Joe Strummer Tele

Jellecaster · July 13th, 2007, 01:28 PM

I'm not a Clash fan, but some of you may be interested:

There was a thread a while back about the new Joe Strummer tribute Tele. It will be officially unveiled at NAMM and there is a piece about it on the Fender site and here (click) The part that I find most interesting is that the street price will be less than $1000. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first non-CS relic with a decent price? Makes me wonder if this will be a trend?

boris bubbanov · July 13th, 2007, 01:32 PM

Not interested.

Bubbanov

neocaster · July 13th, 2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellecaster

I'm not a Clash fan, but some of you may be interested:

There was a thread a while back about the new Joe Strummer tribute Tele. It will be officially unveiled at NAMM and there is a piece about it on the Fender site and here (click) The part that I find most interesting is that the street price will be less than $1000. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first non-CS relic with a decent price? Makes me wonder if this will be a trend?

I don't think Joe would have considered a guitar that cost almost 3x the base model to be a decent price. I think if he has a young kindred spirit running around this world, that kid would buy a Squier Standard Telecaster and do what he pleased to it.

Ed P · July 13th, 2007, 02:02 PM

As my youngest daughter used to say when she was three-years-old, "it's disgusting".

curlyrick · July 13th, 2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed P

As my youngest daughter used to say when she was three-years-old, "it's disgusting".

Actually, it's iconic.

If seeing Joe Strummer bang away on a Tele in the 70s and 80s didn't make you want to do the same and rip up the world, you may have already been dead.

I don't know if I'd want the replica or if it's worth a grand, but it's still cool as shizzle that Fender is doing this instead of another John Mayer guitar: what in the heck has this guy EVER done?

I'm holding out for an Alan Sparhawk replica myself (though my Tele is always-already a Sparhawk tribute).

Ed P · July 13th, 2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlyrick

Actually, it's iconic.

I totally agree if you're referring to Joe's actual Tele. He's one of my alltime favorite Tele players - in fact I'm in the middle of reading his biography - he's a real hero of mine.

It's because I have such a deep respect for what he stood for that I think it's disgusting. What I don't like is the contrived nature of a "replica" guitar played by a man who stood for things that were genuine and real. I just don't see how a replica is anything more than a mere copy, especially in this instance...

Just my humble opinion...

Stuco · July 13th, 2007, 03:06 PM

[quote=curlyrick;871358]Actually, it's iconic.

I don't know if I'd want the replica or if it's worth a grand, but it's still cool as shizzle that Fender is doing this instead of another John Mayer guitar: what in the heck has this guy EVER done?

QUOTE]

Sold a LOT of records. Some good some not.

Mark Byrom · July 13th, 2007, 08:07 PM

Is this the first Relic Fender has offered that was not produced by the Custom Shop?

ThreePlyGuy · July 13th, 2007, 08:16 PM

This relic thing is getting out of hand.

Boubou · July 14th, 2007, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreePlyGuy

This relic thing is getting out of hand.

Not at all, once everyone as bought a relic, they will reverse the trend, sell you a brand new shiny guitar. Its called marketing, like fashion, the same old stuff comes around every 20 years.
As for Joe, mah, maybe a guitar with the same "specs" would make sense!

curlyrick · July 14th, 2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed P

I totally agree if you're referring to Joe's actual Tele. He's one of my alltime favorite Tele players - in fact I'm in the middle of reading his biography - he's a real hero of mine.

It's because I have such a deep respect for what he stood for that I think it's disgusting. What I don't like is the contrived nature of a "replica" guitar played by a man who stood for things that were genuine and real. I just don't see how a replica is anything more than a mere copy, especially in this instance...

Just my humble opinion...

To go the "deep respect for what he stood for" route may not be the best tact: I doubt Joe stood for the "aura" of "authentic works of art" that can only be enjoyed by the few who can afford to make a pilgrimage (once to concerts, now to museums/Rock and Roll Halls of Fame) to "appreciate" his work of art.

