Long Time Listener, First Time Caller (Advice)

[MrTGun]

Been lurking for a while and feeding of the collective knowledge of the forum and now come time for me to reach out and ask for an opinion.

I've recently decided on making my first tele purchase after happily playing a Godin Exit 22 for a while. Now I'm not afraid to spend a little cash, but before I do I thought I'd ask here for some opinions.

Choice 1: Custom ordered G&L ASAT classic with 3 tone burst, gun oil neck and wood binding

Choice 2: Baja Tele + Blackheart Little Giant Combo (I'm lusting for one these 5 watters)

Choice 3: Used G&L ASAT Classic that can be seen here. http://kitchener.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and...QAdIdZ38002087 My only concern is the neck pocket isn't a perfect fit on the bass side which can't be seen in the posted pictures. Small gap approx 3 business cards thick in width.

What say ye? I'm willing to spend up to about $1200.

Much Thanks,

~MrTGun

[51tele]

pretty much the best advice would be to play as many teles as you possibly can until you find the one that just "feels right". be opened minded-----it might be the one you least expect.

[aunchaki]

Hmmm... I like used guitars (better bang for your buck) but I also like a snug neck pocket. I might have to pass on the used one. I'd keep an eye out for other used deals and consider the Baja+5W-Amp deal. Do you have another amp?

I'm a sucker for beat-up, used MIM Standard Teles.

[Tim Armstrong]

I like choice number two, but 51tele says it best when he says to go play 'em!

I absolutely wouldn't let that neck pocket fit on the third choice be an issue, unless you can HEAR a problem! I tend to think of it as a non-issue, I've heard some amazing instruments with neck pocket gaps, and I've heard some ho-hum instruments with nice tight neck pockets.

Cheers, Tim

[MrTGun]

Thanks Tim - I appreciate the thoughts on the neck pocket. Here's a pic for further inspection



And aunchaki, I do. I have a Roland Cube 30 I'm considering trading in for the Blackheart Little Giant

~MrTGun

[tc6969]

Originally Posted by 51tele

pretty much the best advice would be to play as many teles as you possibly can until you find the one that just "feels right". be opened minded-----it might be the one you least expect.

+1

You dont choose Teles. Teles choose YOU!

[Tim Armstrong]

Originally Posted by MrTGun

Thanks Tim - I appreciate the thoughts on the neck pocket. Here's a pic for further inspection

If the guitar sounds great and plays great, I probably wouldn't even notice that!

Having said that, I absolutely understand that sometimes things that wouldn't make me think twice really bother others, and if that neck pocket gap really bugs you, by all means look elsewhere!!!

Cheers, Tim

[newtwanger]

Small gap approx 3 business cards thick in width.

You must have REALLY thin business cards. that's nothing much.

[bradpdx]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

I absolutely wouldn't let that neck pocket fit on the third choice be an issue, unless you can HEAR a problem! I tend to think of it as a non-issue, I've heard some amazing instruments with neck pocket gaps, and I've heard some ho-hum instruments with nice tight neck pockets.

Years ago I attempted to "adjust" the slightly crooked neck setting on my 52RI Tele. That's OK, but I decided to do it with a Dremel tool while drunk. The result was that I took off too much wood, but I could get the neck straight. Fortunately, that little testament to my genius is hidden under the pickguard.

Dremels and beer... mmmmm...

Despite that mishap, the guitar plays/sounds great and the neck NEVER moves. One trick I used was to slip some high-friction sandpaper between the neck and the body, under the back. That REALLY keeps it in place.

[Mark Davis]

Ive known over 100 people who ordered custom made G&L's and didnt get what they ordered. So dont try that. Also until recently all ASAT's were made by hand so the neck sizes are all over rhe map.

So if you want a G&L you pretty much have to play it first.

Id go with your choice 2. It will sound like a Tele where the G&L's really dont sound like Teles.

[shades]

The slight neck gap shown in the pic wouldn't worry me at all.
See how well you connect with the guitar first.
Play as many as you can before deciding.
It was posted that Teles choose their player.
I think there is something to that.



btw...welcome to the TDPRI

[TG]

The guitar to get is the one you don't want to put back down when you're playing it...and that can vary a lot from guitar to guitar even of the same model. Different bits of wood, and even subtle variations in they way they're made can make a difference.
So go out and play a bunch in shops.

I agree with Mark about the G&Ls. They can vary a lot. Not a company to order from sight unseen.

