Results 1 to 14 of 14

Thread: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

  1. #1
    Forum Member Johnny64's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Reeth,England
    Posts
    983

    '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    I'm not suggesting there is any problem,but I'm considering buying a '52 US model,and as I understand it,the neck radius is 7.25 inches. Now I've never played anything earlier than a '73,and I've read some comments about choking off on bending.
    All I'm after is some comments from people who've used/own this model,to let me know how it compares with the latest US Teles,which I currently own,and have no problems with.

    TIA

    Paul

  2. #2
    Forum Member Tele-Bob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    6,691

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    Basically, for me the 7.25" radius sucks. I have a hard time playing that type of neck. It's pretty comfy for comping, but fast runs and note bending are challanging.
    If you're bored, you're not groovin'.

  3. #3
    Forum Member Marcondo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    way over yonder by the methane sea
    Posts
    4,409

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    The latest US Teles AM STD's and AM series are 9.5 radius with med jumbo frets. The 52ri is 7.25 with vintage sized frets.

    The Muddy Waters Tele is what you need its got the body of a 50's Classic and the neck like a 62ri but its got 9.5 and med jumbo frets.

  4. #4
    Forum Member telecast's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Ann Arbor MI
    Posts
    4,560

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    String bending may or may not be a problem for you, it depends on how you like your action. If you want it very low, forget it. But if you're a 'set it to specs guy', it works pretty well. A little above spec and you'll never notice the difference.

    YMMV
    IMHO
    IATW
    A friend in need is a good reason to screen your calls.

  5. #5
    Forum Member Tele-Bob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    6,691

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    There are also a few 1998 Collectors Edition Teles floating around. MIA, 2 piece ash body, two tone burst, vintage '52 p'ups, soft V maple neck, 9.5" fretboard radius, and they can be had for under $1000 with tan hardshell case.
    If you're bored, you're not groovin'.

  6. #6
    Forum Member Kap'n's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Where phony hippies meet
    Posts
    19,769

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    Quote Originally Posted by Johnny64
    Now I've never played anything earlier than a '73,and I've read some comments about choking off on bending.
    A '73 is the same radius as the '52. If you liked that radius, you should be fine with it.
    Several guitars in different colors
    Things to make them fuzzy
    Things to make them louder
    orange picks

  7. #7
    Forum Member SteveB334's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Rockwall, TX
    Posts
    1,175

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    side question: When did fender change to 9.5" radius?

    I also second the muddy waters tele

  8. #8
    Forum Member chuckocaster's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    spanish for lard.
    Posts
    8,605

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    the old country guys never really seemed to have a problem with the 7.25. personally i prefer it, the other boards feel too flat for me. the 7.25 feels natural. play one and see if you like it. a properly set up guitar should not choke out. my jazzmaster is nice and low and i can bend the shit out of it. FYI
    "don't worry, i'm a professional!"

  9. #9
    Forum Member Johnny64's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Reeth,England
    Posts
    983

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    Cheers for all the info,and I never knew my old '73 was the same radius. Mind you,it's a few years back since I got rid of it.
    I think,therefore I am
    I thought,therefore I was
    I am therefore,I thought
    Therefore,am I as I think I was

  10. #10
    Forum Member jim in texas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Ft Worth
    Posts
    410

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    There's been a lot of great music recorded by players using 7.25 necks. I'm guessing that if it's all you know, you adapt. A good set up helps, too.

    I've had 'em but eventually weeded 'em out of the herd.

    The 7.25 IS great for chording.

    You can never have too
    much music in your life.

  11. #11
    Forum Member brianf's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Toronto, Canada
    Posts
    998

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    They do take time to set up. I almost gave up on mine. Severe choking around 12th and 13th fret on the B and G strings.

    I have the neck almost flat now (less that 5 thou. clearence at the 7th fret) the action is up a little and it all works. I like the small frets for chord work.

    Recently though this guitar is left in 5 string open G a rhythm guitar so to speak. So no problems.

    So to answer your question, they can be made playable but just need a little bit more set up work.

    What did all those players do in the 50's and 60's????

    brianf
    Oh Man!!! I never knew Fender made amps too!!!

  12. #12
    Formerly ajay315 Huckleberry's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    The House of Microwave Pancakes
    Posts
    606

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    I have 2 G&L ASATs(a Classic & a Special). They're G&L's take on the Telecaster. both have 7.25" radius fretboards. I have a Hamer with a 14" radius, and a G&L Legacy(Strat) with a 12" radius board.


    I have no problem bending on the ASATs, or playing fast runs. I really think it's a "feel" thing, or a playing style thing. The 7.25" may lend itself to "choking out more", I dunno. But it's not an absolute in my experience.
    Time wounds all heels.

  13. #13
    Forum Member Johnny64's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Reeth,England
    Posts
    983

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    Quote Originally Posted by brianf
    What did all those players do in the 50's and 60's????
    AH! Now that's the sound of a nail being hit squarely on the head.

    Good point Brianf ,and I deserve a for never even thinking that myself.

    I think,therefore I am
    I thought,therefore I was
    I am therefore,I thought
    Therefore,am I as I think I was

  14. #14
    Forum Member Don's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    11,288

    Re: '52 Tele neck radius probs?

    Although I prefer a 9-1/2" - 12" radius and taller frets, I'm bothered more by the thick and sticky "nitro" finish on those guitars.

    Those are the main reasons that, when I decided to buy a black guard Tele last year, I assembled my own.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •