standard, '50s classic or '60's classic ?

silenus · January 18th, 2006, 04:20 AM

Hi, I'm kinda fresh here.
Have a Squier Standard Tele (and other non-tele guitars) and thinkin' about purchasing a sytandard MIM Tele.
After reading some posts here the classics seems to be much better...
The Standard MIM is €500 ($603), fits my budget,
and the classic go around €650 ($780) here (have to make an finacial effort)

My question is; what's the big diff. in tone and playability between the '50s and the '60s?
Is it true that the '60s have a less brighter sound (what I actually like).
Thanks

Fuzzyhead · January 18th, 2006, 04:24 AM

I could not determine any difference in tone between the Std and the Classic and as far as playability goes, I like the modern fretboard style better. That's why I chose a Std.

FraKo · January 18th, 2006, 05:19 AM

€ 500 is a very high price, even in Europe, unless you point to a sunburst Standard MIM. I mean, you can get a Standard at a lower price, expecially if you but it online. Have a look at Thomann.de, I'm not affiliated. Just a satisfied customer who bought his own Standard for € 415 (two years ago).

silenus · January 18th, 2006, 05:35 AM

Thanks for those fast replies...
Checked out that link and a black one (fine by me) is only €399.
Fine but problem is you can't pick one out of many.
I also don't like to order via the net due to eventual flaws.
Still thanks for the link (is under consideration)

Fuzzyhead · January 18th, 2006, 05:44 AM

I bought my sunburst MIM Standard from Music Store in Cologne ( www.musicstore.de ) for € 399,- in 2004.

popthree · January 18th, 2006, 12:00 PM

personally, i prefer the 50's classic to the mim standard. the neck is chunkier on the classic, and i prefer the slick poly finish over the pale white neck on the standard. also, the 50s comes with a vintage bridge already installed. if you shop around, you can find a lightly used classic for not much more than a new standard.

Jug Bandit · January 18th, 2006, 02:57 PM

I think both Classics (50's and 60's) have AlNiCo magnet pickups, rather than the total junk pickups that come in the MIM standard.

I hate the neck on my MIM standard, and am about to bolt a Squier '51 neck on it, I think. Just my opinion...

FenderBender03 · January 18th, 2006, 04:38 PM

I have a sunburst MIM Standard, and a black 50's RI Esquire. To be honest, i like the feel of the Esquire alot, but the resonance, sustain, and playability are much higher on my MIM Standard. I can hear a difference in the standards pickups as compared to the Classic's Alnico magnet pickups, but i play mostly country on my Standard and i feel its just right to get that thinner, snappy, biting tone. I also like the neck, not to fat and not to puny. Also i like the satin finish as it doen't affect moving up and down the neck.

Go for the Standard!! A whole lot of guitar for not much cash! :)

FenderBender

jdfoosh357 · January 18th, 2006, 04:49 PM

A 60's classic comes with a rosewood neck, which some people would say sounds darker.

Fuzzyhead · January 18th, 2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jug Bandit

I think both Classics (50's and 60's) have AlNiCo magnet pickups, rather than the total junk pickups that come in the MIM standard.

No way... I compared many side-by-side. Standards have definitely alnico pups and I am pretty sure those pickups are the same in both models...

Telemarkman · January 18th, 2006, 05:30 PM

Have no experience with the MIM Standard, but I'm sure
the '50s and the '60s Classics have different P/Us.
I have both, as well as the '52RI, and the '50s sounds -
well, more '50s, more country - twang, while the '60s
isn't THE typical country -guitar ! It sounds kind of thinner
and rawer - think of Cropper, Clapton w/Yardbirds and
early Page.
The '50s maple neck on ash body vs. the '60s rosewood
board on alder body certainly counts for some of the
difference, (not much, I'd say), but I swear (oops !) the
P/Us must be different.
The neck on my '50s is a fat C, with a hint of V - in fact
not much different from my '57RI Strat, while the '60s
neck is a typical "classic C" - "It ain't too big, it ain't too
small - the medium size fits all" !

