So I played a few Teles today

RickC. · June 24th, 2008, 11:03 PM

I find myself shopping for another Tele now for the first time in years, and I went down to the local Guitar Center to get my hands on some. My first electric was a '73 Tele Custom (got it for Christmas in 1976), and that's what I judge them all against since I played it for years.

I put a few MIM through their paces, an American Deluxe, a 52RI, a Nashville, and a couple others I can't recall now. Oddly enough, the ones I clearly didn't like were the Am Deluxe and the 52 RI, both because of the necks. The 52's neck was even thicker than my old 3-bolt '73, and the frets on the Deluxe just didn't feel good to me. I haven't spent much time playing electric in recent years, and bear in mind that when I was a Tele player, America is the only place they -were- made. That said, I am much more impressed with the MIM than I expected to be. The Nashville left me cold as far as tone (which I did not expect), and one particular white MIM was my favorite, though its neck profile was noticeably thinner than the other MIMs.

The last Tele I owned was a '75 I bought in a pawn shop for $200, and though it was all American-made, in its stock form it was awful. It felt good, but those pickups... it sounded like Merle Haggard through a telephone no matter what I did to it, and talk about noise... I think I ended up putting a SD quarter pounder in the neck and a hot rails in the bridge- -that was 20 years ago so I cant' recall exactly, but it was a totally different guitar-- though the high E string would get hung up on the edge of the neck pickup once in a while, that bugged me.

So the jury's still out and I'm waiting for a couple of things to sell before I buy a guitar, but I have to say, I do not see $600+ difference in the American and MIM Teles, and I did not think I would have that opinion. I'm just getting back in the Tele game after a long absence, and maybe I have a fuzzy memory, but the Tele Custom RI's humbucker does not at all sound like the one I remember. The new ones seem muddy to me, and mine never was. Like many of us, I regret selling that guitar. Peter Buck's intros and lead parts on "Driver 8" and "The One I Love" are dead ringers for that guitar in the middle position with the humbucker rolled back a bit. I could not get that sound from the '72 reissue.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Rick

Michaell · June 24th, 2008, 11:09 PM

I am quite impressed with the new American Standard Strats and Teles

don't know how many music stores are in your reach........but try these in different stores if you can

if you've been " out " for awhile, welcome back to playing.....try some more of this model

I've played about a dozen strats and a 1/2 dozen of the teles.......I really like 'em......not a dud among them....they were all keepers IMO

anyway, thats my thought

garytelecastor · June 24th, 2008, 11:15 PM

Check out a Baja.
I personally don't see the that much of a difference in the lower cost American Std's. But the higher buck Fenders definitely cut the cord.
For around 600 I would say the Baja or maybe you might think about a Nashville.

Pinball_Wizard · June 24th, 2008, 11:28 PM

Having recently played on a lot of current teles (w/o prior experience with older teles) as well, I developed a similar opinion.

The high priced teles did not seem to be at all significantly better than the MIM fender standard. while I was liking the tele's unique character compared to other guitars more and more, I felt that on any given tele (modern-made, stock) I would want to change the pickups. A lot of them seemed bland to me, although the MIM's bridge was adequate enough for me to realize I really loved Telecasters.

I completely agree

Quote:

I do not see $600+ difference in the American and MIM Teles

On all models I felt that I would change the pickups. which is why I bought an MIM standard.

P.S. I compared the tone of the floor teles I could play to Gibson and Ibanez Models of varying values; and audio samples of other telecasters online.

also I did not get a chance to play on a baja, and all teles I got to play on were in a local guitar center.

telechucker · June 25th, 2008, 12:08 AM

+1 on the Baja - I played a couple a while back and found them to be great. I didn't like the wiring idea, I would have gotten it wired "standard" as we all know today. There seems to be a split in the camp as to the preference to neck "chubbiness". I've got a Warmoth boatneck on a Tele, and a slightly smaller boat type on a Custom Shop '51 Nocaster. They feel fine to me. Conversely, I've got a MIM Tele with a fairly slender neck that I also like. I think the larger neck gives a better tone (due to it's mass) but the jury is still out to many players. I guess your hands eventually get used to each neck the more gigs you pick on them. Also ; just for the record, I've got fairly small "girl's" hands. Regards.

