Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Brow on May 15, 2008, 04:55:17 PM
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Hey guys.
I have the beginnings of Tele GAS and have been checking out my options. The 2 mentioned above are the 1s that have gotten my attention more than most :)
I played a Lite Ash Tele for a few minutes in a local music shop a few weekends ago and really liked it. I was all set on that until a friend suggested the Baja Tele in Butterscotch Blonde with the 4 way switching and S1 switching. Now I'm torn between the 2, but trying a Baja Tele before buying isn't really an option, as nowhere around here stocks them that I know of.
Just wondered what any owners of either of these guitars think or if you could recommend any other guitars for me to look into.
Cheers
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Funny enough I was going to ask the same question myself this morning, as I am suffering from Tele love (again)
I loved the lite ash models that I have tried, but havn't gotten around to trying the Baja model
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LOL "tele love"
Means something so, so wrong in my head.
Anyway, sorry not to be helpful, but for me, the "?????" = "not" and that gets my vote :)
Roo
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The Baja has a mighty big ol' neck - something that may put you off. Great spec for the price though.
If you can get over to Manc, you check mine out mate :)
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The Baja has a mighty big ol' neck - something that may put you off. Great spec for the price though.
If you can get over to Manc, you check mine out mate :)
They have big necks eh? Thats a plus in my book :) Even though I have small womanly hands, I've never been that comfortable with thinner/smaller necked guitars.
Manchester, hmmmm wonder if I can come up with a reason to come over for the day :lol:
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if it doesn't have to say fender on it, tokai or other japanese copies would be worth a look. i haven't actually tried those exact models (i've tried the light ash strat, though, and wasn't too fussed), but i've compared tokais to other similarly-priced fenders, and the tokais were much nicer if you ask me.
they are very vintage in spec though, if you're after a modern tele, you might need to look elsewhere.
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LOL "tele love"
Means something so, so wrong in my head.
It's an album by Suze DeMarchi, aka Mrs Nuno Bettencourt. Nothing wrong there:
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/41PSX164JVL_SS500_.jpg)
Anyway, +1 for the Baja for the big neck. The Highway Ones might also be worth a look.
.
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if it doesn't have to say fender on it, tokai or other japanese copies would be worth a look. i haven't actually tried those exact models (i've tried the light ash strat, though, and wasn't too fussed), but i've compared tokais to other similarly-priced fenders, and the tokais were much nicer if you ask me.
they are very vintage in spec though, if you're after a modern tele, you might need to look elsewhere.
Nah, it doesn't have to say Fender on it at all.
I picked the 2 above as they're both around £400, and I liked the Lite Ash 1 that I played.
I don't mind Vintage Specs neither, but I do prefer something with a larger neck if I'm honest.
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Are you bothered about body weight, Brow? If you are, I'd say try before you buy.
A lot of the recent Fender Teles I've tried have been really hefty, my American Ash was about 9.5lbs - I ended up getting a replacement body. The Bajas are often on the porky side too, but you could be lucky and get a light one.
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I think the Tokai's have a reasonably sized neck, nothing too thin. Worth considering I think, although you'd have to buy used as they're not made any more.
Nice Japanese Fender Tele here: http://www.fareastguitars.co.uk/usedtl4.htm
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Are you bothered about body weight, Brow? If you are, I'd say try before you buy.
A lot of the recent Fender Teles I've tried have been really hefty, my American Ash was about 9.5lbs - I ended up getting a replacement body. The Bajas are often on the porky side too, but you could be lucky and get a light one.
Nah, body weight doesn't bother me at all. I'm primarilly a Les Paul player, so don't mind a heavy guitar :)
I think the Tokai's have a reasonably sized neck, nothing too thin. Worth considering I think, although you'd have to buy used as they're not made any more.
Nice Japanese Fender Tele here: http://www.fareastguitars.co.uk/usedtl4.htm
I'd thought about Tokais, but there doesn't appear to be much on Ebay, and I'm not overly confident of getting something from Japan etc. As mine would be the 1 that gets lost of damaged etc :roll:
That Jap Tele you posted is the kind of Tele I prefer, Ash body, natural/Blonde/Butterscotch finish etc. I wonder if he can do anything with the price :D
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My Baja weighs more than any of my Les Pauls, don't care, the guitar rocks very hard.
