I have a really super MIJ Squier from the 80's...one of the more "sought" after models. I bought it from my bass player a few years ago because I was playing a fair bit of slide when I was fronting my blues band. So I tuned several guitars to open tunings. The Squier Tele was my open G. I paid $50 for it ? ?
But last year I bought a new one that I've been wanting for a while and Tele-wise it is my new favorite. The
Made
In
The
USA Fender Nashville B-Bender Telecaster. This guitar actually developed a bender issue about 2 weeks in and rather than have Fender fuck it up more under warranty, I sent it to Gene Parsons....the man who invented the B Bender for Clarence White, when they were in The Byrds. For $300 or so, he dialed it out unbelievable and gave it the long throw modification so now the bend is sweet and musical. They are usually set up to bend really fast which is what the new school like Brad Paisley and all those cats like. Now the throw is longer and smoother....you can still bend it fast but with the extra distance you can really play with it.
I had Gene sign the guitar for me. I wanted him to sign inside the cavity while it was open, but he misunderstood and signed the back with Sharpie. I don't reckon it is gonna be too long 'fore that rubs off.
The stock hardware seems very good so far. The pickups are nice and being a Strat player, I like having the Strat pickup in the middle.....it is wired out of phase so it has hum canceling when you are in a middle position.
Oh these pics were taken before I sent it up North to Gene, so no signature yet. It still has some of the plastic wrap stuck under the screws. ? Yeah in the 4th picture that is not a scratch on the chrome....it's a plastic booger. I know it is not a 100% pure Tele.... as far as the Tele purists are concerned...seeing as she has the extra pickup, B-Bender, Modern bridge......... but I like it and it's all mine bought 'n paid for.
If I could have an SG and a 335, my life as an electric guitar buyer would be complete. Well.................................okay, Byrdland, Parker Fly, PRS DGT, Martin, Taylor, Goodall, Suhr, Reverend.........on and on.......but you know what I mean. With a 335 and SG I could move on to the hereafter satisfied.
