drift
TDPRI Member
Are these any better or worth more because they have the 60th anniversary sticker?
2006 Highway One Telecaster
- Thread starter drift
- Start date
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gregorypause
Tele-Meister
I think it means absolutely nothing to have the sticker. It just underlines the anniversary.
I have an American Standard from 1996 and it has a sticker for 50th anniversary. It is just an ordinary American Standard.
I have an American Standard from 1996 and it has a sticker for 50th anniversary. It is just an ordinary American Standard.
drift
TDPRI Member
ok - i'm just wondering if some years are better than others... i'm so torn between buying a used highway one tele or a new gibson sg faded... both are roughly the same price.
The button in and of itself, no value.
However the model was changed a good bit in mid 2005 so it will help identify it as a so-called "Upgrade". I call it a downgrade.
I think the mid 2005 and earlier Highway One guitars are considerably better, for example the pickups and the fret size were IMO badly messed up with the "Upgrade". But as for which, amongst late 2005, 2006. 2007, 2008? All the same.
However the model was changed a good bit in mid 2005 so it will help identify it as a so-called "Upgrade". I call it a downgrade.
I think the mid 2005 and earlier Highway One guitars are considerably better, for example the pickups and the fret size were IMO badly messed up with the "Upgrade". But as for which, amongst late 2005, 2006. 2007, 2008? All the same.
drift
TDPRI Member
boris - that is interesting - do most people generally agree with you or is that just your personal preference?
I own a 2007 version of the HW1 and apart from a neck pickup switch its still stock and sounds and plays very well for me..
Its all just a matter of personal taste. Try out a HW1 at a music store, the new ones are pretty much the same as 2006 onwards.
Its all just a matter of personal taste. Try out a HW1 at a music store, the new ones are pretty much the same as 2006 onwards.
rocksteady Max
Tele-Afflicted
Boris is ZE reference !
your mileage may vary but not his
just kiddin'
I have a 2006 hw1 : the only thing I don't like is the big frets. the bridge saddles have be changed to Glendale's and pups for Keystones.
but you want to spend at least 1hour with each guitar to check them out because it's 2 different animals.
your mileage may vary but not his
just kiddin'
I have a 2006 hw1 : the only thing I don't like is the big frets. the bridge saddles have be changed to Glendale's and pups for Keystones.
but you want to spend at least 1hour with each guitar to check them out because it's 2 different animals.
ADK Teleman
Tele-Afflicted
Hey Bubba,
I have a 2009 HWY1 Tele and it is fantastic. I love the jumob frets and the pups are smokin...then again...it could be that I am running it through all Fender gear. I have noticed how it sounds great through my marshall and Peavey but absolutely smoking through my Fender SCXD and direct into the board when I am recording....then again...it could just be my personal preference..
but that said...you always give wise counsel so I will not dispute you....yes you are a good egg!
ADK
I have a 2009 HWY1 Tele and it is fantastic. I love the jumob frets and the pups are smokin...then again...it could be that I am running it through all Fender gear. I have noticed how it sounds great through my marshall and Peavey but absolutely smoking through my Fender SCXD and direct into the board when I am recording....then again...it could just be my personal preference..
but that said...you always give wise counsel so I will not dispute you....yes you are a good egg!ADK
In the very most general terms, guys who play all distortion heavy music may like the overwound Alnico 3 stock Upgrade pups, but those liking clean but loud will really dislike the bridge pickup. I've tried leaving the stock neck pickup but it is a struggle.
Likewise, if you dream of a scalloped neck and love shredding, the Super frets may work for you but more people like a smaller fret. These are the largest frets I believe that Fender offers, even on bass guitars.
So, some guys agree, and some don't, but as usual, I study the heck out of something then take a position on it. Some times I look foolish later, but I try not get it wrong or at least be consistent.
++
Forgot to mention an "advantage" on the Upgrade Highway Ones. The pickups are reverse wound reverse polarity and that is especially useful on the Highway One Upgrade Strat (whose pickups aren't too bad). Useful in high gain situations, obviously.
ADK Teleman
Tele-Afflicted
Like I said Bubba, you always provide wise counsel...I have yet to see you look foolish! I on the other hand am opinionated and rather stubborn...so I must say it is me who looks foolish.. And for the record, Bubba is a descent bloke who definetely thinks before he speaks and always respects people's points of view. That is why we all respect his opinions on matters.
And for the record, Bubba is a descent bloke who definetely thinks before he speaks and always respects people's points of view. That is why we all respect his opinions on matters.Rumblebones
Tele-Holic
Like Boris, I didn't like the big frets at first, now I hate vintage style frets and prefer "beefier" frets.
Boris is right that the upgraded versions are not for "shredding," but are excellent for blues playing and slow licks. String bending is insane on that model.
I love the hotter pickups.
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I spent some time with a new one, as expected the giant frets were hard for me to like. The pickups, however, sounded much better than I expected. Too bad, I wanted to buy it, loved the looks and neck size, but those frets are awful.
I have an early Z3 serial HW1 and also a partocaster with a Z4 USA standard neck.
The necks are so cosmetically similar I don't know how anyone would be able to tell which is which (microtilt and biflex aside, neither of which I could care less about).
The newer ones with different logo and fretwire seem to me to be a deliberate differentiator by Fender to avoid undermining the standard. I'm not saying newer = inferior (never played one) , just that the earlier HW1 necks are great if you like a C profile neck and medium jumbo frets - they feel very close to the standard's.
And last time I looked there were guys parting out HW1s on ebay in large quantities - thus feeding the market with brand new Fender necks which are not otherwise available. The different logo and wire at least reveals what the origin is.
On the other hand, the early HW1 bridge pickup was far too shrill (for me anyway, some people like 'em) , being a cheap no baseplate job.
The necks are so cosmetically similar I don't know how anyone would be able to tell which is which (microtilt and biflex aside, neither of which I could care less about).
The newer ones with different logo and fretwire seem to me to be a deliberate differentiator by Fender to avoid undermining the standard. I'm not saying newer = inferior (never played one) , just that the earlier HW1 necks are great if you like a C profile neck and medium jumbo frets - they feel very close to the standard's.
And last time I looked there were guys parting out HW1s on ebay in large quantities - thus feeding the market with brand new Fender necks which are not otherwise available. The different logo and wire at least reveals what the origin is.
On the other hand, the early HW1 bridge pickup was far too shrill (for me anyway, some people like 'em) , being a cheap no baseplate job.
I agree with Boris on the Teles, I like the pre-upgrade Teles better than the new one. But as far as strats I think the new ones are really an upgrade over the older ones. You get the reverse wound middle pup a steel bridge block and while the pickups are hot the old ones were thin and shrill.
drift
TDPRI Member
ok, i got my highway one today - i had no idea what you guys were talking about with "big" frets.... now i know - the frets are way too high - WAY too high.. its very hard to switch position. it makes the neck sticky and un-fun... also, i have big hands and very long fingers so i find this neck far too skinny... i guess there is a chance i will get used to this in the next few days but I'm assuming that i will be selling it very quickly... i got spoiled with a epiphone sheraton, i think... i sold it to get a highway one and i think that may have been a big mistake.
drift
TDPRI Member
yeah- i over reacted a little - i loved it when i first saw it, then i hated it - now i love it again...
Rolling Estonian
Friend of Leo's
I also posted in the other thread. Glad to hear you're liking it! Now we need to see pics!
M
M
Tonetele
Doctor of Teleocity
I bought a 2005 Highway 1 Blonde Tele and was not overly impressed with the p/ups, not even a metal plate on the back p/up. Whilst staying in Singapore last year I asked local builder/luthier, Kelvin Ho, what he puts in Teles. He put me on to Toneriders, Alnico 3s, and slightly overwound. A huge improvement in every way, more twang in the rear, great jangle in the middle and really strong up front, great "note separation". No regrets.I don't know exactly what the Alnico 3 Fender p/ups are like but I'd buy a Hwy.1 and do the same again. Local expert Terry O'Reilly says mine is definitely better than an American Standard and his opinion is as good as it gets in Aus. as he's been in the game for over 30 years.
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