Fender Tele - Paisley finish

Anyone had any experience with these ? Ive seen a few in online stores but not had the chance to play one. Ive played quite a few teles in shops + a few friends have one. Ive really liked everyone ive played (from squire to USA made). This particular geetar is pretty cool but im not gonna buy it on looks alone.

There going for around £450 - £500 so im guessing they're mexican or japanese.

any response is much appreciated cheers

japanese.

They're Japanese. I think that the quality of Japanese Fenders (at least the export stuff) is not as good as it once was, however these guitars got a superb review in Guitarist magazine recently which IMHO was a bit over the top (swayed by the cool looks maybe? or advertising revenue?) but who am I to say - find one and try it!

One thing I don't understand - in general, popular opinion appears to be that the thinner the finish, the more resonant the guitar body? These Teles have a piece of textured wallpaper stuck on each face and then have a great thick coating of laqcuer to even the thing out - so how can they sound good? Beats me...

I played a couple for some time in Coda a few months back before getting the American tele.

They are nice , felt better than the Mexicans I compared them with . Action was great , nice tone and felt the part. Mind you , they didn't feel as nice as the American teles I tried and the neck pickup wasn't quite as 'jazzy' and on 'crunch' settings , the bridge just didn't quite have the balls I expected. Really nice though ,.

I doubt you would be disappointed , but somehow I just felt the American models weer 'more like a tele'.

Hope that makes some sort of sense

In my opinion, the best country for producing Fenders at the moment, besides the US, is definitely Mexico.....I personally feel that they easilly equal the American models.....

Cheers guys.

I dont really have (or see myself having) the kind of ca$h to buy a proper american tele' (although it would be nice)

Sorry to pester you again but do you think £500 is a good deal for what you get with this guitar ?.

I would recommend that you look in LOOT and buy a 'proper' American Tele for around £500. An ash body would be my preference as IMO it gives the authentic tele sound.

the ones I've tried have a very light body and I can't help but imagine that this will affect the sound. I agree, hold out for an american tele or the mexican ones are also rather good for the money

Al

Yeah, the Jap ones are made from basswood (same factory as Ibanez you see) so it will be lighter, and possibly mellower in sound too.

Daniel C.