What can I expect from this Tele...

[-shmack-]

http://www.pianoshop.com.au/pianosho...product_id=665

I have not played this guitar yet, but if I was to buy it i'd have to travel several hours just to play it. I've tried looking for reviews but it seems there are many different types of Standards Telecasters ranging in different prices.

I'm sure you all know much more about Telecasters and their parts much more then me so I would love your help. What can I expect from this guitar?

[xrolandtx]

That is the entry level fender telecaster. you can expect a large variety of things. it seems the majority of stuff coming out of fenders mexico based factory is actually great. I own three mexican models myself, and the craftsmanship is superb, and its only gotten better in recent years. of course though, to find my jems, i did see some dogs. watch out for bad neck pockets, shoddy fretwork, and crooked bridges.

if you find a nicely made one though, they are excellent instruments that can hang with some much more expensive models. They are a perfect starting point for a player to grow with, changing what they do or do not like until the instrument is perfect. The pickups in entry level fender models are not the best, but they are also very good in their own right, and will do a lot towards getting you that classic tele sound.

just watch out for the common problem areas (neck pocket, frets, and bridge) and find yourself a cherry, and you will be thrilled.

[boris bubbanov]

Originally Posted by -shmack-

What can I expect from this guitar?

A gigantic hole in your wallet, that's what.

The AUS dollar is equivalent to 93 cents USA. That's nearing parity. We've seen another color version of that guitar sold delivered for $ 299 USA within that last 2 months, here in the USA.

You've simply got to get a better price than that.

[-shmack-]

Unfortunetly, Fender Teles aren't as easy to come across as I first thought. I can only pick up and play about 3, if that. For that, I also have to travel great distances just to feel it. Unfortunetly, if I were to play this one, I'd have to order in another one with a different colour as I'm not a fan of Sunbursts.

Thankyou for your help xroland, I'll make sure that I get a warranty so I can return it if i'm not happy with it. :)

Boris, like I said earlier, Teles aren't that easy to come across. I may play this one in the store and order one from American, if it's substantually cheaper. Apparently, RRP is $1,249 (for a colour non-sunburst). This is around $1,150 in USD.

Any other help is greatly appreciated. :)

[StuH]

Originally Posted by boris bubbanov

A gigantic hole in your wallet, that's what.

The AUS dollar is equivalent to 93 cents USA. That's nearing parity. We've seen another color version of that guitar sold delivered for $ 299 USA within that last 2 months, here in the USA.

You've simply got to get a better price than that.

Can't say it any better than that.

That price is rediculous. Robbery if you ask me. If you had that coin in your pocket here you could buy close to three of them.

I wouldn't buy it that is for sure.

[riolux]

If your going to buy without trying, then buy from japan!
http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/u_box/e
http://www.ikebe-gakki.com
http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/webshop/global/index.html
http://www.digimart.net

I've imported from japan twice. Prices are good (depending on exchange rates of course), there's a lot of cool models (MIM, MIJ and MIA), and the description of the instruments condition often are understated, both my guitars were in better condition than the description said.

[-shmack-]

Well, that's the thing, it is alot of money... that's why i'm hesitant to buy. :(

That really sucks about the price tag. I just assumed that's what it costs everywhere in the world.

I'm not so sure about buying from Japan. I mean, if something went wrong it's not like I can call them or anything. Fluent Japanese anyone?

Ugh, I have no idea what to do now. :(

[Brendo]

Guys, welcome to buying brand name instruments in Australia. I looked around the net and the best price I found was $999AUS + shipping for this Standard Guitar. As much as it would be great to try one of these for $299US mentioned above, it just doesn't happen over here. An SX tele is $300Aus. It's much cheaper to buy from the US and pay a heap in postage once you get up to about $1000AUS. Just means you can't play before you buy.

[StuH]

I like the Japan advice.
Or have someone from the US get you a good MIA tele and ship it to you as a gift.

[-shmack-]

Ahh. An American Standard Tele is over $2800, too.

I'm not too fond of the idea of buying from a place where I can't really feel it before I buy, but I might just have to. I'll have a look around on Ebay, too.

Thanks everyone for all your help. I've learnt a few things tonight...most i'm not too happy about :(

[riolux]

Originally Posted by -shmack-

Well, that's the thing, it is alot of money... that's why i'm hesitant to buy. :(

That really sucks about the price tag. I just assumed that's what it costs everywhere in the world.

I'm not so sure about buying from Japan. I mean, if something went wrong it's not like I can call them or anything. Fluent Japanese anyone?

Ugh, I have no idea what to do now. :(

I just thoutgh of Japan since I've seen a coupoe of guitars for sale on Australian ebay, located in japan...

Anyway - I've bought from ishibashi and I mailed them in english and got very detailed descriptions of the guitars and the costs in english. I've asked them questions and they always reply. I bought a guitar that was described as 90% and It didn't have a single scratch in the paint or on the frets. They really describe everything as accurately as possible, so I don't think you'd be dissapointed by that. However, if you don't like the guitar for other reasons than of course it will be a costly mess trying to return it.

Good luck!

