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NEW Squier Telecaster Bass!
- Thread starter MUSHROOMSeAcOw
- Start date
Hi ux4484
I ordered mine from Sweetwater and asked them to go ahead and open that virgin box and do the set up for me. Upon arrival the set up was immaculate with no problems whatsoever, low action nice playabiity. I love the sound of the single coil - it has a different edge than the two other P Bass type single coils I own. One has a Lindy Fralin and the other a custom wound Duncan. I can't recommend a better bass and the medium scale for me smokes the playability of a short scale. I can't get around at ALL on the upper registers of a short scale, it's too cramped.
This bass is perfect with the nice wide neck, and mine is has a custom ETS piezo bridge and has been refinished by Pat Wilkins. Sorry, slab body not a problem for me whatsoever. Great bass for beginner or seasoned pro in my opinion.
BassHappy
Beautiful bass! How much did Sweetwater charge for the set up?
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Hi Jean
When you purchase a bass from Sweetwater you have the option of receiving a virgin in the box, so you can have the thrill of opening it fresh from the factory - or they do their thorough examination and set-up process on the bass.
it's free as in "no charge".
BassHappy
2 good points. I also have to say I was pretty impressed by the quality of this bass.
Thanks for the input, guys. I'm still undecided as it looks like I could easily pick up a cheap Affinity for $90 used from GC, possibly less on CL.
One of the things that I seem to have taken away from this thread is the capability to accept the VM Tele as a platform for greater things, if you choose to put the time and effort into upgrading it. It seems that the low cost Affinities do not warrant that treatment, being basically a use and abuse sort of insturment before buying something "nice," if the hobby sticks.
I know that's pretty forward thinking, but somehow it seems acceptably easy, in my mind, to go into something like this as a base, even so much as to cut my own contours for both gut and arm, should I feel motivated. Jeff Beck did it, amirite?
I don't pretend I'll ever amount to anything, but I like the idea of buying a platform to build into something that suits me. Maybe I'm going about this all wrong (likely, really), but the general feeling I've taken away is there's enough raw material to work with in this insturment to become something that can become long term. Seems like alot of posters in this thread have remarked on the overall quality of all the VM Squiers.
You guys have given me something to think about, feel free to keep talking.
One of the things that I seem to have taken away from this thread is the capability to accept the VM Tele as a platform for greater things, if you choose to put the time and effort into upgrading it. It seems that the low cost Affinities do not warrant that treatment, being basically a use and abuse sort of insturment before buying something "nice," if the hobby sticks.
I know that's pretty forward thinking, but somehow it seems acceptably easy, in my mind, to go into something like this as a base, even so much as to cut my own contours for both gut and arm, should I feel motivated. Jeff Beck did it, amirite?
I don't pretend I'll ever amount to anything, but I like the idea of buying a platform to build into something that suits me. Maybe I'm going about this all wrong (likely, really), but the general feeling I've taken away is there's enough raw material to work with in this insturment to become something that can become long term. Seems like alot of posters in this thread have remarked on the overall quality of all the VM Squiers.
You guys have given me something to think about, feel free to keep talking.
Really, I'm not trying to play the "dis your bass" game.
Both of you guys have other basses, and both of you KNOW you're going to play it... You're invested. Adm.f is not.
I liked/wanted this bass from when it came out (if you read this whole thread, you'll see my posts). Since then, I've had FIVE of them in my hands, from really good smaller music stores... All the setups were bad, if I bought it, I'd do the setup and replace the nut myself (stock pup is fine with me), but compared to other VM and CV Squier's out there (of which are fairly rare to be that poorly setup unless they've been abused on the rack). They look beautiful, but I just don't see the usual out of the box value if most VM's. I had a similar experience with the Squier bass VI's I've played (already bought and returned one).
It's been relegated (like the Bass VI) to the "Ill get it at the right price" category on CL, Stupid Deal, or clearance.
I was going to get one on the last Stupid Deal offer, but I'd just bought my Epi JC, and couldn't justify it to the wife.
On the Bronco: Admittedly, I've only played one, it wasn't that noisy in the store, but the setup was spot on. A Mustang (esp a Mikey Way), would I suppose be a better SS suggestion.
