Not really sure why, but I have an itch for a Telecaster. Not played one before, but have developed a real liking for them in terms of how they sound, look etc.
What is worth looking at in £300-£500 range these days? Happy to go down the used route as well as looking at new. Initial consideration was a Fender of some description, but have also looked at G&L Asat as an example. Obviously bit limited at the moment in terms of going to a shop to try one out.
Additionally, I'm keen on Lake Placid Blue (or some other blue) in terms of colour and that seems to be a limiting factor too.
Ideas, thoughts, experiences gratefully received.
Cheers
Comments
something a bit more special, baja for a few quid more perhaps, I'm looking for american special or performer atm myself
also there are a couple of nice mexi road worn fenders on ebay right now
I've heard about Baja - what is different/special about them?
The pricing for MIM ones seems to be quite varied - what should I expect to pay for a used one that is original, in very good / mint condition and hasn't been modded?
Not thought about road worn so will have a look at Ebay now...
Baja's have a bit of difference in the neck, which is called a soft V, some prefer it but you'd probably be best trying it, the neck is also usually gloss on a Baja, while more often satin on a MIM, I'm told that can make a difference if you sweat when gigging so gloss might be better
the Baja also has a four way switch, I don't know what for, a secret cowboy tone or something, different pick ups in baja's too, I can't remember which though
MIM ones probably go anywhere between £250 up to £450, but if you're gonna pay that much you might as well get a brand new MIM player, I let one go stupidly cheap not long ago coz I'm a dope who now needs another one
shop around long enough until you find a dope like me!
Both the 50s and 60s Baja’s custom shop pickups are great, however many players don’t bother with the additional switching too much.
For £3-500 you should easily be able to find a good condition used Player, which is a fine MiM, and good platform for pickup mods should you decide you like the Tele sound...
I'd go with the player, they really are a decent range with no real need to swap anything out. I believe tidepool is supposed to be a bit like when the vintage lake placid blue fenders started to go green over time.
1) one’s younger self was wrong to dismiss the Telecaster as a Country & Western geetar.
2) seventy five years ago, there was an enormous overlap between C&W and Rock ‘n’ Roll.
3) some of the great C&W guitarists were complete and utter fret-melting mofos.
Might be a bit shallow but I really like the look of the blue ones - and swing from favouring one with a maple neck to one with a rosewood one. Looks aren't everything, but they are important (in a guitar anyway).
There seem to be some Players around at the £450-£500/510 range, though that isn't far off a new one, in which case I'd be tempted to go new if the right deal came along.
Also swinging from 'getting a slightly cheaper one that can be modded' to 'just buy a good one as you're never going to mod it'. I think if it was beat up or knocked about, I'd probably be keener to swop things in/out than if it was new and sorted.
Anyway, I think I should play one first to see if I actually like playing one! Now that the shops are starting to open it might be a bit easier. Have also been looking on Reverb, but have never bought anything via that route yet, so a little unsure.
We're so enthusiastic about them, we don't even read the thread, well at first anyhow. We're just all like "Telecaster you say? Get a Baja." That's because WE'RE RIGHT.
If you want a "Tele but a bit different" they're good if you can find a used one. I upgraded the neck and bridge pups on mine, but the neck and overall finish quality is excellent.