If Joe "stood for" this kind of thing, he wouldn't have allowed CDs of his music to be mechanically reproduced and be made available to the masses who could listen to them whenever they wanted and "use" them however they saw fit: exercise soundtrack, driving music, etc. ( In this age, everything is always-already a replica with no "original.")

Instead, he would have only performed for a select audience of wealthy connoisseurs who would cherish his "genius" and "interpret" the music in his way only.

Such thinking is akin to the political F-word, and like Woody Gutherie, I'd guess Joe would prefer his weapon of choice to be as widely distributed as possible, so that it might, like Woody's guitar, kill fascists.

In that fight, there are no "heroes" per se, just noble warriors fighting the good fight, and no "authentic" weapons, just copies of copies, but get enough, and you've got an army.

That theorizing aside, however, the idea of a kid busting up his own cheap Tele would probably fit in more with Joe's "intention."

But besides that, I still think a Strummer replica is cool as heck.

Beats "blasted" jeans.

Or "faux" marble.

Or just some random relic.

boris bubbanov · July 14th, 2007, 02:45 PM

I wonder which way the wind is blowing over at the Fender Discussion Forum?
It would take a brave soul to call this hunk of debris out there as we have here, especially as we have over at Bad Dog.
When is the last time you saw a thread on a new offering at TDPRI and not a soul would admit to even considering buying one?
If things at the FDP are dead quiet or anywhere close thereto, you can stick a fork in this turkey. It is done.
The remnants of the target customer for this ( I just can't call it a Tele ) that somehow might've bitten won't buy it, proud and alone, defiant, because they're in the dead middle of the herd and would be petrified to be out of step with fashion.

I like the comment about the Che Guevara T-shirts. But don't forget there's a lot of older folks wearing Ernest Hemingway imaging that never read his words. Maybe they drank where he did in Key West.

Bubbanov

OK, I checked. 6 posts since the announcement to one thread, one guy hoping since no one likes 'em he can get one cheap. Sing, Kate, Sing.

Gibson · July 14th, 2007, 03:06 PM

Love Joe, DON'T love that.

Momotoro · July 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM

It will keep Strummer's name alive for a generation that has never heard his music. Maybe a few kids will even learn what a Sandanista was. You know I don't really think he would have been totally against it, if the money went to a good cause he liked

skydawg · July 14th, 2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellecaster

I'm not a Clash fan

Twin Reiver · July 15th, 2007, 06:01 AM

It looks cool to me, and it IS cool for a few reasons:

1. The money from that guitar is going to go to Joe Strummer's wife and daughters. How much money do you think Joe made from his Clash record contracts with CBS? Here's a hint: He was still living in a squat when the Clash were making London Calling. For years he didn't even have a contract, until Tim Armstrong of Rancid signed him to his Hellcat Records in the late 90s. Joe made any money touring, not through album sales or royalties.

2. It is a legitimate relic. There is a reason for the relicing. So it is a good way for Fender to test the response on a non-Custom Shop relic.

3. It is under a grand, and under a grand is what constitues an accesible decent guitar these days.

4. It irritates the I Hate Relics crowd. (Imagine if Fender had tried to do a non-relic Joe Strummer Tele.) Can't you folks beat that drum somewhere else, or just take a break for a few seconds? We get it: You don't like relic guitars. You think they are stupid. You think they are ugly. You would never buy one, etc. etc.

5. It irritates the people who don't think Joe should have a signature Tele. Joe has sold more Telecasters than a lot of people. It's about time Fender honored him, and I think they are doing it as well as they can, considering they are Fender hahaha. A lot of thought has gone into this guitar, and this launch, and I give Fender a begrudging thumbs-up for it. I can't wait to see one up close.

Rrrrrrrant finis.

Hockey Rocker · July 15th, 2007, 07:13 AM

Well, on second thought, maybe the guitar would serve a purpose...

