MIM '69 thinlines vs MIJs. What do you folks like?

Tom S · December 29th, 2005, 05:31 PM

I have been keeping my eyes peeled for a MIM '69 thinline in shell pink (or even daphne blue) for months now with no luck. I foolishly got beat on the last d-blue on ebay. I'm getting so frustrated with finding one, that I'm considering picking up a more common natural mahogany version. I had a MIJ (early '90s, I believe) which was a really nice guitar. I sold it at one point when I thought I had "too many guitars."

In any event, what is the general consensus about the MIJs vs the MIMs, especially in regard to the necks? Is there any?

Dacious · December 29th, 2005, 06:44 PM

They're both fine guitars, although there's been more than one sort of MIJ Thinline. I have played at least one with 'Kluson' tuners which are functionally fine but not detail correct and a flat, Wilkinson claw-type six saddle bridge, and a slimmer neck. Still played and sounded fine.

The MIM Thinline which has been my favourite since I bought it in 2000 has a fatter neck, more like a 70's IMO, and hotter pickups. I have added a NOS copper-clad baseplate to the original pickup and a NOS bridgeplate and threaded saddles, which are all pluses IMO.

As far as wood and making is concerned the guitar has been great. The MIM '69 and '72 come with German Schaller F-tuners which are almost indistinguishable and will parts-interchange with old ones, and are just fine.

jwells393 · December 29th, 2005, 07:01 PM

I have a couple of MIJ Thinlines and was disappointed when I found they had Kluson style tuners and not Fender F tuners. The Blue Book of Electric Guitars actually shows a higher price for the MIMs than for the MIJs.

StetsonMan · December 29th, 2005, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom S

I have been keeping my eyes peeled for a MIM '69 thinline in shell pink (or even daphne blue) for months now with no luck.

Tom...Myabe if we are lucky (I have been searching for a surf green one) Fender will bring out something for '06 :D

fungusyoung · December 29th, 2005, 11:59 PM

Have you checked here?

http://www.chambersguitars.com/

If not, I'd suggest giving them a call.

Tom S · December 30th, 2005, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fungusyoung

Have you checked here?

http://www.chambersguitars.com/

If not, I'd suggest giving them a call.

Yep, thanks. I called them about three weeks ago. They don't have any, but they still advertise them on their website and on base. Go figure.

Stetsonman, I'll let you know if I come across a surf green.

Everyone else, thanks too, for your replies!

Sarge · December 30th, 2005, 08:44 AM

One can never have "too many guitars!"

vic108 · December 30th, 2005, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom S

I sold it at one point when I thought I had "too many guitars."

Yea, what the hell was that all about?

I hope you got professional help and a dozen
more guitars since then. Too many is never enough!

MaskedRider · December 30th, 2005, 11:32 AM

I love the neck on my MIM Shell Pink 72 Thinline Its about the same size(profile)as my Am Dlx Ash but it has a vintage fretboard.I'ts my favorite guitar.Too bad I have to sell both my teles to pay bills(will be listing them shortly).Anyway, I don't think you would go wrong buying a MIM 69 Thinline

InSlide · December 30th, 2005, 07:48 PM

I saw Mitch's (MaskedRider) 72 pictured above and really dig the pink. So I e-mailed Mitch and we hit a deal. Looking forward to her. Thanks Mitch!
Dave

MaskedRider · December 30th, 2005, 07:56 PM

Thanks Dave!I'll send her on Monday(if UPS picks up)or Tuesday.

fungusyoung · January 2nd, 2006, 12:02 AM

I knew there was another store I browsed recently online that had some '69 Thinline RI color options . Just had time to search my favorites again tonight..... for anyone interested, check 'em out:

http://www.davesguitar.com/fender.html

They have some nice 72 Thinline RI's too.