[pbenn]

Mr. T. Gun, I may have bad eyesight, but I get a slight sense that your pocket gap is more at the top and less at the bottom.

To guard against the possibility that your neck is slightly skewed in the pocket, compare your E string-to-neck edge distances low and high, both E strings.

If they match up, fine--I've got bad eyesight. If both E strings are not parallel, however (especially low E gap too wide at 16th fret, high E gap too narrow), a quick loosen-and-reset will cure your gap.

[MrTGun]

Well I'm guessing I'll head the advice on the going in sight unseen on the G&L.

So that leaves me with playing the "neck gap" G&L or Tele hunting. Assuming it's the latter is the Baja still the players pick? I'm worried about taking a bath on resale if for some reason I should ever have to down the road. Is the extra few hundred into 08 American Standard Tele's worth the money?

Cheers,

~MrTGun

[TDPRI]

I think that the new and the used G&L's are really great.

I wouldn't turn any good Tele down for a visible neck pocket gap.

I wouldn't buy any Baja without knowing if it's one of the heavy ones or not. Too many are 9+ lbs and it's just not right for a Tele to weigh that much.

I've bought guitars without trying them and gotten lucky. But it's always better to pick it up, hold it, play it and see if it speaks to you. Don't rush it. It's like picking a wife. Take your time. Try a few out. And, in the end go with your heart not your head.

[TeleTuff]

I would go for A American Deluxe,I know some guy`s around here dont like them,but I think they are the best,as far as form and function are concerned,beutiful Tele tone,and very well crafted in your price range.

[garytelecastor]

MrTGun-Shouldn't you be able to snag a 52RI for around 1200?
BTW-Welcome to the threads. You are one of us now, and you can never leave! MMMMWWWAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[MrTGun]

You are one of us now, and you can never leave!

See now I'm frightened.......as the above statement is A) True B) Bad for my GAS

More on the topic:

I've been an acoustic player for 15 years and have almost NO G.A.S. as I'm lucky enough to own 97 Taylor 815C. Anything more in an acoustic IMO is about fluff and pecker measuring (Not that I'm opposed to either, just my wallet can't afford it)

But this Tele hunt is driving me freaking insane! I guess it's a lack of my ear knowing what to look for, the amp equation etc. I guess it's off to the local/s tomorrow to play a pile and see if I come home with anything.

TeleTuff - Sadly I fell in love with a Cherryburst Am Deluxe but when I went to play her the neck was a cheese grater. I know it may have "only" been a humidity issue but it sucked all the mojo right out of her for me :(

Much Thanks to all - Info is appreciated and will be taken with me on the hunt. Although after talking to the Canadian Blackheart rep today I think my budget dropped down into the 900's ;)

Oh and "TG" this is the only forum on the planet where my "handle" is taken. MrTGun is my attempt at something that makes me feel like my nickname "topgun" to which I sign all my posts "TG". I'll take a bottle of Jameson in the mail as a peace offering ;)

~MrTGun

[boris bubbanov]

You may have a long wait and must pay full price for an ordered G + L. Check out www.guitarsbyleo.com (controlled by the company now) for some hints on what is involved. The gun oil tint has been backed down a little, I still think it is too much, although at least in theory you can specify the neck girth you want.

A Baja is a great choice ( I have 7); never a bad idea to spend the money saved on the amp, tho I know nothing of the model you have suggested.

That 1998 G + L is full price. Play before you buy it, and if it is a good 'un, offer $ 650- 700 Canadian. I am allowing for some duties etc., on the entry of a US made guitar into Canada. $ 825 is a lot; I've bought several new ones for that with the case and all, superb players. (Can't say $$$ anymore at the G + L forum).

[MrTGun]

Well I came home with the Baja :) And the new case that comes with the 08 American Standards. $875 Can taxes in. Not bad - I tried hard to find someone to match the Mystery $500 US GC price but nobody would touch it :(

That being said I still need to put her through her paces. I chose the Baja over the Am Standard solely on "tone" and neck girth. I thought the Baja was "richer" more "vintage" than what I found to be an overly bright Am Standard. The decision took over 4 hours of A/Bing but I think I made the right choice.

I think there may be a ground loop somewhere in the wiring as I'm getting a crackly thing happening that stops when I touch the strings or bridge. Not single coil hum. Anyone experience this on their Tele's? All guitars were A/B'd through a Roland Cube 30 as that's what I've got till Blackheart makes it North of the border.

Thanks for all the help - I'm sure there will be many more questions to come.

~MrTGun