RickC. · June 25th, 2008, 05:23 PM

Thanks guys. I'd like to get my hands on both a Baja and an American Standard, though I already know I don't like chunky Tele necks. There was a Hwy 1 there also, but I'm not keen on that finish. If the Am Standard has the rolled egdes on the neck like the Am Standard Strats have, that may seal the deal-- but the Am. Deluxe Tele I played was supposed to have that, but I swear the little white MIM felt better even though it wasn't as shiny. I'm not looking for an absolute bargain basement guitar, I'm selling a Ric and will use the proceeds for this, so I can buy just about any of the production Teles. I just thought it was strange that I liked a $399 Tele better than the $1259 Tele.

Still looking, and thanks again.

Rick

Dan R · June 25th, 2008, 05:59 PM

RickC what happened to me was I found a used MIM pretty cheap, $250.00. I then put in new pickups, bridge, saddles, and pots. That was around $150.00. So for about $400.00, I have a very sweet telecaster, to me anyway. You may want to consider a MIM '69 Thinline as well. Those guitars are outstanding, IMO. BTW, I happen to have a '75 tele that I love. It's my big daddy, so to speak. It just has a fatter, more resonant sound, to me. However, it is not as versatile as my modified MIM tele.

Dan R

ReddRanger · June 25th, 2008, 06:13 PM

I loved my MIM Standard when it was stock. Then I put a Fender vintage bridge, Glendale saddles, and Nocaster pickups in. Now it's a tone machine.

Why mod an MIM that much you may ask? Those were all things I personally like in a Tele. I also didn't like what some of the higher priced models were offereing. They didn't have the specs I wanted or they didn't feel right to me. Plus, I found a really sweet playing Standard in sunburst.

So now my MIM Tele is exactly what I want. It get's lots of compliments, even from experienced players who appreciate tone (who are usually kinda surprised to find it's a MIM Standard..).

You don't have to do the $200 worth of mods I did, and you would still have a cool Tele IMO. I just think it's a good platfrom to have some fun...playing and modding.

RickC. · June 29th, 2008, 05:45 PM

Thanks guys.

Finally got my hands on an American Standard today. I liked the rolled fingerboard edges and the neck pickup sounded a bit brighter than the MIMs-- I also liked the gloss on the fingerboard and the staggered tuners.

Overall though, the white MIM still just felt better to me.

So I'm leaning toward gettin' a Meskin and making some changes. You can buy a lot of pickups, bridges, and saddles for 600 bucks.

Rick

91xlntS-3 · June 29th, 2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickC.

Thanks guys.

Finally got my hands on an American Standard today. I liked the rolled fingerboard edges and the neck pickup sounded a bit brighter than the MIMs-- I also liked the gloss on the fingerboard and the staggered tuners.

Overall though, the white MIM still just felt better to me.

So I'm leaning toward gettin' a Meskin and making some changes. You can buy a lot of pickups, bridges, and saddles for 600 bucks.

Rick

Rick, There's nothing wrong with the MIM standards, I've owned several over the years and they have all been great, gig worthy guitars and they were all stock except one (put in a set of Lace sensors that I got a great deal on.).

For a LONG time, I compared the MIM to the MIA models and I just couldn't find anything that made me want to spend the extra $$$ on the MIA. The MIM stds. are great all around instruments for a good price.

If this guitar speaks to you now, then it will be SCREAMING your name with any mods you make to it! Go for it!

madmark · June 29th, 2008, 06:57 PM

Highway One.. I dont like Poly Finish myself..

RickC. · July 1st, 2008, 08:46 PM

I went back today after work, spent a good bit of time switching between an Am. Standard and the white MIM. Nope, really can't see $600 difference there.

The pickups in the Am sounded fuller (may be alnico vs. ceramic), but the MIM didn't sound -bad-, and I'd likely put new pickups in either one. so just as I'm thinking get the Meskin and put new pickups and a vintage bridge with brass saddles in it, I run across the Lite Ash online, which already has that.

What I've read here on them is not very encouraging, though.

I did play a 72 RI Thinline Deluxe tonight also. Pretty guitar, but nah...