Rufus · January 18th, 2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jug Bandit

I think both Classics (50's and 60's) have AlNiCo magnet pickups, rather than the total junk pickups that come in the MIM standard.

I hate the neck on my MIM standard, and am about to bolt a Squier '51 neck on it, I think. Just my opinion...

Just to clarify...the older MIM Standard Teles did have ceramic magnet pickups, but that was changed a couple of years ago. Now they have Alnico magnets.

Not sure of the exact year the change was made. I have a 2004 and the p/u's are Alnico.

I love the feel of the satin MIM necks. My lefty sunburst MIM Tele has the best feeling stock Fender poly neck that I have ever played. Some folks don't like the ghostly pale shade, but it growns on you. You can always darken it up with a few tricks. Rumor has it that the necks are actually MIA but assembled in Mexico. Not sure if that is true, but my guitar has a superb neck.

niterail · January 18th, 2006, 11:58 PM

play all three.

if you don't have a serious vintage obsession (like i do) go for the standard.

i just prefer the old bridges.

but play a lot of the standards and find one that resonates well and sounds the best for YOUR style.

i worked at a guitar center for a couple years, and of every 10 MIM standard teles that came in, 5 were complete CRAP 4 were pretty good but heavy and there is always that one that sounds even better than an American Tele. Find that one and you got it made.

I will say that i had a MIM 50's classic in white blonde a couple of years ago that sounded every bit as good as my custom shop nocaster.

FraKo · January 19th, 2006, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rufus

Just to clarify...the older MIM Standard Teles did have ceramic magnet pickups, but that was changed a couple of years ago. Now they have Alnico magnets.

Not sure of the exact year the change was made. I have a 2004 and the p/u's are Alnico. Some folks don't like the ghostly pale shade, but it growns on you. You can always darken it up with a few tricks. Rumor has it that the necks are actually MIA but assembled in Mexico. Not sure if that is true, but my guitar has a superb neck.

Guess end of 2002, my Standard was made in 2003 and has got AlNiCo's (plus an alder body).

Agreed about the neck: after some fret polishing it turned out a great one. And, about the color, let the time do its work.

silenus · January 19th, 2006, 05:42 AM

...but a classic bridge will fit on a Standard ?
(if I understood a few post here)

Know what you mean with good and heavy
(have a Squier Standard at 8.8lbs)

My preference goes to a rosewood neck but they don't have classics in stock here (mostly Standards),
so if I want a classic I have to order one...and can't choose a good one out of more...and a neck is also changeble, isn't it?

Thanks already for all those previous replies

TG · January 19th, 2006, 05:48 AM

I know what you mean about not wanting to buy online in case you get a dud. But the money you save can go into having a really good setup. Few MIM guitars of any model come with a very good setup from the factory. But it's how well a guitar is setup that has alot to do with how 'good' a guitar it seems when you play it. If you take a standard MIM and get the nut adjusted properly and tidy up the frets you'll have a guitar that feels as nice as those American Series Fenders that you pick up in a shop and wish you could afford. The thinline that I've shown in my 'New Body Lying On The Bed' thread has a standard MIM 9.5" radius neck that I got on ebay and it's easily as good as any American Series neck I've ever played after I've worked on it. (A friend of mine who has a top-of-the-range Anderson has been nagging me to sell it to him!) The bodies and necks of the MIM guitars are made in the USA anyway and are just sent over the border for assembly. They just aren't finished off so nicely.
So if you got something online and got it setup, and maybe a set of better pickups (which would be a topic for a whole new thread) the chances are you'd have a very good guitar. And I think you have the option of returning a guitar in so-many days if you don't like it anyway. Call the people at Thomann and ask them.

But there's another thing to consider. The standard tele has a 9.5" radius neck similar to your Squier and the Classics have 7.25" radius necks, and different profiles. You might want to try some 7.25" necks out to see if you like them before going for a Classic.

silenus · January 19th, 2006, 06:15 AM

Thanks TG (it was alot of typing for you...)

