What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

[beandip]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

Blackie is a mix of 2 guitars. The Rev has a warehouse of guitars, but then again plays everything under the sun that has strings. SRV's number one is a 63 body with a 59 neck that was "as is" when bought. He had it modified with a left handed trem.

Everyone talks about the quality of wood, this many pieces and that many. B, you know what's up. A US Std Tele will be about the same build quality of USACG. The only place USACG really shines is the ability to get exactly what you want. If you're going for something like what I am (52 Tele with modern appointments) then a custom is what you should go for. If you're wanting something that Fender offers, then that's the best bet.

 

[mrfjones]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

quality.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

Essentially the difference between a USA Fender and a USACG or Warmoth comes down to machining tolerances and differences between 2 pieces of wood. The USA Fender is more likely to have an air pocket at the neck or an unexpected humbucker rout. That´s about it. Both are selected for about the same visual quality, tone is mostly a crapshoot anyway when you´re looking at an unrouted blank or board feet.

This assumes identical hardware and setup on both, meaning that we build both to be identically setup and then merely transplant the hardware.

If I wanted a guitar that Fender builds with exactly the specs and options I want, I would most definitely play a few dozen of those, and only if I didn´t find "the one" would I build her myself, because the home build would probably cost more in the end and would have a lower resale value. After all, using Warmoth /USACG parts to build a "cheap" vintage tele for example will still run about 5-600 dollars without finish..

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

Zerb hit the nail on the head:

Fender: You can play a bunch beforehand and see which one you'll mesh with
USACG/Warmoth: Higher tolerances/quality but only after you have it in your hands will you know if it was what you wanted.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

I realized something as well a few days ago. Yes I can have a custom guitar built by a botique shop, but once it is done, I must pay the bill and keep it. It could be exactly what I want, but might not have the tone I was looking for. I can look through production line guitars and try them out and really find one that I can enjoy/feel connected with. Maybe USA CG can give you a better fit and finish from the get go, but you have no idea about the tone of it until it is in your hands and you've forked over the cash for it.

If the tone isn't what you were looking for, then you will have a hard time getting your money back.

 

[aleclee]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

As stated most Fenders are 3pc bodies and if you get a natural finish on a Tele it will look tacky.

Not really true. They do have the ability to look bad, but then again, so can a one piece body. It all depends on the pattern of the grain for the appearance.

What Beandip said. Can anyone tell me how many pieces are in the body of my MIM Tele? FWIW, I finally got around to swapping out the tortoise pickguard for a black one.

 

[GoDrex]

Re: What sets USACG apart from USA Fender?

I realized something as well a few days ago. Yes I can have a custom guitar built by a botique shop, but once it is done, I must pay the bill and keep it. It could be exactly what I want, but might not have the tone I was looking for. I can look through production line guitars and try them out and really find one that I can enjoy/feel connected with. Maybe USA CG can give you a better fit and finish from the get go, but you have no idea about the tone of it until it is in your hands and you've forked over the cash for it.

If the tone isn't what you were looking for, then you will have a hard time getting your money back.

this is true - that's why it's a good idea to go with tried and true materials and parts. Then at least you can minimize your risk. Or just go for it and get exotic woods for the looks and feel - and live with what it becomes.