What Tele to Mod?

[MattyB]

Hey everyone, for a summer project before I'm off to college I want to modify a guitar. I want to learn about set ups, electronics, and most of all I want to have a Telecaster! Basically, Im going to upgrade the neck (for a fatter one from Warmoth), the tuners (locking), and some new pickups. What I want to know is which tele should I try to mod? Should I mod a squire or a MIM standard? If Im going to change so much does it matter which one I buy? Ive heard that squire teles have cheap bridges/electronics that Ill have to change but MIM's have much better quality components. Also, stores around here dont have many teles, has anyone ordered from an online store? How did that go? Thank you so much for your input.

[Tom S]

Here's 2 cents for ya, for what it's worth....

I think you're going about this a bit backwards. At least to my way of thinking, I only mod an existing guitar when I have a reason...something I don't like that I want to change. How can you know what that is before you even have the guitar? For instance you want a fatter neck already. Fatter than what?

I think you'll have more fun actually playing the telecaster than modding it, but if you want to learn about set ups, electronics, you don't need to mod anything to accomplish that. Just take one apart and rebuild it.

Now if you're hellbent on heading in this direction anyway, I'd recommend getting something cheap on ebay, definitely used. Then figure out what you think needs changing, then do that, one thing at a time. And by the way, you definitely don't need locking tuners on a tele. Spend the money on different pickups instead, for experimental purposes, if you must.

Now if you want to build a partscaster, that's another story altogether...

But best of luck, and I hope I haven't rained too hard on this parade. Doesn't matter, you won't listen anyway.

And welcome aboard!

[Cassady]

I recently bought a Squier Standard Telecaster with the intention of replacing at least some of the electronics (pickups, switch, pots and output jack), but found that i like it pretty much the way it is. I DID replace the volume pot, which was bad from the factory, and tone pot (with a no-load tone pot), but, so far, that's it.

I really like the sound of the stock pickups and I found, somewhat to my surprise, that I actually liked the neck, rosewood board, and six-saddle bridge. The tuners actually work pretty well, too and it stays in tune as well as any of my other guitars--the tuners don't feel as good as Grovers, but they apparently work well.

Also, the output jack on mine has been fine, though it seems to be a source of problems for many.

As a first go at modding, I think a Squier standard would be a great choice, but only if you can live with the six-saddle bridge. If you have to have a three-saddle ashtray bridge, go for the MIM standard which, I believe, will take a vintage bridge without needing to drill any holes (holes that could be drilled, but which would show on a Squier).

Of course, you should also bear in mind that I think most guitar tone comes from the pickups, amp and player and that I feel that Agathis is a fine wood for making guitars out of.

For what it's worth,

Cassady

[dr_twangenstein]

If you're going to change the neck and the pickups then why not start from scratch. Get a good idea of what you want and build a partscaster. Then you can choose what neck/pups/finish/bridge/etc. you want all the way through. I gurantee there are plenty of well-versed folks here willing to talk you through every little step.

What's the point of having leftovers. I can understand buying a cheapy MIM or Squier and changing the pups. But if you feel you need a certain neck, then that's going to cost a bit. Might as well buy a fresh body and hotrod that bad boy all the way.

my 2 cents

[Pete Galati]

Originally Posted by MattyB

Hey everyone, for a summer project before I'm off to college I want to modify a guitar. I want to learn about set ups, electronics, and most of all I want to have a Telecaster! Basically, Im going to upgrade the neck (for a fatter one from Warmoth), the tuners (locking), and some new pickups. What I want to know is which tele should I try to mod?

IMO, study the specs, and buy the one that's the closest to what you want already.

Should I mod a squire or a MIM standard? If Im going to change so much does it matter which one I buy? Ive heard that squire teles have cheap bridges/electronics that Ill have to change but MIM's have much better quality components. Also, stores around here dont have many teles, has anyone ordered from an online store? How did that go? Thank you so much for your input.

I wouldn't worry about the quality of the hardware or electronics all that much. I'd worry more about which ones took the standard Tele hardware that's been made for decades.

I started trying to figure out which Tele had what for hardware, and eventually just said ah... screw it, I'll put it together myself.

Pete

[Steve G]

i am a representative of the Rob Distefano appreciation society.

http://www.frettech.com

[Durtdog]

IMO, MIM standards are great for modding. They have decent electronics, routed for a neck HB or P-90, and take a vintage bridge or 6-saddle. Pretty versatile platform for doing most anything you can dream up. I love these things stock as well.

[txspreacher]

Originally Posted by Steve G

i am a representative of the Rob Distefano appreciation society.

http://www.frettech.com

+1! He does things the useful, no-nonsense way. Isn't that what the Tele is all about?

For what you want to do, I recommend the Squier Affinity Tele. Already painted, and the rest is ready for you to go to town on.

[yegbert]

Get a used string-through MIM Standard if you can afford one.

Otherwise a used Squier. But don't pay more than $170 for an Affinity Squier or $200 for a Standard Squier unless a specific one really speaks to you. You can get them new shipped from MF for those prices. $120 for an Affinity or $150 for a Standard would be reasonable. Preferably one that hasn't been modded already, since you want to learn and enjoy the modding process.

[maestrovert]

if you're intent on "modding" a guitar you don't have yet, i'd recommend the Mim....as previously noted, it'll accept "vintage" type parts etc, where the Squiers won't....

Good Luck & keep us posted !

[MattyB]

Thank you for all your responses. I was scared of trying to do all these mods but it seems like ive stumbled upon a great community willing to help me along! Im considering getting parts off of ebay to make a "partscaster" or I may get an MIM tele at guitar center tomorrow (theres going to be a 20% off sale that I might try to take advantage of). Thank you all for the advice, I will be sure to keep you updated and Ill definitly be asking some questions!

[Wild Rice Chris]

Originally Posted by dr_twangenstein

If you're going to change the neck and the pickups then why not start from scratch. Get a good idea of what you want and build a partscaster. Then you can choose what neck/pups/finish/bridge/etc. you want all the way through. I gurantee there are plenty of well-versed folks here willing to talk you through every little step.

What's the point of having leftovers. I can understand buying a cheapy MIM or Squier and changing the pups. But if you feel you need a certain neck, then that's going to cost a bit. Might as well buy a fresh body and hotrod that bad boy all the way.

my 2 cents

I like your thinking (and your name!!)

Either build from scratch (or parts) or get a MIM standard as a base. The necks are prime candidates for a fat upgrade, pickups sound fine, bridge is easily upgraded. The main thing is that you can be assured that tele parts will fit it. Not so with Squiers.

The last MIM standard I bought was $275 for a '98 and it had Texas Special pickups in it.