The American Vintage Fender line....

Innocent_Bystander

Innocent_Bystander

New member
Has anyone played or owned something from the American Vintage line of guitars from Fender? I'm specifically looking at a Surf Green Tele.

A month or so ago I started looking around for a Surf Green Tele and unfortunately I couldn't find one in my area. I happened to stumble upon one today but the guy is an internet only dealer. It's brand new and he's knocking some money off MAP which seems like a good deal to me. The only problem is I won't get to play it before I buy it and that makes me really, really nervous.

Any insite would be greatly appreciated!

Here's Fender's page on the guitar.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

I played a few 52 Telecaster RIs. They are really awesome guitar. The pickup selector is the real draw of that guitar. The pickups have enough bite to push an amp's tubes, and the selector lets you instantaneously switch tones on the neck pickup. The only thing is that the guitars were not mine, so I didn't have them set up the way I would like to. Plus, I would rather have one with a baritone neck.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

Make sure you're positive that you like laquered maple necks with a 7.25 radius and small vintage frets, because if you don't, you won't like the guitar.
Go play a few at the store, to compare that feel to what you're used to.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

Thanks for the replies up to this point.

Gearjoneser said:
Make sure you're positive that you like laquered maple necks with a 7.25 radius and small vintage frets, because if you don't, you won't like the guitar.
Go play a few at the store, to compare that feel to what you're used to.
Click to expand...

I can't seem to find an '62 Reissue Tele's around me to play them. I chatted with the guy again and it seems like he'd be willing to let me play the guitar and look it over, I'm just not supposed to tell anyone, since he's an internet only dealer. :27:

I'm torn about it though. This is the Tele I wanted based on the specs and the look but I wasn't looking to buy it right now. I just bought a Custom 22 Artist a month ago, so my play money is a little low. I stumbled across this guitar and I really don't want to let it pass me by (given that no one gave me negative feedback about the guitar,) so as usual, I'm now talking to myself and ripping my hair out while walking in circles.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

I own a '52 RI tele and it's great .

Make sure you like 7"25 radius neck before you buy a '62 RI . Try a guitar with this radius before , some Mex strat & tele (classic series) have one , it should be easy to find one in a shop .

Else , you'll get a great tele with this '62RI
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

All of the Fender American RI's are very nice guitars. I have a 52 RI Tele and a 57 RI Strat and they are excellent instruments.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

They're awesome, awesome guitars, but as GJ said if you don't like vintage spec. necks stay away. The best Fender I've ever played was a MIA 57RI ... amazing resonance and classic tone. Stock pickups were pretty sweet, and I actually like those 7.25" boards with the teeny frets.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

I have a 52 Tele RI that has such a gorgeous glassy tone and HUGE sound. The only criticism is that the Nitro finish on many of these guitars is really thin Niro over Polyester. It doesn't feel as good as Pure Nitro necks I have played. You can have this fixed aftermarket. It's a minor thing, but it matters to me a bit.

All in all, they are quality guitars that sound good and stay in tune. I much prefer them to Amer. Std
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

Yep, my singer/rhythm player had a '52 and that was a gorgeous Tele, just about as good as it gets for that style guitar.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

I played a 70's RI strat the naturual wood finish, pups were too bright, I also played the 52' RI tele I loved it, next guitar purchase if gonna be that one in butterscotch blonde.
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

I have a Tele 52 reissue lefty - great guitar. Pickups really shine, playability is nice.

Seems that Fender puts more into the reissue lines - gotta spend the $1200-1400 to get the good fenders...
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

Innocent_Bystander said:
I'm glad to see the positive feedback.

What exactly are the pros and cons to a 7.25 radius?
Click to expand...

I would say it's easier to play chords, however string bending isn't as easy - the notes "fret out" meaning the tone doesn't sustain as well. If your technique is good you can overcome it to a certain point. It's not a "shred" neck - the tele is meant for blues, rock, country, etc. No slayer leads possible here...

Play one and you'll see - you get more wood on your fingers....
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

SF audio said:
I would say it's easier to play chords, however string bending isn't as easy - the notes "fret out" meaning the tone doesn't sustain as well. If your technique is good you can overcome it to a certain point. It's not a "shred" neck - the tele is meant for blues, rock, country, etc. No slayer leads possible here...

Play one and you'll see - you get more wood on your fingers....
Click to expand...

I had a feeling that's what it was. They have a G&L Tele at a local shop that frets out with large bends.

I mostly play Pearl Jam, Neil Young, Rolling Stones, etc, both in terms of covers and styles when playing original music. Needless to say I'm not a shredder at all. :)
 
Re: The American Vintage Fender line....

SF audio said:
I would say it's easier to play chords, however string bending isn't as easy - the notes "fret out" meaning the tone doesn't sustain as well. If your technique is good you can overcome it to a certain point. It's not a "shred" neck - the tele is meant for blues, rock, country, etc. No slayer leads possible here...

Play one and you'll see - you get more wood on your fingers....
Click to expand...

You need to set it up with a medium action if you like to bend notes alot (I do). I have mine set up with the low E 5/64 from the 12th fret and the high E 4/64 from the 12th fret.
 
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