What’s your take on the American Vintage II 1977 Tele Custom?

[Worksjo5858]

Had a Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom pop up used like new for a really great price locally and I’m considering jumping on it. Anyone have any takes on the model? I know the 7.25” radius is a thing for a lot of people but is it actually as limiting as people seem to think it is?

 

[Paulie_Boy]

What's a 'great price?'

 

[Worksjo5858]

What's a 'great price?'

$1100 but I feel like $1000 may be possible.

 

[beep.click]

I have one. It’s the best Tele I own and the best one I’ve ever played. The bridge pickup has exactly the sound you want and expect from a Telecaster. The first time I brought it to the band and played it through a Celestion blue speaker, the band just looked at me as if to say, “How did you do that???”

The neck radius is not limiting in any way, and in fact, it’s one of the nicest things about playing that guitar.

 

[Blackguard Blonde]

Had a Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom pop up used like new for a really great price locally and I’m considering jumping on it. Anyone have any takes on the model? I know the 7.25” radius is a thing for a lot of people but is it actually as limiting as people seem to think it is?

You’ll have to play it to know if you’ll like it, but the tall vintage frets seem to improve bendability over original frets. Although both are 7.25”, the rosewood doesn’t feel much different than a 9.5 to me. Ironically, I actually prefer the feel of maple (although I wish it were satin), which has never been the case with me.

Another matter of preference on that model is some of them are “Limited Edition” which are from a run Fender did with a belly cut; if you prefer period-correct you won’t like it; if you just want a player, you might.

I used to be averse to 7.25; since getting my first VII, it’s all I want.

*edited to correct typo.

 

[Blackguard Blonde]

$1100 but I feel like $1000 may be possible.

For that price, I want it if you don’t.

 

[msalama]

with a belly cut; if you prefer period-correct

Maybe I misunderstood, but original '70s Customs never had a belly cut. Telecaster Deluxes did, but the Custom always had a straight slab body without any contouring.

OP - If you can get one for 1K, buy it. It is a great price.

 

[Fiesta Red]

That particular model is one of the things on my GAS List…I’d definitely get it, if you have the money.

 

[Blackguard Blonde]

Maybe I misunderstood, but original '70s Customs never had a belly cut. Telecaster Deluxes did, but the Custom always had a straight slab body without any contouring.

OP - If you can get one for 1K, buy it. It is a great price.

Typo… I meant won’t like it; not “want”. Thanks for bringing it to my attention… I apologize for the confusion.

 

[MaxPower93]

Maybe I misunderstood, but original '70s Customs never had a belly cut. Telecaster Deluxes did, but the Custom always had a straight slab body without any contouring.

OP - If you can get one for 1K, buy it. It is a great price.

Fender made a mistake early on in the first production run and sent some out with belly cuts. Don’t know how many but I have seen them in white and the wine red. To the OP it’s a great guitar. I had one. Thats a great price at $1100. I wouldn’t hesitate otherwise someone else will grab it.

 

[Worksjo5858]

Fender made a mistake early on in the first production run and sent some out with belly cuts. Don’t know how many but I have seen them in white and the wine red. To the OP it’s a great guitar. I had one. Thats a great price at $1100. I wouldn’t hesitate otherwise someone else will grab it.

Interesting I didn’t actually know there was a “Limited” with the belly cut error. I went back to the ad and it is indeed the limited version with the belly cut (wine red btw). Personally I prefer a belly cut on guitars so that is a nice little addition even though maybe not technically true to original.

From my internetting it sounds like there are not as many out there with the belly cut error, not that I especially care about resale but I wonder if those models will end up being more sought after or collectible down the road. I guess the inverse is possible too since they aren’t exactly a “true”reproduction of the ‘77 they were going for.

Anyways, I think I’m probably going to buy it assuming everything is as it should be.

 

[mimmo]

1100?? Go out and grab that guitar as fast as you can! Then come here a start a NGD thread!

Seriously, don't overthink the radius, this is a very versatile guitar at an excellent price, what's not to like?
In the unlikely event that you don't like the radius, an old trick would be to have the frets radiused at 9.5" or whatever you prefer, so you really have no excuse. In worst case, you can always resell it at no loss.

 

[MaxPower93]

Interesting I didn’t actually know there was a “Limited” with the belly cut error. I went back to the ad and it is indeed the limited version with the belly cut (wine red btw). Personally I prefer a belly cut on guitars so that is a nice little addition even though maybe not technically true to original.

From my internetting it sounds like there are not as many out there with the belly cut error, not that I especially care about resale but I wonder if those models will end up being more sought after or collectible down the road. I guess the inverse is possible too since they aren’t exactly a “true”reproduction of the ‘77 they were going for.

Anyways, I think I’m probably going to buy it assuming everything is as it should be.

In my opinion the belly carve is a plus. I care more about comfort than anything else. I hope you enjoy it!

 

[Wazzou]

I love the wine red version of these guitars. But for $1100, any color would work for me.

 

[srblue5]

I have no experience with the AV II Tele Custom but I bought an AO '70s Tele Custom last year that unexpectedly has become my favourite of my 3-4 Teles. I don't know how similar the AO and AVII are -- the AO has a 9.5" radius so there's that difference already -- but the pickups and overall feel are superb. This is a guitar that nails every sound I want in my head.

 

[Minivan Megafun]

Let's put it this way: The AVII is vastly superior in build quality to an original 1977. The reissue neck pickup is now even made the period correct Cunife magnets.

 

[Blackguard Blonde]

In my opinion the belly carve is a plus. I care more about comfort than anything else. I hope you enjoy it!

In my opinion the belly carve is a plus. I care more about comfort than anything else. I hope you enjoy it!

Yeah, that’s how I wound up with two 77RIs. Chose the first because it had a rosewood fretboard, but couldn’t resist the call of the contour.

 

[Worksjo5858]

Yeah, that’s how I wound up with two 77RIs. Chose the first because it had a rosewood fretboard, but couldn’t resist the call of the contour.

They call it a belly curve but it’s more of a “titty relief” when I’m in my chair craned over the guitar trying to hunt and peck chords. Lol

 

[Morir]

Had a Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom pop up used like new for a really great price locally and I’m considering jumping on it. Anyone have any takes on the model? I know the 7.25” radius is a thing for a lot of people but is it actually as limiting as people seem to think it is?

Well, I like it so far; with more of a curve, I find it easier to fret bar chords. After hand surgery, my fretting hand gets cramped and fatigued easily, but this radius(I think it’s the same on the ‘51), coupled with the fat neck, seems to make it a bit easier. Time will tell, but after a few hours play, it gets my endorsement.