I am considering sanding down the body lacquer though, I am annoyed by its thickness.
Edit: Just check my face :O)
(http://www.thegutbusters.com/anniversaire/Gutbusters_Anniversaire/Pictures_files/Media/DSC01111/DSC01111.jpg)
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Nah, body weight doesn't bother me at all. I'm primarilly a Les Paul player, so don't mind a heavy guitar :)
My Baja weighs more than any of my Les Pauls, don't care, the guitar rocks very hard.
Ah, you guys are tougher (and younger) than me!! :wink:
I put together Teles from parts now, so I can make sure of getting a light body.
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hahah nice one Philly :)
Roo
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I'm a big fan of MIM standard teles. Just the right feel and i love the neck. So much that i have two. One has nothing but a bridge humbucker... Teles rock too!
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Thanks for the info guys.
I know I like the look, sound and feel of the natural Lite Ash Tele, but I s'ppose the best thing to do would be to try and track down a Baja Tele locally so I can compare them for myself.
I've heard alot of issues as regards QC, finishing, and neck warpage of the Lite Ash Teles so thought I'd ask to see if anyone knew of these.
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Nah, it doesn't have to say Fender on it at all.
I picked the 2 above as they're both around £400, and I liked the Lite Ash 1 that I played.
I don't mind Vintage Specs neither, but I do prefer something with a larger neck if I'm honest.
ah, ok, i guess they're worth a look then. tokai seem to have started producing fender copies again (strats anyway), but they aren't exact copies any more, they have a differently-shaped scratchplate and wilkinson trem etc. i'd guess (if they even make them) their teles would be equally different-looking now... if you want one which looks exactly like a fender tele, as twin says, you'll probably have to go second hand.
my tokai strat has a vintage v-shaped one-piece neck (i think so, anyway, i'm not too good with neck profiles!). But i've only tried newer tokai teles, and can't really remember their profile, which is likely to be different depending on model anyway...
I'd thought about Tokais, but there doesn't appear to be much on Ebay, and I'm not overly confident of getting something from Japan etc. As mine would be the 1 that gets lost of damaged etc :roll:
yeah, there does seem to be a distinct lack of breezysounds on e-bay. i managed to get a tokai strat copy, but there are a lot fewer teles unfortunately. I'm after one too, lol. :(
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I'm going to try and track down a Baja Tele to try out, but am also going to keep an eye open for Tokais etc on Ebay to see if anything crops up :)
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I've just found a guitar made from a Musikraft Light Ash body and C shaped neck, with Duncan pups, 4 way switch and Callaham bridge and hardware for less than either a Lite Ash or a Baja Tele. Think I may have a winner :D
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There are alternatives to Fender, which may actually be better anyway.
First theres the Peavey Generation EX models which by all accounts outplay the Squiers and the MIM Fenders.
Then theres the G & L teles which allegedly blowout the MIA Fenders too.
Also dont forget that Hamer, Gordon and Smith and Yamaha do Tele derivative guitars which are highly regarded
I went browsing in a few shops the other week, and tried a Baja, and a Highway one. Both v.nice guitars, but then I played a G & L and it just blew them away in terms of playability, tone and build quality. I'm seriously tempted.
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There are alternatives to Fender, which may actually be better anyway.
First theres the Peavey Generation EX models which by all accounts outplay the Squiers and the MIM Fenders.
Then theres the G & L teles which allegedly blowout the MIA Fenders too.
Also dont forget that Hamer, Gordon and Smith and Yamaha do Tele derivative guitars which are highly regarded
I went browsing in a few shops the other week, and tried a Baja, and a Highway one. Both v.nice guitars, but then I played a G & L and it just blew them away in terms of playability, tone and build quality. I'm seriously tempted.
It doesn't have to be a Fender, but they're a good place to start :)
I'm mainly looking on Ebay and in the 2nd hand papers as there's next to no music shops anywhere near me so my options for trying before I buy are very limited.
I'm still open to suggestions so keep em' coming!
