EXTREME Fender GAS - and the return of the '51

[Philly Q]

[This has made me revisit one of my all time favourite messageboard threads of all time, the Squier 51 modders' forum. A wonderful mix of outlandish horrorbags and truly individual design classics.

http://www.instituteofnoise.com/squier51/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5263

Fascinating thread, but credit to Fender, I don't think many of those improve very much on the basic '51 design. 

I quite like the ones where they've used three Tele saddles instead of six individual saddles, that seems to suit the guitar.

[Frank]

I don't think many of those improve very much on the basic '51 design. 

The big improvement is where they've added string-through-body loading instead of the Squier's horrible top-loading cheapo bridge. Looks like the new Fenders already have this. I'm running out of reasons not to buy one.

[Philly Q]

I don't think many of those improve very much on the basic '51 design. 

The big improvement is where they've added string-through-body loading instead of the Squier's horrible top-loading cheapo bridge. Looks like the new Fenders already have this. I'm running out of reasons not to buy one.

Ah, good point!  I'd completely forgotten the Squiers had top-loading bridges.

Someone had two of them for sale on eBay last week, I was quite tempted (but that was before I knew about the Fender version, so glad I didn't bother).

[Loomer]

I do really like those but I can't help but think that the Telemaster (or whatever Hobby Craft insist you call it these days) is the best of the guitars that never were.

I just went and googled that.

I have a massive erection right now.

[Andrew W]

I do really like those but I can't help but think that the Telemaster (or whatever Hobby Craft insist you call it these days) is the best of the guitars that never were.

I just went and googled that.

I have a massive erection right now.

Don't look at this or this then. ;)

[Loomer]

Oh god damn you. Damn you to hell.

[Philly Q]

I think the Telemaster is an absolutely awesome looking design, I was blown away when I first saw the range of '50s and '60s styled Telemasters the Fender Custom Shop had made for some American guitar store.

I was very keen to try building one, but the more I've thought about it the only thing which has put me off a little - and it's an entirely personal thing - is that a Jazzmaster body is pretty big, and I'm a small chap.  The '51 is probably a better fit for me.

[Andrew W]

I think the Telemaster is an absolutely awesome looking design, I was blown away when I first saw the range of '50s and '60s styled Telemasters the Fender Custom Shop had made for some American guitar store.

I was very keen to try building one, but the more I've thought about it the only thing which has put me off a little - and it's an entirely personal thing - is that a Jazzmaster body is pretty big, and I'm a small chap.  The '51 is probably a better fit for me.

Well the only thing I'll say is that for me it's the weight that's key. Telemaster #1 I built is not a bad guitar but the Xaviere body is just so heavy I can only use it with a broad strap. #2, the recently completed one, weighs in at about 8lbs which feels great, the body is really ergonomic so it just fits around you. Consequently it's the new one that gets all the attention.

Maybe try a Jazzmaster and see if it's as comfy for you?

[Telerocker]

Actually. I like this one.

[Philly Q]

Well the only thing I'll say is that for me it's the weight that's key. Telemaster #1 I built is not a bad guitar but the Xaviere body is just so heavy I can only use it with a broad strap. #2, the recently completed one, weighs in at about 8lbs which feels great, the body is really ergonomic so it just fits around you. Consequently it's the new one that gets all the attention.

Maybe try a Jazzmaster and see if it's as comfy for you?

Even 8lbs is a bit heavy for me, it's manageable but most of my guitars are 7lbs or under!  :lol:

But you're right, I should try a couple of Jazzmasters.  I did have a go on Twinfan's Jazzmaster-based Fano JM6, which I liked a lot, but don't think I tried it on a strap.

[Andrew W]

Well the only thing I'll say is that for me it's the weight that's key. Telemaster #1 I built is not a bad guitar but the Xaviere body is just so heavy I can only use it with a broad strap. #2, the recently completed one, weighs in at about 8lbs which feels great, the body is really ergonomic so it just fits around you. Consequently it's the new one that gets all the attention.

Maybe try a Jazzmaster and see if it's as comfy for you?

Even 8lbs is a bit heavy for me, it's manageable but most of my guitars are 7lbs or under!  :lol:

But you're right, I should try a couple of Jazzmasters.  I did have a go on Twinfan's Jazzmaster-based Fano JM6, which I liked a lot, but don't think I tried it on a strap.

Well mine's 8lbs but there's a humbucker, 2 single coils, quite a lot of electrics and 4 pots which isn't going to help. I reckon if you chose the body carefully and went a bit more Esquire, 7lbs should be possible.

[Frank]

There's always this remember

[WezV]

There's always this remember

going to be getting a distressed aluminium guard this week which i think will tie it all together nicely.  and i am selling of the wide range :(

[gwEm]

those telemasters need a CBS headstock. (Tele Deluxe neck I guess)

[gwEm]

here are my fender mix-and-matches:

stratele
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=19285.0

superjazzmaster
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=15515.0

i also have a Cyclone with a BKP Boss in the bridge.