing. A guy in the pawn shop where I bought, laughed about me buying a squier. He sure changed his tone when I plugged it in to the Fender Blues Junior, and played Roadhouse Blues by The Doors. lol If anyone could let me know if I have a 51 i would appreciate it....either way tho I know I got 1 great sounding guitar :grin:

Nice! I've got a blonde and a sunburst, too. Both completely stock. My blonde has the white pickguard, though. Combined, paid less than $200 for them. Fun guitars.

I too have a blonde and a sunburst. However I paid UK £s for them. Then again although I paid £130 for the blonde one, I got the sunburst one for £41 + 1/3 tank of diesel!:grin:

My blonde one sometimes wears a black guard, my sunburst one keeps a red torty one on

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k7/andys_01/TwoSquier51s.jpg

Though sometimes the blonde one wears a faux tan leather one

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k7/andys_01/Squier51withleather1.jpg

The main reason I am doubting that it may not be a 51 is the I have noticed on everyones pics that it says FIFTY ONE below the Squier on the head stock. Mine says Squier by Fender, and nowhere on the guitar it says Fifty One.

The "51" decal is not from the factory, it's a home made that many have added-on.

Here's mine in her final incarnation:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/Foto%201.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/Foto%202.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/Foto%203.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/IMG_1714.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/IMG_1716.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/IMG_1717.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/IMG_1718.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/511511/51%20Cab/IMG_1719.jpg

I had built a La Cabronita for a friend, fell in love with the TV Jones Classics and decided to convert my trusty 51 which had been converted to a baritone long ago.

Unfortunately, I had since sold the original neck (stupid, stupid, stupid), so I took the neck off my Squier JV Blackguard Tele and converted that into a baritone instead (awesome guitar, that one). That JV Tele neck has the most fantastic profile (well, for my taste), it's slim and shallow, very comfortable. I added an Earvana nut and now it tunes perfectly. (I know it CAN be done with a properly cut bone nut, but the original broke, and I don't have the tools to cut and file a nut myself.)

The string-through mod was done a couple of years ago, and it's not pretty. But it does the job. The Hipshot bridge was added recently, it doesn't cover the original bridge's front holes but works and sounds better. The StingRay pickguard could have covered those holes but was designed before I got the Hipshot bridge. Maybe I'll get another one.

Now this Cabronita/51 bastard sounds even better than my friend's alder body LaCab (more zing). Maybe basswood is also a good choice for a TVJ-equipped guitar...

My two cents:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z210/alex_frias/IMG_0084.jpg

Sneaking into area 51 with this one. I got it for $100 with the intention of using the neck on a partscaster Tele build. But when I got home and plugged it in, I found out why everyone loves these things! It's a great little axe. The bridge pup measures 9.4K in full humbucker mode and the neck pickup measures a wimpy 4.5K ohms. It has the separate birdseye maple fretboard. A 2005 that shows some dings and wear.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk239/avmusician/Guitars/Guitars006-1.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk239/avmusician/Guitars/Guitars007.jpg

I now have 2. Bought a sunburst last year and let a friend talk me out of it. I found another one in a pawnshop also sunburst and snatched it up.

Recently my friend called me and said he wasn't playing it and was going to put it on CL if I wasn't interested. I snagged that one back.

Call me crazy, but I have yet to find a reason to modify anything. The original pickups sound great to me. Yes, it would be hard to play jazz on either one but for rock, blues or country, they have extra twang! More comfortable to play than a Strat for some strange reason, and very nice necks!

G'day,

Couldn't decide between a tele and a strat. So in the end I got a bit of both! :lol:

Here are a couple of pics of my beloved 2004 model, black beauty. Hope you approve!

http://s19.postimage.org/6f5jxids3/IMAG0200.jpg

http://s19.postimage.org/vh83ack77/IMAG0183.jpg
Mods so far;

- Pickups replaced with a "Fab Tone" style Duncan strat pickup in the neck and a generic hot humbucker in the bridge, which sounds absolutely fantastic!
- An amp style selector knob and strat volume knob in place of the original controls.
- A lightly sanded and oiled neck to give it a nice amber colour.