Tom S · January 2nd, 2006, 02:09 PM

Found those too, a couple of days ago. Thanks. This time, I actually did break down and bought a daphne blue '69. I was really tempted to grab a surf green at the same time. I still might. Hated to pay the price, but I'm just sick of waiting for a used pink (or blue) to turn up. I'd still buy a pink if one cropped up somewhere.

December 29th, 2005, 05:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tom S Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,211 49 Photos	MIM '69 thinlines vs MIJs. What do you folks like? I have been keeping my eyes peeled for a MIM '69 thinline in shell pink (or even daphne blue) for months now with no luck. I foolishly got beat on the last d-blue on ebay. I'm getting so frustrated with finding one, that I'm considering picking up a more common natural mahogany version. I had a MIJ (early '90s, I believe) which was a really nice guitar. I sold it at one point when I thought I had "too many guitars." In any event, what is the general consensus about the MIJs vs the MIMs, especially in regard to the necks? Is there any?

December 29th, 2005, 06:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dacious Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Godzone Posts: 2,612 35 Photos	They're both fine guitars, although there's been more than one sort of MIJ Thinline. I have played at least one with 'Kluson' tuners which are functionally fine but not detail correct and a flat, Wilkinson claw-type six saddle bridge, and a slimmer neck. Still played and sounded fine. The MIM Thinline which has been my favourite since I bought it in 2000 has a fatter neck, more like a 70's IMO, and hotter pickups. I have added a NOS copper-clad baseplate to the original pickup and a NOS bridgeplate and threaded saddles, which are all pluses IMO. As far as wood and making is concerned the guitar has been great. The MIM '69 and '72 come with German Schaller F-tuners which are almost indistinguishable and will parts-interchange with old ones, and are just fine. __________________ My other Telecaster is a Thinline The Tele Bible, Ch 1, v 10 Love thy Telecaster, covet not thy neighbour's Strat!

December 29th, 2005, 07:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,253 101 Photos	I have a couple of MIJ Thinlines and was disappointed when I found they had Kluson style tuners and not Fender F tuners. The Blue Book of Electric Guitars actually shows a higher price for the MIMs than for the MIJs. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

December 30th, 2005, 07:48 PM	#10 (permalink)
InSlide Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wisconsin Age: 45 Posts: 279	I bought her! I saw Mitch's (MaskedRider) 72 pictured above and really dig the pink. So I e-mailed Mitch and we hit a deal. Looking forward to her. Thanks Mitch! Dave __________________ If you think you can, you are right.

January 2nd, 2006, 12:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
fungusyoung Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 944 22 Photos	No Shell Pink, but... I knew there was another store I browsed recently online that had some '69 Thinline RI color options . Just had time to search my favorites again tonight..... for anyone interested, check 'em out: http://www.davesguitar.com/fender.html They have some nice 72 Thinline RI's too.

December 29th, 2005, 11:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
fungusyoung Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 944 22 Photos	Have you checked here? http://www.chambersguitars.com/ If not, I'd suggest giving them a call.

December 30th, 2005, 08:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	One can never have "too many guitars!"

December 30th, 2005, 11:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
MaskedRider Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Midwest Posts: 259	I love the neck on my MIM Shell Pink 72 Thinline Its about the same size(profile)as my Am Dlx Ash but it has a vintage fretboard.I'ts my favorite guitar.Too bad I have to sell both my teles to pay bills(will be listing them shortly).Anyway, I don't think you would go wrong buying a MIM 69 Thinline

December 30th, 2005, 07:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
MaskedRider Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Midwest Posts: 259	Thanks Dave!I'll send her on Monday(if UPS picks up)or Tuesday.

January 2nd, 2006, 02:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
Tom S Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,211 49 Photos	Found those too, a couple of days ago. Thanks. This time, I actually did break down and bought a daphne blue '69. I was really tempted to grab a surf green at the same time. I still might. Hated to pay the price, but I'm just sick of waiting for a used pink (or blue) to turn up. I'd still buy a pink if one cropped up somewhere.