Adm.f: If you're thinking buying and then modding/learning all at the same time... Both of the two will suffer. Learn to play first, and as you discover what you do (and don't) like, the modding part will happen organically. Try as many as you can (for as long as you can, you can't tell if you like something in 10 minutes) before buying.
My last words: I like this bass, and kinda still want one, but even if I get one, it's not likely to surplant either of my others.
For Adm.f: IMO, the physicality of it is not optimal for an overweight middle age beginner with early stage arthritis.
Fender JP-90
Epi Bass Club #169 JC sig
Both of you guys have other basses, and both of you KNOW you're going to play it... You're invested. Adm.f is not.
I liked/wanted this bass from when it came out (if you read this whole thread, you'll see my posts). Since then, I've had FIVE of them in my hands, from really good smaller music stores... All the setups were bad, if I bought it, I'd do the setup and replace the nut myself (stock pup is fine with me), but compared to other VM and CV Squier's out there (of which are fairly rare to be that poorly setup unless they've been abused on the rack). They look beautiful, but I just don't see the usual out of the box value if most VM's. I had a similar experience with the Squier bass VI's I've played (already bought and returned one).
It's been relegated (like the Bass VI) to the "Ill get it at the right price" category on CL, Stupid Deal, or clearance.
I was going to get one on the last Stupid Deal offer, but I'd just bought my Epi JC, and couldn't justify it to the wife.
On the Bronco: Admittedly, I've only played one, it wasn't that noisy in the store, but the setup was spot on. A Mustang (esp a Mikey Way), would I suppose be a better SS suggestion.
Adm.f: If you're thinking buying and then modding/learning all at the same time... Both of the two will suffer. Learn to play first, and as you discover what you do (and don't) like, the modding part will happen organically. Try as many as you can (for as long as you can, you can't tell if you like something in 10 minutes) before buying.
My last words: I like this bass, and kinda still want one, but even if I get one, it's not likely to surplant either of my others.
For Adm.f: IMO, the physicality of it is not optimal for an overweight middle age beginner with early stage arthritis.
Fender JP-90
Epi Bass Club #169 JC sig
I actually don't own the Telecaster, I've just spent lots of time playing them at stores since they were finalists on my last two bass purchases. I know, how very American Idol of me, lol. I just didn't see the set up issues on the ones I played. My main advice to fookbar is whatever bass you get, just plan on having a guy set it up for you. One who doesn't work at GC. It will add to your enjoyment and help your physical issues. Also, check out Waterstone basses and Eastwood basses.
I owned this bass (comes in 2 varieties - single coil or 2 humbuckers - liked the sound of the single coil best). Liked it very much. Found the neck to be somewhat wider than a Jazz or P Bass. Most important to me was that the edges were more square than rounded like the other models. Although the wider neck made fingering easier, the square edges didn't suite my comfort level and I traded it. Quality was high for a $300 bass.
Asked my GC today if they are gonna get any of these and the guy laughed and said only if a bunch of people ask for them
These are still available at MF in either black or blonde (single pickup model only) as of this morning for only $199.99. I'm guessing this is a "last hurrah" for this model, and when this batch is gone, they're GONE! If you've been waiting for the close out, this is probably it. I've got a blonde one coming to complement the "Special" VM Telecaster (wo-pickup version) that I have already. YOLO, right?
BassHappy
Supporting Member
Hey Eldoryder
I modded my Tele a bit and I love it.
For $200 bucks it's a pretty incredible medium scale neck. No fingerboard - frets are slotted right into the neck old school style. I was lucky enough to get a neck off ebay for $150 but I would definitely pay $200 just for the neck. This is what I did with the ebay neck. 1954 replica in medium scale. This bass smokes too:
Build diary here for the Tele: http://www.innertainment.net/tbass.html
And here for the 54 P Bass: http://www.innertainment.net/1954.html
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Love my Tele. I got it with a GC 15% off ticket they sent me. It is one of the best built "newer" Squiers I have had. The only issue again the weight. This one is a single coil and a little lighter that the humbucker model.
There is no way it's basswood as a TB'er found and told here. I just got a great 87' MIJ Fender P bass that has a basswood body and the difference is night and day in weight vs,. the Squier.
There is no way it's basswood as a TB'er found and told here. I just got a great 87' MIJ Fender P bass that has a basswood body and the difference is night and day in weight vs,. the Squier.
