PDA

View Full Version : Fender Road Worn '50s Telecaster...really?!



Ray K.
08-31-2011, 10:39 AM
I bought a used one having never played one from a shop online. Got it Saturday, played it for a few hours and played for a few more hours live Sunday morning.

I'm blown away...and am just as surprised about it as some of you may be!

If you can get past the "ugly" and think of it strictly as a player, this one does and has everything I would want from a Tele. The Tex-Mex pickups work fine, with a bit of grit with the volumes full up. But, for what I paid I can try other pickups if I decide it's warranted.

The neck profile is comfy to me. Mine is "U" shaped, though I've seen it advertised also as a soft "V." Regardless, there's enough wood to grab hold of, but not too much. The 6105 frets help with the 7.25 radius. I have no trouble with bends, etc. The neck relief is spot on and the action is as low as you would ever want it to be. Also, the sanded down back of the neck is as smooth as silk and quite fast. The neck pocket cut and fit is perfect.

I love the thin Nitro finish. It's sunk into the wood, so the grain is easy to see and the checking is done just right, IMO. They didn't overdo it as I've seen on other aged/relic'd guitars.

Mine is a nice 7.2 lbs and well balanced. Very comfortable for extended hours of playing.

Has vintage style split shaft tuners, nut is cut right, intonates perfectly and stays in tune!

The electronics are good, CTS pots, Oak Grigsby switch. I changed the output jack out for one that was tighter. I also played around with various tone caps. The original .047 ceramic won the battle and went back in.

The only very minor issue, which I will correct, is the fret ends. They aren't sprouting and they aren't so sharp that they are uncomfortable, but I'd like to round them off better. They are crowned nicely and though I haven't check yet, I suspect they are leveled pretty well because it plays so well with such low action.

I've been jones'n for a tele for awhile now since I had to let me Hollow T go. I was beginning to think I wasn't going to find one I liked without having spending a boatload of money. Saw some talk about these and decided to try one. This is one of those "diamonds in a rough" scenarios. I wasn't expecting much and it turned out 100% better than I ever would have thought.

If your not into the look, I totally understand. But, try playing one if you get a chance and see what you think then. Except for the small Made In Mexico decal on the back of the headstock the quality of this one is on par or better than the MIA models, IMHO.

Mine is more Butterscotch in color than Blonde. I know ya'll require photos, so since mine is still stock, take a look at these stock photos if interested: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/fender-road-worn-50s-telecaster-electric-guitar

Thanks,
Ray K.

guitarzan
08-31-2011, 02:34 PM
I recorded much of the rhythm tracks for my Strong cd with this same guitar. I think they are a ton of fun for not a ton of money. Congrats, Ray!

morty
09-01-2011, 06:16 AM
i guess Fender make some good instruments, and i have a Fender Strat my self, it have bin my favourite guitar since 91-04, but after i bought my Honnyburst DT it changed! :-) I can try out many Fenders at my local music store, but still I want an Anderson T or Short T! I dont want an new electric without BF tuning!

Ray K.
09-01-2011, 07:59 AM
Hey Corey, That is way cool knowing you've had some hands on experience with one and were confident enough with it to use on your CD!

Now I can tell folks that "Hey, Corey Witt plays one of these!"

I haven't yet figured out how to handle the "who?...what?...who cares?" looks/comments yet, but I'll get back to you on that one. ;)

Thanks,
Ray K.

Ray K.
09-01-2011, 08:09 AM
Morty, I agree, I want a Short T also!

Tom's guitars are refined, well thought out and superbly built, using hand picked tone woods. I still love my HDT and it is my #1 guitar. It gets used all the time.

So, what's not to like? Oh yeah, the price sometimes gets in the way. So, this "traditional style" MIM Tele fits the bill for me now. I agree they're not for everyone though.

Take care,
Ray K.