need help deciding, baja vs CV50 VB

[doof]

So, i think i want another guitar. So far for telecasters i have a blacktop (black, maple), 3TSB American Special, and a BSB Squier CV50. I love the CV50, i haven't touched my american special since i got it. So now I would really like to get the Vintage Blonde CV50.

I can get it brand new for around $355, or i can get a used Baja (mint condition) for around $620 (they're very difficult to find brand new here in canada). I wouldn't mind spending the extra money on the baja if it's worth it.

what would you all do if faced with this decision? What things would you take into consideration?

[waparker4]

If you play the cv nonstop then you must like thin necks. If you like thin necks then you wont like a baja. I'd prefer a baja but for you I dunno.

[doof]

actually i have no particular preference for neck thickness. i played a les paul for 10 years before i got into telecasters so thick necks are not an issue for me. thanks for the input!

[sonny wolf]

I am a fan of the Squier CV Strats but the 50s CV Teles are not as exciting for me.I think they are ok but I have not encountered one yet that would tempt me to purchase.I do prefer the Baja Teles....they seem to capture more of the appealing vibe that I like in a Telecaster.Also,a lot of the Squier CV Teles have thick,super grainy pine bodies that is sometimes too ugly for me...I prefer the more subtle grain pattern of a typical ash body.

[Ricky D.]

You already have a CV50. Do you really want another one just to have a choice of colors? If it was up to me I'd find a way to try out that Baja. Nobody can tell you which you'd like more.

[doof]

Originally Posted by Ricky D.

You already have a CV50. Do you really want another one just to have a choice of colors? If it was up to me I'd find a way to try out that Baja. Nobody can tell you which you'd like more.

the vintage blonde does have the alnico iii pickups as opposed to the alnico v that the bsb has, so i'd like it for the different tone it has as well. unfortunately there's no way i could try out the baja because it's on the other side of the country

[Twang Tone]

I've had both.

While the Squier CV 50VB is nice, if you've got the money, I'd choose the Baja every time. The combination of a great neck and excellent pickups make the Baja Tele the winner for me. You won't be dissapointed.

Thanks,

[Mark Davis]

Baja has more switching options more sounds and way thicker neck.

Id go with a MIM Classic 50's or 60's but thats just me. I have owned both of those and know them.

I also currently have a CV50's VB and a CVC that get played daily while my expensive Les Pauls sit in the case.

[joshmalory]

Originally Posted by Mark Davis

Baja has more switching options more sounds and way thicker neck.

Id go with a MIM Classic 50's or 60's but thats just me. I have owned both of those and know them.

I also currently have a CV50's VB and a CVC that get played daily while my expensive Les Pauls sit in the case.

Hi, how are the frets on CV series? are they small or big? I prefer jumbo.

[Telepi]

Have you played the Baja? Might want to try it first to make sure
the neck is to your liking.

If you're after the different p/u's and like the neck on your BSB,
then you would be money ahead to go with the CV50.

But if you want something completely different, the Baja is the way
to go.

[doof]

Originally Posted by Telepi

Have you played the Baja?

I have not. I've tried every retailer nearby, and every website and online retailer I can find in canada, and it seems like no canadian companies stock the baja.

If anybody can prove me wrong, I'd be very happy to hear from them!

[Telepi]

I couldn't find a new one in person either, so I ordered online.

I thought if the one you were looking at was used, it might be available locally. Then you could play it first.

[soulman969]

Originally Posted by joshmalory

Hi, how are the frets on CV series? are they small or big? I prefer jumbo.

Medium jumbo. Nice fretwork too.

[waparker4]

I would go with the Baja. Find a retailer that ships and has a good return policy..

[soulman969]

Originally Posted by doof

the vintage blonde does have the alnico iii pickups as opposed to the alnico v that the bsb has, so i'd like it for the different tone it has as well. unfortunately there's no way i could try out the baja because it's on the other side of the country

FWIW doof here's my take on it.

The Baja is a nicer guitar and I think you'll admit that it has to go some to beat the CV 50's models but it does. The neck is the main thing that stops some players up but you have no problem with that deeper soft "V" neck so that objection is eliminated.

You say money isn't an issue and you're willing to spend almost $300 more on the Baja if it's worth it. I guess that's a matter of personal opinion but Baja's are pretty popular, somewhat hard to get in some places, and hold their value well so the investment in one seems sound even at the higher price.

So all that's left is the desire to have a guitar with Alnico III's which comes stock on the VB CV 50's. Here's an alternative thought that will run you a few more bucks but may be worth it if you want the advantages of both the Baja and the VB CV 50's.

Get the Baja then swap the stock pickups with a set of CS Nocasters which I believe still use Alnico III magnets and you have all of what you might be looking for in the Baja. The CS Nocasters are pricey unless you can find a used set but you can sell the Baja pickups to offset some of the cost.

That combination would be very similar to the Nashcaster conversion I have with those same pickups, a 4-way switch and and the soft "V" neck. It's a great guitar and one I'd never part with.

[doof]

Thanks for the feedback! i'm definitely getting some good advice to consider, and i appreciate it.

to complicate matters more, i just found an ad locally advertising a mint condition CV Thinline with a Mustang amp for $300. Plus i got the total bill for some car repairs. ugh, decisions...