First Post - Help me find my Tele!

chrishay · July 2nd, 2003, 01:14 PM

Did a few searches but couldn't find the answer I'm looking for. I've played an American Standard Tele for the last 10 years or so, and want to upgrade. The guitar that I THINK I'm looking for is the American Deluxe Telecaster Plus, Nashville style pickups, bound body, and looks to be a contoured body. Does the Deluxe Plus match that description? Does anyone EVER see one of those anywhere? What I'm really looking for is the Keith Urban Tele. Yeah, I know his is all Frankensteined, but I love the way that guitar looks. Any other suggestions that fit the 3 pickup, bound and contoured body bill? Maybe an American Nashville from a few years back?

Thanks!
Chris

Joel66 · July 2nd, 2003, 07:29 PM

First of all, welcome aboard. The other guitar player in my band had a Tele Plus for a few years. It was the bound body with the contour, 3 pup's. He loved it. I couldn't stand it. I don't like the contour and I hated the sound of the Lace Sensor pup's. That's not a slam against the guitar really, it just wasn't something that I would buy. The neck felt like a dream though. I've never known anyone that sets a guitar up as nicely as he does. That's all he played until he bought a G & L ASAT Z-3. For what it's worth, you couldn't give me that guitar either. Once again, it's not my style.

Back to your question though. The guitar you described sounds like the same model my bandmate had.

Joel

chrishay · July 2nd, 2003, 11:36 PM

Hey Joel, thanks for the reply. I've learned by further searching this and other forums since posting earlier today that the Telecaster Plus is NOT highly regarded among Tele players.

I've played my American Standard for 10 years, just wanted something different, but you'd think that I was thinking about playing an Ibanez or ESP or something based on the posts I've read. It's a Fender Telecaster, for crying out loud! And I'm not even looking for the early Plus that had a tremolo and a bucker in the bridge.

FWIW, I'm primarily interested in a Tele that had/has the Plus's pickup configuration, not necessarily the Laces that are installed, I'll probably pull them for Texas Specials anyway. I also liked the contour, just because it's different, but apparently different is not all that good on the Telecaster forums! :) I'd try the MIM Deluxe Nashville, but a) I'd like to play the MIA version because for some reason I think it's of higher quality, and b) no binding on the body, which I really would like to have. Do you know of any other models that are bound and have a reasonable price tag that have the 3 p'up/5 way switch? I gig every weekend regionally (about an 800 mile circle) and occasionally need positions 2 & 4 for covers.

Thanks for replying, and if you or anyone knows of any resources outside of eBay to find one of these guitars, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm particularly looking now for a 50th Anniversary Plus, just love the sunburst and the binding look. Thanks again.

Chris

spyder · July 3rd, 2003, 07:25 AM

Ho..the tele plus ain't favored much by steelers and bass players either...don't know about drummers....heres a little something I'll run by you....I picked up an Alverez product phamplet from the store I teach at last week....I keep stuff like that for *throne* purposes.....about the only place I can read uninterrupted....the company is producing a tele knock-off....the one pictured had a bound red-burst ( one of my favorite bursts...second only to fruitburst) body, 3-p-up configuration with the mid and neck units being chromed covered, one piece maple neck, 5-way switch...a very attractive rendition of the classic....personally, I ain't real drawn to knock-offs....but that doesn't mean there ain't some tremendous players in the mix....this one looks like it would do about anything a person wanted it to....I ain't afiliated with the company or anything...the only Alverez I know is Barry...not personally...but I see him on TV once a year when Ohio State is kickin' Wisconsins butt....anyway, the axe might be worth lookin' in to...later, spyder

TeleGeir · July 3rd, 2003, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishay

FWIW, I'm primarily interested in a Tele that had/has the Plus's pickup configuration, not necessarily the Laces that are installed, I'll probably pull them for Texas Specials anyway. I also liked the contour, just because it's different, but apparently different is not all that good on the Telecaster forums! :) I'd try the MIM Deluxe Nashville, but a) I'd like to play the MIA version because for some reason I think it's of higher quality, and b) no binding on the body, which I really would like to have.

Hi Chris!
Welcome to the TDPRI!

First of all, if you want and like a Tele Plus, buy one. You probably don't buy it to brag about it here anyway, (some of us do

), you buy it to play!

The problem with contours are they are a Strat thing, and Tele lowers tend to be a bit puristic about stuff like that. Some will not condone a 3 PU setup either, for the same reason. They want to keep the Tele original, and therefore "defend" it against mods that leads it astray.

