Fender MIJ TL-52 TX or Vintera Nocaster

[Guppy]

I would like to have a (somewhat) traditional telecaster with a fat neck. I'm eyeballing two guitars. One is a MIJ TL-52 with Texas Special pickups (these are higher end TL-52's I think) or a Vintera II Nocaster.
Anybody have some advice for me? Or any experience with both?

 

[Alaska Mike]

My experience is solely with TL-62s and Vintera II '60s Telecasters, so take it for what it's worth.

My Vintera II necks are shaped very similarly to my MIJ TL-62B necks, but have more shoulder and therefore are "beefier".

The Vintera II electronics are superior, hands down. Switches, pots, output jack... they just are better.

The MIJ TX models have US-made Texas Special pickups, but I have been been very pleased with the Vintera II pickups as well. YMMV, but I call it a wash.

Most TL-52 guitars are built from ash (perhaps some with basswood or alder), while the Nocasters are built from alder- The Vinteras can weigh a bit more on average.

Guitars from Japan (especially older ones) can display pitting and corrosion on metal parts. Frets on guitars 10+ years old can be significantly worn. In around 2016 FMIC took control of Fender Japan, and model names/specs changed, so that's where I typically end the "TL-era". It's certainly something that needs to be considered when purchasing one of these guitars.

I have three TL-62Bs (well one is technically a TL-JD partscaster with an Isbell neck, but essentially the same thing). I have one Vintera II '60s and a Classic Series body built with a '60s neck. Lots of parts have been swapped, but I can honestly say I like the core guitars.

I think a lot depends on your level of comfort modifying a guitar and how much you like the parts you can't/won't modify.

 

[Jensen]

I have got the Vintera ii Nocaster. It's a great guitar. It feels great to play it and it sounds amazing.

I have not tried the MIJ so I cannot compare to that but I have got a great Stratocaster and a great Les Paul. The Nocaster is equally as good and it has definitely got character.

Only mod I did was to change to compensated saddles. That is just personal preference and it worked without them.

 

[Guppy]

think a lot depends on your level of comfort modifying a guitar and how much you like the parts you can't/won't modify

Thanks, that helps. I'm very comfortable modding guitars. I intend to switch out the electronics anyway. I've got a drawer full of parts and a ready to go control plate laying here with a LP style toggle switch that I prefer. I just want a solid base guitar with a great neck.
I'm leaning towards the MIJ at the moment because of the natural finished Ash body. But I'm open to advice and suggestions.

 

[Alaska Mike]

Thanks, that helps. I'm very comfortable modding guitars. I intend to switch out the electronics anyway. I've got a drawer full of parts and a ready to go control plate laying here with a LP style toggle switch that I prefer. I just want a solid base guitar with a great neck.
I'm leaning towards the MIJ at the moment because of the natural finished Ash body. But I'm open to advice and suggestions.

I think they are wonderful instruments. Hopefully this page will help you with your search. For me, I really like wrapping my hand around a neck instead of reading specs and assuming it will gel with me. Of course, I have bought guitars sight-unseen that worked out well... and sometimes it didn't.