Finally got my Baja

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 08:10 AM

Hi all, I'm back in the club

beep.click · June 29th, 2008, 08:17 AM

Yay!

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 09:44 AM

When I can get it back off my 10 year old daughter (Alexocaster) I'll let you know how it plays!!

bluesjuke · June 29th, 2008, 12:10 PM

Looks like you need to buy a second one!

Congrats and share nicely.

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluesjuke

Looks like you need to buy a second one!

Congrats and share nicely.

I wouldn't mind, but she's got an 80's Tokai Strat as her own guitar!!!! Girls and Teles eh

Telarkaster · June 29th, 2008, 12:20 PM

Congratulations! You're a lucky man for at least two reasons, both of which are in your second photo. Actually, three reasons: you have a baja, beautiful daughter and she likes guitars!

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telarkaster

Congratulations! You're a lucky man for at least two reasons, both of which are in your second photo. Actually, three reasons: you have a baja, beautiful daughter and she likes guitars!

Thank you Telarkaster, what a lovely thing to say - that made her very happy and yes, I am a lucky man

pistolsteve · June 29th, 2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by degsycaster

Hi all, I'm back in the club

How bout a quick review. I'm in the market for a new axe in the next couple weeks. I've pretty well narrowed it down to a Standard MIM, a Baja, or a G&L ASAT Tribute.

I've just about decided on the ASAT Tribute semi-hollow body, but the Baja keeps calling to me. .... and there's a pretty nice MIM Standard sunburst at a local store that would save me a couple hundred off either of my other choices.

P.S. If I get the G&L ASAT, am I still allowed to post on TDPRI, or am I banished to a G&L board?

madmark · June 29th, 2008, 12:35 PM

That is a awesome picture... Good Job

Quote:

Originally Posted by degsycaster

When I can get it back off my 10 year old daughter (Alexocaster) I'll let you know how it plays!!

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 12:49 PM

Well, pistolsteve - heres my initial findings.

In the store I tried a Highway 1, MIM 50's Classic & the Baja. The Baja is by far the heaviest, but much more bass response than the other 2 (I like a bassier Tele). Fit and finish is really good, tuning stability is excellent hardware quality is ok, not as good as the others. I picked the Baja purely down to the tone and versatility of all the switching positions.

I've not played a MIM Std (I've read that the upgrade ones are really good) or an ASAT. Your best bet is to do what I did - go to the store and give yourself some time through a decent amp with all of them. My last Tele was a MIM Classic 60's and that was also a good guitar but not as toneful as the Baja. Don't forget that with the Baja you get an ash body and brass saddles - to me thats helps the tone a lot. Hope this helps

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmark

That is a awesome picture... Good Job

Thanks madmark, she is such a rock chick. 10 years old and already into Zeppelin, PJ Harvey, The Smiths & Blur. I am a very proud dad

Van_The_Man · June 29th, 2008, 01:17 PM

That's a beautiful Tele

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Van_The_Man

That's a beautiful Tele

Thanks Van_The_Man - it's my first blonde/blackguard and it plays as good as it looks

boris bubbanov · June 29th, 2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pistolsteve

I'm in the market for a new axe in the next couple weeks. I've pretty well narrowed it down to a Standard MIM, a Baja, or a G&L ASAT Tribute.

P.S. If I get the G&L ASAT, am I still allowed to post on TDPRI, or am I banished to a G&L board?

Welcome!

No, you won't be banished. Many, if not most of the guys here own, have owned or will soon own a G + L (I have 5).

But, between those 3 choices, I'd select the Baja. 6 individual sounds, 4 of which are readily usable playing live, a thick chunky toneful neck, classic appearance, tremendous potential resale value, next to no need for modifications once the guitar is set up, and except for the S-1 switch, the Baja is indestructable. I may be out front on this, but I think thinline bodies are awful prone to damage and wear. IMO the tuners and some other parts on the MIM Std and Tribute need upgrading. While you can convert the Ping tuners on the Baja (I've done a few) the advantage is very subtle indeed. Otherwise, straplocks, a well built case and you are ready for the long haul.

boris bubbanov · June 29th, 2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by degsycaster

This is why you say yes, when your wife suggests you start a family.

madmark · June 29th, 2008, 02:21 PM

Your welcome I have a 3 year old who has a little squier strat and he strums it all the time..

Quote:

Originally Posted by degsycaster

Thanks madmark, she is such a rock chick. 10 years old and already into Zeppelin, PJ Harvey, The Smiths & Blur. I am a very proud dad

TeleLubber · June 29th, 2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

But, between those 3 choices, I'd select the Baja. 6 individual sounds, 4 of which are readily usable playing live, a thick chunky toneful neck, classic appearance, tremendous potential resale value, next to no need for modifications once the guitar is set up, and except for the S-1 switch, the Baja is indestructable.

Question: can someone list the 6 pup combinations this Baja has.. I'm looking to build or buy a beautiful blonde tele like this one.. Thanks in advance

BarnesTO · June 29th, 2008, 02:58 PM

GAS!!

My local shop has one that I've been eyeing, considering "secretly" putting it on layaway in the near future. I love the look and feel, and the extra switching options....I'm pretty sure one of these would be my #1!

pengipete · June 29th, 2008, 03:16 PM

TeleLubber...

You can download the full specs from the Fender website.

pistolsteve · June 29th, 2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

Welcome!

No, you won't be banished. Many, if not most of the guys here own, have owned or will soon own a G + L (I have 5).

