which one would you choose?

hugo · March 10th, 2008, 09:15 PM

Okay guys, I have a buddy who is deciding between ordering a Hwy1 or a Muddy Waters. First, the Muddy is 769.00 + tax, the Hwy 1 is 899.00 + tax. I believe the store that's ordering has told him that if there's nothing wrong with the guitar he's ordering he has to buy it. They want a deposit as well. They are a small outfit and can't afford to just order guitars to see if you like them or not. In any case, I have neither one so that's why I'm checking with you guys. Also, they told him they can get the Hwy1 from another shop and I believe it's a first generation Hwy1.
I know they're different guitars but anyone got any suggestions regarding which plays better, has better parts etc? He knows he's gotta play them himself, he just wants an opinion.

Murphy Slaw · March 10th, 2008, 09:22 PM

"If there is nothing wrong with it?"

How about, it sounds funny......

I'd never be bound to buy an axe, just because someone doesn't have one in stock. Although, if it's perfect, a small shop would expect you to buy it if it's right.

It's a matter of the relationship you want with the local dealer. Tough call.

Best of luck.

Murph.

BroadMaster · March 10th, 2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugo

Okay guys, I have a buddy who is deciding between ordering a Hwy1 or a Muddy Waters. First, the Muddy is 769.00 + tax, the Hwy 1 is 899.00 + tax. I believe the store that's ordering has told him that if there's nothing wrong with the guitar he's ordering he has to buy it. They want a deposit as well. They are a small outfit and can't afford to just order guitars to see if you like them or not. In any case, I have neither one so that's why I'm checking with you guys. Also, they told him they can get the Hwy1 from another shop and I believe it's a first generation Hwy1.
I know they're different guitars but anyone got any suggestions regarding which plays better, has better parts etc? He knows he's gotta play them himself, he just wants an opinion.

Probably find a used either for at least a couple hundred(maybe more) less respectively.

If no like the used, new Fenders can be bought for cash, at a 35- 40% off MSRP . Don't let 'em fool you into payin more. The case comes WITH the guitar. make sure to get the papers and any case candy with a new one. I'm a big MW fan, so...... you know my choice. It's not exactly like Muddy's though. Close, but not exactly

Controlo · March 10th, 2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugo

Okay guys, I have a buddy who is deciding between ordering a Hwy1 or a Muddy Waters. First, the Muddy is 769.00 + tax, the Hwy 1 is 899.00 + tax. I believe the store that's ordering has told him that if there's nothing wrong with the guitar he's ordering he has to buy it. They want a deposit as well. They are a small outfit and can't afford to just order guitars to see if you like them or not. In any case, I have neither one so that's why I'm checking with you guys. Also, they told him they can get the Hwy1 from another shop and I believe it's a first generation Hwy1.
I know they're different guitars but anyone got any suggestions regarding which plays better, has better parts etc? He knows he's gotta play them himself, he just wants an opinion.

$899 + tax?

you should be paying no more than $750.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...er-?sku=512871

robt57 · March 10th, 2008, 09:56 PM

The store is charging him what it cost to ship to the store, and obviously more $$ to make up for their lack of buying power if he has to order in one at a time.

Internet! Find it with free shipping with a place that won't question a return because you got up on the wrong side of the bed.

LemonLess · March 10th, 2008, 09:57 PM

Broad, what papers do (or should) music stores include with new guitars? I got my MIM a couple weeks ago, got the case but no papers to speak of. If theyre important I could go back for them...

pengipete · March 10th, 2008, 10:11 PM

If I'm spending that sort of money I'd either want to try the actual guitar I'm buying or at least get it on approval. The store should be able to get a sale or return deal with their suppliers - unless they have current or prior financial problems. Either way I'd take my custom elsewhere.

telemania · March 10th, 2008, 10:20 PM

i went to GC to try out a few tremolo pedals. went to grab a tele (since i didnt bring mine) - and two that i pulled off the floor were simply not playable. it is perfectly allright to be satisfied with fit and finish, and the shop should generally perform a set up...it doesnt sound like you are getting any of those things. is it up to the shop whether the guitar is acceptable to you? the shop tells you the tone is right? guitars arent like toasters, each one is different - and sometimes the build quality can be off or at least playablity is lost in transit....

hugo · March 10th, 2008, 10:35 PM

That's kinda what I told him. By the way, here in Canada we pay more for our guitars than you guys, unfortunately. I just called him and he said that he can order guitars but only to a point because obviously a small store can't keep ordering and sending back guitars. In any case, let's put that all aside and give him an opinion on the two guitars (being they're both in perfect condition and playability etc.)
He's just beginning and doesn't want to buy anything but a Fender and for whatever reasons that's the two he wants to choose between. I think he's been talking to someone but maybe not. Also, when he called me I didn't even ask him where's he's living now but I do know it's way up in northern ontario. Yikes!! it's friggin cold there too!
I personally have only played the Muddy and I really liked it. I know nothing of the Hwy 1. Most people here seem to like it. I did rec. he start with a MIM Standard but he wasn't interested in them.
I'm supposed to get a call from him late tonight so if anyone's got anything to say on either of the 2 guitars please feel free to help him out. If not, I'll just reread some threads and regergitate what I read.
By the way, should either of those two guitars come with cases, just so I know so I can tell him? I would have thought the Muddy would?
Broadmaster, what do you mean it's not exactly like Muddy's but close? I'm real interested in that. I love learning little tidbits about guitars, it's extremely interesting.

getbent · March 10th, 2008, 11:25 PM

Hugo, two words. ROAD TRIP. Take you cash and head to big ass city (or daves in wisconsin or elderly in Mich) and go look at some guitars (and play them) I'm sure those guys are kinda stuck with the stock issue.. but their problem should not be yours!

DON'T SETTLE!

BroadMaster · March 10th, 2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LemonLess

Broad, what papers do (or should) music stores include with new guitars? I got my MIM a couple weeks ago, got the case but no papers to speak of. If theyre important I could go back for them...

Warranty Card/ specs sheet, hang tags with serial number and inspection initials.... Fender has probably quit putting stuff in with 'em to cut corners, like no more Frontlines, at least at my little Fender dealer.

beep.click · March 10th, 2008, 11:35 PM

The Muddy Waters has medium-jumbo frets.

The current Highway 1 Teles have "jumbo" frets -- but I will say, I have one, and these frets aren't as "jumbo" as some I've seen.

I like a bigger fret, myself, but I'm also quite happy with medium jumbos. It's something to consider.

BroadMaster · March 11th, 2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugo

Broadmaster, what do you mean it's not exactly like Muddy's but close? I'm real interested in that. I love learning little tidbits about guitars, it's extremely interesting.

Hey hugo, the neck profile is a sixties, made special for him, large U on the original Muddy. He had it replaced on the 50's body and it was his main squeeze 'til his demise. GRHS. I don't have the original measurements any more, but the Muddy neck that Fender offers now on the MIM is nowhere near as large as the original neck. Bigger than normal, but not like the Orig. It is my understanding that the neck pup was a 60s replacement also, along with 500k pots.

These tidbits were related from a friend that hung out at Antone's in Austin in the days when Muddy would just show up to play with the T-birds as HIS backing band. I guess it could be verified by opening up the orig., which I believe is in Miss., at the Delta Blues Museum, but I might be mistaken

. Anybody have current info on it's location? Anybody care, but me?

Fender employees probably know. They built 100 replicas replete with dings and scratches. Jimmie Vaughan and Denny Freeman would know. But would they remember......
Oh yeah, the signature on the neckplate........ I don't know who created that, but Muddy could barely read or write, mostly $$ numbers and his name, nothing else.

Didn't seem to affect his stellar minimalist playing. I still get shivers when I hear that opening slide move of his. Ain't no better in my estimation. Can't get it in it's pure form anywhere but a tele, imo. Check out Can't Be Satisfied for the story of Muddy's life and times. It's a good read.

Easydog · March 11th, 2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

If I'm spending that sort of money I'd either want to try the actual guitar I'm buying or at least get it on approval.

+1

you could get something for HALF that price on ebay and still be stuck with it. same luck, half the $$$$. Ordering a no return guitar is not a great idea. Guitars are very individual. All guitars regardless of brand can vary greatly within the same model.

hugo · March 11th, 2008, 02:28 AM

Thanks guys for all the advice.
Easydog, love that avatar, way cool.
Broadmaster, you're right, god rest his soul. I've been into reading bio's lately so thanks for giving me that little tidbit and all the other ones in your post. I truly appreciate it.
I'll be talking to him tonight around 2ish and I'll let you know tomorrow what he says regarding everything I pass on from you boys.
So, thanks guys. I think he should get a Muddy, we'll see.
One problem with this whole issue is now I want a Muddy. It never ends with these tele's I gotta tell ya.

robt57 · March 11th, 2008, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easydog

All guitars regardless of brand can vary greatly within the same model.

You might get that late Friday made siesta MIM. ;)

Sarge · March 13th, 2008, 10:00 AM

Well I have an MIM Muddy and it is one of the few teles that you CAN'T put down. I have CS's and many fine expensive tele's but the Muddy just has Mojo....that's all I can call it. It is major bang for the buck. Someone here on the TDPRI told me about one for sale at SweetWater. It had a chip of paint missing where your arm rests on the body...$350/w gig bag. So shop around. I wouldn't hesitate to even get a gently used one.

March 10th, 2008, 09:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
hugo Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sarnia,Ontario Age: 49 Posts: 812	which one would you choose? Okay guys, I have a buddy who is deciding between ordering a Hwy1 or a Muddy Waters. First, the Muddy is 769.00 + tax, the Hwy 1 is 899.00 + tax. I believe the store that's ordering has told him that if there's nothing wrong with the guitar he's ordering he has to buy it. They want a deposit as well. They are a small outfit and can't afford to just order guitars to see if you like them or not. In any case, I have neither one so that's why I'm checking with you guys. Also, they told him they can get the Hwy1 from another shop and I believe it's a first generation Hwy1. I know they're different guitars but anyone got any suggestions regarding which plays better, has better parts etc? He knows he's gotta play them himself, he just wants an opinion.

