The Best '52 Tele Reissue EVER?! | Friday Fretworks

Hey! My name's Chris Buck and I'm a musician from South Wales, United Kingdom. Thank you for checking out Friday Fretworks - as the name suggests, there's a new video every Friday! If you haven't already, please subscribe and if you have, it'd be lovely if you came to say hello on Facebook and Instagram as well. Links below!
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Equipment Used:
Guitar: AVRI '52 Fender Telecaster
Amp: Guitar Rig 5
Pedals: VS Audio Straight Flush
Camera: Sony RX100V
Backing track: Pete Honoré/Andertons TV
andertonstv.ba...

[@RhettShull]

Great playing dude! I actually dig the 7.25" radius, if the guitar is setup correctly its not much harder to play than a flatter radius. These are great guitars for sure.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Cheers Rhett! And absolutely; I played a Silver Sky recently and the difference between that and my Highway 1 (9.5"...) was negligible. That said, played a CS big headstock Strat a few weeks ago that was considerably harder to bend on. All in the set up I guess!

[@Dam-oH]

I know an old thread. How would you setup the guitar? I have my 52 reissue action really high. Seems to work but way higher than my 9.5 guitar.

[@vitorugovitorasso4062]

But rounded radius like 7,25 or 9,5 are much easier to play then flatter radius like ibanez (16). Its more natural to make accords in them due to anatomic of our finger.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I dig my 7.25 Strat. It kills.

[@dannyhowell3184]

I bought a 2008 version and got it pleked. It’s honestly an incredible guitar.

[@G1951-w1y]

Bought my '52 AVRI in '83. The certificate of authenticity states a build date of '82, the 1st year they were issued. Still have all the case candy & original receipt.

[@easton_ography]

You have, by far, THE tastiest playing on KZbin... Wow. I sub'd 30 seconds into the first video of yours that I watched.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Ah, thank you so much man :)

[@74dartman13]

Didn't take long for me to sub either! I love his playing style!👍😎🎸🎶

[@imannonymous7707]

Hes ok lol

[@74dartman13]

@@imannonymous7707 wish I was as ok as he is! I would've pursued a career in music!👍😎🎸🎶

[@thebigredwagon]

I’m 150% a better guitarist now because of Chris and enjoy the instrument so much more.

[@frankhoxsey1177]

I have 52 AVI pickups in my Tele wired standard. Those pickups are amazing! Totally changed the sound of my Tele!

[@chudd7329]

I got one of these in 2003 because I'm a huge Graham Coxon fan. Never played a tele before so the neck thing was never an issue for me. This is a superb guitar. Ran it through a hot rod deluxe and it was just gorgeous. Had this and an 03 LP Standard. 1 had to go and sold the Gibson. Says it all.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Graham's fantastic! Grew up absolutely loving Blur. Such a cool, inventive guitar player. The perfect example of not having to be a great 'technical' guitarist in order to write and perform incredible music. Amazing!

[@Emperorjones]

Couldn’t agree more. Have one with the mods made to the switching, plays and sounds like butter. Smooth when you want it, sizzles when you have to have it. And tasty playing, thanks for the bonus bits.

[@ae3898]

When I went shopping for an AVRI ‘52 back in 2009, I was fortunate enough to find a shop that had two on the wall. A-B’d them, and while both were well worth the $1400 retail price, the difference was striking-one was way louder and just had more acoustic ring and girth. No question which one I was taking home with me. Of all my electric guitars, it’s gotten more play in the last 12 years than the others combined. Just this past year I had the first setup problem with it-high E started buzzing like a sitar whether open or fretted. Filed down the little string notch that was forming on the soft brass of the saddle, and it’s as good as new.

[@user-ebombobo]

I'm working at a pawn shop in Japan, and this reissue came in the other day. It has really great feeling, and actually, was the best Tele I've ever seen. (more than the pre-CBS in the showcase!) It's a series that doesn't get a lot of attention, but if you're interested in Tele, you MUST try it when you see. I won't gain nothing by this recommendation, so it's true ;)

[@dzungpham]

what's difference between them and vintage ii or original series these days?

