MIA '62 Tele Custom RI

Jerry J · April 12th, 2005, 07:08 PM

I'm about to do something dangerous, but again, we all share this affliction here at TDPRI...

For two years I've owned a beautiful '52 RI that I got new from one of the local GCs and it has become my main axe. Yes folks, I used to be a Strat man but not now, in fact I have a real '65 Sunburst Strat! However, the tone (w/ upgraded CS Nocaster bridge pup), the feel, and the lightweight ash body of the 52RI is the real deal. Heck, I actually even sound good playing it (at times). IMHO, Fender did very well with the '52RI. Price vs. quality, I believe it was a good deal. My only complaint - I wish it had a thin, all-nitro finish vice the nitro over poly finish.

Recently I started Jonesing for a '62 Telecaster Custom. Gotta have that double bound body, sunburst, R/W board to complement my Strat. Today I decided to call around the DC area (a couple of GCs and Chuck Levin's) and it seems that the '62 RI Tele is indeed a rare bird. I could pick up a couple 52RIs today if I were in the market, however the '62 needs to be special ordered. And I was told it could take 90 - 120 days to get one. (Did I mention I hate to wait for anything?)

Also, another consideration for me is that GC is promoting a trade and upgrade deal (don't they always have some kind of promotion). Around the same time I got the '52 RI from GC, I also bought an American Deluxe Strat. Its a nice, modern guitar and looks great but it really doesn't get played much and I might have to swing a deal w/ SWMBO. If I had to, it could become trade bait in order to get the '62 RI.

FYI, I've tried to search old posts, etc., for background info. I got alot of matches but I still need some opinions. I want to know about the quality control, weight issues, tone, pups, etc., regarding the current production MIA '62 Tele customs. Do they compare to my MIA '52 RI?

As for used or MIJ/CIJ/MIM models, I will listen to recommendations but my first option would be to buy a new MIA '62. Unless there are other compelling issues.

TIA

elk309816 · April 12th, 2005, 07:58 PM

I was intrigued by this guitar also. My quest started in Jan. of this year. I am a long time acoustic player that has become interested in electric guitar. My youngest son went off to college this year so I've got a little room now. I like a rosewood fingerboard (from acoustic). Have a little more disposable income, and generally like having nice instruments to play. This criteria added up to the vintage 62 american re-issue. I found one at Musicians Friend (last one they had) in three color burst. Bought a Fender re-issue single reverb and off I go. My interest (love) is country. I had a reputable tech set the instrument up. He went on and on about the tone, weight,and playability of my guitar. It twangs it's @ss off. I'm no expert at electric guitars, but I wouldn't take any amount of money for this guitar. Some pics at http://pak04.pictures.aol.com/NASApp/ygp/Login?locale=en_US[/url]

elk309816 · April 12th, 2005, 08:04 PM

Okay, so when I review my post I see that only AOL members can view the pics. I'll try another way. I'm trying to show pics of Am 62 re-issue Tele, Gibson J-45, Morgan Monroe MM3 Mandolin,Sherl & Roth fiddle, and Gibson 1964 LGO.

Jerry J · April 12th, 2005, 08:38 PM

Could you tell me then a little more about the craftsmanship of your instrument? Do you feel you got your money's worth? Like you, I like 'better' things and I feel my '52 RI was a great value for the level of quality.

Have you actually played a '52 RI so you could maybe compare the two? I know they are two different animals, I just want to make sure the '62 RI is on par w/ the 52 RI.

One thing, I was able to try out my '52 RI and compare it to a CS Nocaster at my local GC before the purchase. Also, I know it probably was salesman BS, but my salesman claimed Bill Kirchen was a regular at the store and would play both my '52RI and the Nocaster when he came in. And when Bill played here in the fall, his new gigging axe was a '52RI. So if its good enough for Bill...

Lastly, about your purchase from M-F: Did you just buy the sunburst or was that back in January? I might take a chance and order from M-F if GC has any ordering issues. Though one nice thing about GC is I don't have to take the guitar when it comes in if I don't like it.

TIA,

Jerry

mcfm2n · April 13th, 2005, 12:53 AM

I ordered one in surf green , i am still waiting. The shop i ordered from said it could be up to 6 weeks. I have a 52ri it has become my #1 i also have a amse strat and tele, i hardly play those because i can not put down the 52ri. I hope ill get here soon.

