Tele buying advice

[robin4963]

First things first, this is my debut posting so please be gentle. I am a novice hobbyist guitarist who is in the market for a Tele style guitar. My attempts at playing are mostly blues/blues based rock. I play at home through a Cornell Romany plus tube amp (When I get the time) or via a zoom g1 into headpones. To be totally honest my decision is based partially on investment too (Hopefully my son or daughter will have an interest in playing in the future). I want to buy a vintage (....ish) tele but what to buy. A Tokai breezy sound would be nice if I could find one or maybe a Greco or Fernandes, I have been reading vairous sites on the topic. What about an E series mid 80s Squier Tele Or would you go with a later Fender MIJ or CIJ model......and how goood an instrument/investment is a JV Tele...and cost.????............happy £150-£500.

Sorry for the long post, any advice very much appreciated

Cheers

[Negrita Norman]

All I can say is that Mexico-teles a GREAT! You'll get a great (maybe the greatest) guitar for a great price. And there's many to choose from. 50's and 60's classic and the baja-tele got a vintage look. All very nice guitars, just different necks, pups, etc.

[tele12]

I know very little about the Vintage guitar market. But my feeling is that in the price range you are in it would be just a guess on which guitars will appreciate more in the future.
And since you state you are a novice I wouldn't reccomend an old used guitar unless you have a friend who can evaluate it for you.

I think your best bet for the money would be a Baja Tele, at the way they are priced in Europe they are an excellent value. At 399GBP this falls right in your price range.

http://www.musicstreet.co.uk/fenderc...0d3aad6c8c2e45

If you want to place a bet that Fender will eventually stop making guitars in the USA you can get a Made in USA Highway 1 for 100GBP ( still in your price range of 500 GBP)more than the Baja. This MIGHT have a better chance of appreciation.

http://www.musicstreet.co.uk/advance...aster&x=17&y=9

[ROADMAN]

interesting your first Tele mentioned is a Tokai Breezysound
I traded one away to a fellow TDPRI member 2 months ago ..he had severe GAS for it and I felt sorry for him...now I'm the one with the GAS and am about to buy another Breezysound today..in my search for one I contacted a dealer in the UK and was told they cost 400 Pounds if they could find one...absolutely great guitars...every bit as good as my made in the USA Teles ..I have a Hwy 1 and an American HH...as has been said here many times buy the guitar that speaks to YOU.....good luck..

[robin4963]

Many thanks for the advice.................it will no doubt take time but I'm sure I'll get what I,m looking for vintage or otherwise...........cheers.

[simon]

I play a Fender 52 Reissue and am very pleased with it. I would also recommend playing many - also the neck-size varies alot with Telecasters.

I wanted to ask you about your Cornell Romany Plus though. I recently bought one - and though it sounds great just clean, I can not get used to the way it sounds when using overdrive pedals. I just wish it would sound softer with a pedal in front. I am planning to change the tubes now. Did you try different tubes? What would you recommend? Did you change the speaker? I have a Celestion Blue in mine.

[claudel]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Step 1: Set a budget - Done

Step 2: Play a bunch of guitars that don't bust the budget.

Step 2A: Don't pay any attention to the name on the headstock or where it was made or whether it is new or not.

Step 2B: Repeat until you find one that speaks to you.
Don't worry too much about minor defects such as poor setup or finish chips if there is an instant bonding.

Step 3: If buying from a store, get a reasonable (few days or so) money back guarantee.
Use that time to get it evaluated by an independent from the seller luthier.
If there are any insurmountable problems, return it and go back to Step 2.
If you have to pay for the evaluation and/or pro setup, it can be money well spent. Factor that into Step 1.

Step 4: Have fun with your new guitar

[robin4963]

To be honest I've been very happy with stock....however probably not the most qualified to give an informed opinion....was playing into headphones via a tonelab se previously. Seems to take to my Crowther hotcake tho......IMO.

[skydawg]

What's a Tokai Breezy Sound? Pics?

[robin4963]

Instead of posting a picture I'll point you to the Tokai Forum...

http://www.tokaiforum.com

Lots of info and pictures there......you will also get a better explanation of the hostory of the company.....I believe they currently make Fender Japan guuitars in their factory and as part of that contract no longer make Fender copies in their Japanese factories (Atleast I think thats Right)...cheers

[Twang Tone]

Welcome to the forum, robin4963.

Why not take a look at the Mexican Baja Classic Player Tele?

I believe it's in your budget, and gets great reviews around here.

Thanks,

[Sarge]

Obviously you've done your homework and realize that great guitars are made by Tokai, Greco, Fernandes and MIJ/CIJ Fender. A lot of people associate guitars with one name only. Don't overlook Schecter...the Diamond Vintage Series is one great tele and can be had for around $300 and blows my MIM teles away. I have 3 Fernandes teles, 2 TE-2's and a black guard TE-1N, amazing teles for the price. Thanks to my buddy RoadMan, he hooked me up with a stellar 85 BreezySound and they are everything one could want in a tele.....if you get one...cherish it cause' they're getting harder and harder to find now that the "word" is out. Good luck!

[pgrace245]

You gotta like the MIM 50's classics... Tokai Breezysounds will get er done too!