March 10th, 2008, 11:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,187 37 Photos	Hugo, two words. ROAD TRIP. Take you cash and head to big ass city (or daves in wisconsin or elderly in Mich) and go look at some guitars (and play them) I'm sure those guys are kinda stuck with the stock issue.. but their problem should not be yours! DON'T SETTLE! __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'

March 10th, 2008, 11:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
beep.click Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California Age: 49 Posts: 1,966	The Muddy Waters has medium-jumbo frets. The current Highway 1 Teles have "jumbo" frets -- but I will say, I have one, and these frets aren't as "jumbo" as some I've seen. I like a bigger fret, myself, but I'm also quite happy with medium jumbos. It's something to consider. __________________ "It looked like a giant green gum drop to me."

March 13th, 2008, 10:00 AM	#17 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	Well I have an MIM Muddy and it is one of the few teles that you CAN'T put down. I have CS's and many fine expensive tele's but the Muddy just has Mojo....that's all I can call it. It is major bang for the buck. Someone here on the TDPRI told me about one for sale at SweetWater. It had a chip of paint missing where your arm rests on the body...$350/w gig bag. So shop around. I wouldn't hesitate to even get a gently used one. __________________ A coward dies many deaths, a Soldier once.

March 10th, 2008, 09:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
Murphy Slaw Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Joppa, Il. Age: 50 Posts: 439	"If there is nothing wrong with it?" How about, it sounds funny...... I'd never be bound to buy an axe, just because someone doesn't have one in stock. Although, if it's perfect, a small shop would expect you to buy it if it's right. It's a matter of the relationship you want with the local dealer. Tough call. Best of luck. Murph.

March 10th, 2008, 09:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
robt57 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost Yankee in Nashville Age: 51 Posts: 3,712 21 Photos	The store is charging him what it cost to ship to the store, and obviously more $$ to make up for their lack of buying power if he has to order in one at a time. Internet! Find it with free shipping with a place that won't question a return because you got up on the wrong side of the bed.

March 10th, 2008, 09:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
LemonLess TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 50 2 Photos	Broad, what papers do (or should) music stores include with new guitars? I got my MIM a couple weeks ago, got the case but no papers to speak of. If theyre important I could go back for them...

March 10th, 2008, 10:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
pengipete Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gloucester U.K. Age: 47 Posts: 1,572	If I'm spending that sort of money I'd either want to try the actual guitar I'm buying or at least get it on approval. The store should be able to get a sale or return deal with their suppliers - unless they have current or prior financial problems. Either way I'd take my custom elsewhere.

March 10th, 2008, 10:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
telemania TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: jacksonville, fl. Posts: 56	i went to GC to try out a few tremolo pedals. went to grab a tele (since i didnt bring mine) - and two that i pulled off the floor were simply not playable. it is perfectly allright to be satisfied with fit and finish, and the shop should generally perform a set up...it doesnt sound like you are getting any of those things. is it up to the shop whether the guitar is acceptable to you? the shop tells you the tone is right? guitars arent like toasters, each one is different - and sometimes the build quality can be off or at least playablity is lost in transit....

March 10th, 2008, 10:35 PM	#9 (permalink)
hugo Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sarnia,Ontario Age: 49 Posts: 812	That's kinda what I told him. By the way, here in Canada we pay more for our guitars than you guys, unfortunately. I just called him and he said that he can order guitars but only to a point because obviously a small store can't keep ordering and sending back guitars. In any case, let's put that all aside and give him an opinion on the two guitars (being they're both in perfect condition and playability etc.) He's just beginning and doesn't want to buy anything but a Fender and for whatever reasons that's the two he wants to choose between. I think he's been talking to someone but maybe not. Also, when he called me I didn't even ask him where's he's living now but I do know it's way up in northern ontario. Yikes!! it's friggin cold there too! I personally have only played the Muddy and I really liked it. I know nothing of the Hwy 1. Most people here seem to like it. I did rec. he start with a MIM Standard but he wasn't interested in them. I'm supposed to get a call from him late tonight so if anyone's got anything to say on either of the 2 guitars please feel free to help him out. If not, I'll just reread some threads and regergitate what I read. By the way, should either of those two guitars come with cases, just so I know so I can tell him? I would have thought the Muddy would? Broadmaster, what do you mean it's not exactly like Muddy's but close? I'm real interested in that. I love learning little tidbits about guitars, it's extremely interesting.

March 11th, 2008, 02:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
hugo Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sarnia,Ontario Age: 49 Posts: 812	Thanks guys for all the advice. Easydog, love that avatar, way cool. Broadmaster, you're right, god rest his soul. I've been into reading bio's lately so thanks for giving me that little tidbit and all the other ones in your post. I truly appreciate it. I'll be talking to him tonight around 2ish and I'll let you know tomorrow what he says regarding everything I pass on from you boys. So, thanks guys. I think he should get a Muddy, we'll see. One problem with this whole issue is now I want a Muddy. It never ends with these tele's I gotta tell ya.