Digam11 · July 15th, 2007, 07:42 AM

Didn`t know about the $ arrangement ....going to Joe`s family and all. Good cause obviously. I agree w/ the notion that if I was a "young punk" I`d grab a Squire at the pawn shop put my own stickers on it and play the hell out of it....make it my own.

Momotoro · July 15th, 2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

1. The money from that guitar is going to go to Joe Strummer's wife and daughters. How much money do you think Joe made from his Clash record contracts with CBS? Here's a hint: He was still living in a squat when the Clash were making London Calling. For years he didn't even have a contract, until Tim Armstrong of Rancid signed him to his Hellcat Records in the late 90s. Joe made any money touring, not through album sales or royalties.

I am onboard, PLEASE let me know when I can order or buy one! The Clash jarred my brain awake back then, Strummer's last project was cool, and you never saw this guy backsliding. "Rock the Casbah" is more relevant than ever! Combat Rock befor IranContra? - prophetic.

Fender hit a note with me.

Twin Reiver · July 15th, 2007, 08:26 AM

Yeah, I am not saying that I have any inside information about the contract for the guitar, just that there are very serious contracts for these things, and the money would go to Joe's family, as the executors of his estate, and that they would be paid a percentage on the sale of every one. From what I understand, Fender actually offers a pretty good rate.

Arlo · July 15th, 2007, 08:39 AM

I own a Rebel Relic and enough people have said how the relic thing is not for them. I myself like relics in some respects and see no harm in owning one. But the relic issue is a contentious topic around these parts.

There are some guys who have even started mimicking patina on old hot rods and kit cars. I suppose one could equate aspects of a relic with a 1940 Willy's kit car.

Price tag is 22k!! A true Willy's in this condition can go for 100k +

So I can see why a guy would buy the kit if he had a dream and not the money for the full blown real deal. A lot of vintage car guys would roll their collective eyes at the site of a kit and would say you are a wannabe. I wouldn't let that discourage me from getting one if I didn't have the money to get a true 40 Willy's and restore it.

However the tribute guitar thing is a little different INMO. One thing I didn't realize yesterday when I went on my sch-peel on the bad dawg thread was that it is under $1000. I thought it was going to sell for a ridiculous amount like the EVH model.

Under a $1000 is affordable to a kid who has new found respect for our brother Joe. I can see that as a positive aspect too.

The relic job on the JS does appear to look like an ebay DISASTER. The kind with an electric sander some guy had a willy nilly old time at dad's workbench. That I don't care for either. But is that what Strummer did to his guitar? Heck I don't know that so maybe they are being true to his guitar in that way.

If the family will actually get a royalty check from Fender then I suppose I can see some good in this replica.

I still won't buy one. It doesn't look right to me and it is tacky. But to those who don't view it that way and would buy one I respect that and understand your feelings.

Colo Springs E · July 15th, 2007, 08:42 AM

.....especially if a % is going to a good place, ie, Joe's family. I also like it's a fairly reasonably priced guitar.

I just think it's an incredibly poor job of the relic'ing. I think they coulda done a lot better than that.

I coulda done a lot better than that!

Hockey Rocker · July 15th, 2007, 08:46 AM

While we're thinking about Joe, I'd just like to mention the Mescaleros Hellcat records, 2001's Global A Go-Go and 2003's Streetcore. Bhindi Bhagee from the first disc is one of my favorite tracks of this decade. It's Joe's take on World Music and it's as groundbreaking, in its own way, as his early work with the Clash, IMO. The family may get more if you purchase the relic, but my guess is that the CD would be more beneficial for most aspiring guitarists and/or bandleaders.

justinm · July 15th, 2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hockey Rocker

Well, on second thought, maybe the guitar would serve a purpose...

That's a picture of Paul Siminon with his Jazz Bass.