Thanks,

Rick

mmannaxx · July 10th, 2008, 01:07 AM

Well you will probably get better wood and pups in an American made. I have never cared for the Mexican standard Teles, much preferring the American model. I have a 6oth anniversary one that has original vintage pups which are very nice (they are used on the 52 RI model). Check out those pups which I think are available for about $100 a set. Good luck in your search for a Tele that works for you.

boris bubbanov · July 10th, 2008, 01:33 AM

Welcome, Rick!

I think you should keep right on playing more and more examples of each different model, learning what you can about what is available now.

We didn't really have much choice 35 years ago. Now we maybe have too many choices. The other thing to watch out for is, the guitar that feels right your first 20 days back may leave you wanting in 6 months.

You may have to buy yourself something cheap to log some time on, whilst trying any Tele you can. I'm not saying you'll end up back with an American Deluxe or an A V 52 "Reissue" but you may not know that for a while.

Enjoy your rediscovery.

beep.click · July 10th, 2008, 01:43 AM

I seem to be in some kind of phase lately of playing gobs of guitars at gobs of music stores. My take on the "state of the market" is, if you're shopping for a player, you still have to try LOTS of guitars. Some of the American-made guitars are stellar; some just lay there. Same for the Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, etc.

The stuff I've bought lately has leapt off the page, you might say. 3-4 notes on my paisley Tele, and it was obvious. Just an exciting sound, period.

At the bottom of the food chain, I got a $99 Rogue lipstick guitar off the internet, sight unseen. And it's wonderful! Lots of personality, and totally playable.

teleman55 · July 10th, 2008, 02:05 AM

My LH MIM Tele is lately my "go to" guitar. I just put some OV pickups in it but the stock ones are real nice. You don't have to replace them to sound good... or sound like a Tele. Just remember when you compare Mexico to other offshore places guitar are made...
1. It ain't off shore.
2. They were making guitars in Mexico before the USA existed.
3. Mexico was once New Spain. Spain is the home of guitars.

tpaul · July 10th, 2008, 12:24 PM

Hey, welcome to the board. Lots of knowledgable folks here. I learn something every time I take the time to read.

My #1 right now is a partscaster made from a Mexican standard body and an older Japanese Squier neck, with DiMarzio Area T pickups. There's not a thing wrong with the Mexican Teles, they are fine as-is and provide a great modding platform. If you find one that feels and sounds good stock, you can't really go wrong.

One thing - that Custom RI you tried would sound a lot better if you replace the pots to the humbucker with 500k pots. Those come with 250K pots for some reason, and just about everyone complains they sound muddy until you pop some higher value pots in there. Since pots go for about $7 each, it's a very low-cost mod and easy to do. See if you can find someone who's done this mod and play theirs so you have an idea what it should sound like, before you dismiss the guitar altogether. (The reissue humbuckers don't have the same magnets as the originals, so they aren't going to sound identical, but they will sound a heck of a lot better with the correct pots.)

Happy hunting! ...and don't settle for less than what you want.

June 24th, 2008, 11:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
RickC. TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 14	So I played a few Teles today I find myself shopping for another Tele now for the first time in years, and I went down to the local Guitar Center to get my hands on some. My first electric was a '73 Tele Custom (got it for Christmas in 1976), and that's what I judge them all against since I played it for years. I put a few MIM through their paces, an American Deluxe, a 52RI, a Nashville, and a couple others I can't recall now. Oddly enough, the ones I clearly didn't like were the Am Deluxe and the 52 RI, both because of the necks. The 52's neck was even thicker than my old 3-bolt '73, and the frets on the Deluxe just didn't feel good to me. I haven't spent much time playing electric in recent years, and bear in mind that when I was a Tele player, America is the only place they -were- made. That said, I am much more impressed with the MIM than I expected to be. The Nashville left me cold as far as tone (which I did not expect), and one particular white MIM was my favorite, though its neck profile was noticeably thinner than the other MIMs. The last Tele I owned was a '75 I bought in a pawn shop for $200, and though it was all American-made, in its stock form it was awful. It felt good, but those pickups... it sounded like Merle Haggard through a telephone no matter what I did to it, and talk about noise... I think I ended up putting a SD quarter pounder in the neck and a hot rails in the bridge- -that was 20 years ago so I cant' recall exactly, but it was a totally different guitar-- though the high E string would get hung up on the edge of the neck pickup once in a while, that bugged me. So the jury's still out and I'm waiting for a couple of things to sell before I buy a guitar, but I have to say, I do not see $600+ difference in the American and MIM Teles, and I did not think I would have that opinion. I'm just getting back in the Tele game after a long absence, and maybe I have a fuzzy memory, but the Tele Custom RI's humbucker does not at all sound like the one I remember. The new ones seem muddy to me, and mine never was. Like many of us, I regret selling that guitar. Peter Buck's intros and lead parts on "Driver 8" and "The One I Love" are dead ringers for that guitar in the middle position with the humbucker rolled back a bit. I could not get that sound from the '72 reissue. Thoughts? Thanks, Rick