Mods to come?

- Why, a new paint job methinks!

I noticed the original neck pickup still residing in my black 51 is staggered. I understood this to be an adaption for wound third string sets, so I tried a set of D'Addario jazz lights. Although they are still tens they have the wound third and it gives the guitar a different sound. The body resonates better and the tone is much fuller to my ear. There also seems to be a great deal more sustain from the wound string.

Bending the wound third is a chore, at first, but becomes more manageable. This really wakes up the guitar and unleashes a ton of tone!

Hey there - great looking '51s you've posted! I recently picked up a blonde stock for 110$ off c-list and I love this thing! The fella who had it before me had the frets dressed and they are great! I also love the volume only control it really gives a throw-back vibe.

Here's the question. Any ideas on where to pick up body blanks? I'd love to take a shot at building one of these from the ground up. I'm already kicking mod ideas like string through and brass tri barrel bridge. The body seems to be the real sticking point. Of course there are sites where I can have a body custom made, but I'm comfortable doing the routing. I just need a "blank" strat body relatively cheap. Any thoughts or links greatly appreciated.

It is one of the thinnest Strat-style bodies ever made. Look at an American Strat (or a Squier CV) on the back side at the base of the neck, where the chrome neck plate is. The 51 body heel seems half as thick.

As previously mentioned, a Squier Bullet Strat (the entry-level model) is probably as close as you'll come to a 51-size body. Some players do not like the softness of basswood, you might get lucky with a Bullet. Then again you also might get plywood!

BTW after 45 years of Precision Basses, I have switched to a new love, the reissue Danelectro Longhorn. Featherweight, great neck and AMAZING lipstick pickup sound like their six-strings for about $325. It's all fun in the world of GOOD cheap guitars...

Hey guys- I'm buying my "old" 51 back from my non-guitar playing buddy. It's completely stock, and in great condition. I had it setup before I sold it about a year ago, can't wait to get my hands on it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v651/SolarSRT4/IMG_1133.jpg

Thinking about leaving the bridge pickup alone, but replacing the neck pickup with a GFS alnico unit.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Alnico-Fatbody-Oversized-Polepiece-Tele-Neck-Pickup_p_76.html

I'm in. Just bought this 51 for $75. Lovin' this guitar!

It is remarkable, how the modding themes of these guitars have gone through some serious transformations.

Once, the pickups were scorned until it became evident, the clips of guitars with other guitar models, with Squier 51 pups transplanted into those guitars, sounded better than many of the clips of the guys with Squier 51s with new and expensive pickups as replacements.

Some people complained about the neck (mostly the nut, and how ghostly white the neck looked. Over time, guys caught on that this was the beefiest, arguably the best Squier neck ever manufactured. It just needed as a kit to be completed.

The one thing that remains suspect about them is, the bodies are made of some very suspect and various pieces of punky garbage. However, the rigid and really tough finish coat is like armor, like the exoskeleton of an insect. The wood inside may be like wet app cellulose insulation, but guess what, sometimes it didn't matter!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/208.jpg

Boris,

What type of pick-ups and Bridge do you have on that 51? It looks like a nice set-up!

Boris,

What type of pick-ups and Bridge do you have on that 51? It looks like a nice set-up!

The pickups are stock on that one (most of mine are). The pickup cover is painted; the PAF cover is aftermarket.

The bridgeplate is modded with three 9/64ths holes, with typical compensated saddles ala many 3 barrel Teles. I think that set is some Stew Mac # 5167s.

Do you think the angled installation of the neck pickup has any effect on the sound, or is it purely cosmetic?

Do you think the angled installation of the neck pickup has any effect on the sound, or is it purely cosmetic?

The pickup pole pieces are "import spaced" so by all rights, they needn't have been slanted. I've seen straight neck pickups, HBs and Tele single coils; those look fine also.

I see it as an homage to those who wondered why those neck pickups larger than the original Tele neck pickups were not slanted in the old guitars.

