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Which Tele should I keep? Deluxe vs Hot Rod

Discussion in 'Telecaster Discussion Forum' started by Sky King, Oct 25, 2015.

  1. Oct 25, 2015 #1
    Sky King

    Sky King Tele-Meister

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    I know only I can decide but.... I'd love your input. You know... perceived value, resale, versatility
    Just picked up this 50's Hot Rod.... and I'm wondering if it should replace my American Deluxe.. I probably shouldn't keep both

    I thought the American Deluxe was going to check all the 'Vintage but Modern' desires,
    but lately I feel like its kind of redundant to my main axe
    a white American Standard with Lollars that I will never sell (also pictured below)
    They both have rosewood necks, while the Hot Rod has maple (my only one)
    Also.. I hate the silver Fender logo but have lived with it.
    It's lightweight, and the contoured back is very comfy... but I feel it loses a little of the Mojo a fully bound body provides.
    I did get it for a steal so I would make money selling it

    The 50's Hot Rod provides a completely different tonal pallet with the Humbucker and 4-Way switch
    It has so many Modern features that are completely hidden... Locking Tuners, Micro-Adjustable staggered brass saddles, Compound Neck
    Heavier than the deluxe, but its perfect intonation and bell-like tones make it closer to Custom Shops I've played than the Deluxe
    Though the deluxe does play like butter and could probably benefit from an expert setup.

    It's tough though because that sunburst bound top is gorgeous...
    What would you do?
     

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  2. Oct 25, 2015 #2
    GK34

    GK34 Tele-Meister

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    I would keep the Hot Rod. I like the color combo on your American Standard.
     
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  3. Oct 25, 2015 #3
    Vintagebrit

    Vintagebrit Tele-Holic

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    Why shouldn't you keep them both?
    If one has to go, I think the American Deluxe should be the one.
    As you say the Hot Rod Humbucker adds that extra tonal variety.
     
  4. Oct 25, 2015 #4
    Sky King

    Sky King Tele-Meister

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    Ya... it actually seems wrong to get rid of one.. I'll admit.
    The 3 telecasters I've ever pined for are finally mine.. all very high quality.

    But that Hot Rod popped up right after the Historic 335 I bought... and the Tone King... and the Grestch...
    Boy oh boy... he who dies with the most toys wins right??
    First world problems....
     
  5. Oct 25, 2015 #5
    xtrajerry

    xtrajerry Doctor of Teleocity

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    The guitars are different enough that they aren't redundant. If you can $wing it I say keep them each..
     
  6. Oct 25, 2015 #6
    wahscoot

    wahscoot Tele-Meister

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    Hello there!

    I have exactly the same issue.

    I bought the deluxe (mine has a maple fretboard) and the 52 Hot Rod a year apart.

    The Hot Rod does it for me with the thicker neck and all the other goodies.

    I also have an AM Std but I rarely play it. It's a tough choice. Std should go I think as the deluxe is a superior instrument. Don't regret whatever you do, remember their is no tow hitch on a hearse....
     
  7. Oct 25, 2015 #7
    wahscoot

    wahscoot Tele-Meister

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    I like the color combo on the Deluxe...but that's a supeficial thing...if you don't want to pick it up you will never play it.
     
  8. Oct 25, 2015 #8
    Sky King

    Sky King Tele-Meister

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    Thanks for the input guys... just what I needed.

    It did just occur to me after reading the "Show Me Your Bigsby's" thread.
    Maye a Bigsby would solve the redundancy issue.
    The bound sunburst with Bigsby would be money.
     
  9. Oct 25, 2015 #9
    sonny wolf

    sonny wolf Friend of Leo's

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    I prefer the 50s Hot Rod...it has the classic butterscotch blackguard look which is my favourite ever for a Tele.The grain on yours is nice too so I would keep it.
     
  10. Oct 25, 2015 #10
    acstorfer

    acstorfer Tele-Holic

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    I'd keep the hot rod purely for the humbucker tones you can get from it.

    Either way you're left with two beautiful Teles.


    Kiss My Shiny Nitro Ash!
     
  11. Sep 13, 2018 #11
    wahscoot

    wahscoot Tele-Meister

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    Hey dude...what did you end up doing in the end?
     
  12. Sep 13, 2018 #12
    adjason

    adjason Poster Extraordinaire Silver Supporter

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    another vote for keeping the hotrod...I recorded a bunch of songs years ago and the guy let me play his hotrod-it was a nice guitar so I kept mine in the case
     
  13. Sep 13, 2018 #13
    John C

    John C Friend of Leo's

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    Zombie Thread from 3 years ago - the OP hasn't been here since August 2017.
     
  14. Sep 14, 2018 #14
    Fendereedo

    Fendereedo Poster Extraordinaire

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    Don't get rid of the Hot Rod. I'm no lover of of butterscotch, but they are amazing players IMO.
     
  15. Sep 14, 2018 #15
    brookdalebill

    brookdalebill Tele Axpert Ad Free Member

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    Hot Rod!
     
  16. Sep 14, 2018 #16
    nicod98

    nicod98 Tele-Afflicted

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    In the original post, it seems like it was already decided... and with a decision for the right reasons... Keep the hot rod!
     
  17. Sep 14, 2018 #17
    robt57

    robt57 Telefied Ad Free Member

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    A reason for one over the other, a main reason... Could only be told by playing each IMO. And only you can decide by your druthers which has more assets over others by your own druthers IMO.

    Asking opinions from the users here is most likely to solicit answers mostly on looks, or perceived goodness which may or may not exist in each individual axe.

    Seems like the OP just enjoys having nice guitars, no better reason really. ;)
    But if the OP is so close as to choosing a goner that he could actually be swayed by posts here... I both pity that choice, and envy the fact that he has so many nice gits as to be in the situation. ;)

    I get into this less with guitars since I just started making the ones I want, but more so with my cycling vise. And making one of those from scratch is not a new direction of learning to make mouse traps I intend to path wise. Although I do wrench parts into a complete ride, but that is how the guitar making started too. :confused:



    But for stylistic reasons, one of them looks just like my #1. The Robbin Ford look kill me frankly, and as much as I loves me a maple twanger, I lean rosewood unless slim and/or vintage frets. But that is my druthers.
     
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2018
  18. Sep 14, 2018 #18
    Crobbins

    Crobbins Friend of Leo's Ad Free Member

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    Another vote for the Hot Rod.
     
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