[BuddyLee]

If Fenders are really that hard to come by in Oz then you should not have too much trouble selling one you do not bond with.

I just picked up a CIJ Tele and its neck is second only to my '52 Hot Rod. It beats every single American Standard or Mexican Standard Tele I have ever picked up(I own a '92 AmST). The pups are lackluster, the neck pup sounds good but the bridge is ice-picky.

How much would it cost for you to order a Japanese Tele, new pups and electronics? Maybe some Kluson tuners...

[Guran]

Originally Posted by Brendo

Guys, welcome to buying brand name instruments in Australia.

I'll up that to Welcome to buying instruments outside of North America. A MIM Std Tele is €529 at Thomann, and that's in the same ballpark as the Aussie prices.

[telepath]

Sounds crazy, but how much would a 'budget' return flight to (e.g.) Japan - or the nearest country where Tele's are significantly cheaper be?
It almost seems like you could fly somewhere where they are cheaper, try a few, buy the one you like, and fly home with it?

It probably is crazy, and I'm not being totally serious - and possibly I'm missing something obvious .. but .. I'm not entirely sure I'm joking either..

PS ,
I think we all get a little envious of the USA prices that get quoted on here!
Some of the 'cheaper'/ budget models that i have to think hard about saving for here (UK) seem to be no more than the price of a good meal out over the Pacific!

I'd surely need a bigger home if I lived States-side... and I'd probably find the good lady leaving me! .. perhaps just as well I cant afford more and more guitars;)

[BuddyLee]

Originally Posted by telepath

Sounds crazy, but how much would a 'budget' return flight to (e.g.) Japan - or the nearest country where Tele's are significantly cheaper be?
It almost seems like you could fly somewhere where they are cheaper, try a few, buy the one you like, and fly home with it?

It probably is crazy, and I'm not being totally serious - and possibly I'm missing something obvious .. but .. I'm not entirely sure I'm joking either..

PS ,
I think we all get a little envious of the USA prices that get quoted on here!
Some of the 'cheaper'/ budget models that i have to think hard about saving for here (UK) seem to be no more than the price of a good meal out over the Pacific!

I'd surely need a bigger home if I lived States-side... and I'd probably find the good lady leaving me! .. perhaps just as well I cant afford more and more guitars;)

That is funny because I believe they are over price brand new over here... they got to be selling for 5-10 times the production costs.

$2k for a Sig Series? Being made by a guy making $8-$15 bucks an hour. Lucky if he gets benefits. We are being fleeced I tell you.

It probably costs more in Diesel Fuel to get them to the UK than it does to make them.

[-shmack-]

Well I doubt I'll be heading to Japan any time soon...

Looking at this at the moment currently...

http://cgi.ebay.com/1994-FENDER-Nash...item2c515f1e40

Looks like a good deal?

[timdash]

Hi shmack,

If it doesn't have to be new, there are many good 2nd hand Telecasters to be had around Melborne for <$1000.

Try these 2 sites for starters
http://www.musicswopshop.com.au
http://www.themusiccentreberwick.com.au

The Berwick shop has a "new" Japanese Tele (TL-50) at the moment for $999

I just got myself a fantastic 1999/2000 Japanese '72RI for $900 from my local guitar shop & there are always MIM Teles on ebay around the Melbourne area

It may mean you will have to be patient, but the good thing is you can try them out first & no customs/freight issues if they have to be imported. (You will have to pay Tax on anything > $1000 AUD)

Good Luck & let us all know how you go

[TheTransient]

Originally Posted by -shmack-

Well I doubt I'll be heading to Japan any time soon...

Looking at this at the moment currently...

http://cgi.ebay.com/1994-FENDER-Nash...item2c515f1e40

Looks like a good deal?

6 days left man... just watch the bids roll in and the price go up.

My advice, go for one of the Japanese Telecasters on eBay. They are quality guitars, much better prices, and if its not free shipping, its still pretty cheap. Like $100-$150?

http://myworld.ebay.com.au/mijsixstringskatana/

This seller is great. I bought from here and was very happy with the guitar and the service. They have a really great range most of the time too.
Worth a look in my opinion.

[imsilly]

Originally Posted by -shmack-

Well, that's the thing, it is alot of money... that's why i'm hesitant to buy. :(

That really sucks about the price tag. I just assumed that's what it costs everywhere in the world.

I'm not so sure about buying from Japan. I mean, if something went wrong it's not like I can call them or anything. Fluent Japanese anyone?

Ugh, I have no idea what to do now. :(

They have excellent english speakers on those sites because they get tons of enquiries from Europe and America. Email them in english and you will get a detailed response back in english. I know that for a fact because I have done it.

I know the Les Paul collectors go nuts over Japanese imports. They literally wait for american gear to be shipped to Japan and then ship it back because they believe the japanese importers are the best at spotting good guitars. Those burst collectors are a crazy bunch.

Back to the main point I don't think it is true what you are saying about getting Telecasters in Australia. I mean the UK and Australia have so much back and forth traffic there must be literally plane loads of Telecasters coming back from the US and UK so I would hit ebay or the classifieds for used Telecasters. I mean my mother goes back and forth from London to Brisbane every couple of months and I'm going to give her stuff to sell over there if I have any left.