The ONLY really critical issue is with some of these lipstick pickups guys have tried, such as the ones from GFS. Those ought to be dead square in alignment - the outboard strings often suffer from loss of output and the slant just makes this worse, with the shorter lipsticks that would just fit in here.

Do you think the angled installation of the neck pickup has any effect on the sound, or is it purely cosmetic?

The '51's designer (who was s/he?!) may well have intended the angled neck pickup merely as a retro reference to earlier Fender models, including the Mustang, Musicmaster, Duo-Sonic, and Swinger/Musiclander, as well as later axes like the original Bullet and Cyclone. But that slant does play a significant role in the sounds the '51 can make. As Terry Downs wrote (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-discussion-forum/97437-science-quack.html#post1142868) in The Science of Quack (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-discussion-forum/97437-science-quack.html),

I don't think folks understand how critical the PU position really is, especially close to the bridge. A Strat bridge pickup is only about a 1/4" closer to the bridge (on the bass side), and it sounds not much like a Tele at all.

Also see Terry's Finished My New Tele Project (Experiment) (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-discussion-forum/32647-finished-my-new-tele-project-experiment.html) for more about how a guitar's sounds are affected by pickup placement.

Executive summary/TL;DR: The Squier '51's pickups, control scheme, and pickup placement all interact to create bright, high fidelity, bordering-on-acoustic sounds without the harshness and ice-pickiness often encountered in other guitars.

Pickups: The '51's pickups have shockingly low DC resistance by contemporary standards. Mine read 9.28k bridge (both coils), 4.64k bridge (split), and 3.89k neck (measured in circuit with the volume pot maxed, so actual resistances are slightly higher). IronFeliks reported (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/other-guitars-other-instruments/269140-down-pawn-shop-ngd-production.html#post3208014) that his measured 10.48K for the bridge humbucker and 3.7K for the neck. Low DC resistance doesn't necessarily imply low output, but it does necessarily signify low inductance. This in turn means the resonant peaks of the circuits formed by the pickup inductance and associated capacitance (chiefly of the cable carrying the signal to the amplifier) will under most circumstances be much higher than those which create harsh or icepicky sounds in other guitars.

Controls: The '51's 500k volume control and the absence of a tone control provide a significantly lower load to the pickups than the 250k pots and tone controls in Teles, Strats, and most other single-coil guitars. Again, more highs.

The switch that toggles the '51's bridge pickup between humbucking and single-coil modes selects the coil farther from the bridge. This is the exact opposite of any other guitar I know about. It means that the bridge pickup in single-coil mode is farther from the bridge than Tele and Strat bridge pickups, particularly on the treble-string side, again reducing the risk of harshness.

Pickup placement: Like Like all of the guitars mentioned above having angled neck pickups, the '51's neck pickup used by itself sounds slightly brighter than it would if it were perpendicular to the strings like Tele and Strat neck pickups, simply because most of the pickup is closer to the bridge. When the slanted neck pickup is combined with the bridge pickup in single coil mode, the resulting comb filtering ("quack") is different than that produced by a Tele, because the pickups are closer together, and different than that produced by a Strat, because the pickups are farther apart.

The cynic in me says the Squier '51 was designed by marketers ("Hey, make a retro-looking guitar! Guitar players don't want new, they want OLD!") and bean-counters ("Hey, we can save money by leaving out the tone control. And copper wire is expensive-- don't use any more than you need to get sounds out of the pickup. Besides, the first thing those jerks are gonna do is replace the pickups anyway!").

The romantic guitar guy in me says the Squier '51 was designed by a spiritual descendent of Leo Fender and Nat Daniel, who wanted to create an inexpensive but good guitar which could cover a lot of musical space while looking really cool.

Who was s/he?!

Thanks syrynx / John for such a detailed answer to my question. It was very interesting to read. Later I will also read the links about the science of quack.

I keep looking at the Pawn shop 51 bodies on Ebay, but I never felt motivated enough to buy one so far. The sloped neck pickup puts me off a bit, and besides I'm probably more comfortable playing a Telecaster style body anyway.

