Another epic NGD: 1956 Telecaster

[Paul-T]

That is gorgeous.

My jealousy is somewhat increased by the fact I'll be parting with my blackguard in the next year, although we've had 25 years together. I hope you and your Tele are never parted!

[Hiwatt Bob]

Paul—can I ask why?

[takeittothemall]

Holy mackerel. That is beautiful.

[Paul-T]

Paul—can I ask why?

College fees, in the main. £12k less debt for my son, hopefully.

I can't really leave the '52 out on a stand (although I do wiht my blonde JM), so the plan is to replace the 52 with a Custom Shop, which are good guitars, and play it more. Overall, I'm trying to cut down on stuff, get what I have working, and use it more. The 52 is amazing, but I've had plenty of time to appreciate it.

[Telliot]

Paul—can I ask why?

College fees, in the main. £12k less debt for my son, hopefully.

I can't really leave the '52 out on a stand (although I do wiht my blonde JM), so the plan is to replace the 52 with a Custom Shop, which are good guitars, and play it more. Overall, I'm trying to cut down on stuff, get what I have working, and use it more. The 52 is amazing, but I've had plenty of time to appreciate it.

That’s a pretty damn good reason.

[shadowplay]

Paul—can I ask why?

College fees, in the main. £12k less debt for my son, hopefully.

I can't really leave the '52 out on a stand (although I do wiht my blonde JM), so the plan is to replace the 52 with a Custom Shop, which are good guitars, and play it more. Overall, I'm trying to cut down on stuff, get what I have working, and use it more. The 52 is amazing, but I've had plenty of time to appreciate it.

That's a brutal one but a great thing to do for your youngster and at least you'll have the rosy glow of feeling you put him first. I thank the stars for Scotland's free tuition, we have savings policy insurance thingies or whatever they are (yes I didn't set them up) because with 6 kids if this changed the sky would pretty much go black and I'd be selling off my motors. As is we might be able to help them with their start in life (says Lady S) or lend to them it at least (says me who wants them to make it on their own).

I've two at Veterinary School, so they'll be done before any government can touch them but the rest are 8-14 years behind so it's best to prepare for the worst.

Custom shop should be great anyway.

D

[Hiwatt Bob]

Good reason indeed! I may have to do the same at some point if tuition keeps on the same trajectory.

[Jaguar018]

Good reason indeed! I may have to do the same at some point if tuition keeps on the same trajectory.

It starts to become a serious thing where you begin to factor in some quasi-abstract concepts. Does this guitar 'sound' or 'feel' $8-10k better than a custom shop? How much is owning a vintage piece really worth? Is there stress involved from having to worry about it? Insurance? How much of a potential price crash is out there with all the boomers dying/selling off vintage gear in the next few decades? If guys like David Gilmour have come to realize that they like their custom shop replicas just as much (and that they can help people with the money in selling gear) to me that proves that the main allure of vintage pieces is the collectible/rarity element, though I realize it's different for everyone.

I have played a feather-weight vintage Strat that was the most resonant guitar I think I ever got in my hands. I know those kinds of guitars are out there-- but I really really really love my custom shop Jaguar, and I don't regret any of my choices.

[TeenageShutdown!]

Wow, you must be a god damn millionaire!

[jeff m.]

I doubt a millionaire has to sell 2 vintage guitars to fund the purchase of 1 vintage guitar, y'know ?

Beautiful Tele, Bob ! The XA on the neck heel is' Xavier' someone, isn't it ? Nice change from the ubiquitous 'TG' !

[TeenageShutdown!]

Wow, I wasn’t serious!

[Embenny]

Now that's a holy grail guitar right there.

[Hiwatt Bob]

[Paul-T]

It starts to become a serious thing where you begin to factor in some quasi-abstract concepts. Does this guitar 'sound' or 'feel' $8-10k better than a custom shop? How much is owning a vintage piece really worth? Is there stress involved from having to worry about it? Insurance? How much of a potential price crash is out there with all the boomers dying/selling off vintage gear in the next few decades?

I have played a feather-weight vintage Strat that was the most resonant guitar I think I ever got in my hands. I know those kinds of guitars are out there-- but I really really really love my custom shop Jaguar, and I don't regret any of my choices.

There is definitely a difference; I have a CS Mark Kaye that is nearly there, but when I switch back to the Tele it has it all. I've also been lucky enough to do, for instance, a Tele test with Robbie McIntosh where we compared Broadcaster, 51 Esquire, 52, 55, 58 and others against the current vintage reissue. The reissue was nowehre near, even in a blind test (it was surprising how different they sounded although of course there are random factors there too). But the CS is so much closer, so much to be close enough. You'd have to think hard about how much you need and will use that extra 8 or 10% of magic. And my rationale is that my JM is already everything I need; Tele is for open tunings. Before I sell I'm trying to trade my Mark Kaye for a CS 52, so I'll report back in a dedicated test.

I do find the value of my Tele stressful, it's only insured for half its value so I have to rush and check its special place every time I've been on vacation!

[Maggieo]

I do find the value of my Tele stressful, it's only insured for half its value so I have to rush and check its special place every time I've been on vacation!

A neighbor of mine has a '92 Porsche Carrerra convertible, in white with a tan roof. He is afraid to drive it, because it is apparently a HG car and worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. He too, hates going on vacation, for the same reasons.