I wish that Fender had bestowed this honor onto Joe while he was still alive. And maybe they tried. We don't know. I imagine that he would not have been against it though. Joe had had a change of heart regarding the licensing of Clash songs for advertisments. He figured that there were not enough people exposed to that music nowadays, and anyway to get it out there was viable. Personally I'm on the fence about this notion, but its' not my music, and it's not my decesion. I guess I'd rather have my young daug

July 13th, 2007, 01:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jellecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Hampshire, USA Age: 39 Posts: 1,920	Joe Strummer Tele I'm not a Clash fan, but some of you may be interested: There was a thread a while back about the new Joe Strummer tribute Tele. It will be officially unveiled at NAMM and there is a piece about it on the Fender site and here (click) The part that I find most interesting is that the street price will be less than $1000. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first non-CS relic with a decent price? Makes me wonder if this will be a trend?

July 13th, 2007, 02:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ed P Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Southern California Age: 50 Posts: 720 6 Photos	As my youngest daughter used to say when she was three-years-old, "it's disgusting". __________________ Ed

July 14th, 2007, 02:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 6,397	I wonder which way the wind is blowing over at the Fender Discussion Forum? It would take a brave soul to call this hunk of debris out there as we have here, especially as we have over at Bad Dog. When is the last time you saw a thread on a new offering at TDPRI and not a soul would admit to even considering buying one? If things at the FDP are dead quiet or anywhere close thereto, you can stick a fork in this turkey. It is done. The remnants of the target customer for this ( I just can't call it a Tele ) that somehow might've bitten won't buy it, proud and alone, defiant, because they're in the dead middle of the herd and would be petrified to be out of step with fashion. I like the comment about the Che Guevara T-shirts. But don't forget there's a lot of older folks wearing Ernest Hemingway imaging that never read his words. Maybe they drank where he did in Key West. Bubbanov OK, I checked. 6 posts since the announcement to one thread, one guy hoping since no one likes 'em he can get one cheap. Sing, Kate, Sing. Last edited by boris bubbanov : July 14th, 2007 at 02:56 PM. Reason: add

July 14th, 2007, 05:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
Momotoro Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: germantown, tn Age: 56 Posts: 398	Plus Side It will keep Strummer's name alive for a generation that has never heard his music. Maybe a few kids will even learn what a Sandanista was. You know I don't really think he would have been totally against it, if the money went to a good cause he liked

July 15th, 2007, 06:01 AM	#16 (permalink)
Twin Reiver Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 564	It looks cool to me, and it IS cool for a few reasons: 1. The money from that guitar is going to go to Joe Strummer's wife and daughters. How much money do you think Joe made from his Clash record contracts with CBS? Here's a hint: He was still living in a squat when the Clash were making London Calling. For years he didn't even have a contract, until Tim Armstrong of Rancid signed him to his Hellcat Records in the late 90s. Joe made any money touring, not through album sales or royalties. 2. It is a legitimate relic. There is a reason for the relicing. So it is a good way for Fender to test the response on a non-Custom Shop relic. 3. It is under a grand, and under a grand is what constitues an accesible decent guitar these days. 4. It irritates the I Hate Relics crowd. (Imagine if Fender had tried to do a non-relic Joe Strummer Tele.) Can't you folks beat that drum somewhere else, or just take a break for a few seconds? We get it: You don't like relic guitars. You think they are stupid. You think they are ugly. You would never buy one, etc. etc. 5. It irritates the people who don't think Joe should have a signature Tele. Joe has sold more Telecasters than a lot of people. It's about time Fender honored him, and I think they are doing it as well as they can, considering they are Fender hahaha. A lot of thought has gone into this guitar, and this launch, and I give Fender a begrudging thumbs-up for it. I can't wait to see one up close. Rrrrrrrant finis. __________________ never got a flash out of cocktails....

July 13th, 2007, 01:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 6,397	Not interested. Bubbanov

July 13th, 2007, 03:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
Stuco Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 2,758	[quote=curlyrick;871358]Actually, it's iconic. I don't know if I'd want the replica or if it's worth a grand, but it's still cool as shizzle that Fender is doing this instead of another John Mayer guitar: what in the heck has this guy EVER done? QUOTE] Sold a LOT of records. Some good some not.