Anyway: If you want a 3 PU Tele, why not try the Nashville before you do anything else. MIM Fenders are generally considered excellent quality these days. You may find you like it a lot. Then if you want binding, have a double bound body made, routed for 3 pickups, and put the Nashville neck and parts on it.

Now as founder of the DBTOC (Double Bound Telecaster Club, see our thread here in the TDPRI), I am bound

to say you should have front and back binding, and therefore no contours.

Just an idea. But it is your money, and you're the one that will play it, so don't let anyone tell you what you are "supposed" to buy...

Geir :)

ShawnS · July 3rd, 2003, 08:06 AM

I love it. The neck feels wonderful. I haven't played many Teles I like better. I like the countour. I don't know why. I have had both body styles. I do miss the vintage bridge.

Mine has the modern 6 saddle plate. When I bought mine, I was simply wanting a bound body and a maple board(a must). The feel would be the whole shootin' match. I played this one at Guitar Heaven in Nashville. Fell in love with the feel. It had good acoustic tone, so I plugged it into Fender Twin. Nuf said! The only Tele I preferred over it was the beloved 52ri, but it didn't have a bound body. I probably could have found a double bounder I liked better if I were more patient. Patience in a guitar shop....Palease!...

Forgive me Geir!

Anywho, the American Deluxe comes with Noiseless pups. I want to put a set of Fralin's in someday. Bottom line is it doesn't matter who doesn't like your #1. What matters is that you like it and it speaks to you. If you want an AmDlx, Go play one in a shop and let it answer your question.

Good Luck,
Shawn

PS...Welcome aboard. Looking forward to reading your post. I don't post alot, but spend a lot of time reading post.

sneakyjapan · July 3rd, 2003, 08:33 AM

boy if I based my purchases on what others may or may not think, I wouldn`t have any guitars. You should buy what you like, you `re never gonna please everybody so please yourself. You want a contoured, 3 pick-up bound tele? Then thats what cha get... be kinda boring if we all played the same guitars wouldn`t it?

Joel66 · July 3rd, 2003, 09:20 AM

I definately agree with what everyone has said. If that's what you want, then by all means, get one. I've had many guitars that I've bought and sold based on someone else's opinion. (not a good idea, to say the least)

Here's an example. I had a beautiful L.P. Limited Edition Silver Sparkle that I bought because I was told that I needed a LP. It was beautiful and sounded good. It's beauty didn't show much though. It stayed in the case most of the time. I sold it because it wasn't really what I wanted. It wasn't comfortable for me. The neck brought on hand cramps after a song or two if I was using barre chords on the first few frets. Obviously I didn't play it enough in the store or I would've known this before buying it.

Like I said in my previous post, the Plus wasn't for me. Simply because of the contour. It wasn't comfortable for me. My bandmate loved it. It inspired him to become a better picker simply because he loved playing it. If you like them and you want one then that's what you need to get, simply because you'll spend more time playing it.

Joel

gtrjones · July 3rd, 2003, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyder

I picked up an Alverez product phamplet from the store I teach at last week....I keep stuff like that for *throne* purposes.....about the only place I can read uninterrupted....the company is producing a tele knock-off....the one pictured had a bound red-burst ( one of my favorite bursts...second only to fruitburst) body, 3-p-up configuration with the mid and neck units being chromed covered, one piece maple neck, 5-way switch...a very attractive rendition of the classic....this one looks like it would do about anything a person wanted it to....I ain't afiliated with the company or anything...anyway, the axe might be worth lookin' in to...later, spyder

That Alvarez was/is the foundation of the goldtop flying telecaster. http://www.rocketsfavoriteband.com/rfb3_142.htm
I changed the pickups, pickguard, and neck. Mine is a VERY good guitar. I picked it up because it was a goldtop. I bought it because it played well, and sounded good acoustically. Stock, they are 3 or 4 piece alder bodies, an a nice u-shaped maple neck. The stock pickups were okay, maybe a little weak. I prefer rosewood boards, and found some used rio grande pickups at a good price, and it's the only guitar I've used on-stage for a year now. the guitar has the belly contour on the back, and the forearm contour on the front, but as far as I know, they do not offer binding.

chrishay · July 3rd, 2003, 10:49 AM

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I'm definitely buying a Plus or the '98 Deluxe, and have NO worries about whether others think they're cool or not. I've been playing for 20 years, and gig every weekend so I'm much more interested in what works for me than what everyone might think. My biggest hurdle is FINDING what I'm looking for. I was really just looking for any resources other than eBay that might be viable. I'm not in LA or NYC, so my options are a bit limited locally (to say the least). Am I correct that the mid-90's Plus and/or Deluxe are the only Teles that meet my contoured/bound criteria? And again, thanks to all and sorry if I'm out of bounds with the purists. Does my American Standard win me any points??