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I've just found a guitar made from a Musikraft Light Ash body and C shaped neck, with Duncan pups, 4 way switch and Callaham bridge and hardware for less than either a Lite Ash or a Baja Tele. Think I may have a winner :D
I have a Musikraft with a Warmoth goncalo alves neck. The bodies are very nicely made. If you get that and put a set of black guards in, then you will have a winner!
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I have a Musikraft with a Warmoth goncalo alves neck. The bodies are very nicely made. If you get that and put a set of black guards in, then you will have a winner!
Hi Phil.
Glad to hear you like the Musikraft body.
Here's some pics/specs of the possibly 'winning' Tele:
(http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/ea/9a/0de7_1.JPG)
(http://i2.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/ee/f8/b9f4_1.JPG)
(http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/ef/b7/3dc6_1.JPG)
Body..
Two piece light Ash body by 'Musikraft USA' (Fender Licensed) www.musikraft.com Finished with hand rubbed "True Oil" (Gun Stock Finish) for a satin look and great tone. (Tone not killed by heavy laquer) The body has forearm and tummy contours for player comfort (like a Strat)
Neck..
Maple/Rosewood neck (also Musikraft USA) '60's "C" profile with 9.25" radius and Jumbo Frets making string bending a breeze and also effortless chording. The back of the neck has been carefully rubbed through the Vintage tint finish and then treated with Tung oil making it a very fast smooth player. ( no friction or stickiness when hot) The fingerboard edges are rolled for a comfortable played in feel and the neck back is about medium.....not too thin and no baseball bat either
Tuners - Locking Grovers
Nut - Tusq
Callaham USA Bridge
Duncan Pups and 4 way switch
This guitar with shipping works out at about £30 cheaper than a new Baja Tele (minus shipping) does.
It looks like a good deal to me, but could've done with trying it 1st :roll:
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Looks gorgeous, and the descriptions of the finish... sigh... I have no GAS, no really...
I'm happy with my Baja and it's inch-thick lacquer! Doesn't really bother me unduly, it still sounds stunning, but seeing the grain on that... oooh!
I must admit, I'd want to try before I bought, though...
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I was going to get that Parts Tele tonight when I got back from work, but it'd already gone :cry: :evil:, so back to Lite Ash, Bajas and any other ideas?
Cheers
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I still think the Highway One's worth a look. It has a thin finish which is supposed to get bashed up very easily, but I'd say that's no bad thing on a Tele.
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I still think the Highway One's worth a look. It has a thin finish which is supposed to get bashed up very easily, but I'd say that's no bad thing on a Tele.
I agree on the bashed up finish on Teles (and Strats too imo). Which is quite fortunate as I have my clumsy moments :lol:
From looking at the Highway 1 Teles, they all appear to have Alder bodies, does that give a 'traditional' Tele Tone? As I tend to think of Ash bodies when I think of Telecasters
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Yeah, good point, the alder gives a rounder, less snappy tone. If you want a real traditional Tele tone ash is probably better.
There is an ash Tele in the H1 series too, the Highway One Texas:
http://www.fender.co.uk/products//search.php?partno=0113502367
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Yeah, good point, the alder gives a rounder, less snappy tone. If you want a real traditional Tele tone ash is probably better.
There is an ash Tele in the H1 series too, the Highway One Texas:
http://www.fender.co.uk/products//search.php?partno=0113502367
Thanks for the info.
I wasn't aware that there was an Ash version of the HW1.
As for Fenders, it's now looking like a 3 horse race: HW1 TExas (if I can find 1) / MIK Lite Ash / MIM Baja.
I'm still going to keep my eye out for Tokai's etc too as may be able to snag something around the same price as the Fenders.
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As for Fenders, it's now looking like a 3 horse race: HW1 TExas (if I can find 1) / MIK Lite Ash / MIM Baja.
I'm still going to keep my eye out for Tokai's etc too as may be able to snag something around the same price as the Fenders.
Hopefully I will be trying out a Baja later this week (alongside a Lite Ash)
The Japanese fenders are also pretty nice and McGuitars have some in stock http://mcguitars.co.uk/shop/
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Hopefully I will be trying out a Baja later this week (alongside a Lite Ash)
The Japanese fenders are also pretty nice and McGuitars have some in stock http://mcguitars.co.uk/shop/
Thanks for the link.
Also, would you let me know your thoughts on the Baja vs the Lite Ash if you get chance?