July 13th, 2007, 08:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mark Byrom TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX Posts: 75	Is this the first Relic Fender has offered that was not produced by the Custom Shop?

July 13th, 2007, 08:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
ThreePlyGuy Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern California/Arizona Age: 59 Posts: 313	This relic thing is getting out of hand.

July 14th, 2007, 03:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
Gibson Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 401	Love Joe, DON'T love that.

July 15th, 2007, 07:13 AM	#17 (permalink)
Hockey Rocker Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Jersey Age: 46 Posts: 760	Well, on second thought, maybe the guitar would serve a purpose...

July 15th, 2007, 07:42 AM	#18 (permalink)
Digam11 Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MA, USA Age: 53 Posts: 144	Didn`t know about the $ arrangement ....going to Joe`s family and all. Good cause obviously. I agree w/ the notion that if I was a "young punk" I`d grab a Squire at the pawn shop put my own stickers on it and play the hell out of it....make it my own.

July 15th, 2007, 08:26 AM	#20 (permalink)
Twin Reiver Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 564	Yeah, I am not saying that I have any inside information about the contract for the guitar, just that there are very serious contracts for these things, and the money would go to Joe's family, as the executors of his estate, and that they would be paid a percentage on the sale of every one. From what I understand, Fender actually offers a pretty good rate. __________________ never got a flash out of cocktails....

July 15th, 2007, 08:39 AM	#21 (permalink)
Arlo Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Maine [in a van down by the river] Age: 49 Posts: 2,168	I own a Rebel Relic and enough people have said how the relic thing is not for them. I myself like relics in some respects and see no harm in owning one. But the relic issue is a contentious topic around these parts. There are some guys who have even started mimicking patina on old hot rods and kit cars. I suppose one could equate aspects of a relic with a 1940 Willy's kit car. Price tag is 22k!! A true Willy's in this condition can go for 100k + So I can see why a guy would buy the kit if he had a dream and not the money for the full blown real deal. A lot of vintage car guys would roll their collective eyes at the site of a kit and would say you are a wannabe. I wouldn't let that discourage me from getting one if I didn't have the money to get a true 40 Willy's and restore it. However the tribute guitar thing is a little different INMO. One thing I didn't realize yesterday when I went on my sch-peel on the bad dawg thread was that it is under $1000. I thought it was going to sell for a ridiculous amount like the EVH model. Under a $1000 is affordable to a kid who has new found respect for our brother Joe. I can see that as a positive aspect too. The relic job on the JS does appear to look like an ebay DISASTER. The kind with an electric sander some guy had a willy nilly old time at dad's workbench. That I don't care for either. But is that what Strummer did to his guitar? Heck I don't know that so maybe they are being true to his guitar in that way. If the family will actually get a royalty check from Fender then I suppose I can see some good in this replica. I still won't buy one. It doesn't look right to me and it is tacky. But to those who don't view it that way and would buy one I respect that and understand your feelings. __________________ My music? It is free for my friends.

July 15th, 2007, 08:42 AM	#22 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 4,905 5 Photos	I'm ok with them doing a Strummer Tele... .....especially if a % is going to a good place, ie, Joe's family. I also like it's a fairly reasonably priced guitar. I just think it's an incredibly poor job of the relic'ing. I think they coulda done a lot better than that. I coulda done a lot better than that! __________________ Now his hat is on backwards He can show you his tattoos He is in the music business He is calling you "DUDE!"

July 15th, 2007, 08:46 AM	#23 (permalink)
Hockey Rocker Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Jersey Age: 46 Posts: 760	While we're thinking about Joe, I'd just like to mention the Mescaleros Hellcat records, 2001's Global A Go-Go and 2003's Streetcore. Bhindi Bhagee from the first disc is one of my favorite tracks of this decade. It's Joe's take on World Music and it's as groundbreaking, in its own way, as his early work with the Clash, IMO. The family may get more if you purchase the relic, but my guess is that the CD would be more beneficial for most aspiring guitarists and/or bandleaders.