Blaster · July 3rd, 2003, 11:05 AM

Chishay - Welcome to TDPRI.

I have a Tele Plus and it's just like Keith Urban's guitar. In fact I just went and saw Keith this past week and he sounded great. I had Lace Sensors in mine but took them out and put in Harmonic Designs and the guitar is my #1. I play every weekend (and I mean every weekend) and like the belly cut for my 4 1/2 hour gigs. I also like the 3rd pickup for the many tunes I need to cover at the gigs.

I also have "traditional" Tele's too, but I for one like my Tele Plus and think it sounds great especially with the Harmonic Design pickups. I say go ahead and get a Tele Plus or Deluxe and you'll love.

I have been playing since the 60's and I even though I like vintage gear I like the newer designs too.

BTW - I love the binding too!

July 2nd, 2003, 01:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
chrishay TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: KS Posts: 39	First Post - Help me find my Tele! Did a few searches but couldn't find the answer I'm looking for. I've played an American Standard Tele for the last 10 years or so, and want to upgrade. The guitar that I THINK I'm looking for is the American Deluxe Telecaster Plus, Nashville style pickups, bound body, and looks to be a contoured body. Does the Deluxe Plus match that description? Does anyone EVER see one of those anywhere? What I'm really looking for is the Keith Urban Tele. Yeah, I know his is all Frankensteined, but I love the way that guitar looks. Any other suggestions that fit the 3 pickup, bound and contoured body bill? Maybe an American Nashville from a few years back? Thanks! Chris

July 2nd, 2003, 07:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Joel66 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cypress Inn, Tennessee Age: 41 Posts: 654	Chris, First of all, welcome aboard. The other guitar player in my band had a Tele Plus for a few years. It was the bound body with the contour, 3 pup's. He loved it. I couldn't stand it. I don't like the contour and I hated the sound of the Lace Sensor pup's. That's not a slam against the guitar really, it just wasn't something that I would buy. The neck felt like a dream though. I've never known anyone that sets a guitar up as nicely as he does. That's all he played until he bought a G & L ASAT Z-3. For what it's worth, you couldn't give me that guitar either. Once again, it's not my style. Back to your question though. The guitar you described sounds like the same model my bandmate had. Joel __________________ It takes a whole lot of liquor to like her but when I'm liquored up I like her just fine

July 3rd, 2003, 07:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
spyder Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: chillicothe, ohio Posts: 530	Ho..the tele plus ain't favored much by steelers and bass players either...don't know about drummers....heres a little something I'll run by you....I picked up an Alverez product phamplet from the store I teach at last week....I keep stuff like that for throne purposes.....about the only place I can read uninterrupted....the company is producing a tele knock-off....the one pictured had a bound red-burst ( one of my favorite bursts...second only to fruitburst) body, 3-p-up configuration with the mid and neck units being chromed covered, one piece maple neck, 5-way switch...a very attractive rendition of the classic....personally, I ain't real drawn to knock-offs....but that doesn't mean there ain't some tremendous players in the mix....this one looks like it would do about anything a person wanted it to....I ain't afiliated with the company or anything...the only Alverez I know is Barry...not personally...but I see him on TV once a year when Ohio State is kickin' Wisconsins butt....anyway, the axe might be worth lookin' in to...later, spyder __________________ I'm not a luthier, but I used to play trombone with my jr. high band

July 3rd, 2003, 08:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
ShawnS TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Adamsville, Tennessee Posts: 94	I have an American Deluxe I love it. The neck feels wonderful. I haven't played many Teles I like better. I like the countour. I don't know why. I have had both body styles. I do miss the vintage bridge. Mine has the modern 6 saddle plate. When I bought mine, I was simply wanting a bound body and a maple board(a must). The feel would be the whole shootin' match. I played this one at Guitar Heaven in Nashville. Fell in love with the feel. It had good acoustic tone, so I plugged it into Fender Twin. Nuf said! The only Tele I preferred over it was the beloved 52ri, but it didn't have a bound body. I probably could have found a double bounder I liked better if I were more patient. Patience in a guitar shop....Palease!... Forgive me Geir! Anywho, the American Deluxe comes with Noiseless pups. I want to put a set of Fralin's in someday. Bottom line is it doesn't matter who doesn't like your #1. What matters is that you like it and it speaks to you. If you want an AmDlx, Go play one in a shop and let it answer your question. Good Luck, Shawn PS...Welcome aboard. Looking forward to reading your post. I don't post alot, but spend a lot of time reading post. __________________ "Much to learn you still have..my old Padawan...."