I suppose the pickup angle wouldn't make a huge difference to the sound. Even when a humbucker or P90 is fitted at the neck, its position is a bit closer to the bridge.

I have the rarest combination, a blonde produced in the last month of white pickguards, October 2004. No changes except a set of sweet Pyramid strings ($25 on a $99 guitar). Didn't need to change anything else, perfect as-is, my favorite player in a collection of a dozen electrics, now worth over $200 from what I see online.

The pro teaching one of my sons studio records in Hollywood and tours Europe every year with a James Burton Tele, thinks there are no better necks than on a good '51.

I have the rarest combination, a blonde produced in the last month of white pickguards, October 2004. No changes except a set of sweet Pyramid strings ($25 on a $99 guitar). Didn't need to change anything else, perfect as-is, my favorite player in a collection of a dozen electrics, now worth over $200 from what I see online.

The pro teaching one of my sons studio records in Hollywood and tours Europe every year with a James Burton Tele, thinks there are no better necks than on a good '51.

Pics or it didn't happen!:grin:

Will the 51 neck fit on a Tele body? I'm thinking of building one because the I like the neck more than most.

Will the 51 neck fit on a Tele body? I'm thinking of building one because the I like the neck more than most.

It should, as it really is a Tele neck. I used one on a couple of partscasters with zero issues. Great necks on these.

Joined the club!

I've been intrigued by these for a while. Found this 1 on GC used for $139 and decided to take a chance. Blonde with black guard. According to the SN it's an 05. The neck is 2 piece, with some nice figuring on the board. It appears to be completely stock. It's in nice shape, not mint, with a couple of tiny chips and some light swirling in the body. Cleaned it up, restrung with 10s and a truss rod tweak. So far really impressed with the playability and variety of tones.

I ordered a Wilkinson short Tele bridge for it. That's the only planned mod so far.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w253/Clump63/51/IMG_0628_zpsc6515a61.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w253/Clump63/51/IMG_0630_zps0d8338c5.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w253/Clump63/51/IMG_0633_zps14a040ad.jpg

Well i actually got this guitar about a week ago i got the black one with a maple fingerboard. After look this guitar up online and finding out that its a decent cheap guitar for modding i tried finding one used. I had no luck. But about a week ago i went to my local music store to get a new set of strings for my tele and seen two of these on the wall. one had all the plastic covering and sticker remover from the guard and both of the strap buttons were hanging off the guitar. The one i bought however looked like it wasn't touched before all the plastic covering and the sticker was still on, not a crack in the finish the plastic was still even on the pick-up still. I couldn't find one cosmetic issue with it its in mint. They were selling it for $179.99 so i asked whats the best deal they could give me on the guitar was and they said $150.00 with no tax. After a bit of bartering i got them to $110.00 with no tax. I really like the neck on the guitar to nice satin feeling tele neck with no over hanging frets or sharp edges. The pick-ups are below par but could be worse not bad for a $110 guitar tho. The single coil setting give a decent snappy clean sound. Overall a decent guitar for $110.

These are the mods i plan to do sometime in the future let me know if you got any suggestions

Pick-ups - Bridge:GFS Crunchy Rails Neck:?
Bridge - GFS top mount hardtail Squier 51'
Nut - Tusq XL
String trees - Tusq XL
Tuners - ? (thinking about some fenders)
Pots - CTS

I'm also thinking about changing the rotary knob to a chicken head knob and the volume to a black dome knob or an ebony one off of all parts.

Any suggestions on the neck pick up i don't know of many single coils. I was thinking about the GFS lil' Puncher. I want a nice warm lead tone out of the single coil if that's possible lol (like i said i know nothing of single coils)

I'll post some pic in a few days right now I'm not home and i don't got the web at my house

I wonder if one of these pickguards would fit?

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Replacement-Pickguards-for-Xaviere-Guitars_c_233.html

I may order one and see if it works. I don't like the stock controls and no one seems to re-pop the guards anymore. If it fits, you can order them from Warmoth as Telecaster Thinnline punched for any neck pickup and with any controls you want.

