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Old June 29th, 2009, 05:26 PM   #1 (permalink)
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$400 — What should I look for?

I already posted a more confusing version of this question.
As Telecaster experts, what would you buy if you had $400?
What should I scour ebay and craigslist for?

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Old June 29th, 2009, 05:57 PM   #2 (permalink)
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I personally wouldnt buy anything from Ebay or CL.

Just get a new CV tele for $350.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 06:02 PM   #3 (permalink)
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I just got a Squire CV tele also IMO the best tele 400$ will buy.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 06:03 PM   #4 (permalink)
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http://www.12fret.com/new/Squier_Tel...c_Vibe_pg.html not a word of a lie
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Old June 29th, 2009, 06:25 PM   #5 (permalink)
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i dig my classic vibe tele..$399 cdn new.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 06:50 PM   #6 (permalink)
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+1000 on the CV Tele. I absolutely love mine.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 06:58 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Check out the CV owners club........they rock for a budget guitar...rock more like an expensive one IMO.

Brand new, no bollocks, no Ebay/CL grief.....no brainer again IMO.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:09 PM   #8 (permalink)
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I personally wouldnt buy anything from Ebay or CL. Just get a new CV tele for $350.
I'm going to agree with Mark about ebay, but respectfully disagree about craig's list. If you're in or near a large city, Craig's list is your best friend -- you can get a whole lot of guitar for $400 on craig's list in a metropolitan area, especially these days. You don't have to pay retail, and you get to try before you buy.

Dunno what the Ft. Wayne or Indianapolis CL's are like, but maybe worth a shot for you.

OR, folks around here do seem to love those classic vibe telecasters...

Best of luck,

JR
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:13 PM   #9 (permalink)
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That pic from 12th fret of the CV is excellent they always take the best pics!
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:14 PM   #10 (permalink)
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I'm going to agree with Mark about ebay, but respectfully disagree about craig's list. If you're in or near a large city, Craig's list is your best friend -- you can get a whole lot of guitar for $400 on craig's list in a metropolitan area, especially these days. You don't have to pay retail, and you get to try before you buy.

Dunno what the Ft. Wayne or Indianapolis CL's are like, but maybe worth a shot for you.

OR, folks around here do seem to love those classic vibe telecasters...

Best of luck,

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I just added CL due to the fakes and people getting ripped off here in the past week 2 weeks ago I would have just said Ebay.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:32 PM   #11 (permalink)
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With some patience and detective work, a Fender MIM could be yours for 400 bones.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:45 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lukeshu View Post
I already posted a more confusing version of this question.
As Telecaster experts, what would you buy if you had $400?
What should I scour ebay and craigslist for?
That depends. If you really know your guitars, taking a chance on a local CL guitar might work.

In the shops, I have seen MIM Standards and sometimes the Deluxe and Classic models, in this price range.

If you already have a usable electric, I'd keep saving $$ and get a real nice tube amplifier, like a Fender Custom Vibrolux Reverb-Amp. Guitar ain't nothin without a decent amp, IMO.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:46 PM   #13 (permalink)
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That pic from 12th fret of the CV is excellent they always take the best pics!
I agree with Mark re the guitar and the pix from the 12th Fret.

Their photos are the best.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 07:47 PM   #14 (permalink)
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$400: I'd always go with a mid-80s MIJ Squier Tele.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 08:45 PM   #15 (permalink)
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I just scored a '99 Thinline 1972 RI off CL for that price. What I like about CL is that I got the chance to play the guitar for buying. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 09:25 PM   #16 (permalink)
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you can score a CV for well under three right now by calling in one of the two "related to GC" online vendors. Buy a by a nice little practice amp or save the rest, or get a hard case...

~M.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 09:26 PM   #17 (permalink)
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Wow, sounds like many are in favor of the CV. It certainly sounds solid.
What do you think would be the next step up? I made an offer (400) the other day on a MIM Telecaster Special, which seems to have its own cult following as well.
I wrote to a guy on craigslist about his modded CIJ 60's custom with the Bigsby. He wanted 450.
So is it worth it to buy new, maybe even find a CV used for really cheap? Or might it be wise to wait it out and see what I can find?
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Old June 29th, 2009, 09:27 PM   #18 (permalink)
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If you're in no rush wait, but, you could be playin' in the meantime! =)
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Old June 29th, 2009, 09:47 PM   #19 (permalink)
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A CV sold here in the classifieds a couple weeks ago for $200.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 09:55 PM   #20 (permalink)
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You gotta do what you gotta do . I agree with Boris and Oldschoolwax . Unless that money is burning a hole in your pocket , I would wait until I could more get what I wanted instead of what I could afford . Either a good amp or better guitar are worth waiting for if you already have something to play . If you find a Tele that really tickles your fancy in the mean time you gotta consider that as well . Good things come to those that wait more often than not . You may even eventually be able to get a guitar from one of the very good builders on this forum later exactly like you want it .
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Old June 29th, 2009, 10:52 PM   #21 (permalink)
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Would there be any reason to look into this over the CV?

http://columbus.craigslist.org/msg/1235344576.html


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Old June 29th, 2009, 10:58 PM   #22 (permalink)
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Quote:
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I wrote to a guy on craigslist about his modded CIJ 60's custom with the Bigsby. He wanted 450.
So is it worth it to buy new, maybe even find a CV used for really cheap? Or might it be wise to wait it out and see what I can find?
IMO:

-- not worth it to buy new, unless it's a helluva deal (and people here definitely describe the CVs that way..:-)
--my favorite guitar that I own is a CIJ tele custom -- an absolute steal at 450 unless something's wrong with it
-- do what's right. Don't buy cuz it's in front of you, buy what's right.
-- play before you buy
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:00 PM   #23 (permalink)
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Would there be any reason to look into this over the CV?...
I would say no. The CL ad describes everything but the pickups? And, as others have said, you can get a MIM for that price. At least, around here you can, with a bit of patience. Either that or a CV, and you have something made by Fender. A lot easier to sell if needed down the road. Just my, non-current-Tele-owning $.02.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:05 PM   #24 (permalink)
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Being real happy with my MIM Tele I would have a strong bias in advising you to look for a used MIM, (would recommend past 06' for the hotter pick ups), on CL, Ebay, etc. But what impresses me with this thread is look at all the folks who came out of the woodwork raving about ther CV Teles!
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:15 PM   #25 (permalink)
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So the consensus seems to be "no" on eBay, eh? I finally played a CV in the store the other day, somehow held off from buying it then and there. There are a couple of CVs with some minor dings on eBay right now that can be had for $250-$300, and I had just convinced myself that they're "probably" okay and I should take a chance on one of them. Then I read this thread and now I'm thinking maybe the $384 after tax is worth it to get somtehing I've actually played.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:22 PM   #26 (permalink)
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I was a die hard MIJ Tele fan, still love them, but the CV's are really great, the only think I most is the microphonic bridge pup... it sounds totally Tele,but when I slap the switch I'm used to hearing the clunk. I really like the CV neck too! I ( before wrecking my car loved them so much that I have 3 50's now... Tele, Esquire and Double TV 'Tron. I think I need an intervention, luckily the car wreck ended my cash availability... =(
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:25 PM   #27 (permalink)
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I purchased these sight unseen... all sweet...
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:42 PM   #28 (permalink)
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I'd go with an MIM for $400. Get the pre 2006 for a more traditional Tele vibe. It's got the smaller frets and the alnico V pickups. Get the newer one for bigger frets and hotter pickups. They both are equally good and both sound like what they are, a Tele, but each slightly different, like two flavors of ice cream. That said, I've never tried that Squire 'cause I'm lefthanded.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:50 PM   #29 (permalink)
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Classic Vibe - I played one yesterday and I'm GASsing badly for one, I'm obsessed.
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Old June 29th, 2009, 11:54 PM   #30 (permalink)
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Yeah I would go with the MIM Standard tele - I have had a couple before and I love them! Every now then I have come across a dud - but most of them have been most excellent guitars. Also, I cant remember since Fender raised their prices, the 50's MIM Tele's are great, maybe could find a used one - or a '72 tele custom. But like I said - they may be out of the budget since Fender raised their prices. Good Luck.
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Old June 30th, 2009, 12:07 AM   #31 (permalink)
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Check this out at Musician's Friend: $449, MIM, Brand new, ash body.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...sku=517885#new

I bought one a few months ago, and love it...plays great, sweet-sounding pickups, excellent fit & finish. I swapped out the t/s pickguard for single-ply black:



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Old June 30th, 2009, 01:45 AM   #32 (permalink)
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Anyone else have an opinion on the MIM vs CV ?
This CV is looking better and better, but if a MIM like the one above is going to be a better guitar, I could probably cash out.
Now I have to find a way to get my hands on one of these Super Champ XD's...
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Old June 30th, 2009, 02:20 AM   #33 (permalink)
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you ever try the Pathfinder15r ?
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Old June 30th, 2009, 02:25 AM   #34 (permalink)
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With some patience and detective work, a Fender MIM could be yours for 400 bones.

I know around here ive seen many a MIM teles for about 275-325 the most. But again its Craigslist (which i admit I LOVE)
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Old June 30th, 2009, 02:32 AM   #35 (permalink)
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like many have said the Classic Vibe is great for the price... although you may be able to spot a mega deal somewhere (like i picked up my baja tele for £369... as opposed to £500 most places here in the UK)!!!

Just keep looking and you'll find something!!! But DON'T buy a guitar you aint played... not worth the risk IMHO
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Old June 30th, 2009, 02:37 AM   #36 (permalink)
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well ive taken the risk on my CV and Logan's w/o playing them and am very happy
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Old June 30th, 2009, 06:01 AM   #37 (permalink)
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Anyone else have an opinion on the MIM vs CV ?...
Funny; I seem to recall this being several threads over the last year or so... ;)

MIM Standard Tele vs. Classic Vibe Tele

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Originally Posted by Slow Reflexes View Post
Some quotes from the looooonngg CV thread:
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Originally Posted by guitarbuilder View Post
...For 100 bucks more you get a Fender decal and a modern bridge...
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Originally Posted by Jellecaster View Post
...I REALLY like this guitar. I A/B'd it with one of my 2008 American Standard and they aren't far apart. ...

I have a couple of top-dollar Custom Shop Teles and a $300 Squire. Of course, the CS Teles are better - but not even close to ten times better. Frankly, I'm not sure they are twice as good....

Right now I have three MIM's - Baja, Palo Escrito and J5 Triple Deluxe. The build quality on the Squire is every bit as good... I would tell anyone in the market for a sub-$1000 guitar (or any guitar actually) to start with the Squire first...

...If you are asking if this is as good as a $650 guitar - absolutely. I honestly can't imagine why anyone would buy a Classic 50's now that this guitar is available..
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... I kept thinking how much better this guitar sounded than my MIM Tele... the bottom line is that I think the pickups and electronics in the CV are better than the MIM Standard and the Highway One...That is saying something good....
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...my CV has a far better neck than my 69 Thinline and my 72 Reissue Custom and has better better sound stock pickups than any MIM I've ever played. If you asked me if you should by a CV or a Highway 1, I'd say "it depends", but matched up against any of the MIM Teles, it is my humble opinion that its a no-brainer. (well, unless the lack of the Fender decal bugs you)
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...I put my Hwy 1 Texas tele back into it's case, that's how much I like this axe. This squier is much better than the std mim tele I had and better than the BSB Affinity I just sold to help fund this axe. Man, I'm one happy camper with this squier...
I'm still hoping for a Christmas surprise [ed: I got one!]... otherwise, I gots to find a way to buy one.
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Well, it comes down to what you like, of course. I tried for several years to love my Classic 50's Series, but I never got over the small frets and vintage radius. I discovered what I like and don't like. In the end, for me....the CV was better. Got rid of the Classic finally. Feels nice to not try so hard ;)

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Old June 30th, 2009, 07:45 AM   #38 (permalink)
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Anyone else have an opinion on the MIM vs CV ?
This CV is looking better and better, but if a MIM like the one above is going to be a better guitar, I could probably cash out.
Now I have to find a way to get my hands on one of these Super Champ XD's...
i have the rig you're thinking about. funny, i'm also emailing the cl guy with the tele you posted. ( a 335 copy tho )
i tried every tele i could find, the cv is the best value. better then any other squire and most mim's ( the better mim's where way more cash ). it's having some fret work done right now and i'm about to pull the trigger on new pickups. i bought the guitar knowing it would need to be tweaked to my style. i broke my carnal rule and bought mine on line ( i did play one but it was out of stock the next day ). so no regrets . if you are thinking about doing mod's you might want to give some thought about the sx's etc. and save some dough for fret work and good pickups.

the champ is a bit of a worry. the champ side is good but the digital side is digital. for me it has about three useable models and the affects lack body and control. the speaker does some funny wobbling past four in the over driven settings. i don't think it will stand up for more then pratice on the digital side. again, it's about what style you play and the cash. in hindsight i would look for a twenty or thirty watt all tube 12" or 2/10" with a good reverb tank.
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Old June 30th, 2009, 10:06 PM   #39 (permalink)
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This might be risky to come out and say in a telecaster forum, but I just called musician's friend and they still are selling melody makers for $250.
Now I know the guitars don't compare well, but for a real deal USA gibson at that price, it's tempting.
I also played a Jag-stang today being sold for 500. That neck was sweet.
Oh the choices...
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Old June 30th, 2009, 10:14 PM   #40 (permalink)
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There have been a couple threads here about that Melody Maker deal - I didn't read them all, so I can't give you the consensus here. But, like you said, a U.S.A. Gibson for that price... Here's a link to the thread. LINK

Still, I love my Fenders. I've seen used MIMs in Guitar Centers for $250. There was one in another local online classifieds a few months ago listed for $150 (I bought it).

Do you have a decent amp?
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