But, between those 3 choices, I'd select the Baja. 6 individual sounds, 4 of which are readily usable playing live, a thick chunky toneful neck, classic appearance, tremendous potential resale value, next to no need for modifications once the guitar is set up, and except for the S-1 switch, the Baja is indestructable. I may be out front on this, but I think thinline bodies are awful prone to damage and wear. IMO the tuners and some other parts on the MIM Std and Tribute need upgrading. While you can convert the Ping tuners on the Baja (I've done a few) the advantage is very subtle indeed. Otherwise, straplocks, a well built case and you are ready for the long haul.

Thanks for the input (and apologies for hijacking the thread). I fell in love with the one Baja I played, but then made the mistake of stopping by the G&L dealer, and that Tribute Semi-Hollow just plays like butter. I did have the concern you noted about how a semi-hollow would wear. The thing is light as a feather.

degsycaster · June 29th, 2008, 07:49 PM

Thanks for your interest and comments all. Only got the guitar yesterday so took her along to last nights gig and used it for the second half of our set, boy what a guitar! It's a heavy old thing and sustains like a Les Paul (I kid you not!) It even coped with the solo from Paranoid (my SG may start gathering dust). Thanks again

TeleLubber · June 30th, 2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pengipete

TeleLubber...

You can download the full specs from the Fender website.

Doh!

thanks for the headsup .. I havent been to their site in a while

Essentially a 4 way switch w/ a push/pull pot for phasing.. kewl

teleman1991 · June 30th, 2008, 04:01 PM

Congrats on your new baja, i was so happy when mine arrived. First time i really got excited about getting a guitar again for a while. I'm wondering how many people in the UK own these as such, i only heard of them from this forum...oh yeah and a british review on youtube.haha but still i bet i'm the only one with one on the isle of wight...mwuahaha

teleman1991 · June 30th, 2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeleLubber

June 29th, 2008, 08:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
degsycaster Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: Suffolk, England Age: 38 Posts: 557 42 Photos	Finally got my Baja Hi all, I'm back in the club __________________ "They were still booing him when we were on"

June 29th, 2008, 08:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
beep.click Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: California Age: 49 Posts: 1,966	Yay! __________________ "It looked like a giant green gum drop to me."

June 29th, 2008, 09:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
degsycaster Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: Suffolk, England Age: 38 Posts: 557 42 Photos	When I can get it back off my 10 year old daughter (Alexocaster) I'll let you know how it plays!! __________________ "They were still booing him when we were on"

June 29th, 2008, 12:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
degsycaster Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: Suffolk, England Age: 38 Posts: 557 42 Photos	Quick review Well, pistolsteve - heres my initial findings. In the store I tried a Highway 1, MIM 50's Classic & the Baja. The Baja is by far the heaviest, but much more bass response than the other 2 (I like a bassier Tele). Fit and finish is really good, tuning stability is excellent hardware quality is ok, not as good as the others. I picked the Baja purely down to the tone and versatility of all the switching positions. I've not played a MIM Std (I've read that the upgrade ones are really good) or an ASAT. Your best bet is to do what I did - go to the store and give yourself some time through a decent amp with all of them. My last Tele was a MIM Classic 60's and that was also a good guitar but not as toneful as the Baja. Don't forget that with the Baja you get an ash body and brass saddles - to me thats helps the tone a lot. Hope this helps __________________ "They were still booing him when we were on"

June 29th, 2008, 07:49 PM	#21 (permalink)
degsycaster Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: Suffolk, England Age: 38 Posts: 557 42 Photos	Thanks for your interest and comments all. Only got the guitar yesterday so took her along to last nights gig and used it for the second half of our set, boy what a guitar! It's a heavy old thing and sustains like a Les Paul (I kid you not!) It even coped with the solo from Paranoid (my SG may start gathering dust). Thanks again __________________ "They were still booing him when we were on"

June 29th, 2008, 12:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
bluesjuke Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bluesland, Texas Age: 52 Posts: 550	Looks like you need to buy a second one! Congrats and share nicely.

June 29th, 2008, 12:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
Telarkaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montreal Quebec Canada Posts: 1,795	Congratulations! You're a lucky man for at least two reasons, both of which are in your second photo. Actually, three reasons: you have a baja, beautiful daughter and she likes guitars!

June 29th, 2008, 01:17 PM	#12 (permalink)
Van_The_Man TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland Posts: 91	That's a beautiful Tele

June 29th, 2008, 02:58 PM	#18 (permalink)
BarnesTO Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yuma, AZ Age: 30 Posts: 691 4 Photos	GAS!! My local shop has one that I've been eyeing, considering "secretly" putting it on layaway in the near future. I love the look and feel, and the extra switching options....I'm pretty sure one of these would be my #1!

June 29th, 2008, 03:16 PM	#19 (permalink)
pengipete Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gloucester U.K. Age: 47 Posts: 1,559	TeleLubber... You can download the full specs from the Fender website.

June 30th, 2008, 04:01 PM	#23 (permalink)
teleman1991 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Isle of Wight, UK Age: 17 Posts: 176 9 Photos	Congrats on your new baja, i was so happy when mine arrived. First time i really got excited about getting a guitar again for a while. I'm wondering how many people in the UK own these as such, i only heard of them from this forum...oh yeah and a british review on youtube.haha but still i bet i'm the only one with one on the isle of wight...mwuahaha __________________ Blonde Baja Tele with cut off switch, MIM std. Tele with custom pickups, Fender USA Deluxe 85 amp