Hidden Gems of Guit brands

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GassageGassage Frets: 30826
edited January 2019 in Guitar
OK, some fun....as an e.g.- we all know that the Strat and Tele and the Twin, Deluxe and the Bassman are the giants of Fender.

But some of theirs (and anyone else's) ranges have hidden gems that are even better than these.

Like, any fule no's that a LP Jr > Les Paul Standard

Being a Fender nut, here's my take.

Amps
Tweed: 5E9 Tremolux- the best tweed tone ever!
Brown: Deluxe- tone and dirt for days
Black: Vibrolux- just perfect for everything

Guit:
Tele Custom with double WRHB- Les Paul slayer.

So, brand, and their not so famous lesser known hidden gems....name 'em - amps and guits.

*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.

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Comments

  • Here ya go lads....



    *link to my classifieds*
    Give a man a fire and he's warm for the day. But set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life
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  • monoaminemonoamine Frets: 506
    I've got to say, Tokai from the late 80s and early 90s... All made in Japan to a much higher standard than most mass.produced guitars nowadays. My Les Paul top is hand carved and delicious :)
    1979 Tokai TE-85
    1980 Tokai LS-80
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  • mgawmgaw Frets: 5239
    surprised at these recent arrivals chez Mgaw

    Bognor Duende 1x10 combo   tweed deluxey ish   very nice sounding amp

    Hahn 228 telecaster

    liked it so much I went a bought

    Hahn 229 Stratocaster

    fantastically smooth necks, great pickups all in all a very happy chappie 


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  • barnstormbarnstorm Frets: 618
    Spector of bass fame make cracking guitars, too, but you hear absolutely nothing about them.

    I had a go with a USA ARC6 when I was on holiday a few years back and it was a fantastic player. Very comfortable. Hate the flame and quilt finishes they normally come in, but I assume you can order solid colours. I tried an ARC6 Pro (MIK and briefly available here) but it was just okay.

    They've recently started making Strat- and Tele-style guitars, and I'm sure they're very good, too, but the headstock design is awful.

    ARC6-based Kenmare (semi-hollow with carved redwood top):


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  • crunchmancrunchman Frets: 11413
    PRS S2 Satin guitars.  Sound better than the maple topped PRS "Core" series.  Those satin necks feel lovely with a bit of playing wear on them.
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  • HAL9000HAL9000 Frets: 9551
    Fender’s hidden gem is the Squier Affinity Tele. Cheap as chips, fast comfortable neck, and more Tele ‘spank’ than many of their more expensive offerings.

    Not tried one, but the Squier Bullet Mustang also seems to get a lot of love in these parts.
    I play guitar because I enjoy it rather than because I’m any good at it
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  • Greco super real 
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  • IvisonGuitarsIvisonGuitars Frets: 6838
    edited January 2019 tFB Trader
    Epiphone Coronet: 


    http://www.ivisonguitars.com
    (formerly miserneil)
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  • dogloaddogload Frets: 1495
    Not that obscure, but I'll say the Fender Electric XII

    Also, those 90's DeArmonds, particularly the Jetstar, M75T and Starfire Specials
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  • WazmeisterWazmeister Frets: 9446
    Suhr Alt T Pro... with Thornbuckers...

    I never ever thought my main guitar would have this kinda headstock, which Im not a fan of.

    But this Suhr is an incredible, versatile and somehow vintage feeling wonder.


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  • GuyRGuyR Frets: 1323
    Suhr Alt T Pro... with Thornbuckers...

    I never ever thought my main guitar would have this kinda headstock, which Im not a fan of.

    But this Suhr is an incredible, versatile and somehow vintage feeling wonder.


    Liking the look of the Suhr, loving the look of the CAR Strat. Tell us more.......
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  • stimpsonslostsonstimpsonslostson Frets: 5418
    edited January 2019
    Surely Fenders has to be this- Jazzmasters are SO much better than Strats. 
    https://loftandlost.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/thurston-original.jpg

    A wee curve ball- Gretsch

    https://shop.r10s.jp/guitarplanet/cabinet/gretsch/g9500_2sb_all.jpg

    Jim Dandy. Cheap, cheerful and BRILLIANT. 
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  • fretfinderfretfinder Frets: 4978
    edited January 2019
    ESP 400 Series Strats and Teles - gone but not forgotten. Possibly the first Fender copyists to realise that a 9.5” radius board makes for an infinitely better playing experience for the modern guitarist than a 7.25” radius board! 
    250+ positive trading feedbacks: http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/57830/
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  • dindudedindude Frets: 8534
    Vox Virage guitar - the original one from around 2008 - need to own one one day.

    Yamaha MSG - sack of the are revstar and reissue this one please.
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  • I've said this before and I'll say it again - Levinson Blade are exceptional instruments.  Loved by those of us fortunate enough to own them but basically well below most players radar.
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  • DanielsguitarsDanielsguitars Frets: 3261
    tFB Trader
    miserneil said:
    Epiphone Coronet: 


    That's a great guitar, I've got massive build gassage for one right now
    www.danielsguitars.co.uk
    (formerly customkits)
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  • IvisonGuitarsIvisonGuitars Frets: 6838
    tFB Trader
    miserneil said:
    Epiphone Coronet: 


    That's a great guitar, I've got massive build gassage for one right now
    I’ve got one on the go! ;)
    http://www.ivisonguitars.com
    (formerly miserneil)
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  • FunkfingersFunkfingers Frets: 14323
    Gassage said:
    Tele with double WRHB
    A Telecaster with dual WR humbuckers is a Deluxe. CBS even went to the trouble of spelling it out on the headstock decal.

    The Telecaster Custom has one WR and the traditional single coil bridge position pickup.

    The things with edgebound bodies are Custom Telecasters and Esquires.



    My nominations for hidden Fender gems are the Super steel guitars.
    Be seeing you.
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  • bbill335bbill335 Frets: 1368
    Gassage said:

    Black: Vibrolux- just perfect for everything
    The silverface vibrolux reverb is probably the perfect guitar amp for the 21st century (and BF I guess, but collector's premium, no export model, etc). 
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  • Ok, you’ll think I’m nuts but my hidden Fender is the Performer. Properly interesting electronics and wonderfully playable, I regret selling mine. I’m sure it’s possible to get past its looks. 

    Gibson - it’s the Firebird I. 

    Amps - Fender Champ 12 (preferably in snakeskin Tolex). 

    There you are - I’m nuts. 
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