Need Opinions on the MIM 50's Classic Tele

Blaster · April 17th, 2003, 12:33 AM

I thought about building a Tele using an aftermarket body with my MIA std neck but came across a new MIM 50's Tele for not much more money. For one thing the classic 50's tele is all one complete guitar and ash body whereas the other guitar would be a partscaster.

Does anyone have a MIM Classic 50's Tele? I am thinking of the white blond finish.

Also, is the advantange to go with the complete guitar or parts guitar?

If you have a 50's tele do you like it and why?

hippietim · April 17th, 2003, 01:34 AM

I have mixed feelings about the 50's classic. I have a white one that has been modified. I have never come to terms with the neck - I really can't stand the tiny vintage frets (I don't like the 52 RI for the same reason). So I replaced the neck with a Warmoth baritone conversion neck and swapped the pickguard. Here is the before picture:

Here is the after picture:

Now I love the guitar. It sounds great and I like the looks much better.

When I started putting together a USACG partscaster I decided I put the 50's classic neck on it and give it another go. I still don't like it. Rather get it refretted and mess around with an almost mint neck, I ordered a new neck from Warmoth. So once again, my 50's classic neck will be abandoned.

Scotland · April 17th, 2003, 02:30 AM

I think they are absolutely phenomenal guitars. I have never owned a tele I love so much as this one, it does it all for me. Many TDPRI memebers have posted the same feelings on this forum in the past. I have been playing for 32 years and have never been so happy with a guitar. Bill Hullett is used to high bucks guitars such as original 1950 Broadcaster etc. etc. and couldn't believe the quality of the 50's when he saw one in a shop....that virtually says it all. Best advice is to take your amp to a shop and try one out, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

Bluesgtr20 · April 17th, 2003, 04:52 AM

yah you really can't go wrong with these guitars. Some like to modify them and some don't. Just find one that you like and you'll be on your way. Good luck

Colo Springs E · April 17th, 2003, 06:57 AM

....Mine was stock, and I would've kept it that way had I held onto it (I constantly buy/sell/trade). I agree with the previous poster about tiny frets; I would PREFER fatter ones, but I didn't have any real issue with the smaller ones.

Mine was heavy, weighed over 9 lbs. But it was a cool guitar.

The see-thru white was just gorgeous. My one mod was changing the pickguard to flat black.

-Eric

openbar · April 17th, 2003, 07:09 AM

I love mine, more specifically the neck shape. It was real heavy* too, so I put a Warmouth body on it. Even with that it's great bang-for-buck.

*this is not to start a light/heavy tone war - the weight was just annoying

Scotland · April 17th, 2003, 07:15 AM

Mine weighs in at 5.5 pounds. I posted a comment about that when I got it. It is really resonant and a definite keeper.

Vincent Caster · April 17th, 2003, 07:40 AM

Yeah I love that neck, perfect for my hands. I bought a 50's classic for my son. I also bought a 50's classic neck on the garage sale so I wouldn't get attached to my sons guitar - slapped it on my MIM standard. I'd say pick it up.

April 17th, 2003, 12:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
Blaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Down in Western Colorado Age: 51 Posts: 421	Need Opinions on the MIM 50's Classic Tele I thought about building a Tele using an aftermarket body with my MIA std neck but came across a new MIM 50's Tele for not much more money. For one thing the classic 50's tele is all one complete guitar and ash body whereas the other guitar would be a partscaster. Does anyone have a MIM Classic 50's Tele? I am thinking of the white blond finish. Also, is the advantange to go with the complete guitar or parts guitar? If you have a 50's tele do you like it and why?

April 17th, 2003, 01:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
hippietim Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Raleigh Posts: 2,082	50's Tele I have mixed feelings about the 50's classic. I have a white one that has been modified. I have never come to terms with the neck - I really can't stand the tiny vintage frets (I don't like the 52 RI for the same reason). So I replaced the neck with a Warmoth baritone conversion neck and swapped the pickguard. Here is the before picture: Here is the after picture: Now I love the guitar. It sounds great and I like the looks much better. When I started putting together a USACG partscaster I decided I put the 50's classic neck on it and give it another go. I still don't like it. Rather get it refretted and mess around with an almost mint neck, I ordered a new neck from Warmoth. So once again, my 50's classic neck will be abandoned.

April 17th, 2003, 02:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scotland Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, Yewrup Age: 54 Posts: 6,288 3 Photos	My opinion I think they are absolutely phenomenal guitars. I have never owned a tele I love so much as this one, it does it all for me. Many TDPRI memebers have posted the same feelings on this forum in the past. I have been playing for 32 years and have never been so happy with a guitar. Bill Hullett is used to high bucks guitars such as original 1950 Broadcaster etc. etc. and couldn't believe the quality of the 50's when he saw one in a shop....that virtually says it all. Best advice is to take your amp to a shop and try one out, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. __________________ All those who believe in psycho-kinesis, raise my hand !

April 17th, 2003, 04:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bluesgtr20 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rockwall, TX Age: 28 Posts: 415 10 Photos	yah you really can't go wrong with these guitars. Some like to modify them and some don't. Just find one that you like and you'll be on your way. Good luck __________________ God Bless the Troops and the USA!!!

April 17th, 2003, 06:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 4,906 5 Photos	Had one and loved it.... ....Mine was stock, and I would've kept it that way had I held onto it (I constantly buy/sell/trade). I agree with the previous poster about tiny frets; I would PREFER fatter ones, but I didn't have any real issue with the smaller ones. Mine was heavy, weighed over 9 lbs. But it was a cool guitar. The see-thru white was just gorgeous. My one mod was changing the pickguard to flat black. -Eric __________________ Now his hat is on backwards He can show you his tattoos He is in the music business He is calling you "DUDE!"

April 17th, 2003, 07:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
openbar Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Boston Posts: 321	I love mine, more specifically the neck shape. It was real heavy* too, so I put a Warmouth body on it. Even with that it's great bang-for-buck. *this is not to start a light/heavy tone war - the weight was just annoying

April 17th, 2003, 07:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
Scotland Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, Yewrup Age: 54 Posts: 6,288 3 Photos	Maybe mine is special? Mine weighs in at 5.5 pounds. I posted a comment about that when I got it. It is really resonant and a definite keeper. __________________ All those who believe in psycho-kinesis, raise my hand !

April 17th, 2003, 07:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
Vincent Caster Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Peekskill, New York Posts: 624 6 Photos	Gimme some neck! Yeah I love that neck, perfect for my hands. I bought a 50's classic for my son. I also bought a 50's classic neck on the garage sale so I wouldn't get attached to my sons guitar - slapped it on my MIM standard. I'd say pick it up. __________________ "Froggy went a courtin', he did ride...C...c...crambone!"