New Or Used?

[Kel]

Hi all,

 

I'm coming into some inheritance money, and thinking I'll get myself something I've never been able to afford: a real Fender Telecaster.

 

Question is, should I get an old one with a few miles and concerts under it's belt, or a new one off the shelf?

 

I'm not much of a player, and performing isn't my thing... it's more that I've always wanted one.

 

Question is, new or used?

 

Cheers,

 

Kel

[tomcollins]

that is up to you in how much you want to pay and such , being you are not that good , I would opt for a decent used one and then see if you like it then upgrade or if you don't like it , you didn't waste that much cash on it , but you can get a good used for 300-500 depending on what you are looking for , for a few hundred more a real nice martin or something , either way for me it is a win win for you !!

rock on !!

[Rudi]

I would try some used ones first. Take your time over it. Try a few out and do the standard sort of checks *

 

* fret wear / neck strightness (actually a very slight and almost inperceptable inward bow) switch (pots) condition.

[Kel]

thanks for your input guys

[TapperMike]

I picked my blacktop telecaster up new (blem) for $319  there was a slight nick on the edge of the body.

 

As much as the body shape is fairly consistent the necks aren't.  The neck is what you should consider first. Necks are varied.  It's easy to find a shallow C, a "modern" C a standard "C" a "V" or even what I like to call a U (boat) neck.  If you aren't comfortable with the neck...walk away.  It's funny while I do like "some" flat radius necks I really hate the more popular Ibanez ones The just don't "feel right" to my hands. I'm not knocking ibby's some guys love that kind of neck, it's just not for me.

 

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Edited June 13, 2014 by TapperMike

[Kel]

Agreed, it has to feel right

[TapperMike]

Pine is actually a great tonewood for warmth and slightly lighter in weight.  The "no caster" and broadcaster era of tele's used pine bodies.

I'm actually thinking about another telecaster right now and the modern player plus is looking really good.  You guys know me I'm always trying to find that elusive "tele-jazz" tone. The bad thing about pine is.. it dings easy.

[TapperMike]

I just bought that same Fender Modern Player tele plus I couldn't resist.  The blacktop I have is nice but it doesn't have coil tap and it's alder.

The modern player with it's hss configuration and coil tap is really a nice axe though doesn't quite have the super bright bridge pickup sound.

[TapperMike]

Egad my fingers hurt like hell right now.  I've been practicing country bends to get them in shape for when this thing arrives.

 

Larry, I hope I wasn't the guy who outbid you on ebay for it.

[Space]

I think.. it really doesn't matter. I think you will be happy with any quality telecaster. Just think of how much you would be willing to spend on one, and go shopping at a few stores. Bring your amp with you, and you can sit in a room and play every tele they have. The right one will find you. There will be one that just has that little something special that will rub you the right way. If it doesn't jump out at you, from the new OR used section, keep looking. You will know it when you play it.

[davidmichael]

Definitely used for a couple of reasons:

As far as Im concerned , unless you get into high dollar instruments , they just dont have the quality that they used to .

Second consideration:

I wouldnt buy a guitar that I wouldnt consider the fact that I might want to keep the rest of my life .

I must admit that I am a bit of a negotiator price wise , and wont hesitate to walk away from a transaction unless I feel Im getting an excellent deal .

I have bought many guitars for a couple hundred dollars that are worth a thousand to a few thousand ,mostly due to the fact that someone didnt know what they had , or they were just needing quick cash .I know it sounds terrible to take advantage of someones misfortunes , but better me than someone else getting the deal .Example : I bought a 1972 Les Paul Custom for $160 from someone severely down on his luck .I still almost feel guilty about that one .

Third consideration ; Do your homework and know what a guitar is really worth before you even start negotiating .Also never buy an electric without actually plugging it in and seeing what it truely sounds like as far as electronics [pots/pickups/switching/etc] Also look closely for frettwear and neck issues.[straightness/trussrod working correctly/tuning stability/etc]

Thats my 200 and 22 cents worth .Also if it seems too good to be true , it usually is.

Best of luck !!!!!!