Halfway decent tele copies?

[ibanezjunkie]

well, im hushing the pennies away for a better gigging amp at the moment, but the next thing on the GAS list after that is a telecaster or some sort. ive looked at the fenders ones, and concluded i dont have that kinda cash in this current economic climate. so i was wondering if anyones had any experience with a tele copy that they liked for £100-£200? i was thinking about squier affinities but i dont really want to buy a squier, they seem far to entry-level in my opinion.

thanks

[Blaze]

These have pretty good reviews ...

I think DVM has one here ...

http://store.guitarfetish.com/prxv52buashb.html

[tjcurtin1]

Well, listen to Robert play on his last posted clip - that's his Squire Tele (albeit with upgraded pups).

[Blaze]

These have pretty good reviews ...

I think DVM has one here ...

http://store.guitarfetish.com/prxv52buashb.html

or


http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/077800/details.html

[Rocket]

The problem with "halfway decent" guitars are that they're only halfway decent! I personally can't fathom why someone would settle on a halfway decent guitar.
If you must, here's one at Rondo for $99: http://www.rondomusic.com/stl50.html

[markb]

Squier Classic Vibe. Accept no substitutes. Buy now before Fender realise how good they are and rebrand them with an F logo for twice the price. For a more modern alternative you're looking at a used MIM standard.

[Spudman]

Squier Classic Vibe. Accept no substitutes.

This is the best solution. You won't be sorry.

[guitartango]

Have you tried Coda Music (http://www.coda-music.com/product_reviews_info.php?products_id=338&reviews_id=44)
Not too far away from you ?

[duhvoodooman]

These have pretty good reviews ...

I think DVM has one here ...

http://store.guitarfetish.com/prxv52buashb.html
My Xaviere XV820 is certainly better than halfway decent! Not perfect, but a very nice Tele copy that has all the basics right. I wasn't thrilled with the twangy pickups and replaced them recently, and also put on a set of brass compensated saddles, but for ~$170 plus $80 in upgrades, I've got a very nice butterscotch & black Tele! I particuarly love the neck. Its biggest drawback is that the all-ash body makes it quite heavy.

Here's a couple of pics taken when it was brand new (last Dec.):

http://duhvoodooman.com/miscimages/musical/XV820/XV820_full_front.jpg http://duhvoodooman.com/miscimages/musical/XV820/XV820_body_front.jpg

[ibanezjunkie]

after visiting coda music's website today, after being reminded that it exists, i have formulated a plan. what do you think of squier affinity teles? not great in my opinion, but they plan pretty good. the biggest issue for me is pride (dont really want to be seen as playing a starter guitar) and the sound from the pickups. i have some fender headstock logo replacements in my workshop from previous projects, so iwas thinking i could maintain my pride by re-branding the headstock. Once i can afford it, id replace the pickups.

worth the extra effort of modifying?

[Rocket]

i have some fender headstock logo replacements in my workshop from previous projects, so iwas thinking i could maintain my pride by re-branding the headstock. Once i can afford it, id replace the pickups.

worth the extra effort of modifying?
Despicable, illegal, blatant disregard for basic honesty, truly immature.
Seriously... that's how you'd maintain your pride? What pride would that be?

[guitartango]

after visiting coda music's website today, after being reminded that it exists, i have formulated a plan. what do you think of squier affinity teles? not great in my opinion, but they plan pretty good. the biggest issue for me is pride (dont really want to be seen as playing a starter guitar) and the sound from the pickups. i have some fender headstock logo replacements in my workshop from previous projects, so iwas thinking i could maintain my pride by re-branding the headstock. Once i can afford it, id replace the pickups.

worth the extra effort of modifying?

Or you could go the modded squier telecaster at £229 or one of these (http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0327602506). Looks like a nice guitar.

[sunvalleylaw]

Squier Classic Vibe. Accept no substitutes. Buy now before Fender realise how good they are and rebrand them with an F logo for twice the price. For a more modern alternative you're looking at a used MIM standard.

When and if I go for a tele, this one, and the G&L ASAT Tribute (I can find a good used one for around the same as a CV) are the two top contenders.

[oldguy]

Despicable, illegal, blatant disregard for basic honesty, truly immature.
Seriously... that's how you'd maintain your pride? What pride would that be?


Agree........

[Algonquin]

Evening Ibanezjunky. I really don't feel you should have to be worrying about what others think... those who may be judgemental really aren't worrying about.

