Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

[veryhungrycaterpilla]

I picked up a Koa Tele a few days ago. I had been scoping out the guitar for about a year on the Fender site. I just couldn't get over the basswood body under the Koa. Basswood and SD Alnico Pro IIs seemed counter-intuitive? Well, after trying a couple models I bought the one that had the most acoustic resonance and was lightest. (The Koa top was not as distinctive, but heck, it still looks like a US PRS).

Well let me tell you, the basswood/koa and the AP IIs work awesome together. Whether it was Fender or SD that descided on combining the two, they did well. It has twang, but the low end with some amp models makes me shake my head in disbelief. I have never heard such an extended low end out a guitar. I love it! How much is the pups and how much is the basswood? I know Ken Parker loved basswood for the extended low end. I didn't think a guitar could hit those low frequencies without altered tunings. My only experience with basswood was with a FR-equipped Jackson Fusion. That guitar never had that low frequncy response. (I miss that guitar though).

This guitar is great for rock (Page tones are a natural) and aggressive blues. Clean is wonderful for pop, jazz, and modern country. If somemone is looking for a Tele that is off the beaten path and looks amazing, check out the Koa tele.

 

[Moonsorrow]

Re: Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

I did try out the koa tele and strat at a GC about a year ago or so.....IMO very nice guitars indeed!!! Congrats!!

 

[Guest]

Re: Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

I understand it's a koa veneer,. How think are we talking? Just decorative or actually enough to impart a change in tone?

 

[BRHGM]

Re: Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

I was wondering the same thing. I believe Warmoth and Carvin sell solid Koa bodies. Was it to save money, weight or to change the tone of the bass wood? I didn't like the Koa Strat much. I will say it's not for everyone. I really liked the Koa Tele, but I want a '52 as well.

 

[veryhungrycaterpilla]

Re: Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

Thanks all. According to Fender it is a koa veneer. How much it adds to the tone is probably negligible. But the top is gorgeous. The birds-eye maple neck is beaut, too.

 

[Hoss]

Re: Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

i've never plugged one in...might have to try one after all!? they do look good!

 

[Moonsorrow]

Re: Koa Tele-impressions after 4 days

I was wondering the same thing. I believe Warmoth and Carvin sell solid Koa bodies. Was it to save money, weight or to change the tone of the bass wood? I didn't like the Koa Strat much. I will say it's not for everyone. I really liked the Koa Tele, but I want a '52 as well.

It is a koa veneer and it`s just for the look,but they are nice guitars nontheless and true....not for everyone!