[MBT74]

As I've said before, the prices in Oz are criminal. With the Aussie dollar at a great high at the moment, I'd look at the US.

For example, take a look at the Acme store with the link at the top of this forum. They ship to Australia for a bit over $100US. You could buy a MIM Standard for $500 US + the shipping cost. Or Customs people will hit you for an extra 10% sales tax. In the end that's a total cost of about $700. And those guys will even customise the thing if you want and clean it up before they ship it. At those prices, you could get a 50's or 60's Classic Series for the same price as you'll pay for a Standard MIM over here.

Or look in the Melbourne shops for 2nd hand Tele's. Tym's Guitars in Brisbane (http://www.tymguitars.com.au/) always has new stock. He might ship to Victoria.

The guy who wrote about looking into the cost of a flight, it's not that stupid an idea. I was looking into a Road Worn. Those things are up to $2800 in some local shops. I could fly to the US and buy one from Musicians Friend for significantly less than that price. Especially when they have Fender Friday specials.

[imsilly]

Originally Posted by MBT74

Or look in the Melbourne shops for 2nd hand Tele's. Tym's Guitars in Brisbane (http://www.tymguitars.com.au/) always has new stock. He might ship to Victoria.

I'm most likely going to Queensland in the new year is there anywhere else with decent guitars in stock?

Also I might have some gear I don't need at the same time, would it be worth taking it with me and selling it over there? Either vintage Fender or Gibson stuff.

[MBT74]

Originally Posted by imsilly

I'm most likely going to Queensland in the new year is there anywhere else with decent guitars in stock?

Also I might have some gear I don't need at the same time, would it be worth taking it with me and selling it over there? Either vintage Fender or Gibson stuff.

My thought is that if you bring your stuff over here and sell it, you'll be paid in Aussie dollars and you might lose when you change it back into pounds on the way home. Then again, it might be a nice way to finance your trip in Oz.

And Australia definitely needs more vintage guitars for us to buy.

Vintage sellers are tough to find in Brisbane. There are a few though. Are you just coming to Queensland or are you going around the country. I'd say that you'd find more in Sydney or Melbourne.

If you do bring vintage guitars to sell, you could contact places like Jackson's Rare Guitars in Sydney (http://www.jacksonsrareguitars.com/) in advance and see if they were keen. That's if you're also heading to Sydney.

Tym's Guitars might be interested, you could also try Guitar Brothers (http://www.guitarbrothers.com.au/). They've got a Brisbane store.

Other places that might like to buy your gear

Great Guitars in Queensland (http://www.greatguitars.com.au/index.htm)
Pete's Rare Guitars in Melbourne (http://www.petesrareguitars.com/)
Grouse Guitars in Victoria (http://www.grouseguitars.com.au/)
Guitar Emporium in Melbourne (http://www.guitaremporium.com.au/)
The Rock Inn - Perth (http://www.therockinn.com/)
Downtown Music in Sydney (http://www.downtownmusic.com.au)
The Guitar Colonel in Melbourne (http://www.guitarcolonel.com)

Too much info? It's pretty obvious that I spend quite a bit of time window shopping on the internet.

[imsilly]

The dollar is growing vs the pound at the moment so that is a bonus rather then a minus right now. A couple of years ago the dollar was ridiculously low agains the pound, but not anymore. I would also consider leaving the money in Australia anyway as I'm the only person other then my brother who still lives in the UK.

I'd be in Brisbane and Sydney mostly. I reckon I could go buy something here sell it there an use the profit to fund my stay. I have to admit when I look at stuff for sale in Australia it is mostly junk. There is high end stuff like everywhere, but it is even more outrageously priced then here in the UK, where it is much worse then the US. I have never looked in classifieds so it might be different when you cut out the middle man. I have seen some bargains on ebay so I assume there are reasonable prices gear in some places.

[-shmack-]

Wow, thanks all for you help - greatly appreciated, that's for sure.

I'm currently looking at this on ebay (thanks TheTransient!);
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&_trkparms=tab

And I'll be going down to Berwick this weekend to have a play of the Fender TL-50.

Thanks all for your help, i'll keep you updated. :)

[BuddyLee]

Originally Posted by -shmack-

Wow, thanks all for you help - greatly appreciated, that's for sure.

I'm currently looking at this on ebay (thanks TheTransient!);
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&_trkparms=tab

And I'll be going down to Berwick this weekend to have a play of the Fender TL-50.

Thanks all for your help, i'll keep you updated. :)

That seems like a nice Tele. The best part is the pups might actually be good ones as far as stock pups go. And the tuners are the classic style. Easy to swap out with some Klusons if you wanted, without drilling.

I prefer Maple Tele Necks, but it is just a personal preference. I would imagine rosewood would be nice too, I have a rosewood board on my Strat.

Just don't be in too big of a rush to buy, you have thousands of nice Japanese and Mexican Strats to chose from. It is definitely a buyers market right now.

[p2tharizo]

Hey Shmack. PM sent.