NGD: Back with the Telecasters

GavRichList

I have an odd relationship with telecasters. In theory I love them. I've bought and sold so many of all shapes and denominations over the years that I've lost count. 

Decided that I wanted another as a gigging backup to my jazzmaster / a nice alternative for certain tracks, so when this came up at a good price I snaffled it right up. 

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/guitarsforminnaars/8582724C-B26D-4014-96DD-65DB4FE88EAA.jpg

Lovely burst on it, and it's as light as a feather; 7 and a half pounds to be exact. A telecaster. Who knew?! 

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/guitarsforminnaars/A1BAD49C-5A3B-4458-A866-D85B360451F0.jpg

MiM '72 Classic series Custom. Plan is to de-goop the neck and tru-oil it, replace the plastic nut, fit compensated saddles, then eventually go for Mojos WRHB and Esquire bridge pickups, though the stock sound better than expected. 

After I dismantled it and cleaned it all up, I'm really pleased with it - entirely unmessed with, and fit and finish are immaculate. 

Shark_Eyes

Excellent score, the custom is on my "guitars to own before I die" list. Nice sunburst too, how does the current humbucker balance with the bridge pickup?

GavRichList

It's ok actually. I'd heard many a tale of intense muddiness, so was pleasantly surprised - perfectly usable. I do however want to go for the Mojo, so that I have the proper WRHB sound, and not just a sheep in wolfs clothing. Bridge is nice and spanky. 

english_bob

I miss the usual Still Ill backdrop

GavRichList

english_bob said:

I miss the usual Still Ill backdrop

There you go

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff193/guitarsforminnaars/9C88C26B-87FF-4D27-86EB-34A45266E3B8.jpg

Shark_Eyes

GavRichList said:

It's ok actually. I'd heard many a tale of intense muddiness, so was pleasantly surprised - perfectly usable. I do however want to go for the Mojo, so that I have the proper WRHB sound, and not just a sheep in wolfs clothing. Bridge is nice and spanky. 

Yeah, I'd heard tales of unusable muddiness, but then some people think that about the standard tele neck pickup. It'd be good to hear a comparison between the two neck pickups when you swap them over.

GavRichList

Duly noted

impmann

I keep meaning to order the WRBs from Mojo for my Tele Deluxe (with trem). TBH, the standard pickups are ok - a bit generic and a bit dark. But they aren't so bad as to need instant changing.

Nice score... even if it is sunburst. ;-)

GavRichList

impmann said:

I keep meaning to order the WRBs from Mojo for my Tele Deluxe (with trem). TBH, the standard pickups are ok - a bit generic and a bit dark. But they aren't so bad as to need instant changing.

Nice score... even if it is sunburst. ;-)

I do it just to annoy you and jack these days 

impmann

GavRichList said:

impmann said:

I keep meaning to order the WRBs from Mojo for my Tele Deluxe (with trem). TBH, the standard pickups are ok - a bit generic and a bit dark. But they aren't so bad as to need instant changing.

Nice score... even if it is sunburst. ;-)

I do it just to annoy you and jack these days 

:-)

My Tele Deluxe is sunburst too... as is the PRS.

I've come to the conclusion that you can't hear colour.

GavRichList

impmann said:

GavRichList said:

impmann said:

I keep meaning to order the WRBs from Mojo for my Tele Deluxe (with trem). TBH, the standard pickups are ok - a bit generic and a bit dark. But they aren't so bad as to need instant changing.

Nice score... even if it is sunburst. ;-)

I do it just to annoy you and jack these days 

:-)

My Tele Deluxe is sunburst too... as is the PRS.

I've come to the conclusion that you can't hear colour.

And I just like em! 

Vaiai

I just saw this pic on Instagram....just made the connection... lol
Nice score - thinking about a Classic Vibe tele as a backup as my Guthrie Charvel is a bit of an expensive backup option. I play my Suhr Tele almost exclusively now.

GavRichList

Vaiai said:

I just saw this pic on Instagram....just made the connection... lol
Nice score - thinking about a Classic Vibe tele as a backup as my Guthrie Charvel is a bit of an expensive backup option. I play my Suhr Tele almost exclusively now.

Second hand fender surely a better option? Mine was £425, which seems to be the going rate if you shop around 

JezWynd

GavRichList said:

It's ok actually. I'd heard many a tale of intense muddiness, so was pleasantly surprised - perfectly usable. I do however want to go for the Mojo, so that I have the proper WRHB sound, and not just a sheep in wolfs clothing. Bridge is nice and spanky. 

I had a road worn version a while back and was impressed by the range of tones you could get by blending the two pickups together. Yes, the neck is a bit flat by itself, but as you blend in some bridge there's some lovely sounds there. Great score!

jonnygreentrees

Looks great, nice score!

Always find it weird how the pickguard around the bridge on Tele Customs looks hacked out though!

GavRichList

I've always loved the look of them, but I know they're not to everyone's tastes

jonnygreentrees

GavRichList said:

I've always loved the look of them, but I know they're not to everyone's tastes

Don't get me wrong I think they look great, it's just the wobbly pickguard lines around the bridge looks like a chunk has been taken out with a hacksaw, just seems an odd aesthetic decision on Fender's part

GavRichList

Also, strung it up with 10s. My god, they feel like cotton thread. Will need 11s immediately. Cannot wait for the compensated saddles to arrive either - how did anyone ever intonate these?

blueskunk

Good catch that

usedtobe

Very cool indeed!

Teetonetal

very nice. A good tele is a fine thing!