June 24th, 2008, 11:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Michaell Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: on the bus Posts: 599	2008 American Standards I am quite impressed with the new American Standard Strats and Teles don't know how many music stores are in your reach........but try these in different stores if you can if you've been " out " for awhile, welcome back to playing.....try some more of this model I've played about a dozen strats and a 1/2 dozen of the teles.......I really like 'em......not a dud among them....they were all keepers IMO anyway, thats my thought __________________ x

June 24th, 2008, 11:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,402 18 Photos	Check out a Baja. I personally don't see the that much of a difference in the lower cost American Std's. But the higher buck Fenders definitely cut the cord. For around 600 I would say the Baja or maybe you might think about a Nashville. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

June 25th, 2008, 12:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
telechucker Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 46 Posts: 181	+1 on the Baja - I played a couple a while back and found them to be great. I didn't like the wiring idea, I would have gotten it wired "standard" as we all know today. There seems to be a split in the camp as to the preference to neck "chubbiness". I've got a Warmoth boatneck on a Tele, and a slightly smaller boat type on a Custom Shop '51 Nocaster. They feel fine to me. Conversely, I've got a MIM Tele with a fairly slender neck that I also like. I think the larger neck gives a better tone (due to it's mass) but the jury is still out to many players. I guess your hands eventually get used to each neck the more gigs you pick on them. Also ; just for the record, I've got fairly small "girl's" hands. Regards. __________________ A man's best friend is his Tele - not his dog.

July 1st, 2008, 08:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
RickC. TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 14	I went back today after work, spent a good bit of time switching between an Am. Standard and the white MIM. Nope, really can't see $600 difference there. The pickups in the Am sounded fuller (may be alnico vs. ceramic), but the MIM didn't sound -bad-, and I'd likely put new pickups in either one. so just as I'm thinking get the Meskin and put new pickups and a vintage bridge with brass saddles in it, I run across the Lite Ash online, which already has that. What I've read here on them is not very encouraging, though. I did play a 72 RI Thinline Deluxe tonight also. Pretty guitar, but nah... Thanks, Rick Last edited by RickC.; July 1st, 2008 at 09:51 PM.

June 25th, 2008, 05:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
RickC. TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 14	Thanks guys. I'd like to get my hands on both a Baja and an American Standard, though I already know I don't like chunky Tele necks. There was a Hwy 1 there also, but I'm not keen on that finish. If the Am Standard has the rolled egdes on the neck like the Am Standard Strats have, that may seal the deal-- but the Am. Deluxe Tele I played was supposed to have that, but I swear the little white MIM felt better even though it wasn't as shiny. I'm not looking for an absolute bargain basement guitar, I'm selling a Ric and will use the proceeds for this, so I can buy just about any of the production Teles. I just thought it was strange that I liked a $399 Tele better than the $1259 Tele. Still looking, and thanks again. Rick

June 25th, 2008, 05:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dan R Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Charleston, SC Age: 50 Posts: 872	RickC what happened to me was I found a used MIM pretty cheap, $250.00. I then put in new pickups, bridge, saddles, and pots. That was around $150.00. So for about $400.00, I have a very sweet telecaster, to me anyway. You may want to consider a MIM '69 Thinline as well. Those guitars are outstanding, IMO. BTW, I happen to have a '75 tele that I love. It's my big daddy, so to speak. It just has a fatter, more resonant sound, to me. However, it is not as versatile as my modified MIM tele. Dan R

June 25th, 2008, 06:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
ReddRanger Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: California Posts: 253	I loved my MIM Standard when it was stock. Then I put a Fender vintage bridge, Glendale saddles, and Nocaster pickups in. Now it's a tone machine. Why mod an MIM that much you may ask? Those were all things I personally like in a Tele. I also didn't like what some of the higher priced models were offereing. They didn't have the specs I wanted or they didn't feel right to me. Plus, I found a really sweet playing Standard in sunburst. So now my MIM Tele is exactly what I want. It get's lots of compliments, even from experienced players who appreciate tone (who are usually kinda surprised to find it's a MIM Standard..). You don't have to do the $200 worth of mods I did, and you would still have a cool Tele IMO. I just think it's a good platfrom to have some fun...playing and modding.