If you really feel you need to change the decal for appearance sake, have a look at thread such as this. http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=6091&highlight=water+decals

Consider re-branding with a name such as 'Ferden' or something similar. Although you would be upfront about the Affinity's true heritage if and when you sell, the next buyer down the line may not be given the same disclosure.

Just a thought...

[wingsdad]

....worth the extra effort of modifying?
No. Spend a little more upfront instead and get a fully decent Tele clone.


....G&L ASAT Tribute ...

Of course, Steve, you know I 2nd that notion. Asian imports with the same USA G&L pickups that go in the USA G&L's, installed at final setup in CA.
G&L fans at the GLDP have been saying good things about the newer Indonesian Tribute series. But a 5 year old Korean would be a nice, economical snag, indeed.

[ibanezjunkie]

i think, since they come very highly recommended, i might consider the purchase of a Classic Vibe, and replace the squier logo with the fender logo, but keep the squier parts, neckplate etc. i just want the fender look on stage and stuff. i doubt it will ever come to me selling it, but if i do, i will be upfront about its identity as a squier

[sunvalleylaw]

You do as you will with the sticker, and I will not judge. I am sure you would be honest for resale. But FWIW, there is a certain in your face coolness to rip on stage on a guitar that says "Squier" or even (maybe especially) "Daisy Rock". Being bad*** with the gear that works for you without making it look like something that it is not.

[Mr Grumpy]

I, and Im sure several fretters would agree, would say if you could find a Peavey Generation EXP tele on ebay or online in the UK it would be worth a look. Ive got a HSS one, a few on here have other variants and they are very good indeed. Got mine from the Manchester Guitar Show for £75

[ibanezjunkie]

actually come to think of it, i know a bunch of guitarists who play Fenders USA/MiM and it would be fun to own them on a squier...

second thoughts being had about changing the decal.

[markb]

A pink Hello Kitty strat with the pickguard left on would be the ultimate test of r'n'r attitude IMO :D

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/prod_images/guitars/0335005570_md.jpg

[ibanezjunkie]

ahhh its hello kitty!!!

-scared-

stupid emo girls and scene kids with their hellokitty pencil cases, and apparently hellokitty guitars.

its funny how hellokitty's face is only on a squier, not a fender, because the only guitar players who likes hellokitty are either crap or scene kids (which is british metalhead slang for likes paramore and dresses like a hippy)

[BrettS]

Despicable, illegal, blatant disregard for basic honesty, truly immature.
Seriously... that's how you'd maintain your pride? What pride would that be?

I do not believe it is illegal to re-logo—for your own private use.

But, to then represent that as a "real" Fender, (or any trademark) as in a resale, or for value, is fraud.

My personal pref would be to make up my own brand...for yuks, mostly.

Many buy Squiers, and then get a good quality Fender licensed neck. All of the preceding is my just an opinion. I LIKE my Fender...

[tot_Ou_tard]

When and if I go for a tele, this one, and the G&L ASAT Tribute (I can find a good used one for around the same as a CV) are the two top contenders. Me too.

It would be a used G&L or a CV. Most likely a CV.

Here's a review:

http://www.woodytone.com/2009/02/16/classic-vibe-tele-is-un-f-ing-believable/

[Lev]

I understand the temptations of GAS as much as the next man but you have to remember that a really good piece of gear will last you a lifetime. Chances are if you buy an affinity tele it will cure your short term desire for a telecaster, but I guarantee that within 3 months you'll be looking to change pickups, saddles, tuners, pots etc.

I'm not saying that you need to spend big bucks to get a good tone (check this thread for example: http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=11714)but you can save yourself a lot of money by saving a bit harder and for a bit longer and making sure you buy quality gear. You'll appreciate your instrument more too if you have to put in a few extra shifts at work and give up a few nights on the beer to pay for it.

I own 7 guitars but I only gig with one, in hindsight maybe if I'd have bought my Deluxe Strat sooner rather than spending money on guitars that were only half decent I'd have saved $$ in the long run. Just a thought :)

[pes_laul]

I have a squier affinity strat that I really like a whole lot. I think I payed seventy bucks for it used and it still rules. I put some new parts on it to compete when I got my ibanez but ut they are fairly good guitars.

[Lev]

didn't mean to suggest that there's anything wrong with an affinity, just there are more often than not comprimises to be made on lower priced gear. Sometimes it's better to resist initial temptations and bide your time so that you can get the right instrument for you.