I like the radious of the Squier (9.5)...
a lot smaller wouldn't fit me that well...

So better go with the Standard and mod it later on to my needs...

Fuzzyhead · January 19th, 2006, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niterail

if you don't have a serious vintage obsession (like i do) go for the standard.

i just prefer the old bridges.

I found later that I do, too. Well, no problem: 21 € Fender '52RI bridge from ebay bolts right on...

Have a look:
http://geckomind.net/images/tele/comparison.jpg

January 18th, 2006, 04:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
silenus TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 13	standard, '50s classic or '60's classic ? Hi, I'm kinda fresh here. Have a Squier Standard Tele (and other non-tele guitars) and thinkin' about purchasing a sytandard MIM Tele. After reading some posts here the classics seems to be much better... The Standard MIM is €500 ($603), fits my budget, and the classic go around €650 ($780) here (have to make an finacial effort) My question is; what's the big diff. in tone and playability between the '50s and the '60s? Is it true that the '60s have a less brighter sound (what I actually like). Thanks

January 18th, 2006, 04:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Fuzzyhead Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bonn (Yer-up) Age: 25 Posts: 1,350 23 Photos	I could not determine any difference in tone between the Std and the Classic and as far as playability goes, I like the modern fretboard style better. That's why I chose a Std. __________________ about me: blog, photos & musical preferences

January 18th, 2006, 05:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
FraKo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Milan, Italy Posts: 1,288	Were are you from? € 500 is a very high price, even in Europe, unless you point to a sunburst Standard MIM. I mean, you can get a Standard at a lower price, expecially if you but it online. Have a look at Thomann.de, I'm not affiliated. Just a satisfied customer who bought his own Standard for € 415 (two years ago). __________________ FraKo-the-gnome 1/2 Member of the Double Bound Telecaster Owners Club

January 18th, 2006, 05:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
Fuzzyhead Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bonn (Yer-up) Age: 25 Posts: 1,350 23 Photos	I bought my sunburst MIM Standard from Music Store in Cologne ( www.musicstore.de ) for € 399,- in 2004. __________________ about me: blog, photos & musical preferences

January 18th, 2006, 12:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Age: 43 Posts: 2,846 46 Photos	personally, i prefer the 50's classic to the mim standard. the neck is chunkier on the classic, and i prefer the slick poly finish over the pale white neck on the standard. also, the 50s comes with a vintage bridge already installed. if you shop around, you can find a lightly used classic for not much more than a new standard. __________________ don't taze me bro !

January 18th, 2006, 05:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
silenus TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 13	Thanks for those fast replies... Checked out that link and a black one (fine by me) is only €399. Fine but problem is you can't pick one out of many. I also don't like to order via the net due to eventual flaws. Still thanks for the link (is under consideration)

January 18th, 2006, 02:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jug Bandit TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: DC, the Telecaster Town Posts: 31	Pickups upgrade, too I think both Classics (50's and 60's) have AlNiCo magnet pickups, rather than the total junk pickups that come in the MIM standard. I hate the neck on my MIM standard, and am about to bolt a Squier '51 neck on it, I think. Just my opinion... __________________ "I'll drink my beer at the Surf Club, and I'll sing a little bit o' the workin' man's blues..."--Chick Hall, Jr.

January 18th, 2006, 04:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
FenderBender03 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 2	I have a sunburst MIM Standard, and a black 50's RI Esquire. To be honest, i like the feel of the Esquire alot, but the resonance, sustain, and playability are much higher on my MIM Standard. I can hear a difference in the standards pickups as compared to the Classic's Alnico magnet pickups, but i play mostly country on my Standard and i feel its just right to get that thinner, snappy, biting tone. I also like the neck, not to fat and not to puny. Also i like the satin finish as it doen't affect moving up and down the neck. Go for the Standard!! A whole lot of guitar for not much cash! :) FenderBender __________________ Guitars: 2003 Fender Telecaster MiM (stock) Fender 50's Esquire RI (for sale) Amps: Fender Blues Jr. (Laquered Tweed) 1982 Peavey Studio Pro

January 18th, 2006, 04:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
jdfoosh357 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 566	A 60's classic comes with a rosewood neck, which some people would say sounds darker.

