I’ve mentioned in the past that I love cheap stuff – guitars in particular – even though there are strong arguments for pricier materials (like quality of wood, electronic switches, etc.). I even said that a perk of playing cheap guitars is that not a lot of people are going to be playing the same gear and it’ll set you apart a little bit.
I have a Squier Telecaster and it’s a pretty cool guitar. For $170.00 I got a seriously roadworthy guitar that has some pretty decent tone and has held up magnificently over the years that it has been taken apart, put back together, taken apart, put back together, etc. etc. It goes everywhere with me and I’ve grown attached to it.
And it’s developed some cool things too. The fingerboard is starting to show a bit of wear. You can only see it when the light is just right but you can definitely see where the strings are and where the oil of my fingers have been in contact with the fingerboard. I see some great potential there. It’s also developed some cracks in the finish, like shrink lines. They aren’t as prevalent as finish cracks you see on a lacquer finish, but they’re THERE (and awesome. I love the look of a worn Tele).
My issue is that the electronics are a little scratchy and the selector is bent. And I lost a knob. When I bought the guitar I was thinking of upgrading it as I could afford and make it an awesome AND roadworthy guitar, but veered to the thought process of replacing parts as they needed it instead. You know, use the guitar to the point of failure and then replace it. I figured over time it would yield some interesting results.
Those are my options.
Replace as much as possible and try to make it as pretty as possible OR replace only what’s necessary.
Of course, considering that it’s the selector that’s messed up and I need a volume knob, I was thinking that I might as well replace all of the electronics except for the pickups since they still work (and sound pretty good). Acme Guitar Works has what looks like an awesome package of electronics already ready to go (you can even get it ON a new control plate if you like) including the wiring for the knobs (included knobs are also an option), a new switch, the plate, etc. I was thinking that I might as well get the whole thing. New knobs, new plate (not only because it’s there to be replaced but also to guarantee the spacing is correct for the wiring), and new switch (round tip instead of the top hat which always seems to get in the way when I’m playing). My thinking is that since everything is so close together already, why not, right?
Ah, but it will end up being more than a hundred bucks. The inner practicality of me says that’s too much to spend on a guitar that cost me $170.00. I can kind of see getting the frets replaced with stainless ones to a) fix the issue of seriously dinged frets and b) provide much more longevity and THAT is going to cost upwards of $200.00.
$300.00 is a LOT of money to spend on a $170 guitar don’t you think? Part of me thinks that I might as well just save up for another guitar to bring around with me but seems like a huge waste too! Ugh.
I THINK what I’ll end up doing is getting the frets repaired/replaced first and then I’ll be able to say “Well, the guitar’s had $370.00 put into it.” Hopefully this will make it easier to swallow a one hundred dollar switch plate.
But that’s just an option right now. Options eventually become decisions though and when it comes time to decide, I’ll let you know.
-Pappy
4 comments:
Hi Pappy.
I'm from the school of thinking not what the guitar cost, but what's it worth to you?
So the guitar only cost you $170 but it seems you've had a good few years worth of pleasure out of it. $300 isn't a big price to pay to extend your playing pleasure.
guitarfetish.com has the parts you need. I just redid my epi casino with great results. And if you like cheap guitars, check out the xaviere guitars on the same site.
In this circumstance, I'd be tempted to have a go at straightening the switch bar (fairly easy once you unmount it from the face plate) and scavenging the thrift stores for an old radio or hifi with cool knobs that you can reuse. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a couple of old black chickenhead knobs for my Tele.
And when you say "scratchy" do you mean the look or the sound? If it is the sound and the old pots won't clean up, then just buy a couple of replacements. I reckon you could whip it into shape for less than $10-15 and have a more interesting result at the end of it.
Hello
Careful with the selector replacement. I have a Squier Tele too, and when I bought a spare selector, well, the cavity was not deep enough. My guitar doctor had to carve the wood to put it in place ... But it was worth the trouble. The electronic is much better. And I agree with Refrigerator on guitar fetish, the pickups I own come from their shop and they sound better than the stock pups.
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