Got an itch for a Tele

[mboogman]

Should I just grab an inexpensive Mexican Tele, or should I hold out for something a little nicer. I've never actually owned a Tele, so I'm not sure how I might get along with it. I know I can replace the pickups in the guitar, so that's not an issue. Is the build on the Mexi Tele's up to snuff? I owned a great Mexi Strat years ago, and loved it, so I'm not against the Mexican quality. Thoughts?

 

[CaseyCor]

If you want to go with a Mexican Tele, make sure to find the right one first. No buying sight-unseen!

 

[steve_k]

A good Tele is a great guitar. Very true and always predictable.

 

[Spaceboy]

If you decide to go the cheap route, I've got a Squier Classic Vibe Custom that's still very new for sale. Don't let the brand name fool ya, it's a good guitar, I'm just not a tele man after all. I was in the same boat as you, and got this instead of a MIM.

 

[steve_k]

The only difference between Mexican fenders and American fenders is that the Mexican ones are made by mexicans in Mexico and the American ones are made by mexicans in america

 

[mboogman]

I think I'm leaning toward unloading a couple of redundant guitars, and getting at least a American standard tele. I guess time will tell. I'd really love an American deluxe b-bender tele, just cause I think it would be fun.

 

[SFW]

Grab a MIM Tele and slap a Duncan Broadcaster pickup in it and get ready to rock!

If you want to spend extra, the Road Worn Teles are some of the best guitars that Fender is banging out these days.

 

[RockStarNick]

The only difference between Mexican fenders and American fenders is that the Mexican ones are made by mexicans in Mexico and the American ones are made by mexicans in america.

In some ways this is true. At the end of the day, a tele is just two pieces of wood bolted together.

BUT... in my experience, a lot of the Mexican ones have been heavier, and had much thicker finishes on them.

 

[Joeytpg]

If you decide to go the cheap route, I've got a Squier Classic Vibe Custom that's still very new for sale. Don't let the brand name fool ya, it's a good guitar, I'm just not a tele man after all. I was in the same boat as you, and got this instead of a MIM.

show me some pictures and specs, how much do you want for it?

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I'm in the same boat.. i think christmas time, Tele it is. I just see some great tones coming from them. Maybe it is the way the pickups are wound but i dig em. I'd get a cheapo that played well and then i'd slap whatever pickups Kotzen uses in there and call it a rocking day!

 

[gibson08]

Def been on a Tele kick myself lately, 3 in the past 2 mos!. I will suggest the Tele Special, American with Texas Specials, GREAT feeling Tele with some balls! And under 900 new!

 

[Mudder]

Look for a MIJ Fernandes TE series. Killer teles for about what a nice Mexi-fender goes for.

 

[threadkiller]

First of all, I fully support your tele gas. I've have been amazed since I got one at how something so simple can do so many things so well. Second, if you are thinking about getting a MIM I would pick up one of the classic vibe squier's instead. Whoever mentioned that above is dead on. They are great instruments and dirt cheap. In fact, I'd put them up against some of the american standards I've picked up.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Warmoth. Build what you want.

 

[ConcreteVampire]

Researched the shit out if this.....(and now don't have the money... doh!!)
Baja, Mexico custom shop. Ditch the wiring if you don't like.
The roadworn, then the Highways.
The Meheeco classic 50's, then the squire 50's.....
All in order of price/wood/neck/authenticity....

I'll probably partscaster anyway, I want a baseball bat rosewood neck!

 

[Enjolras56]

I usually walk right by the Mexican Fender selection...
I own a couple of great Gibsons and other pro guitars. Quality is of great importance to me.

Then I saw a used MIM Fender '72 Thinline reissue in natural and it got me incredibly curious. Picked it up and fell in love. Bought it for $600 out the door. I agree with the poster above who said do not buy sight unseen, definitely play one cuz they can be incredibly different one from the other.

Having said that, I recently played on of the new USA Fender '72 Thinline reissues at a store. Immediately noticed thinner finish and more natural unplugged resonance.

Still love my MIM. If it speaks to you, who cares where it's made!!!

 

[lolzgreg]

How about this one? She's a winner, but I want a So-Cal:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=98007

 

[jlbaxe]

I have been looking for one the past 3-4 months actually started last year when I saw an old Led Zepplin vid and page was playing his Dragon Tele. I found a USA Fender that played really nice, but it had the same finish as my Strat. Im looking for a Butternut sort of color. More of a clasic style I guess. I am definitely going with a USA standard or Deluxe. I have a USA Deluxe Strat with the S1 switching, never use the S1 switching and dont care for the tone of it, But the feel of the guitar is Awesome.

 

[mboogman]

Def been on a Tele kick myself lately, 3 in the past 2 mos!. I will suggest the Tele Special, American with Texas Specials, GREAT feeling Tele with some balls! And under 900 new!

I think I might be looking in to one of these. I could probably make that happen.

 

[rupe]

Nash