Let's hear from '52 Tele RI owners!

[MCHolley]

Hey Gang,

I used to have one, but it was stolen soon after I got it, so I never really got to know her.....I think I'll replace her soon, what do you love about yours?

Thanks for the feedback!

Mark

[theboss]

My 2000 52 ri is not a normal off the rack one because of the mods I have made. I put a set of bardens and changed the radius to 14".Yes, that is right, a 14" radius! It is my favorite guitar.

[riggergreg]

The one in my avatar is a 97 model in copper and I love it. I have the original neck pup and a nocaster bridge wired with a 4 way switch. It doesn't have the big fat neck like the newer ones and the finish is worn enough to not be sticky like a new one. She's sweet

[LeviSS]

My '52 is butterscotch blonde with Lindy Fralins and modern switching. I have had it for about a month now, and really like it. She plays fast and smooth and sounds great. The only problem is the frets are small and it is hard to play lead. It is my first tele and is a change from my Gibson SG standard. They are very different guitars but I love them both.

[PG13]

Copper 52RI with "modern" 3 way switching and Stew-Mac compensated brass saddles. It needs some setup - the action is way too high. But it sounds nice. I wouldn't mind a pair of Bardens in there someday, or some pinstripes on the pickguard.

[BigMikeD]

'01 AV '52RI Butterscotch Blond. I bought it new in '02, and except for a 4-way switch mod it's still stock, strung with .009s, either Fender 150s or E.B. Super Slinkys depending on my mood. The neck is bigger than the modern Teles but not as big as a Nocaster, and I don't have any problems with the radius or vintage frets. It sounded so good out of the box that I've never even adjusted the pickups. I play it through small Fender amps, SF Princeton Reverb (favorite), DRRI, and most recently, SF Champ.
(Those Coppercasters are cool!)

[MCHolley]

Well, finally I have another '52 reissue. As I had mentioned, I had one 10 years ago, and it was stolen soon after......but fate brought another into my hands....I knew someday I would HAVE to have another.

I'm happy!

Thanks for responding!

Mark

[Don]

That's good news. Welcome back to the fold.

[SteveB334]

The one in my avatar is a 97 model in copper and I love it. I have the original neck pup and a nocaster bridge wired with a 4 way switch. It doesn't have the big fat neck like the newer ones and the finish is worn enough to not be sticky like a new one. She's sweet

I like that one too

[JM3]

Lunchtime went down to the store and they still have the 2003 52 RI no case brand new for $1000 cash I put a deal together 20% down now cash 80% in 30 days its really light and the neck is fantastic minimal guitar stand damage obscured ( hence the lower price)I'll hear from the manager( my buddy) tomorrow Keepin my fingers crossedb Do these have nitro finish?

[Tele-Bob]

I had one briefly and then sold it because of that miserable vintage neck with the tiny little frets. Sure did sound good though.

[frank thomson]

i assembled mine w/ Fender parts
a 52 ri bod
vint pups
burton neck
it rocks

[SteveB334]

Well, finally I have another '52 reissue. As I had mentioned, I had one 10 years ago, and it was stolen soon after......but fate brought another into my hands....I knew someday I would HAVE to have another.

I'm happy!

Thanks for responding!

Mark

I'd love to see a couple of pics.

They do have a nitro finish but its only the top coat.

[JM3]

I know alot of posts talk about the neck and frets.Most of my guitars are fenders Most have thin necks and small frets.While i do seem to prefer larger frets,I can honestly say that I have no problem playing, bending or anything else with these 52 necks,or Tele necks in general. I do have a few older teles so maybe I am used to it(??) But I also have them set up properly so I can use them onstage

[teletubbie]

<-----

:-)

[JM3]

Idid it i took the plunge I will pick it up in less than 4 weeks
abit scruffy for a new guitar no ashtray or wiring kit but great finish ( all nitro according to specs) Met the fender rep while there Nice guy

[Telecasteroil]

Hey, Riggergreg that Blue Tele in your avatar wouldn't happen to be a 54 RI by any chance would it. I've got #11 of 12 made and been hunting down any of the other 11 with no luck.

Sorry guy's didn't mean to hijack this thread....

[JM3]

Good news! They found the certificate and the ashtray cover So know i have a complete 52 RI Tele

[JM3]

Pick up my baby Thursday and use it New years eve at agig thru a 100 watt all tube Rivera with 6-12" celestions

[JM3]

pick it up today cant wait will plug in tonight and see what happens

[sabby]

Pick up my baby Thursday and use it New years eve at agig thru a 100 watt all tube Rivera with 6-12" celestions

Good Lord, man! :bug

[Fendercrazy]

I may pick one up soon. I had one and reallllllly regret selling the beauty. :bummer

[Power_13]

Hey, Riggergreg that Blue Tele in your avatar wouldn't happen to be a 54 RI by any chance would it. I've got #11 of 12 made and been hunting down any of the other 11 with no luck.

Sorry guy's didn't mean to hijack this thread....

If I remember correctly, that blue guitar is one of the Custom Shop Esquires that were made for one of the NAMM shows. Don't quote me on this, but I think they were based on a late 50s style.

Good luck finding the other 11 though :)

[JM3]

Picked it up I have always wanted one, I feel like its Christmas

came with all the goodies, I cant wait to plug her in and see what it sounds like thru my rig but i did play it the store and it sounded sweet

I now have 4 Teles Yikes! but the rest are all weird

Yes 100 watt all tube Rivera with 6-12" celestions what a rig it kicks ass Whats great is i have a matching strat I want to get the '51 Bass to complete the trio

[JM3]

It plays like a dream I really love it have not had an American Tele purchased since 1985 and its much better than my old CBS 77 that i sold a few months ago
I must have the traditional switching done so i can use both pickups

[riggergreg]

Sorry, I missed this thread for a while. No, The oone you are looking at is actually silver and it's a home built esquire.

It has a Priest body and an MIJ Esquire neck, with a Rio Grande Tallboy pup

[JM3]

Judas Priest?

[refin]

My 2000 52 ri is not a normal off the rack one because of the mods I have made. I put a set of bardens and changed the radius to 14".Yes, that is right, a 14" radius! It is my favorite guitar.

That must make string bending really nice.....any more radius than that and the fingerboard is smiling at you. :)

How are the Bardens? I listen to Mr. Gatton,and his tone is almost stupid good.