And the answer is nope. The bottom horn doesn't hang down far enough to cover the 51's control cavity. At least according to my Photoshop detective work. Oh well. At least I didn't have to buy one to find that out.

How come I didn't find out about this cool club way earlier? Just got turned onto these things, picked up a mint blonde one. So far haven't changed much, but did get a chrome ring for the bridge pickup, and in keeping with the black in chrome look, put on black knobs. This modding stuff is as much fun as playing it. And speaking of playing, these are amazingly good guitars, I'm stunned!

How did i miss this thread? I've got a couple of original examples ('04 Blonde white guard, '05 Black) and a project on the go. I've stripped the Poly off, well, most of it anyway. What Boris said earlier about the strength of the finish, it must be the toughest material known to man. Forget ceramic plates, this stuff needs to be painted on spacecraft to stop them burning up on re-entry!

I used a heat gun and scraper which took the top layer off reasonably easily, still a pain though. The under coat felt like a laminate piece, it's taken me ages to sand through it with 40 grit paper on an orbital sander but i've eventually cleared the front and back. Now i have to tackle the edges!

My plan is to finish it in Nitro (not sure what colour) and fit some 'special' pickups i have laying around. Fill the holes from the bridge and scratchplate (before refinishing) and fit a different tailpiece/bridge. I'm toying with the idea of a Nashville/ABR and stop tailpiece but i'm wondering if the basswood will be too soft.

Bin the controls and have a one volume, one tone, three way selector set up. The thing is, if i want to use the standard setup, i can use one of my original examples.

Thats the plan anyway, dependant on cash flow. And, of course, as i've already got the blonde and brunette, i'd have to get hold of the fiery redhead/sunburst version to complete the set (but keeping my eyes open for the red and blue JDM versions as well)!

Could not find a delete function, please see next post for the real copy.

Nice! I've got a blonde and a sunburst, too. Both completely stock. My blonde has the white pickguard, though. Combined, paid less than $200 for them. Fun guitars.

Swap the pickguards. The blonde will look more expensive with a white pickguard and pickup cover, and the sunburst center will really STAND OUT against a black guard.

I did this once with a pair I bought then gave away as gifts.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Brian0003/Gold51-5.jpg
Sanded off all the silk screened "made in....." stuff and logo on the front and gave it a couple shots of Deft brand satin lacquer in spray bottles. Amazing stuff and blends with and duplicates Fender's satin finish to a T. Once it's dry, you can take 0000 steel wool to the finish and blend it right in and it looks and feels terrific. I also used Deft spray over the decal on the front to seal and protect it. Use a number of VERY light coats..not a couple wet coats!!

It's beautiful, but I hope you put your serial number inside the pickup cavity, looks like it'll be important some day.

NGD (yesterday) so just joined the club.

Got a Sunburst in pretty good shape - neck is slightly worn and/or dirty, but electronics work and I really like the sound of all the PU combos - split humbucker being the least impressive IMO, but usable.

But now I've got a problem...

I started looking for one of these originally for the neck to use on my Xaviere XV620, which is slightly neck heavy. Inspecting them side by side (still on their respective guitars) I still think the 51 neck will be slightly lighter - they are both fairly beefy - and lessen the balance problem, but not sure I want to take the neck off now - the 51 plays so nice.

I will probably still take it apart and try it on the Xaviere, but it may find it's way home quickly.:wink:

I've got a "vintage blonde", or as I like to call it: "pea green". Aside from the color, I love this thing. Previous owner took off the Squier decal, but as far as I can tell, it's otherwise stock.

Fabulous tone in all three pickup positions with the coil split or unsplit.

How big a deal would it be to get the Squier decal and put it back on? I'm not ashamed of playing a Squier. In fact, I enjoy having some fun with the brand snobs.

How big a deal would it be to get the Squier decal and put it back on? I'm not ashamed of playing a Squier. In fact, I enjoy having some fun with the brand snobs.

Good call! I'm in the process of modding a couple of 51's and i'll be keeping the 'Squier' decals on as it is what it is.