Tele from where? US, Mexico or Japan?

I am looking into picking up a Tele, but am becoming a little confused about origin. What is the poop on US vs. Mexico vs. Japan on guitar quality and playability?

Thanks in advance!

Wayne

Post edited by: TulsaWayne, at: 2008/02/07 20:27

fender makes difference between standard & classic models which are manufactured outside of the United States and between American, Special edition and Highway One models, which are manufactured in the USA

That I know. All of my Fenders are US made. I have heard that the Mexican and Japanese guitars are pretty decent too. I was wondering if anyone had heard that or had any personal experience.

I see You wanted to hear from someone owning a non-US made Fender. I am sorry, I don't own one. But I hope someone will see this and tell about his experience here

Just a quick update and perhaps closure to this thread. I went to a couple music stores here in Tulsa and picked up a mexican made Tele and played a little. Ever since I started playing, I have always used American made Fenders. There IS a difference between a mex and an American, a BIG difference. They feel no where near the same and quite frankly I found the mex not only odd feeling but uncomfortable as well. So what did I do? Well, let's say it this way, my new American made Tele is real smooth.

Post edited by: TulsaWayne, at: 2008/02/21 15:15

You traded it in?

OK, so at least you tried. It is good to know - thank you for giving this feedback What was the thing that made it feel 'uncomfortable'?

I think there are a couple of differences. First the finish is poly and not the traditional lacquer, made the "feel" a little strange, not really smooth. The finish also makes the maple look very white and does not have the warm glow the lacquer does. Lacquer will also continue to age, the poly won't. (I prefer maple fretboards over rosewood). Secondly, I don't belive the fret work is as good. The edges are a lot more sharp and on one neck the frets were just too long, very uncomfortable, could actually scratch my hand. Lastly, (this is probably just in my head) but the "feel" overall just wasn't right and I am not sure if I could explain it any further than that.

TulsaWayne, that's very detailed - thank you very much for explaining. Now we got something to watch out for when buying a Mex Fender and take into consideration.


(ok, plz tell me: did you trade it? )

On the other hand..I've gone over(set up and smoothed out), Mexican fenders and the electronics(P/U's wire etc) is what really sets them apart..The finishes too..Los lonely boys(3 Garza bros) lead guitar plays a Mexican strat..You just have to be that much more selective on which one you buy....I have a 300$ Korean Hamer..I replaced all the elecs and hardware with official Gibson stuff..Set it up and I like it as well if not better then my 59 and 57 Offiicial Les Paul Gibson's..It sounds just like Anguses SG..AC/DC and plays like butter.....My fave top 3..Go figure??

That is true crobar, especially if you are or have a luthier who can rework a guitar for you.

Slash, from your earlier post, what did you mean by "plz tell me: did you trade it"? I'd be glad to tell you, but what did you mean? Did I trade what?

I think I misunderstood you, Tulsa. I read that you had bought a Mex version and now have an American made one instead of that one. But now I reread it I see you played the Mex version in the store and didn't actually buy it. I wondered how come you bought a Mex one and ended up with a new US one.


My misunderstanding, sorry

No apology necessary. No blood, no foul.