[@joserra79]

@@dzungpham Not much, except minor differences in specs or hype in one or another direction

[@indigoburst]

I've owned my '06 for more than a decade now, it'll always be my number 1. There's just nothing else like it, it feels like home. It's good to see my favorite modern guitarist giving the old AVRI's such high praise.

[@paoloborella6975]

Tu eres el primero que valora la circuitería original. Es un plus respecto a todas las otras telecaster: neck position es al medio y puede mezclar las 2 pastillas con el control de tono que es un control de mezcla. Yo poseo una modelo 2000 que es realmente fantástica👍

[@davidLPST]

Nice to hear you mention Mark Knopfler, your tone and style are the most unique and beautiful since Mark. Love your sound and watching you play. All the best.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Thank you so much, David ☺️

[@tommallah4818]

Dang! you have such fantastic phrasing, tone and feel. I recently bought a Tele Baja 52' and I completely fell in love with the thicker neck profile and seemingly never ending sustain.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Tom Mallah Cheers Tom! And definitely - the Bajas are amazing guitars! Never played a bad one 🙌🏻

[@alexanderwebb3032]

I have a 2002 and it is an amazing guitar. I bought it used and it had already been converted to modern wiring. I added some compensated brass saddles and shielded the pickup cavity. It has been #1 ever since. I used to be more of Strat guy till I got this guitar.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Nice! They're great guitars man. Such versatile instruments.

[@74dartman13]

I've been more of a Strat guy too, until building a Tele kit for fun after last Christmas. I fell in love with the Telecaster after that. I was asking Chris about saddles. I don't have the compensated ones and have trouble with perfect intonation. Do the compensated ones do the job or would it be better for me to buy a 6 saddle bridge. I appreciate any help! Thanks!👍😎🎸🎶

[@alexanderwebb3032]

74dart man They really help, I use Rutters straight compensated saddles and they are amazing. The grooves in saddles also help keep the strings from rolling on you. www.ruttersguitars.com/#2793

[@74dartman13]

@@alexanderwebb3032 thanks!👍😎🎸🎶

[@HaydnMowbray]

Hey Chris. Just a follow up on this. Shortly after I watched this my telecaster went into my local luthier for a set up. I mentioned to him that the action was a little high and that the notes would choke out on the B string around the 14th fret if I did double note bends. I did realise this was because it's a 7.5 radius neck and didn't know of any easy way to improve this. He suggested something which I've never heard of before. He created a compound radius on the frets from the 10th fret upwards as opposed to contouring the fingerboard. I picked up the guitar yesterday and it's transformed the neck. The action is low now in comparison to what it was and the neck has no buzzes or chokes around the 14th fret. The frets won't last as long at the top end but it's a price worth paying for me.

[@jerrykeane1970]

I just bought a 2002 AVRI, wonderful, excellent player and great video. thanks so much, love it

[@jharsch3453]

that solo was next level, excellent technique

[@davidgreen5087]

I have one of these (2007 model). It’s my no1. Love it to bits. I’ve ditched the mud selection for a normal 3 way setting. Mine is very light and rings like a bell. The pickups are great, I’ve a Custom Shop Nocaster set in my Paisley Tele and the stock 52ri pickups are easily as good. Done hundreds of gigs with it from old school Rock & Roll, through Country to (very) Heavy Metal and it’s been perfect for them all.

[@davidgreen5087]

Over the years I’ve also taken some very fine sandpaper to the back of the neck as the nitro has occasionally got a bit sticky.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Good shout on the sandpaper. Got an MJT Tele that I'm thinking of doing to at the moment. It can be a bit 'gloopy' when it's warm...