Jerry J · April 13th, 2005, 10:15 AM

I believe they have a surf green '62 in stock. Also, someone on eBay is selling a '62 in Ice Blue Metallic. I might be interested in that one if its price stays low (it was $900) but also its in Baltimore which is a 40 mile drive.

BluesOwl · April 13th, 2005, 12:26 PM

Got one of those recently. Ice Blue Metallic. Mint. Got it for $880 on ebay.
They are everything they claim to be!
Issues:
1) I don't like 7.25" fretboard radius. I like MIJ 62 RIs..what radius are they? 9.5"? 12"?

2) I'm O.K. with the old style wiring. Switch positions: 1st: bridge pup, 2nd: neck pup, 3rd: neck pup muffled

But some people prefer the post-'67 (correct?) wiring:
1st: bridge pup, 2nd: bridge + neck pup, 3rd: neck pup.
I use the neck pup alone, so I'm OK, but some people need the post-'67 style 2nd swith position (both pups). This is a signature Tele sound used in Country music alot.

Of course you can change the '62 wiring easily if you wish.
I think the MIJ '62 RIs come with the post-'67 style wiring.

3) Finish issue: seems/seemed to be soft. I left the guitar in a "Last Stand" guitar stand for a few days and the rubber padded bar (back of guit. body on that stand's design) left a depression in the finish on the back of the body.
Not sure if that is a known issue, or an issue with that color only, or what. Not even sure if that is a nitro-cellulose laquer finish or not.

Other:
I love the surf green color...I need one in every color!

I have several of the MIJ 62 RIs (sunbursts and CARs), they play great! I did change some pickups and wiring here or there. I'm glad to have the MIA, but I think the MIJs/CIJs are more useable for me

BluesOwl · April 13th, 2005, 12:36 PM

Need to specifically answer your questions...sorry.
Quality of the MIA is fine ('cept with finish issue with my Ice Blue Metallic...never, ever, had that issue before with any guit).
I think the quality is on par with the 52 RI (I had one of those before also).
Tone is right on the money...though that subject is very subjective....I play Blues and use Teles on which I've installed aftermarket pups...I haven't use the MIA enough long term to say whether or not I'd change the pups....just gonna keep it stock I guess

Back to the MIJs: Other than pups, pots, switches (and those are just tone issues)...I can't find any quality issue where you would say the MIAs are better.

garcia · April 13th, 2005, 02:51 PM

[quote="BluesOwl"]Got one of those recently. Ice Blue Metallic. Mint. Got it for $880 on ebay.
They are everything they claim to be!
Issues:
1) I don't like 7.25" fretboard radius. I like MIJ 62 RIs..what radius are they? 9.5"? 12"?

I am pretty sure that the MIJ models have the vintage radius as well. At one point I had an MIJ 62' Reissue in bound sunburst which looked amazing, but was extremely difficult to play (for me, anyway) due to the 7.25" radius and small frets. If the new MIJ models have a 9.5 radius neck I will definitely get one!

moonshiner · April 13th, 2005, 04:41 PM

A local guitar store had a tuxedo 62 Custom.. black with white bindings, mint pg and R/W neck... It was kind of ugly IMO but it sounded sweet... it was very light... Price was okay... I guess... wanted 12 or 13 hundred...

elk309816 · April 13th, 2005, 06:53 PM

Jerry J..The craftsmanship on my 62 american is outstanding. I showed it to a ex professional electrical guitar player. This guy told me the frets had been polished.He loved the guitar.(He also said he hates Teles).This guitar has a nitro finish.Keep the finish away from rubber!! Anyone with a Gibson can warn you about that. Never played a 52 re-issue. The tech I took this to said the only down side to the neck radius is that if you set the action too low,it will cause the strings to buzz when you bend. I find it real easy to barre this neck.Yes I bought the sunburst,it's beautiful. This guitar is hard to get. I found one on e-bay before I got mine from MF but the guy got offered more than new retail price before I could offer him buy it now price. All those listed on e-bay are MIJs.I haven't seen a MIA except for Great Britian since I got mine. My purchase from MF was a pleasant experience. I was so pleased that I ordered the Deluxe Reverb Re-Issue amp the next week. That's another sweet home amp. Were you able to see the pics? I'll take more if they are viewable

MarkM · April 13th, 2005, 08:48 PM

I own both and find them equally fabulous!
So much so that I am considering the sale of my Cunetto era Nocaster.
I think both the '52AVRI and '62 AVRI are much better guitars than the Relic.
I lucked out and found my '62 from Sam Ash Music.....the last they had too. The '62RI seems to be a harder one to find these days.
This is just one man's opinion and I'm just a country picker!

Jerry J · April 13th, 2005, 10:39 PM

FYI, I've been in contact w/ the eBay seller of that Ice Blue '62 RI. If the price stays low, I might be driving to 'ol Charm City (that would be Bawl'mer to the uninitiated). However, that said, I'm really jonesing for a sunburst. I think that is the classic Tele Custom look, though Ice Blue is my second favorite.

About the MIJ/CIJ models - how easy are they to purchase and how much do they cost? Are they cheaper? Sounds like they maybe a better made guitar.

Gotta run! Got kids to read to!

jpkusa · April 13th, 2005, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry J

About the MIJ/CIJ models - how easy are they to purchase and how much do they cost? Are they cheaper? Sounds like they maybe a better made guitar.

I have an 1998 MIJ 62 RI, double-bound (red), with the vintage neck radius and small frets. I wouldn't sell it for any amount, and I wouldn't trade it for a new MIA. Some members of this board will tell you they'd pay MORE for MIJ than MIA, because they like the quality better.

The only obvious cheap parts on mine were the pots and the switch. That's a 20 dollar updgrade to get you to MIA specs. Most people upgrade the pups, but they do that on the MIAs too! (BTW, I've had my bridge pup stock since I got it 5 or 6 years ago. I may upgrade soon, but only out of curiousity, not because I need too - it sounds great the way it is).

Personally, I would go MIJ - it may be the same guitar in the big scheme of things, but you get a lot more guitar for the money. Unless it's important to you to buy American, which I totally respect.

Stumpy · April 14th, 2005, 08:35 AM

I have both of the U.S. models with a set of CS Nocaster pups in the '52. The '62 I have is stock.

FWIW, I have noticed I get more compliments on the tone of '62. It does seem to be able to twang a wee bit more than the '52, which I figure is due to the steel saddles.

I'm a sucker for any tele though, five minutes into playing either and I'm thinking "This is my favorite guitar"!

Jerry J · April 14th, 2005, 01:14 PM

I placed a couple of bids on that Ice Blue CT on FleaBay but I wanted to keep my price low (if $971 is low). It finally went for $981. That guitar looked real nice but it was starting to get expensive. I rather have a new one the way the bidding was going. Plus, I really want the CT in sunburst.

I guess I'll strike a deal w/ the local GC for the exact guitar I want. BTW, the waiting period for the Sunburst is mid-summer, YIKES! However, I could get a seafoam green one immediately.

And one other thing, my original sunburst '65 Strat has a very yellow base coat as in Gulden Mustard Yellow, not a very attractive color but I like it. It looks the CT sunburst is a browner, more attactive base color than what Fender did originally?

Geo · April 14th, 2005, 02:53 PM

Have a MIJ SB '62 here and really like it. I did change
pickups, added brass comp saddles and a round '50s
string tree to get it closer in tone range to a '52 RI.
(I have a great 12/98 swamp ash AV '52 also.)

I'm getting ready to order a CIJ '62 (Alder) model here in
the next few days. I sent (Ishibashi) and received an
email back (next day) with various info and questions
answered including finish availabilty (in stock, ready to
ship).
Price delivered is right now a tad under $700 or
74,000 Yen with gig bag.
Delivery time is 7 days but know ones have been
received in 5 days. I guess???? they use Fed-X.
I should have asked and of course will.
These have US Fender Texas Special pickups which is
not an issue to me.
FWIW the fellow informed that all weigh in ~7.8 lbs.
Once again, not a problem here. That may be on
average a little heavier than the AV.

I can't say exactly on the CIJ vs AV model fit, finish
and etc. but suspect marginal in that area from what
gathered. I 've played 2 AVs but it was a couple years
back. Possibly fret finish may be better on the AV
but don't know.
I couldn't find an AV around here on any dealers site
listings and didn't feel like physically spending a day
visiting stores. I was in a Sam Ash inquiring and
got a sort of funny look. The guy was ok though.
Guess no one else has asked that.
I know the AV is going to be around ~$1340 +
maybe 9.25% tax if they don't "deal". That price
includes hardshell case, certificate and some
accessories.

Think Music 123 is another good place to check if
you order an AV. Their service, knowledge, etc. is
highly regarded.

[/quote]

BluesOwl · April 14th, 2005, 04:39 PM

I talked with a knowlegable guy about my "soft" finish on the Ice Blue Metallic.
He said the finish wasn't soft per se, it just reacted with the foam rubber on the guitar stand...outgassing of the rubber affected the Tele finish...watch out.

MY latest Tele is one of those Aerodyne Teles with the P90 in the neck position......hotter pickup....very creamy sounding!....hum on the p90 single coil not an issue for me.

Caffeine Patrol · April 15th, 2005, 12:34 PM

Howdy,
The local guitar shop here (Lawrence, KS) just got in a used 2003 MIA '62 Custom, sunburst, in exc. cond. except for one tiny ding on the back. I saw it down there this morning and then saw your post. Their website is www.massstreetmusic.com if you want to look at it.
Hope it works out for you!

Jerry J · April 15th, 2005, 12:59 PM

That's exactly what I am looking for!

Did you actually play the guitar and what is your general assessment of the instrument?

I tried calling their 1-800 but the line was busy. I will try again shortly.

Now, can anyone tell me how to sneak this past the wife?

Caffeine Patrol · April 15th, 2005, 02:32 PM

Jerry,
I plugged it into a reissue blackface Deluxe Reverb and it sounded great. Twangy without being harsh, neck pickup sounds great, frets are good, electronics all seemed clean. I did not see the case. The only thing I noticed (besides the aforementioned small ding) was that the decal on the headstock seemed to either be starting to peel in the middle or had not been applied well in the first place. If this is the model you are looking for I would think you'd be happy with this one. The previous owner(s?) either didn't play it much or took good care of it. And let me add, I do not work at Mass. St. Music. I have been trading with them for about 15 years and they're good people.

Jerry J · April 17th, 2005, 08:04 AM

Well, I made a killer mistake after I thought I had a deal w/ Mass Street Music for that Tele - I asked for my wife's permission. What a mistake and when will I ever learn?

My deal is I have to sell a couple of existing guitars before any new purchases.

Lesson learned- don't ever be honest :evil:

April 12th, 2005, 07:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	MIA '62 Tele Custom RI I'm about to do something dangerous, but again, we all share this affliction here at TDPRI... For two years I've owned a beautiful '52 RI that I got new from one of the local GCs and it has become my main axe. Yes folks, I used to be a Strat man but not now, in fact I have a real '65 Sunburst Strat! However, the tone (w/ upgraded CS Nocaster bridge pup), the feel, and the lightweight ash body of the 52RI is the real deal. Heck, I actually even sound good playing it (at times). IMHO, Fender did very well with the '52RI. Price vs. quality, I believe it was a good deal. My only complaint - I wish it had a thin, all-nitro finish vice the nitro over poly finish. Recently I started Jonesing for a '62 Telecaster Custom. Gotta have that double bound body, sunburst, R/W board to complement my Strat. Today I decided to call around the DC area (a couple of GCs and Chuck Levin's) and it seems that the '62 RI Tele is indeed a rare bird. I could pick up a couple 52RIs today if I were in the market, however the '62 needs to be special ordered. And I was told it could take 90 - 120 days to get one. (Did I mention I hate to wait for anything?) Also, another consideration for me is that GC is promoting a trade and upgrade deal (don't they always have some kind of promotion). Around the same time I got the '52 RI from GC, I also bought an American Deluxe Strat. Its a nice, modern guitar and looks great but it really doesn't get played much and I might have to swing a deal w/ SWMBO. If I had to, it could become trade bait in order to get the '62 RI. FYI, I've tried to search old posts, etc., for background info. I got alot of matches but I still need some opinions. I want to know about the quality control, weight issues, tone, pups, etc., regarding the current production MIA '62 Tele customs. Do they compare to my MIA '52 RI? As for used or MIJ/CIJ/MIM models, I will listen to recommendations but my first option would be to buy a new MIA '62. Unless there are other compelling issues. TIA

April 12th, 2005, 08:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	Thanks for the reply Could you tell me then a little more about the craftsmanship of your instrument? Do you feel you got your money's worth? Like you, I like 'better' things and I feel my '52 RI was a great value for the level of quality. Have you actually played a '52 RI so you could maybe compare the two? I know they are two different animals, I just want to make sure the '62 RI is on par w/ the 52 RI. One thing, I was able to try out my '52 RI and compare it to a CS Nocaster at my local GC before the purchase. Also, I know it probably was salesman BS, but my salesman claimed Bill Kirchen was a regular at the store and would play both my '52RI and the Nocaster when he came in. And when Bill played here in the fall, his new gigging axe was a '52RI. So if its good enough for Bill... Lastly, about your purchase from M-F: Did you just buy the sunburst or was that back in January? I might take a chance and order from M-F if GC has any ordering issues. Though one nice thing about GC is I don't have to take the guitar when it comes in if I don't like it. TIA, Jerry

April 13th, 2005, 12:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
mcfm2n Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Plano TX Age: 45 Posts: 207 19 Photos	4 weeks and still waiting I ordered one in surf green , i am still waiting. The shop i ordered from said it could be up to 6 weeks. I have a 52ri it has become my #1 i also have a amse strat and tele, i hardly play those because i can not put down the 52ri. I hope ill get here soon.

April 13th, 2005, 10:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	Try Musician's Friend I believe they have a surf green '62 in stock. Also, someone on eBay is selling a '62 in Ice Blue Metallic. I might be interested in that one if its price stays low (it was $900) but also its in Baltimore which is a 40 mile drive.

April 13th, 2005, 12:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
BluesOwl Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dexter, MI Posts: 573 48 Photos	Got one of those recently. Ice Blue Metallic. Mint. Got it for $880 on ebay. They are everything they claim to be! Issues: 1) I don't like 7.25" fretboard radius. I like MIJ 62 RIs..what radius are they? 9.5"? 12"? 2) I'm O.K. with the old style wiring. Switch positions: 1st: bridge pup, 2nd: neck pup, 3rd: neck pup muffled But some people prefer the post-'67 (correct?) wiring: 1st: bridge pup, 2nd: bridge + neck pup, 3rd: neck pup. I use the neck pup alone, so I'm OK, but some people need the post-'67 style 2nd swith position (both pups). This is a signature Tele sound used in Country music alot. Of course you can change the '62 wiring easily if you wish. I think the MIJ '62 RIs come with the post-'67 style wiring. 3) Finish issue: seems/seemed to be soft. I left the guitar in a "Last Stand" guitar stand for a few days and the rubber padded bar (back of guit. body on that stand's design) left a depression in the finish on the back of the body. Not sure if that is a known issue, or an issue with that color only, or what. Not even sure if that is a nitro-cellulose laquer finish or not. Other: I love the surf green color...I need one in every color! I have several of the MIJ 62 RIs (sunbursts and CARs), they play great! I did change some pickups and wiring here or there. I'm glad to have the MIA, but I think the MIJs/CIJs are more useable for me __________________ BluesOwl

April 12th, 2005, 07:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
elk309816 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: jacksonville fl Posts: 4	I was intrigued by this guitar also. My quest started in Jan. of this year. I am a long time acoustic player that has become interested in electric guitar. My youngest son went off to college this year so I've got a little room now. I like a rosewood fingerboard (from acoustic). Have a little more disposable income, and generally like having nice instruments to play. This criteria added up to the vintage 62 american re-issue. I found one at Musicians Friend (last one they had) in three color burst. Bought a Fender re-issue single reverb and off I go. My interest (love) is country. I had a reputable tech set the instrument up. He went on and on about the tone, weight,and playability of my guitar. It twangs it's @ss off. I'm no expert at electric guitars, but I wouldn't take any amount of money for this guitar. Some pics at http://pak04.pictures.aol.com/NASApp/ygp/Login?locale=en_US[/url]

April 12th, 2005, 08:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
elk309816 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: jacksonville fl Posts: 4	Okay, so when I review my post I see that only AOL members can view the pics. I'll try another way. I'm trying to show pics of Am 62 re-issue Tele, Gibson J-45, Morgan Monroe MM3 Mandolin,Sherl & Roth fiddle, and Gibson 1964 LGO.

April 13th, 2005, 12:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
BluesOwl Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dexter, MI Posts: 573 48 Photos	addendum Need to specifically answer your questions...sorry. Quality of the MIA is fine ('cept with finish issue with my Ice Blue Metallic...never, ever, had that issue before with any guit). I think the quality is on par with the 52 RI (I had one of those before also). Tone is right on the money...though that subject is very subjective....I play Blues and use Teles on which I've installed aftermarket pups...I haven't use the MIA enough long term to say whether or not I'd change the pups....just gonna keep it stock I guess Back to the MIJs: Other than pups, pots, switches (and those are just tone issues)...I can't find any quality issue where you would say the MIAs are better. __________________ BluesOwl

April 13th, 2005, 02:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
garcia Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern California Age: 36 Posts: 493	[quote="BluesOwl"]Got one of those recently. Ice Blue Metallic. Mint. Got it for $880 on ebay. They are everything they claim to be! Issues: 1) I don't like 7.25" fretboard radius. I like MIJ 62 RIs..what radius are they? 9.5"? 12"? I am pretty sure that the MIJ models have the vintage radius as well. At one point I had an MIJ 62' Reissue in bound sunburst which looked amazing, but was extremely difficult to play (for me, anyway) due to the 7.25" radius and small frets. If the new MIJ models have a 9.5 radius neck I will definitely get one! __________________ “Desolation, desolation, I owe so much to desolation.” ...“The Dharma Bums”

April 13th, 2005, 04:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
moonshiner Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Milyucky, Whiskonsin Posts: 2,171	A local guitar store had a tuxedo 62 Custom.. black with white bindings, mint pg and R/W neck... It was kind of ugly IMO but it sounded sweet... it was very light... Price was okay... I guess... wanted 12 or 13 hundred... __________________ "Everyone's got to be something... Me? I'm stupid... It's all I ever wanted to be... Shock me again!"

April 13th, 2005, 06:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
elk309816 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: jacksonville fl Posts: 4	Jerry J..The craftsmanship on my 62 american is outstanding. I showed it to a ex professional electrical guitar player. This guy told me the frets had been polished.He loved the guitar.(He also said he hates Teles).This guitar has a nitro finish.Keep the finish away from rubber!! Anyone with a Gibson can warn you about that. Never played a 52 re-issue. The tech I took this to said the only down side to the neck radius is that if you set the action too low,it will cause the strings to buzz when you bend. I find it real easy to barre this neck.Yes I bought the sunburst,it's beautiful. This guitar is hard to get. I found one on e-bay before I got mine from MF but the guy got offered more than new retail price before I could offer him buy it now price. All those listed on e-bay are MIJs.I haven't seen a MIA except for Great Britian since I got mine. My purchase from MF was a pleasant experience. I was so pleased that I ordered the Deluxe Reverb Re-Issue amp the next week. That's another sweet home amp. Were you able to see the pics? I'll take more if they are viewable

April 13th, 2005, 08:48 PM	#12 (permalink)
MarkM TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Connecticut Age: 44 Posts: 95	'52 and '62 I own both and find them equally fabulous! So much so that I am considering the sale of my Cunetto era Nocaster. I think both the '52AVRI and '62 AVRI are much better guitars than the Relic. I lucked out and found my '62 from Sam Ash Music.....the last they had too. The '62RI seems to be a harder one to find these days. This is just one man's opinion and I'm just a country picker! __________________ Guitars, Cadillacs, Hillbilly Music.....the only things that keep me hangin' on!

April 13th, 2005, 10:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	Wow - lots of nice replies! FYI, I've been in contact w/ the eBay seller of that Ice Blue '62 RI. If the price stays low, I might be driving to 'ol Charm City (that would be Bawl'mer to the uninitiated). However, that said, I'm really jonesing for a sunburst. I think that is the classic Tele Custom look, though Ice Blue is my second favorite. About the MIJ/CIJ models - how easy are they to purchase and how much do they cost? Are they cheaper? Sounds like they maybe a better made guitar. Gotta run! Got kids to read to!

April 14th, 2005, 08:35 AM	#15 (permalink)
Stumpy TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 85	'52 and '62 I have both of the U.S. models with a set of CS Nocaster pups in the '52. The '62 I have is stock. FWIW, I have noticed I get more compliments on the tone of '62. It does seem to be able to twang a wee bit more than the '52, which I figure is due to the steel saddles. I'm a sucker for any tele though, five minutes into playing either and I'm thinking "This is my favorite guitar"!

