MIM Standard Vs. Classic Vibe Tele

[plushpile]

Hi everyone, i'm new here.
Sorry if this has been asked before, but a quick search didn't yield many results.

I'm thinking about getting my first tele, i've been rocking a LP for the couple of years and now i'm looking for something to contrast it.

ATM i'm looking at a Classic Vibe Tele which looks pretty nice, and if i buy new thats what i'll go. However it seems as if a used MIM Standard (i'm looking at a 2007 model) can be had for the same/similar price.

I've been to a shop, and in the quick play I preferred the MIM by a nose, the fatter neck/bigger frets, slightly hotter pups and lets not lie Fender on the headstock would be nice, but I was just wanting opinions from people with more experience than 5 mins in a shop with an unfamiliar amp, what would you go for?

Also, I'm in Australia, the Classic Vibe can be had for $699 new and MIM Standards go for about $999...

[boris bubbanov]

Sounds like you play rock.

If so, I think the MIM guitar would be better suited to you.

Those prices you quote hurt my brain. I know your economy down there is recovering, but guitar prices here (and by extension worldwide) are faltering - you gotta be able to beat those prices, you gotta.

[jwayne]

I own a MIM and a CV and they are both pretty good guitars. I would say the CV has better quality control and comes with features that tend to be more saught after for those who like more of a classic tele setup. On TDPRI it is generically thought that the CV is the best bang for your buck right now but that's always a debate. You should play them both enough to where you have a good feel and then pick the one you like best. Those prices are expensive! If you choose a CV because of their quality control you could probably find one cheaper on ebay - even with the shipping. Good luck!

[stantheman]

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

Those prices you quote hurt my brain. I know your economy down there is recovering, but guitar prices here (and by extension worldwide) are faltering - you gotta be able to beat those prices, you gotta.

Yes, I agree with bb that those pricings seem a bit on "the extreme" end of the spectrum. I'd keep looking because when GAS is the issue - patience is the virtue one needs most.

Recently I've been reading on TDPRI about the astronomical pricing on Fender in places like South Africa and Australia in the local shops and I believe that it borders on criminality.

I strongly urge buying something from an on-line auction and paying duties for the shipping (from Japan and China, it has to be cheaper to Down Under than from North America).

[thejerk]

My 09 MIM tele, bought a little over a month ago, was $299 shipped brand new, but I'm in the US. Hard to believe you can't do better than $999! $700 difference?

I think the Classic vibes are great, but the recent MIM's with a pickup swap are even better. Do the Classic Vibe if you want a vintage tele and no need to upgrade anything, do a MIM if you want more modern appointments (mostly the bridge) and aren't afraid of a pickup swap if they aren't your thing, or want Fender on the headstock, or don't mind the added cost of upgrading the bridge (usually $20-100 US, depending on what you buy).

[cfender]

I presume there are good examples out there, BUT I have never taken a MIM telecaster off the wall at GC or Sam Ash that matched the quality of my CV and the frequency with which posters have reported that the CV they bought online being excellent quality and well set-up leads me to conclude that the CV is a much more consistently good guitar.

[plushpile]

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

Sounds like you play rock.

If so, I think the MIM guitar would be better suited to you.

Those prices you quote hurt my brain. I know your economy down there is recovering, but guitar prices here (and by extension worldwide) are faltering - you gotta be able to beat those prices, you gotta.

Yeah, rock is what i do

Prices down here are nuts, always have been. Probably always will be. But right now the aussie $ is buying something like $.88 US or something, so good time to buy from overseas if i choose to do so.

[BAM!101]

I own a cv and was testing out a peavey vyper today i played a mim today it was a older one but i liked my cv better idk it just didn feel right.

[tele12]

Originally Posted by plushpile

However it seems as if a used MIM Standard (i'm looking at a 2007 model) can be had for the same/similar price.

I've been to a shop, and in the quick play I preferred the MIM by a nose, the fatter neck/bigger frets, slightly hotter pups and lets not lie Fender on the headstock would be nice, ....

Go with the used MIM. You prefer it and it will hold it's value better.

[degsycaster]

I have played a CV and own a MIM Std. Go for the MIM. CTS pots, Grisby switch, nice fitting hardware and more 'rock-voiced' pickups. The neck is also very nice.

The CV is fantastic for the money and looks really good but the extra you pay out for the MIM IMO buys you better quality.

[jmreyes]

A couple of months ago, i came here with the exact same decision to make. CV vs. MIM.
I really like how the CV looks. Vintage style tuner. The bridge. The nice contrast between the body and the black pick guard. Last week, I got myself a new MIM. Reasons? Not to lie but I also like having the Fender logo on the headstock and thought it would hold its value better. I ordered mine online here in the Philippines for around $500 shipped. I originally planned to get one from Australia since my dad lives there, but the prices, liked you mentioned, Yikes!