June 29th, 2008, 05:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
RickC. TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 14	Thanks guys. Finally got my hands on an American Standard today. I liked the rolled fingerboard edges and the neck pickup sounded a bit brighter than the MIMs-- I also liked the gloss on the fingerboard and the staggered tuners. Overall though, the white MIM still just felt better to me. So I'm leaning toward gettin' a Meskin and making some changes. You can buy a lot of pickups, bridges, and saddles for 600 bucks. Rick

June 29th, 2008, 06:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
madmark Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Age: 39 Posts: 335	Highway One.. I dont like Poly Finish myself..

July 10th, 2008, 01:07 AM	#13 (permalink)
mmannaxx TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 12	Well you will probably get better wood and pups in an American made. I have never cared for the Mexican standard Teles, much preferring the American model. I have a 6oth anniversary one that has original vintage pups which are very nice (they are used on the 52 RI model). Check out those pups which I think are available for about $100 a set. Good luck in your search for a Tele that works for you.

July 10th, 2008, 01:33 AM	#14 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 7,652	Welcome, Rick! I think you should keep right on playing more and more examples of each different model, learning what you can about what is available now. We didn't really have much choice 35 years ago. Now we maybe have too many choices. The other thing to watch out for is, the guitar that feels right your first 20 days back may leave you wanting in 6 months. You may have to buy yourself something cheap to log some time on, whilst trying any Tele you can. I'm not saying you'll end up back with an American Deluxe or an A V 52 "Reissue" but you may not know that for a while. Enjoy your rediscovery. __________________ Bubban0v

July 10th, 2008, 01:43 AM	#15 (permalink)
beep.click Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California Age: 49 Posts: 1,805	I seem to be in some kind of phase lately of playing gobs of guitars at gobs of music stores. My take on the "state of the market" is, if you're shopping for a player, you still have to try LOTS of guitars. Some of the American-made guitars are stellar; some just lay there. Same for the Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, etc. The stuff I've bought lately has leapt off the page, you might say. 3-4 notes on my paisley Tele, and it was obvious. Just an exciting sound, period. At the bottom of the food chain, I got a $99 Rogue lipstick guitar off the internet, sight unseen. And it's wonderful! Lots of personality, and totally playable. __________________ "It looked like a giant green gum drop to me."

July 10th, 2008, 02:05 AM	#16 (permalink)
teleman55 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: fox lake, il Age: 53 Posts: 105	My LH MIM Tele is lately my "go to" guitar. I just put some OV pickups in it but the stock ones are real nice. You don't have to replace them to sound good... or sound like a Tele. Just remember when you compare Mexico to other offshore places guitar are made... 1. It ain't off shore. 2. They were making guitars in Mexico before the USA existed. 3. Mexico was once New Spain. Spain is the home of guitars.

July 10th, 2008, 12:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
tpaul Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kingston, NY Posts: 704	Hey, welcome to the board. Lots of knowledgable folks here. I learn something every time I take the time to read. My #1 right now is a partscaster made from a Mexican standard body and an older Japanese Squier neck, with DiMarzio Area T pickups. There's not a thing wrong with the Mexican Teles, they are fine as-is and provide a great modding platform. If you find one that feels and sounds good stock, you can't really go wrong. One thing - that Custom RI you tried would sound a lot better if you replace the pots to the humbucker with 500k pots. Those come with 250K pots for some reason, and just about everyone complains they sound muddy until you pop some higher value pots in there. Since pots go for about $7 each, it's a very low-cost mod and easy to do. See if you can find someone who's done this mod and play theirs so you have an idea what it should sound like, before you dismiss the guitar altogether. (The reissue humbuckers don't have the same magnets as the originals, so they aren't going to sound identical, but they will sound a heck of a lot better with the correct pots.) Happy hunting! ...and don't settle for less than what you want.