Thanks.
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i've read though that sen (which is normally used as ash on most far eastern guitars) actually sounds a bit more like poplar than swamp ash. totally hearsay, but if you're buying a guitar and want it to sound like ash, just be careful you're actually buying the right kind of ash, lol. you could actually end up with something which sounds less like a tele than alder does...
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Woo, Brow, check out the Fender Japan Teles on that site, eg this one http://mcguitars.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=23
If I could have got near one of those when I was buying my Baja, it would have been a serious contender, if not a no-brainer. This looks like one of the "Non-export" Fender Japans to me...
The reason I say this is because my ITs are in a "non-export" Fender Japan 62 re-issue Strat I got in Denmark St a year or so ago. There's at least one on the site above. For strats, as I understand it, they're the ones with Alder bodies and Texas Special pickups, they say "Crafted in Japan" on them, although I notice the tags in the pictures of the cheaper basswood ones say the same - I tried some of them as well that day, they were nice, but the more expensive alder ones were stonking...
Anyway, this Strat of mine is the BEST guitar I have ever laid my hands on... 8) bar none... and I played 20+ strats that day! (MIMs, Highway, Am Stndrd, a US 62 re-issue for over twice the price, etc,etc)
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If you're going to look at japanese fenders take a look at this site, http://www.guitaremporium.co.uk/index.php?f=data_fender_japan_new_guitars&a=2 I found it a while back when i had serious strat gas. When i had looked at that site it gave me tele gas though :lol:
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If you're going to look at japanese fenders take a look at this site, http://www.guitaremporium.co.uk/index.php?f=data_fender_japan_new_guitars&a=2 I found it a while back when i had serious strat gas. When i had looked at that site it gave me tele gas though :lol:
AGGH! the GAS! :lol: what have you done?!!
My Strat is a ST62-TX, Fiesta Red, on the Stratocaster Catalogue (funnily enough...).
Brow, I haven't played any of these Japanese Teles, but based on the quality of my Strat, if they were to equal it, and came up with the twang I wanted, etc, etc - then I'd recommend these over my much-loved Baja. It would work out a fair bit more expensive though - because I'd be wanting to BKP the Japanese one (I'm happy with the stock pups on the Baja).
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Yo Brow I have a Lite Ash Tele. the nut was really high when I got it but the tech I use sorted it out when he set it up and it plays really nice now. The SD's in it sound quite good they are powerful and give plenty of bite thru my Marshall, but Im thinking of swapping them for some BK Piledrivers.
cheers
keith
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Hey guys.
Thanks for the new posts.
I've had a look at those websites and alot of those Jap Fenders look great. I just wish they were cheaper than £600 for the most part :cry:
I think budget wise, something like a Lite Ash or Baja would be good as both have 'better than stock' pickups which should atleast let me play the guitar more without having to get BKPs straightaway, if at all (which I hear happens ALOT with the Baja)
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I think budget wise, something like a Lite Ash or Baja would be good as both have 'better than stock' pickups which should atleast let me play the guitar more without having to get BKPs straightaway, if at all (which I hear happens ALOT with the Baja)
Good point, the Alnico II Pros on the Lite Ash are really nice pickups too (if I can get away with bigging up Duncans...).
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Good point, the Alnico II Pros on the Lite Ash are really nice pickups too (if I can get away with bigging up Duncans...).
Yeah, I thought so too tbh.
The only Tele BKP I have any experience with is the Piledriver in my cheapie Poplar Tele, and while the A2Ps in the Lite Ash aren't in the same ballpark imo, they're more than serviceable in the mid to long term :)
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Finally for around to trying a Baja though only for a couple of minutes & without an amp (too many Emo kids in the shop at the time).
Anyway it has a neck to die for, a bit of an handful but even with my smallish hands very comfortable. Frets where nicely finished and the finish wasn't gloss :)
Setup was pretty nice and could have been lowered a bit without difficulty and the vintage tuners where pretty smooth (better than my old Mex strat, which was still pretty reasionable).
The not so good points where the body finish, god it was thick (it was a blonde one), also as previously mentioned the cavity below the ashtray was visible.