Good luck on making the choice.

[JDRNoPro]

I have one of each, too and overall, I prefer the CV, but I tend to prefer vintage spec/sound/looks. Also think that the CV's may be more consistent. Having said that , I bought a barely used Arctic White 06 MIM std to replace one I (regrettably) traded several years ago for a "better" model. The O6 is much better than the old one and will never leave. I agree that you probably would be happier with the MIM. If at all possible, try several and see if you can find an 06/newer used one. One other comment - over time, the light maple necks on the MIM's darken up nicely if that is of any concern. Good luck!

[Ormond]

I vote for a CV - with an 6 barrel Fender bridge purchased after delivery (they are less than $40 U. S.)

I am very, very impressed with the Pick-ups the Chinese put in these things. Like them better than the ones that came with my Nashville American Standard. They really make the pine body sound good.

[dalandan]

are those aussie dollars or american dollars?

[Hiker]

Same price, grab the used MIM Standard before someone else does!

<----- Used MIM Tele (Avatar)

[Ed O]

A few people have mentioned that the MIM are better "voiced" for Rock. What does that mean exactly? I am looking at getting a Squier CV and I play a lot of rock songs. What will that mean for the songs I play? Thanks for answering a bit of a naive question.

[Jeff_K]

You can't ignore your pedals and amp, either. Both guitars will probably sound ABOUT the same, maybe MIM a little hotter, but by the time you push it through a pedalboard and your amp, whatever that might be, it'll probably be more about those than the guitar choice between CV and MIM, so i think you ought to go with that FEELS better to play, because you'll make it sound like you want with the rest of the train. CV way cheaper? I know what I'd do.

[plushpile]

Cheers for all the tips, you guys are all super helpful.

One more question, whats the difference between Vintage and Modern tuners?

[degsycaster]

Originally Posted by Ed O

A few people have mentioned that the MIM are better "voiced" for Rock. What does that mean exactly? I am looking at getting a Squier CV and I play a lot of rock songs. What will that mean for the songs I play? Thanks for answering a bit of a naive question.

It means that the pickups on the MIM are a touch more powerful than you'd expect on a regular single coil equipped Telecaster - designed to deal with distortion/overdrive in a more effective way. The one thing I will say for the MIM is how quiet it is. When I lifted the plates I realised why - there are about 4 earth grounding points used for the electrics - this also helps with high gain settings.

If you are going to use a Cv for 'driven' rock stuff you may suffer from a bit of hum/noise at gig volumes but there are several ways of controlling this - decent leads, roll off some top end, amp settings etc. At home practice levels you'll probably be fine.

[degsycaster]

Originally Posted by plushpile

One more question, whats the difference between Vintage and Modern tuners?

'Vintage', refers to the CVs tuners that are a copy of the original Kluson brand units that were fitted to the '50s/'60s Fenders - oval shaped buttons, oblong backed units.

'Modern' type tuners are like the ones fitted to the US standard and MIM Standard Teles with a more modern looking bit behind the headstock and a more squared off button.

[GiddyHitch]

Originally Posted by thejerk

My 09 MIM tele, bought a little over a month ago, was $299 shipped brand new, but I'm in the US.

Where do you get a brand new MIM Tele for $299? That's about what they go for used around here and on eBay.

I was never a big fan of the MIMs until I started picking up the updated models (came out Nov 08) with the new neck tint and 70s logo. The fret work, setups, and overall quality seem to be a lot better than I remember, based on the three samples that I have picked up at various points. I have a new midnight wine Tele inbound, so hopefully that will continue to be true.

Oh, I'm a rock guy too, so all of the modern specs were a draw for me versus the CV, in addition to being able to choose the color and get that sweet 70s logo on the headstock.

[superbadj]

I've liked the MIM standards I've played more than the CV Teles I've played, especially the '09 versions.

Not knocking CVs--just bought a Duo Sonic that is awesome. And the CV Strats I've played are great. Recently played a CV Tele I also really liked, but it was the first of about 5 that I've played that would have made the cut for me.

Either way, you'll do fine.

[thejerk]

Originally Posted by GiddyHitch

Where do you get a brand new MIM Tele for $299? That's about what they go for used around here and on eBay.

MusiciansFriend, a Fender Friday Deal at the end of August... Arctic White Standard strats and teles were $299 shipped.

It was a screamin' deal, methinks. But, it could happen again!

[Hiker]

GC had lots of MIM guitars priced at $414 in August, that was like pre-increase pricing or thereabouts? And, they weren't flying off the shelf as fast as I thought they would either! Also, you can shop used gear at GC (online-usually with a photo) and have a store ship it out to your location.