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I just got a 2018 fender player telecaster and it's awesome ‼️👍

[@alanIrl99]

Just got a 52RI - but after listening to those solos, I think I may give up.. Wonderful stuff :)

[@olivier7660]

What means 52RI? AVRI?

[@alanIrl99]

@@olivier7660 Sorry for the late reply.. 52 AVRI = American Vintage (19)52 Re Issue Telecaster

[@Wileylikethehawk]

I know a few guys who are just nuts for the early reissue Teles. A couple years ago I got one from 82 and it is a smoking guitar.

[@adix64]

Maan your playing is impeccable and it fits this guitar really well!

[@gillesgenete9598]

Hi Chris, thanks for your playing very expressive 👍 for the 52 AVRI, I have a 2011 with modern wiring which I prefer, neck pick up with tone rolled off is really too dark for my taste. And modern wiring offers larger versatility. Very good jazzmen are playing that tele ! I have to say I needed to accustom to neck shape prior to easy playing. Pick ups are a dream. Worth the buy if one can find one.

[@jeffreyhill7990]

That bridge is a screamer, I like it a lot

[@faridzayish]

Everytime you does that reverse rake 🤤🤤

[@pjmuck]

Damn, what a tasty guitarist you are! Awesome tones and playing. I own a 1999 left handed '52 RI, and it's going to the grave with me. I always get compliments on my sounds, and I am very average, so the guitar is as plug and go as you can get. For years I've searched around for another '52RI neck to put on some of my other Tele builds, and they're impossible to find. (Even Warmoth doesn't make them). By far the most comfortable neck I've ever played, and honestly, I don't know how you are achieving those bends because when I try to do that I either fret out or dislocate my knuckles, LOL. The only mod I did was replace the saddles with 3 compensated ones, and I did do the 4 way switch mod. (4th position puts it in serial).

[@REM1956]

Very tasteful and interesting playing. A real showcase for what this guitar can do.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Thank you so much :)

[@SPR-Pedals]

Awesome playing as ever, patiently waiting for the new album to drop. I just scored an AVRI 59 strat, a stunner. I’ve never had the vintage radius, vintage frets etc. but nobody should be scared of them. Players of that era managed to create all those classic songs on them. The tone on this thing though .... quacking bell. Amazing. A real depth and richness to the tone. Quacks when it should. Chimes when it should. The most strat sounding strat I’ve picked up.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Cheers Jonathan, we're getting there :) And absolutely - the radius is something that you'll get used to very quickly, especially if it's set up well. Sound like you got a great one!

[@tjtecson6217]

the guitar is taking too much punishment from both your hands, seems like you apply too much force on the instrument even though you could take it a little easy on it.

[@Grindstaff09]

@@tjtecson6217 It's working, sounds good and great communication for sure. Yes, there are great advantages to less tension however sometimes ones has to cut and ship : ) working on less tension myself btw thanks for the comment

[@frensiysh3220]

Just received one of these the other week and at first i was skeptical that all the heavy wear was not natural but after a lot of inspection by guitar builder i know it turns out it is natural. Love it to bits

[@randygeist666]

7.25 radius is my favorite. No problem at all with bending if the guitar is well built and set up. Just take a look at Mr. Gilmour... 7.25 Radius and bending like no other

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Randy Geist Great shout! Gilmour is the master of bending and vibrato. As I just said in another comment, it’s just a case of getting used to it. If you’ve only ever played bigger radii guitars, it’s a bit alien to start off but nothing a bit of perseverance won’t fix 🙂

[@74dartman13]

I started playing with the more rounded radius guitars. It's weird, but for me, I have a hard time getting used to the flatter radius fret boards now!👍😎🎸🎶

[@randygeist666]

74dart man same! 😊

[@74dartman13]

@@randygeist666 cool!👍😎🎸🎶

[@fearnpol4938]

Buck And Evans The master of vibrato, mmh his vibrato pales next to Kossoff.

[@1977raider]

I played an older 52 reissue it was a 1991 model very great guitar I might get it

[@WatchdogVideo]

Another great video demo Chris!

[@BigEdWo]

what else can i say. you are my new favourite player. very inspiring. very glad i saw you in a anderton's video. your playing is truely amazing.

[@kjatexas3679]

Chris: I have a '52 Reissue Telecaster, (made in 7/2005 according to Fender re: the serial number) before they changed the specs to the AVR version. I bought it used and have not taken it apart to see if anything was changed. That said, the neck is not a U but a C, more like the American Standard Telecaster. The radius is 7 1/4. The pickups are sweeter than any '52 AVR that I have played. In fact, they are superb in all positions. Again, I have not explored whether they are original Fenders or after market. I would play anything from rock to blues to jazz with that guitar. Its one of my favorites. A few years ago, I saw another at Guitar Center, used, and I could kick myself for not buying it, giving me two.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

kjatexas Ah, there’s always ‘the one that got away’! That’s the beauty/frustration of guitars though; that one you missed out was just as likely to be a dog as it was a solid backup for your main! Don’t regret it too much 🙂

[@kjatexas3679]

I’ve sold a couple of those dogs. 😁

[@AdrianFarrell]

I have this guitar, got lucky when in the States over 10 years ago when the exchange rate was great. Love it, but never really got on with the small frets so finally gonna get it refretted.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Ah, I remember the days of the great exchange rate! Yeah, the smaller frets are probably something I'd change in time, if it was my guitar. Any idea what gauge you're looking to replace them with?

[@AdrianFarrell]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar probably medium jumbos as I'm most familiar with them on my other Fenders. I've got semi-used to the small frets so don't need to jump up to jumbo and don't want narrow tall frets as I use a lot of slides in my playing, a rounded fret crown more comfortable.

[@Grindstaff09]

That's a great demo. Quite the groove, and demostrating the pickup positions including the tonerolloff neck position.

[@lfarrolas]

Great playing. Thanks!

[@stratcat7162]

I could listen to you play all day man very nice

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

It does sound great. You play well. I wish you the best!

[@Zoso7227]

Love this. Very woody and thick tone 💯

[@Angus.Maclean]

Haha, Looked up a review and didn’t see the channel, but right away knew it was Buck when I saw the unique fingerstyle! Awesome tone!

[@danielostrov1279]

That was just beautiful. Thank you for the taste at the end. I would love to see you play live.

[@justingarcia7722]

My 52avri is my number 1, when the frets wore down (since they are small) I put jumbos in which imo are perfect with a vintage radius, allow really deep bends, that and 4 way switch make this a killer

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Justin Garcia Nice! What options do you have on the 4 way switch?

[@justingarcia7722]

Buck And Evans it goes bridge, bridge/neck in parallel (the standard second position), neck then bridge/neck in series. In series it stacks the bridge and neck almost like a humbucker. It's a bit louder, fatter and richer of a tone, great for leads or big chords. My favorite mod to do on any tele. Lots of fun!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Ah, cool! I'll have to look into that. I've always liked the simplicity of the three way configuration but that sounds very cool in fairness. Cheers Justin :)

[@74dartman13]

@@justingarcia7722 sounds like a great mod!👍😎🎸🎶

[@JesseFSegovia]

Fine, fine guitar playing. Very tasteful! Excellent, mate!

[@onlynofx]

I wonder what you think about the new Broadcaster 70th Anniversary that's out there these days...

[@gunjabeans]

It sounds amazing. Supposedly the original Broadcasters were pale like that and yellowed in the sun.

[@willgoodfellow4235]

I've gotta try to resist copying the intro solo! Hope you're well mate.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

haha. Copy away mate! :)

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Well done! Great mix and demonstration! Thanks for sharing brother!

[@brynjones7371]

The microbends are spine tingling. I play a left hand version of this guitar, beautiful.