The bad point, it was really heavy, infact so heavy it put me right off the guitar and I didn't even bother waiting to plug it in. I picked up a Les Paul straight afterwards and I think the Baja was the heavier of the two :(
Currently a lite ash body with a Baja neck would be a pretty ideal Tele to me :( I really wanted to like the Baja to the extent of having the money available to buy it.
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The bad point, it was really heavy, infact so heavy it put me right off the guitar and I didn't even bother waiting to plug it in. I picked up a Les Paul straight afterwards and I think the Baja was the heavier of the two :(
Yeah, Fender don't seem to make any attempt to keep their ash Teles in a reasonable weight range. Some are OK, some weigh a ton.
The problem for me is that, in the slightly uncomfortable environment of a guitar shop, I get a bit of stress-adrenaline going and I don't necessarily realise the weight. My American Ash seemed OK but it turned out to be nearly 9-1/2 lbs! I did think of taking my scales to the shops with me, but it might seem a little... eccentric.... :roll: :oops:
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Finally for around to trying a Baja though only for a couple of minutes & without an amp (too many Emo kids in the shop at the time).
Anyway it has a neck to die for, a bit of an handful but even with my smallish hands very comfortable. Frets where nicely finished and the finish wasn't gloss :)
Setup was pretty nice and could have been lowered a bit without difficulty and the vintage tuners where pretty smooth (better than my old Mex strat, which was still pretty reasionable).
The not so good points where the body finish, god it was thick (it was a blonde one), also as previously mentioned the cavity below the ashtray was visible.
The bad point, it was really heavy, infact so heavy it put me right off the guitar and I didn't even bother waiting to plug it in. I picked up a Les Paul straight afterwards and I think the Baja was the heavier of the two :(
Currently a lite ash body with a Baja neck would be a pretty ideal Tele to me :( I really wanted to like the Baja to the extent of having the money available to buy it.
Thanks for the info.
The Baja and Lite Ash are still looking like the best options to me, as they're the only 1s I can find that appear to have an Ash body (something I think of for a 'traditional' Tele) and a Maple neck.
I've had a look around and I've seen new HW1 Teles for just over £400, but I've heard both good/great things about them aswell as bad. The Baja Teles tend to get pretty much good reviews.
I know I shouldn't let those sway my decision, but as I have little chance of trying them myself, I don't have too many other options :lol:
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Philly : Indeed it appears that the fender ash models have been consuming Ben & Jerrys full fat rather than frozen yogurt, and that I was really surprised at the weight (also I'm very self conscious about my playing so I didn't fight my way through the emo kids to an amp)
One day later and I can still feel that neck in my hand, it really did feel that neck wise it was the one for me (and I normally like narrower necks).
Therefore I have been doing a bit of a rethink regarding the Baja Tele as I really should have plugged the bugger in and given it a fair chance. Logically the weight business should not really be an issue as I only play in the house (and a couple of mates houses), however after discovering the joys of a very light and resonant guitar (my Berlin) I find it hard to take a step back to an un-nessiceraly heavy guitar.
I'm going to try out another Lite Ash model just to be sure (damn I'm sounding so indecisive).
I was also considering one of the Koa teles till I noticed that they are basswood :(
Anyway on with the research <sigh>
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Philly : Indeed it appears that the fender ash models have been consuming Ben & Jerrys full fat rather than frozen yogurt
As have I, over the weekend :lol: .
If I was a guitar, I'd definitely be made of ash - and not the swamp variety.
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What's the finish on the Baja and the Light ash ones, are they wearing Nitro or Poly coats?
Save your pennies up and get a real one, either that or max the ferkin credit card out without telling her indoors. Remember it's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission...
Anyway I'll post mine just to get your juices flowing.
(http://www.freaky-geeky.com/guitars/tele5.JPG)
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Another Sounds Great shopper I see, local to me too if you're in Macc ;)
The Bajas are poly finished.
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Another Sounds Great shopper I see, local to me too if you're in Macc ;)
The Bajas are poly finished.
Yep, I've spent way too much money there since I moved up here!
I only went in there to buy some patch leads and came away with the CS Tele.
I was a bit annoyed when I went in there a couple of weeks later and the sales guy didn't even recognise me, I mean what's a few £k eh...
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When you go in as often as I do, everyone recognises you! :lol: