Tele with beefier tone

[Pieman]

I like the tones coming out of this Joe Strummer tele. And I have a Dr Z Carmen Ghia. I would think about picking up the Joe Strummer tele but it is so darn beat up.

Any thoughts on something similar. Rosewood board and then MIM, CIJ, USA. But how do I narrow this down. It's like asking which Chevy is right for me? Probably should take this to the TDPRI board, but so many of you are into non-Hamers that I thought I would ask here before going to the Fender boards.

[Steve Haynie]

The beat up look on a "new" guitar is a turn-off, but...

The local music store has a new Fender Road Worn series Telecaster that has all the right feel and tone. It screams "buy me" at everyone who picks it up.

[bubs_42]

I like the tones coming out of this Joe Strummer tele. And I have a Dr Z Carmen Ghia. I would think about picking up the Joe Strummer tele but it is so darn beat up.

Any thoughts on something similar. Rosewood board and then MIM, CIJ, USA. But how do I narrow this down. It's like asking which Chevy is right for me? Probably should take this to the TDPRI board, but so many of you are into non-Hamers that I thought I would ask here before going to the Fender boards.

I would try the new Specials. I've played three of them and they are all great. Play Great, Feel Great, Sound Great. IMHO of course.

[gwayne]

Unless is has to say Fender on the headstock, take a look at the G&L ASAT Special.

[HSB0531]

I think most of what your hearing there is the amp's output x-former just saturated to hell and the tubes driven to max.

That's the fat tone right there.

Low power amp driven balls out screaming for mercy .

So, what are you playing guitar wise?

I'd say demo a Dr. Z Monza with your guitar first.

You might find that's the way to go, and it may be the cheaper route.

Jim

[JohnnyB]

Unless is has to say Fender on the headstock, take a look at the G&L ASAT Special.

Exactly! If you want more raucous tone with a bit more beef and output, but not more twang, the ASAT Special delivers. It interacts better with vintage amps (or those w/o Master Vol) to get a nice gritty overdrive--thanks to its higher output--compared to standard Tele pickups.

And if you need to do it on the cheap, their Tribute Series offers an import version. Still uses ash body and the same USA pickups.

[harry65]

just buy a nice mim tele, gotta try em out, some feel great , some not so much, then buy a set of fralin 5% overwind pickups , they will give you the grind you want but will not be muddy , i use the 2% overwind in my t-51(hamer version of a tele) and it is my fave pickup i've ever used , it twangs,grinds, anything i ask of it , the 5% will give a bit more grind and bit less twang , should be perfect for you imho.......................

[Jeff R]

I'm a big fan of Rio Grande "Muy Grande" tele replacements. Phat ass tele tones when you push, gets into the P-90 realm.

And I'll second the ASAT Special for the same reason/results.

[JohnnyB]

I'm a big fan of Rio Grande "Muy Grande" tele replacements. Phat ass tele tones when you push, gets into the P-90 realm.

And I'll second the ASAT Special for the same reason/results.

And the Tributes have the USA pickups; no need to buy aftermarket to bring an import up to snuff. Here's a semi-hollow on eBay w/free shipping.

1987 USA model with black hardware (I love the ASATs from this period) here.

[DaveL]

The beat up look on a "new" guitar is a turn-off, but...

The local music store has a new Fender Road Worn series Telecaster that has all the right feel and tone. It screams "buy me" at everyone who picks it up.

right now, road worns are stupid cheap... they're starting to show up on

craig's list for $500-$600... they would have sold twice as many of

those blonde teles had they put on a black guard... Those Tex Mex pickups

are pretty chunky...

[jaberwock]

Make a partscaster; my favorite recipe: One piece extra light weight swamp ash body

One piece, quarter sawn, vintage contour, maple neck

Harmonic Design vintage plus Tele pickups

Hardware to your taste.

Assembled,and set up correctly this guitar will sound fabulous, and if you check out the bargain sections you could build it for under a grand.

[Jakeboy]

Contact Aaron at Rumpelstiltskin Pickups 7 request his 10K braodcaster pup....FAT tele tone for days yet it will still twang enough clean....just tell him what you want in a tele pup & he can wind it for you at an incredibly low price....I have 3 of his pups...a classic tele set & the beefy broadcaster....