CV Tele... first impressions and then some.

jdredskinsfan · July 22nd, 2008, 01:26 AM

Howdy all! I'm sure you're all getting sick of hearing about this Tele, but I have to say - I think it lives up to the hype and I wanted to give my input now before posting a much more in depth review (expect that in a week or so for all who'd like to see). Like many others, after reading the original 20+ page thread I had to see what all the fuss was about. I've never owned a Tele before, but I've played several, and have always been attracted to their simplicity. Prior to this purchase I was in the market for a MIM for quite some time, but finally decided to buy this and couldn't be happier.

I put the order in for it last Wednesday (through MF, of course) expecting to see it some time towards the middle of this week. Much to my surprise, though, after getting home from work this was waiting for me inside. At first I was quite concerned - there was a large gash in the box towards what appeared to be the headstock area. I hurried up and grabbed a boxcutter to assess the damage, but when I opened it up the guitar was actually quite well protected and the gash damaged the box and nothing more. Now, before I continue let me say that I had some doubts about this guitar. After seeing some shoddy craftsmanship from the MIM line (only a few guitars - don't get me wrong, I love Mexican Teles as much as the next guy) I wasn't sure how a CIC guitar could compare.

Now, let me continue on and say that my doubts were put to rest the minute I took off the protective wrapping and got a good glance at the guitar. Don't kid yourself for a second - this guitar is beautiful. I thoroughly inspected the guitar before taking off the plastic protecting some of the other parts (in case I needed to make a return). Knowing that it was a $300 guitar, I wasn't expecting perfect craftsmanship - and I'll admit that not everything on this guitar is "perfect" - but it's damn close. The only thing that caught my eye was what appeared to be a sort of residue on the bottom left corner of the neck plate, which I tried to rub off but to no avail. This flaw, however, is barely noticeable, and after all, it is the back of the guitar, so I'm not too concerned. Everything else on the guitar is incredibly crafted, though, and I am very impressed with its overall appearance. The neck pocket is tight, the see-through finish is flawless, the tinted neck is beautiful... I could go on and on. After spending a little time with the guitar I had to pinch myself and remember the fact that it was only $300! The craftsmanship (with small the exception of the neck plate, as I mentioned) would be incredible for an $800 guitar, much less a $300. I have to agree with others and say that many features of this guitar are right up to par with Fender's much more expensive models.

As far as sound, I can't go into too much detail - I recently sold my main amp to get a smaller tube amp (as a solid state user before, but that's a story for another day), but from what I've heard on my small practice amp, I'm incredibly impressed. While I'm not a Tele expert like many more experienced users on the board, I'd like to think that I know guitars semi-well, and everything that I like in a guitar is present on this one. It sounds great - very smooth - in the neck position, the middle position is nice and bluesy, and the bridge position has that great twang that I've recently come to know and love. I'll comment more on this as time goes on and I get more playing time on this axe, but from what I can see (sorry, hear) now, like I mentioned previously I'm very impressed.

As far as playability and setup goes, I'll continue on to say that this was set up better than my mahogany LP out of the factory (please, no Gibson hating - she's my primary axe and she's a beaut too), and that she plays great. The action is set up very well - nice and low with no noticeable buzz on any frets, even the low ones - and the neck (though apparently a little slim for the taste of some) is as fast and slick as I've ever seen, and certainly very playable right out of the box. The tuning is a little off on my low E string (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the three saddle bridge, but if someone could fill me in I'd appreciate it), but everything else is great. This axe is incredibly playable and I can see it moving right up there with my LP as far as good players go.

Hopefully I'm not premature in my judgments as I've only had the guitar for a few hours, but I suppose that goes to say how incredibly impressed I am with my new axe. For all the skeptics out there, I'd recommend trying one out before you miss out. I wasn't sure how a Squier could compare with some of the other Fender Teles I've played, but in my opinion, if you covered the decal on this guitar and put it side by side with some of Fender's higher end Teles, you'd be hard pressed to find a difference between the two. This guitar is absolutely spectacular for the money, and I'd recommend picking one up at the $300 price point before Fender wises up and realizes how much more money they could be making off of this baby. Of course, no review would be complete without at least one good picture...

Hope you enjoyed the review, and expect more thoughts out of me regarding this Tele as time goes on....

Mark Davis · July 22nd, 2008, 01:45 AM

Good deal pal!

Welcome to the 50s Classic VIbe owners club.

Controlo · July 22nd, 2008, 03:05 AM

i can't effing wait for mine! :) nice!

bendecaster · July 22nd, 2008, 03:54 AM

Man, I'm really trying hard not to GAS over these guitars, since I lost my job, but you guys are makin' it real hard to resist! By the way, are these supposed to be limited run instruments?