January 18th, 2006, 05:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
Telemarkman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norway Age: 61 Posts: 4,729	Have no experience with the MIM Standard, but I'm sure the '50s and the '60s Classics have different P/Us. I have both, as well as the '52RI, and the '50s sounds - well, more '50s, more country - twang, while the '60s isn't THE typical country -guitar ! It sounds kind of thinner and rawer - think of Cropper, Clapton w/Yardbirds and early Page. The '50s maple neck on ash body vs. the '60s rosewood board on alder body certainly counts for some of the difference, (not much, I'd say), but I swear (oops !) the P/Us must be different. The neck on my '50s is a fat C, with a hint of V - in fact not much different from my '57RI Strat, while the '60s neck is a typical "classic C" - "It ain't too big, it ain't too small - the medium size fits all" !

January 18th, 2006, 11:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
niterail Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 138	play all three. if you don't have a serious vintage obsession (like i do) go for the standard. i just prefer the old bridges. but play a lot of the standards and find one that resonates well and sounds the best for YOUR style. i worked at a guitar center for a couple years, and of every 10 MIM standard teles that came in, 5 were complete CRAP 4 were pretty good but heavy and there is always that one that sounds even better than an American Tele. Find that one and you got it made. I will say that i had a MIM 50's classic in white blonde a couple of years ago that sounded every bit as good as my custom shop nocaster. __________________ www.niterail.com The new EP "Back and Forth" is available now!

January 19th, 2006, 05:42 AM	#15 (permalink)
silenus TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 13	...but a classic bridge will fit on a Standard ? (if I understood a few post here) Know what you mean with good and heavy (have a Squier Standard at 8.8lbs) My preference goes to a rosewood neck but they don't have classics in stock here (mostly Standards), so if I want a classic I have to order one...and can't choose a good one out of more...and a neck is also changeble, isn't it? Thanks already for all those previous replies

January 19th, 2006, 05:48 AM	#16 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 47 Posts: 4,504 7 Photos	I know what you mean about not wanting to buy online in case you get a dud. But the money you save can go into having a really good setup. Few MIM guitars of any model come with a very good setup from the factory. But it's how well a guitar is setup that has alot to do with how 'good' a guitar it seems when you play it. If you take a standard MIM and get the nut adjusted properly and tidy up the frets you'll have a guitar that feels as nice as those American Series Fenders that you pick up in a shop and wish you could afford. The thinline that I've shown in my 'New Body Lying On The Bed' thread has a standard MIM 9.5" radius neck that I got on ebay and it's easily as good as any American Series neck I've ever played after I've worked on it. (A friend of mine who has a top-of-the-range Anderson has been nagging me to sell it to him!) The bodies and necks of the MIM guitars are made in the USA anyway and are just sent over the border for assembly. They just aren't finished off so nicely. So if you got something online and got it setup, and maybe a set of better pickups (which would be a topic for a whole new thread) the chances are you'd have a very good guitar. And I think you have the option of returning a guitar in so-many days if you don't like it anyway. Call the people at Thomann and ask them. But there's another thing to consider. The standard tele has a 9.5" radius neck similar to your Squier and the Classics have 7.25" radius necks, and different profiles. You might want to try some 7.25" necks out to see if you like them before going for a Classic.

January 19th, 2006, 06:15 AM	#17 (permalink)
silenus TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 13	Thanks TG (it was alot of typing for you...) I like the radious of the Squier (9.5)... a lot smaller wouldn't fit me that well... So better go with the Standard and mod it later on to my needs...