July 3rd, 2003, 08:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
sneakyjapan Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: nippon Posts: 2,324 3 Photos	boy if I based my purchases on what others may or may not think, I wouldn`t have any guitars. You should buy what you like, you `re never gonna please everybody so please yourself. You want a contoured, 3 pick-up bound tele? Then thats what cha get... be kinda boring if we all played the same guitars wouldn`t it? __________________ quasi mojo

July 2nd, 2003, 11:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
chrishay TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: KS Posts: 39	Hey Joel, thanks for the reply. I've learned by further searching this and other forums since posting earlier today that the Telecaster Plus is NOT highly regarded among Tele players. I've played my American Standard for 10 years, just wanted something different, but you'd think that I was thinking about playing an Ibanez or ESP or something based on the posts I've read. It's a Fender Telecaster, for crying out loud! And I'm not even looking for the early Plus that had a tremolo and a bucker in the bridge. FWIW, I'm primarily interested in a Tele that had/has the Plus's pickup configuration, not necessarily the Laces that are installed, I'll probably pull them for Texas Specials anyway. I also liked the contour, just because it's different, but apparently different is not all that good on the Telecaster forums! :) I'd try the MIM Deluxe Nashville, but a) I'd like to play the MIA version because for some reason I think it's of higher quality, and b) no binding on the body, which I really would like to have. Do you know of any other models that are bound and have a reasonable price tag that have the 3 p'up/5 way switch? I gig every weekend regionally (about an 800 mile circle) and occasionally need positions 2 & 4 for covers. Thanks for replying, and if you or anyone knows of any resources outside of eBay to find one of these guitars, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm particularly looking now for a 50th Anniversary Plus, just love the sunburst and the binding look. Thanks again. Chris

July 3rd, 2003, 09:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
Joel66 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cypress Inn, Tennessee Age: 41 Posts: 654	I definately agree with what everyone has said. If that's what you want, then by all means, get one. I've had many guitars that I've bought and sold based on someone else's opinion. (not a good idea, to say the least) Here's an example. I had a beautiful L.P. Limited Edition Silver Sparkle that I bought because I was told that I needed a LP. It was beautiful and sounded good. It's beauty didn't show much though. It stayed in the case most of the time. I sold it because it wasn't really what I wanted. It wasn't comfortable for me. The neck brought on hand cramps after a song or two if I was using barre chords on the first few frets. Obviously I didn't play it enough in the store or I would've known this before buying it. Like I said in my previous post, the Plus wasn't for me. Simply because of the contour. It wasn't comfortable for me. My bandmate loved it. It inspired him to become a better picker simply because he loved playing it. If you like them and you want one then that's what you need to get, simply because you'll spend more time playing it. Joel __________________ It takes a whole lot of liquor to like her but when I'm liquored up I like her just fine

July 3rd, 2003, 10:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
chrishay TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: KS Posts: 39	Hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I'm definitely buying a Plus or the '98 Deluxe, and have NO worries about whether others think they're cool or not. I've been playing for 20 years, and gig every weekend so I'm much more interested in what works for me than what everyone might think. My biggest hurdle is FINDING what I'm looking for. I was really just looking for any resources other than eBay that might be viable. I'm not in LA or NYC, so my options are a bit limited locally (to say the least). Am I correct that the mid-90's Plus and/or Deluxe are the only Teles that meet my contoured/bound criteria? And again, thanks to all and sorry if I'm out of bounds with the purists. Does my American Standard win me any points??

July 3rd, 2003, 11:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
Blaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Down in Western Colorado Age: 51 Posts: 423	I have the Tele Plus Chishay - Welcome to TDPRI. I have a Tele Plus and it's just like Keith Urban's guitar. In fact I just went and saw Keith this past week and he sounded great. I had Lace Sensors in mine but took them out and put in Harmonic Designs and the guitar is my #1. I play every weekend (and I mean every weekend) and like the belly cut for my 4 1/2 hour gigs. I also like the 3rd pickup for the many tunes I need to cover at the gigs. I also have "traditional" Tele's too, but I for one like my Tele Plus and think it sounds great especially with the Harmonic Design pickups. I say go ahead and get a Tele Plus or Deluxe and you'll love. I have been playing since the 60's and I even though I like vintage gear I like the newer designs too. BTW - I love the binding too!