Mark Davis · July 22nd, 2008, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendecaster

Man, I'm really trying hard not to GAS over these guitars, since I lost my job, but you guys are makin' it real hard to resist! By the way, are these supposed to be limited run instruments?

There is no indication its gonna be a limited edition.

The whole Classic Vibe series is good the Duo-sonic the Strats the Bass guitars are all getting the same rave reviews.

hondo76 · July 22nd, 2008, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendecaster

Man, I'm really trying hard not to GAS over these guitars, since I lost my job, but you guys are makin' it real hard to resist! By the way, are these supposed to be limited run instruments?

bende im right there with you i got layed of last friday .man i want one of these cv teles bad next job first pay check ill have one too!!!!

boneyguy · July 22nd, 2008, 05:26 AM

Just got word today that I won't see mine till mid august.

My guy at the store called their supplier and was told they're still waiting for a shipment from the Chinese factory. I think big outfits like MF grab up the first run in large quantities. I just hope the quality holds as the production continues.

Telemarkman · July 22nd, 2008, 05:46 AM

Great review jdredskinsfan

... very balanced and well written.

Congrats on a beautiful guitar

!

jdredskinsfan · July 22nd, 2008, 10:41 AM

Thanks all! And to all having some serious GAS over this guitar... don't fret, it'l probably be amongst the best $300 you've spent in a while.

sdcb27 · July 22nd, 2008, 12:49 PM

It the body wider at the bottom then a tele or is it just the pictures im seeing.
Like Washburns tele like guitar they make the body is wider and to me takes away from the tele shape.
Just curious

Mark Davis · July 22nd, 2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdcb27

It the body wider at the bottom then a tele or is it just the pictures im seeing.
Like Washburns tele like guitar they make the body is wider and to me takes away from the tele shape.
Just curious

The body has regular Tele dimensions not wider or thinner.

Controlo · July 22nd, 2008, 06:47 PM

:)

DrewB · July 22nd, 2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Davis

The body has regular Tele dimensions not wider or thinner.

Does the price tag make my butt look big?

teleamp · July 22nd, 2008, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdcb27

It the body wider at the bottom then a tele or is it just the pictures im seeing.
Like Washburns tele like guitar they make the body is wider and to me takes away from the tele shape.
Just curious

Click on the image for it to open, it will look normal then.

ThreePlyGuy · July 23rd, 2008, 12:38 AM

Think some photos of them look a tad tubby as well, that one does on my machine.
They do look like some fun, amazing for a fast food price.

hondo76 · July 23rd, 2008, 01:57 AM

i once bought a chevy pikup for the same price as one of these,
just thought id throw that out there.

July 22nd, 2008, 01:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
jdredskinsfan TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Age: 17 Posts: 80	CV Tele... first impressions and then some. Howdy all! I'm sure you're all getting sick of hearing about this Tele, but I have to say - I think it lives up to the hype and I wanted to give my input now before posting a much more in depth review (expect that in a week or so for all who'd like to see). Like many others, after reading the original 20+ page thread I had to see what all the fuss was about. I've never owned a Tele before, but I've played several, and have always been attracted to their simplicity. Prior to this purchase I was in the market for a MIM for quite some time, but finally decided to buy this and couldn't be happier. I put the order in for it last Wednesday (through MF, of course) expecting to see it some time towards the middle of this week. Much to my surprise, though, after getting home from work this was waiting for me inside. At first I was quite concerned - there was a large gash in the box towards what appeared to be the headstock area. I hurried up and grabbed a boxcutter to assess the damage, but when I opened it up the guitar was actually quite well protected and the gash damaged the box and nothing more. Now, before I continue let me say that I had some doubts about this guitar. After seeing some shoddy craftsmanship from the MIM line (only a few guitars - don't get me wrong, I love Mexican Teles as much as the next guy) I wasn't sure how a CIC guitar could compare. Now, let me continue on and say that my doubts were put to rest the minute I took off the protective wrapping and got a good glance at the guitar. Don't kid yourself for a second - this guitar is beautiful. I thoroughly inspected the guitar before taking off the plastic protecting some of the other parts (in case I needed to make a return). Knowing that it was a $300 guitar, I wasn't expecting perfect craftsmanship - and I'll admit that not everything on this guitar is "perfect" - but it's damn close. The only thing that caught my eye was what appeared to be a sort of residue on the bottom left corner of the neck plate, which I tried to rub off but to no avail. This flaw, however, is barely noticeable, and after all, it is the back of the guitar, so I'm not too concerned. Everything else on the guitar is incredibly crafted, though, and I am very impressed with its overall appearance. The neck pocket is tight, the see-through finish is flawless, the tinted neck is beautiful... I could go on and on. After spending a little time with the guitar I had to pinch myself and remember the fact that it was only $300! The craftsmanship (with small the exception of the neck plate, as I mentioned) would be incredible for an $800 guitar, much less a $300. I have to agree with others and say that many features of this guitar are right up to par with Fender's much more expensive models. As far as sound, I can't go into too much detail - I recently sold my main amp to get a smaller tube amp (as a solid state user before, but that's a story for another day), but from what I've heard on my small practice amp, I'm incredibly impressed. While I'm not a Tele expert like many more experienced users on the board, I'd like to think that I know guitars semi-well, and everything that I like in a guitar is present on this one. It sounds great - very smooth - in the neck position, the middle position is nice and bluesy, and the bridge position has that great twang that I've recently come to know and love. I'll comment more on this as time goes on and I get more playing time on this axe, but from what I can see (sorry, hear) now, like I mentioned previously I'm very impressed. As far as playability and setup goes, I'll continue on to say that this was set up better than my mahogany LP out of the factory (please, no Gibson hating - she's my primary axe and she's a beaut too), and that she plays great. The action is set up very well - nice and low with no noticeable buzz on any frets, even the low ones - and the neck (though apparently a little slim for the taste of some) is as fast and slick as I've ever seen, and certainly very playable right out of the box. The tuning is a little off on my low E string (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the three saddle bridge, but if someone could fill me in I'd appreciate it), but everything else is great. This axe is incredibly playable and I can see it moving right up there with my LP as far as good players go. Hopefully I'm not premature in my judgments as I've only had the guitar for a few hours, but I suppose that goes to say how incredibly impressed I am with my new axe. For all the skeptics out there, I'd recommend trying one out before you miss out. I wasn't sure how a Squier could compare with some of the other Fender Teles I've played, but in my opinion, if you covered the decal on this guitar and put it side by side with some of Fender's higher end Teles, you'd be hard pressed to find a difference between the two. This guitar is absolutely spectacular for the money, and I'd recommend picking one up at the $300 price point before Fender wises up and realizes how much more money they could be making off of this baby. Of course, no review would be complete without at least one good picture... Hope you enjoyed the review, and expect more thoughts out of me regarding this Tele as time goes on....

July 22nd, 2008, 01:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,745	Good deal pal! Welcome to the 50s Classic VIbe owners club. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

July 22nd, 2008, 03:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
bendecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 1,042	Man, I'm really trying hard not to GAS over these guitars, since I lost my job, but you guys are makin' it real hard to resist! By the way, are these supposed to be limited run instruments? __________________ The Demented 7th

July 22nd, 2008, 05:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
boneyguy Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: victoria b.c. Age: 50 Posts: 2,915	Just got word today that I won't see mine till mid august. My guy at the store called their supplier and was told they're still waiting for a shipment from the Chinese factory. I think big outfits like MF grab up the first run in large quantities. I just hope the quality holds as the production continues. __________________ "Shut up n' play yer guitar"

July 22nd, 2008, 12:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
sdcb27 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 236	It the body wider at the bottom then a tele or is it just the pictures im seeing. Like Washburns tele like guitar they make the body is wider and to me takes away from the tele shape. Just curious __________________ Romey Keep a light rein, a foot on each side and a far away look

July 22nd, 2008, 03:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Controlo Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bakersfield, California Age: 22 Posts: 157	i can't effing wait for mine! :) nice!

July 22nd, 2008, 05:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
Telemarkman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norway Age: 61 Posts: 4,651	Great review jdredskinsfan ... very balanced and well written. Congrats on a beautiful guitar !

July 22nd, 2008, 10:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
jdredskinsfan TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas Age: 17 Posts: 80	Thanks all! And to all having some serious GAS over this guitar... don't fret, it'l probably be amongst the best $300 you've spent in a while.

July 22nd, 2008, 06:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Controlo Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bakersfield, California Age: 22 Posts: 157	:)

July 23rd, 2008, 12:38 AM	#15 (permalink)
ThreePlyGuy Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern California/Arizona Age: 60 Posts: 389	Think some photos of them look a tad tubby as well, that one does on my machine. They do look like some fun, amazing for a fast food price. __________________ Good luck with your projects!

July 23rd, 2008, 01:57 AM	#16 (permalink)
hondo76 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: aubrey tx Age: 20 Posts: 637	i once bought a chevy pikup for the same price as one of these, just thought id throw that out there. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/adambellar06 It aint easy being me - Chris Knight rule #1 NEVER mess with anyone's old lady, gear, food, family, or religion.