[@HaydnMowbray]

Hi Chris. I picked one of these up 11 years ago. I did consider bringing it to Brighton a couple of weeks ago but the partscaster won. Mine was second hand and had already had the mod (I didn't know about the original wiring). I agree it's a great guitar with a killer sound.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Hey Haydn! How's things mate? Yeah, the upgraded wiring is definitely a more usable option, although there's a certain charm to the original. As you said though, great guitars either way :) I hope you're well mate!

[@williamedwards5582]

The 52 hot rod is the best tele I've ever played. And that mini humbucker in the neck is amazing. Hope to buy one someday

[@astewart9410]

I dream of owning one of these, some day. Truly great playing, sir!!

[@ben156]

Subscribed after 10 notes. Nice touch and feel man!

[@bryanclarke1927]

Nearly pulled the trigger on a second hand one these about ten years ago. Superb guitars and well worth seeking out. The one I tried had the modification done and that's what I'd reccomend.

[@Nbiel]

wowwww so bautifullll!!!

[@lukasm8990]

Nice playing. Wow! 😮

[@rveurope]

Really sounds awesome! Great play demo, thanks!

[@anthonyroach1148]

Great review ..beautiful guitars true to the vintage feel and vibe ..what a tone to ..lovely playing ..play anything on a tele ..The new ones are great to ..

[@grahampye9353]

Well i've been playing for 40 years and can't play like that,fantastic playing dude,i have a 1999 '52 reissue amongst many other fender's ,this is the one i would grab if my house was on fire...

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Cheers Graham! And yeah, I don't blame you. GREAT guitars! 👌🏻

[@matzac97]

Your intro on this friday fretworks makes my sunday 👍👌

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Haha. It's only Saturday! 😜 Thank you very much! 🙂

[@matzac97]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar ah ah it will makes both days 😄

[@karlmartin849]

Really tasty playing. Can't believe *Fender* discontinued the AVR series.

[@Coolbeans1492]

I don’t get ppl that like when the guitar is easy to play. Without resistance i typically make mistakes. The fight is the best part of playing guitar.

[@kiewilliams1080]

Interesting.. I’ve been playing for over 30+ years and I tend to like action that’s nearly buzzing when I dig in.. because I like the snap it provides. But maybe I’m at a disadvantage chasing tone and feel over resistance?

[@Coolbeans1492]

@@kiewilliams1080 isnt resistance level feel? I can tell u that buzz most definitely isn’t feel.

[@kiewilliams1080]

@@Coolbeans1492 “chicken pickin’” requires a certain “buzzy” amount of relief for the “snap” alongside good compression. So, yes.. I’d say buzziness can be about feel and tone for sure. Some people play with a more nuanced, efficient touch and can navigate lower action that other heavier handed players might not be comfortable with.

[@Seggy75]

Omg that intro!!!!!!!

[@ronvanhee]

[@jonathanplanner3270]

Did you know you can actually get a 4th tone out of one of those by placing the selector in-between the bridge and neck PU, like you can on one three position Strats...

[@wolfnstrings]

I just purchased your “Lick Library” DVD... I enjoy the way you play. I had an early model of these ‘52s. It was a great guitar. That said, the recent Brad Paisley model is even more resonant, lighter and has even better pickups, to my ears. I saw it and thought the sparkle finish was a bit much. Then I played it... Sold!

[@openmindpictures7084]

Hi Chris! I'm actually speechless! Your style of playing is so damn motivating to me, i just want to rush home and grab my (not so epic) squier tele and learn those perfect licks you play! I watched the 1959 Les Paul into a Bluesbreaker video and i was just blown away from your skills! Subscribed! - new favorite Guitar-KZbin-Channel!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Ah, thank you man. That's incredibly kind of you. Thank you for watching :)

[@stevesoldwedel]

Don't hate on your Squier. They can be exceptional instruments, especially in this golden age of inexpensive-yet-high-quality manufacture. You can also upgrade any of the components that you find lackluster, and wind up with an instrument that plays and sounds as well as ones that retail for a ton more. The best part about Leo's designs is that they're modular. You've got a great foundation guitar to build upon, if you wanted. Be proud of your axe and go give it some attention!

[@mallorga1965]

Yes. It's a shame Fender discontinued the great American Vintage series.

[@InstruMentalCase]

In many respects I think they improved the design with the American Vintage 52 "Thin Skin" teles they did after. Those usually have a 9.5 radius, 6105 tall narrow frets, and they don't use the old (pointless) style wiring by default. Sadly, they were also discontinued.

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

Agreed, I was lucky enough to have one, it was amazing.

[@justinchurch7675]

They are available on wildwood guitars

[@BackSeatDriver68]

I believe the Am. Vintage 52 also have 7.25 radius. The newer Am. 50s Original have 9.5.

[@staccami]

AV series produced between 2012-2017 peaked vintage appointmensts… Correct (lighter colour), perfectly chunky neck, even better pickups (pure vintage series) and still 7.25” radius… So stupid I sild mine some time ago…

[@MrThebigegg]

Great Playing!!

[@dat219]

I really enjoyed your review. And the chords and simple sounds of the guitar with out much if any effect s used

[@Brucaleeffo]

AVRI perfected the line and peaked in 2012, in fact they slightly changed the name in just "American Vintage". While the AVRI had almost all the needed vintage specs, some details were overlooked. For example the strats had some generic vintage pickups called "57\62" and the necks were quite generic too. Only with the 2012 line they went completely for the vintage specs, with every model based on a fully-analyzed vintage counter part: completely unique necks, completely unique features, completely unique pickups. The 2012 was so superb quality wise that some people said it was just a small step below the Custom Shop, some even said that the line came out in "few numbers" cause those models were extremely expensive to produce. I'm a super happy owner of a '59 strat and it plays like a bloody dream. I'm quite disappointed about the new line American Original, there were still so many years to explore with the direction previously taken.

[@ThatHuskyisCrazy]

The 57/62 pickups were modeled after a dissembled '63 pickup according to Fender. Go figure. I have a set in a MIM '50s Strat. I like them.

[@cmartinrel]

Holy shit that playing is tight!!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Thank you Craig :)

[@swbradford7599]

Tasty playing as always Mr.Buck!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Sw Bradford Thank you 🙂

[@hollywoodactress]

I tried one of those in Denmark Street several years ago. Great guitar and the guys in the shop loved it too. They thought it was the best one they had in at the time. I remember asking them what guitar do they have with the biggest neck. They handed me this tele.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

hollywoodactress Haha. They are fairly big ol’ necks. I played a late ‘51 earlier this year that had a neck like a baseball bat! I guess they toned it down a little in 52 😳

[@imannonymous7707]

Ya mine is the same story it's a 2005 they (dealer) Steve's music Toronto... loved it and were a little jealous when I bought it..everyone remarked and congratulated me for my choice

[@soulvaccination8679]

That was blazing.

[@fearnpol4938]

A lot of the original ‘52’s did not have a fat neck, Danny Gatton actually removed the think neck on his favourite and swapped it for a fatter 54 neck. Also quite a lot of the Broadcasters actually had a 9.5” fretboard.

[@JohnnyFriendly]

That's not quite correct. While a '54 was broadly identical to a '52, in terms of neck profile there was a difference. Basically the chronology was like this: 1950 - 1951: V-shaped 1952 - 1953: U-shaped 1954 - 1955: back to V-shaped 1955 - 1960: mixture of both V- and U- So these '52 RIs are a very accurate representation of what they are replicating

[@imannonymous7707]

Ya I got a avri it's a 2005 and I like it...its checking nicely and it works for many types of music. The frets are wearing out tho cuz i play it so much and i do have a fret board issue at the 13 it's just a little grainy...so i try to get under the string when i play there.....it sounds and feels amazing tho AND oh ya I changed the cap so I could play both pick ups that rolled off tone was almost useless. The nitro is so thin it's almost completely worn off the back of the neck

[@OZTORRESMOVIES]

Great video and playing! It would be great to see a comparison between this guitar and the newer Fender 50's Original. Cheers!

[@ickimadrasi8965]

The harley Benton 52 telecaster is spot on in tone and quality

[@joshuajaimes121]

Please do a review on the Harley Benton te 52!

[@EdHeinzelman]

just picked up a new old stock 2011 version, still with hang tags and plastics and original strings. It is a little unusual but I do like the sound of the individual pickups and the dead position is a little freaky and disconcerting...but if I want a modern sound I can move to my modern era Telecaster. I bought this one as an emotional response to my life...and I don't regret it. btw: although I like thinner modern necks, I found this one very playable (and it is lighter by a pound compared to my American Std.)

[@grumblyone3334]

Want one of these bad. Would be even better if I could play! Good vid here.

[@nycLPplayer]

7.25 require a bit higher height. Problem with these is they used Nitro over poly and applied the nitro super thick on the necks and body. Given the price you can get a real nitro MJT reliced or new for less than a good 52avri used. Still a solid guitar.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

NYC LP Player Good shout. I’ve got an MJT Tele (linked at the end of the video) that’s a great Tele 👌🏻

[@adrianhjordan1981]

Yeah. Check out the 2012-2017 AVRI and they went proper nitro only finish...most other specs remained the same. I've compared mine to CS Tele and it came out winning!!

[@cripmeister9104]

Weight was all over the place on the 1998-2012 AVRI. The later 2012-2017 AVRI were much more consistent in terms of weight, also frets were vintage tall ones. In my opinion the later reissue is the one to get, I got mine new in 2016 and will never part with it :)

[@markn4526]

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on either a 1995 (which I guess is a pre-AVRI) and a 2000 model. Any opinions between to 2?

[@cripmeister9104]

@@markn4526 I dunno, depends on how it plays and feels. They are great guitars most of them.

[@markn4526]

@@cripmeister9104 Unfortunately this is going to be a sight-unplayed purchase.

[@sideasoundlab]

You should check out the 2020 broadcaster reissue, it's an awesome guitar with amazing pickups

[@tributeborn6036]

Nice playing chap

[@diggerd6489]

Superb. Hasn't Lee Anderton offered you a gig at Andertons yet? 😝

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Digby Tomlinson Haha. I shot some more stuff with Andertons recently actually. Standby...😉

[@torbengrothhansen]

Wonderful. I have the same guitar. Have changed the pickups to (Swedish) Lundgren, but still a lovely guitar right from the factory.

[@ponomalik]

my fav gear

[@moimeme7839]

Brass string saddles and enough space to create a good angle out of the saddles into the guitar body. That’s why those are so famous from fender compared to the new different models, the bridge part.

[@stefanpalicki3538]

People didn't complain about the 7 and a quarter radius on the mayer strats.....

[@gobigrey9352]

You didn't mention the 2012-2017 models which were better

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Super-tasty playing, as always.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

John JohnnyArt Pavlou Cheers John 🙂

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

God, that tone! And The smoothly connected lines. 😌

[@dawoud8013]

It's the perfect tele sound for me ! Edit : maybe with an option to reduce the bass volume of the bridge pick up....

[@myway9128]

Chris Buck you would be a great narrator for the BBC!!! Can you talk about zebras and lions on the Serengeti?!!

[@Nakeele01]

What a fantastic intro.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Thank you so much :)

[@Nakeele01]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar you convey so much feeling and emotion when you play it's inspirational

[@zincChameleon]

The best example of an old-style Tele using neck (dark roll-off) and bridge is probably 'Wooden Ships' from 'Crosby, Stills, and Nash' (1969). Also, that dark neck tone works great with distortion, and a powerful amp to get a nice 'woman' tone.

[@thomasharkins3080]

Is that right? Wow. I have been frustrated with the neck pup and have never really used it. Just too muddy. But I love hearing you seemed to have figured it out Zinc. You say neck and bridge on Wooden Ships. Hmmm...I will have to listen but which part is the neck pup? Any other thoughts on how to use it? I am looking up the schematic on how to replace it so maybe you can talk me out of it...LOL

[@zincChameleon]

@@thomasharkins3080 I have five Telecaster-style guitars; only one is an original CBS Fender, whose pickups I am replacing with Guitar Fetish Gold Foil Alnico neck and bridge pickups. I set it up in 1982 with the first DiMarzio hot pickups, and they just make it hot and loud. My favourite Tele is my butterscotch black pickguard Tele from Gear4Music, which is beautifully made (with the new Fender bolt design) and cost me $215 Cdn. The trick is that I use it through a Fender RocPro 70, which really beefs up the neck pickup.

[@thomaswalz3515]

I bought one of the first releases in '91. I had a skinny frets replaced and fingerboard stripped... did the modern switch mod. It sounded horrible. It sat in its case for 20 years as I made a living playing acoustic solo. An opportunity to join a band that needed Tele twang arose. I took it out, plugged it in and it was just what was needed... but it weighed a ton. My shoulder was toast after one set. I talked to a friend who suggested a pine body... I got one cheap on Ebay, put curly maple binding on it, finished it in nitro. The tonewood debate be damned... this body transformed this instrument in every way for the positive... plus it was light... i could play all night without blinking. That band dissolved, I got taken up by an old school country band... I always wanted to learn country lead work... the band was horrible, but I learned a lot, gained the skills I was after, before the aged leader died... I did add a treble bleed, and a Gotoh bridge... I love the stock pickups... I am a huge fan of your Strat work, and your half step to whole step bends... That Yamaha is sweet. I have one with mini humbuckers... that need to be exchanged for something brighter... but the guitar is wonderfully playable.... great neck. Best... Peace...

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

I just picked up a "new to me" Tele yesterday. It looked exactly the same as the one here, including the switch tip. Mine has a decal that said "Made in Mexico" which is fine by me. It is the Baja model. Great guitar but likely costs far less.

[@pauljohnson3686]

The Baja is a great guitar....probably the only mexican telecaster that really goes head to head with the usa made models......If you get your hands on a neatly made baja....you will not be disappointed

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

@@pauljohnson3686 I agree. This is a truly wonderful instrument. Fit and feel. Those standard barrel saddles have to go though. I've ordered the compensated ones that might arrive today

[@Dam-oH]

The neck on the (late 90s) 52 I have is not as big as the baja. I played a few bajas and I liked them. But that neck takes a little getting used to !

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

@@Dam-oH Well for me, my thumb won't wrap around any neck and actually fret a note with any degree of comfort, and I like to use heavy strings when ever possible. Thin necks hate heavy strings so I have to sacrifice comfort for tone.

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

Chris Buck have you tried the ones that came right after from 2012 to 2017? They were even better in terms of exact specs, thinner nitro, and sweeter sounding pickups called pure vintage. Supposedly they made the pickups, finish, weight of the wood etc. closer to a real good example of an original 52 tele they had. They were called American Vintage 52 Telecaster as opposed to the American Vintage Reissue 52 Telecaster that was from 98 to 2012. I like those too but I found the ones from 2012 to 2017 to be a little better. Has all the right stuff 7.25 radius smaller frets etc. I love mine. Has a little more mids and kick. Not as twangy and bright as the tele's from later 50's. I need a few tele's as these earlier ones have more guts to them. A keeper for sure.

[@customguitarkits6836]

Fantastic playing, I've just made one of these and i did a 7.25 to 9.5 compound radius which is a big improvement for vintage feel and playability imo, I'd love to get you to try it one day

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Cheers man. And sounds great to me! :)

[@customguitarkits6836]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar I'll get some stuff together and see if i can meet up with you at some point, really like your style and i have friends in wales too which is nice