April 14th, 2005, 01:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	AV '62 CT RI Sold I placed a couple of bids on that Ice Blue CT on FleaBay but I wanted to keep my price low (if $971 is low). It finally went for $981. That guitar looked real nice but it was starting to get expensive. I rather have a new one the way the bidding was going. Plus, I really want the CT in sunburst. I guess I'll strike a deal w/ the local GC for the exact guitar I want. BTW, the waiting period for the Sunburst is mid-summer, YIKES! However, I could get a seafoam green one immediately. And one other thing, my original sunburst '65 Strat has a very yellow base coat as in Gulden Mustard Yellow, not a very attractive color but I like it. It looks the CT sunburst is a browner, more attactive base color than what Fender did originally?

April 14th, 2005, 02:53 PM	#17 (permalink)
Geo Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hendersonville, TN Age: 59 Posts: 2,484 15 Photos	Have a MIJ SB '62 here and really like it. I did change pickups, added brass comp saddles and a round '50s string tree to get it closer in tone range to a '52 RI. (I have a great 12/98 swamp ash AV '52 also.) I'm getting ready to order a CIJ '62 (Alder) model here in the next few days. I sent (Ishibashi) and received an email back (next day) with various info and questions answered including finish availabilty (in stock, ready to ship). Price delivered is right now a tad under $700 or 74,000 Yen with gig bag. Delivery time is 7 days but know ones have been received in 5 days. I guess???? they use Fed-X. I should have asked and of course will. These have US Fender Texas Special pickups which is not an issue to me. FWIW the fellow informed that all weigh in ~7.8 lbs. Once again, not a problem here. That may be on average a little heavier than the AV. I can't say exactly on the CIJ vs AV model fit, finish and etc. but suspect marginal in that area from what gathered. I 've played 2 AVs but it was a couple years back. Possibly fret finish may be better on the AV but don't know. I couldn't find an AV around here on any dealers site listings and didn't feel like physically spending a day visiting stores. I was in a Sam Ash inquiring and got a sort of funny look. The guy was ok though. Guess no one else has asked that. I know the AV is going to be around ~$1340 + maybe 9.25% tax if they don't "deal". That price includes hardshell case, certificate and some accessories. Think Music 123 is another good place to check if you order an AV. Their service, knowledge, etc. is highly regarded. [/quote] __________________ "Somewhere between culture and agriculture"

April 14th, 2005, 04:39 PM	#18 (permalink)
BluesOwl Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dexter, MI Posts: 573 48 Photos	I talked with a knowlegable guy about my "soft" finish on the Ice Blue Metallic. He said the finish wasn't soft per se, it just reacted with the foam rubber on the guitar stand...outgassing of the rubber affected the Tele finish...watch out. MY latest Tele is one of those Aerodyne Teles with the P90 in the neck position......hotter pickup....very creamy sounding!....hum on the p90 single coil not an issue for me. __________________ BluesOwl

April 15th, 2005, 12:34 PM	#19 (permalink)
Caffeine Patrol Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 394	Just played a great '62 Custom Reissue Howdy, The local guitar shop here (Lawrence, KS) just got in a used 2003 MIA '62 Custom, sunburst, in exc. cond. except for one tiny ding on the back. I saw it down there this morning and then saw your post. Their website is www.massstreetmusic.com if you want to look at it. Hope it works out for you!

April 15th, 2005, 12:59 PM	#20 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	Whoa!! Thanks Caffeine Patrol!!! That's exactly what I am looking for! Did you actually play the guitar and what is your general assessment of the instrument? I tried calling their 1-800 but the line was busy. I will try again shortly. Now, can anyone tell me how to sneak this past the wife?

April 15th, 2005, 02:32 PM	#21 (permalink)
Caffeine Patrol Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 394	Yep, I played it Jerry, I plugged it into a reissue blackface Deluxe Reverb and it sounded great. Twangy without being harsh, neck pickup sounds great, frets are good, electronics all seemed clean. I did not see the case. The only thing I noticed (besides the aforementioned small ding) was that the decal on the headstock seemed to either be starting to peel in the middle or had not been applied well in the first place. If this is the model you are looking for I would think you'd be happy with this one. The previous owner(s?) either didn't play it much or took good care of it. And let me add, I do not work at Mass. St. Music. I have been trading with them for about 15 years and they're good people.

April 17th, 2005, 08:04 AM	#22 (permalink)
Jerry J Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NoVa Posts: 650	Deal Dead! Well, I made a killer mistake after I thought I had a deal w/ Mass Street Music for that Tele - I asked for my wife's permission. What a mistake and when will I ever learn? My deal is I have to sell a couple of existing guitars before any new purchases. Lesson learned- don't ever be honest :evil: