NGD - Wine Red MIM Telecaster Standard

[wrxmania]

Well, she arrived yesterday (strung up with 13's!!!!).

A few things obvious needing done - jack socket crackles and does not seem to want sorting (Electro Socket already ordered!). One of the string ferrules on the back is missing and another loose and it's filthy!

Otherwise seems alright, fretting looks ok, and it works. Weighs in at at 3.7KGs so not a mega lightweight. Body in decent condition.

Now the question is - what do I do to it!?!? I already have 2 other tele's - a heavily modified Squier Affinity (which is great, goes to every gig as a backup etc) and a 2005 USA Standard, 2 tone ash, Bare Knuckle Flat 50's etc.

This is the Affinity:

http://youtu.be/fklKUA_CBb8

And this is the USA Standard:

http://youtu.be/U76Zqceu8uM

Here is the new MIM with the black plate it came with:




and a white plate:



Let me know your modding thoughts...currently thinking bin the whole body and replace with another colour (not worth the aggro to refinish) and add decent parts to it and sell the MIM body as a complete item - but don't want to throw a load of cash at it...

Brian.

[aehn]

Originally Posted by wrxmania

Well, she arrived yesterday (strung up with 13's!!!!).

Now the question is - what do I do to it!?!?

Let me know your modding thoughts...currently thinking bin the whole body and replace with another colour (not worth the aggro to refinish) and add decent parts to it and sell the MIM body as a complete item - but don't want to throw a load of cash at it...

Brian.

So you bought it, in order to modify it, and sell it?

[wrxmania]

No - why would you think I was selling it? It may work out financially cheaper to sell on the body and replace it with another as I am not keen on the colour and, obviously if I can get a fully loaded body, that would save some time too.

My intentions are to work on the guitar then use it.

[Phelonious Ponk]

So why did you buy that color? I liked her better in black, by the way.

P

[wrxmania]

Cheers. I bought it in that colour as it was available, the price was right, and I was looking for a MIM Tele. I always knew it would not remain standard. I am not overkeen on the colour but it may grow on me.

:)

[jammers5]

I like the color, esp with the black guard.

J5

[wrxmania]

Yeah - I do prefer the blackguard I must admit. It feels like it should have a rosewood neck for that colour and I may well end up just doing some nice mods to it aka the ones I did on the Affinity as they worked out great.

[A.B.Negative]

I think you're right, that colour works better with a rosewood neck. I had a Strat with that colour scheme and it looked gorgeous.

As for mods, I'd swap the bridge for a vintage style Wilkinson or similar.

[electrablue]

Congrats!

[Controller]

These look awesome with white pearloid guard. I think this is one of the nicest MIM Std colors.

But by all means, if you don't like it, get what you want.

[wrxmania]

I'm sure I'll come around to the colour

Maybe pearloid might be the way... anyone have a pic?

[Hiker]

Great color, Congrats! The back plate did not show up in the photos.

My MIM Std. Tele weighs 4.05 KGs, and yours is light by comparison.

[Controller]

From another thread:

[wrxmania]

What about a black pearloid scratchplate on it?

[caliban335]

I'd keep the cosmetics as they are with the black pickguard and body color. Swap out the bridge & saddles for a Wilkinson with compensated brass saddles and put in a four way switch. Think about something different in the neck position; maybe a P-90, a humbucker, a Charlie Christian or a Strat pickup.

[JamesL]

I am digging it as is......I have a stock artic white MIM tele that I play a lot......maybe you should slick it up.....play it a while and see if you bond with it as is.......then you will really save money!

[huckdeuceman]

Texes Special pups and a 4way switch!..HEAVEN!

[wrxmania]

I am definately changing the saddles - the debate is...WIlkinson vintage bridge assembly, or just mount the Wilkinson compensated saddles on the standard plate (that way I don't have the annoying edges...).

I will certainly upgrade the electronics on it, specifically the pots, jack socket already going, etc. The pickups I would likely upgrade buying a used set of good quality ones. These sound good and are a good price:

http://youtu.be/gUezlHcHpyg

[Beachbum]

Originally Posted by jammers5

I like the color, esp with the black guard.

J5

+1 The midnight wine with black guard is my favorite MIM color. If it were mine I'd put a set of my favorite pups in it and call it good.

[Jack S]

I have that color with the pearloid pick guard and I think it is beautiful. Some guys liken the pearloid to a toilet seat, but I think they look great with them and on stage under the lights they can be quite stunning.

I liked the original pickups in it just fine, but did change out the neck pickup with a Rio Grande Muy Grande. I might switch it back sometime, but I am in no hurray either way.