[plushpile]

Cheers for all the help guys. I found myself a used '07 MIM standard:


The previous owner changed the pickguard and dropped in a AVRI52 pickup in the bridge. He's treated it really well it's still like new, the only mark on it is a tiny scratch behind the bridge that i put there when I set it up. I've put some new strings on (.10-.52's) and i'm loving it atm.

Got it for $650 with a hard case, which is cheaper than a new Classic Vibe, so i'm pretty happy...

[Bozo Bus]

Purdy Plush....
I drank the CV kool-aide early on and do not regret it one bit... As far as a thicker "Rock" tone, I solved that little issue with an PLB-1 and kicking on a different / separate Comp. I don't do that often as I am lucky enough to have a couple other horsies in the stable....
Again, I am digging the Mother of toilet seat (That is a compliment) PG.... NICE,
PEACE,
Phil

[plushpile]

Originally Posted by Bozo Bus

I am digging the Mother of toilet seat (That is a compliment) PG

I'm loving the mother of toilet seat too

[JDRNoPro]

Nice one - congrats!

[pchilson]

Originally Posted by Bozo Bus

Purdy Plush....
I drank the CV kool-aide early on and do not regret it one bit... As far as a thicker "Rock" tone, I solved that little issue with an PLB-1 and kicking on a different / separate Comp. I don't do that often as I am lucky enough to have a couple other horsies in the stable....
Again, I am digging the Mother of toilet seat (That is a compliment) PG.... NICE,
PEACE,
Phil

What is a "PLB-1"?

[Bozo Bus]

Maybe it's a LBP-1.... Simple bypassed line booster with a level adjustment.

Cheap and clear.
http://www.ehx.com/products/lpb-1

I keep mine at a level that does not "Saturate" just a little boost.

[plushpile]

I'm using a MI Audio Boost 'n Buff to fatten mine up a bit, it works great.

[Hiker]

"Cheers for all the help guys. I found myself a used '07 MIM standard."

Congrats, and now for lots of practice!

[ADK Teleman]

Someone help...how do you post photos??? I am having a heck of a time...I want to show off my new Tele

[Ormond]

Originally Posted by Ormond

I vote for a CV - with an 6 barrel Fender bridge purchased after delivery (they are less than $40 U. S.)

I am very, very impressed with the Pick-ups the Chinese put in these things. Like them better than the ones that came with my Nashville American Standard. They really make the pine body sound good.

I have to take it back - still believe in a six barrel but not the Fender vintage - it is too flimsy. Modern Fender is better.

[plushpile]

Originally Posted by ADK Teleman

Someone help...how do you post photos??? I am having a heck of a time...I want to show off my new Tele

Above the text box when you post can you see the buttons? The top right one says YouTube... Hover your mouse over the one 4 in from the right (it looks like a picture of 2 mountains and a sun) it should say insert image. Just paste the URL of the picture there.

If the picture isn't uploaded yet you'll have to upload it to flickr, photobucket, tinypic or the like (just google them if you don't know what i'm talking about), and then get the pic url from there...

[Slow Reflexes]

If the picture is on the internet:

[img]http://whatevertheaddressis.jpg[/img]

For instance:

[img]http://www.tdpri.com/gifs/tdpr-FOOTER-TRANS.gif[/img]

will result in this:



If the picture is on your computer, you can put it on the internet somewhere (Photobucket or your ISP provided storage space) and use the above method...

OR - you can hit the MANAGE ATTACHMENTS button in the ADDITIONAL OPTIONS section of the reply screen, and upload the picture directly to the TDPRI server. No link necessary, but there's a limit on picture size that way.

[PJ]

Use the "Go Advanced" button at the bottom of the text box where you post your reply. Then click on the "Paperclip" and that's how you browse your system and upload your photo. Doing it this way, you're attaching your photo direct from your PC, not having to use a photo hosting site. Once you get the hang of it, it's really pretty simple. Give it a try and let us know how it goes.

[Jefemaximo]

Congrats on the new tele. I love the fact that the CVs exist, and that there's another good guitar out there to choose from. When I did an A/B test at my local shop, I found that the CV had the classic tele twang down cold, but beyond that it did not have as much tonal range as the MIM. Whichever one people buy, I think they'll be pleased.

I'm keeping my eyes open for a used CV for my daughter.

[Ed O]

I ended up getting a used CV Tele this week from a guy locally thru Craigslist. Sounds really good unplugged. You can feel the body vibrate. Sounds great plugged in. He put .11s on it and it really sings. It is my first Tele, but I really like it compared to the MIM I have played. I got a good deal on it. So, I am going to enjoy my first Tele and see where it takes me. I have been a Strat guy until now, but there has been something about the Tele sound that I like. This will likely not be my last Tele.

Later.

[firetelestrats]

They are both good. That's why I have one of each! There is most def a difference as stated by previous posts.