Just wanted to say out of the several guitars I've bought (I currently own 10) and the hundreds I've played I really adore the FSR Tele. To be honest, I think it feels nicer than an American Standard.
I love my FSR Tele, 2014. Just FYI, the switch plate is not easily reversed to standard Tele position due to different routing beneath the plate interfering with the bottom of the switch. No matter I'll play it as is smiling all the time this really is a great guitar I don't care where it's made.
Currently I own six Fender Telecasters, three American's and three Mexicans. Each one has their own unique pickup configuration, either from 'boutique' winders such as Chris Klien (excellent pups!), Lollar, Fender Custom Shop, or some of the other big name manufactures. The latest addition the the Tele herd was the made in Mexico Classic player 60's Baja Tele dressed in faded Sonic Blue with a rose board. That little guitar features outstanding build quality and is beyond versatile and is being kept bone stock. Last week I got to play the Fender FSR Telecaster, and once again the build quality of these guitars is absolutely first class. My plans for that guitar however is to install Fender Custom Shop '51 No Caster pups and a pair of domed knobs. I already purchased the pickups for this latest build (as they were in stock) and the FSR Tele is on reserve. Excellent guitars and very fun to play. Especially through the Mesa Engineering 'Royal Atlantic' head with a custom loaded 4X12 Celestion (Alnico Golds with G12H 30's) cabinet, and don't forget the cold beers! Cheers!
Could you tell me the positions of the 4 way. I have this and it seems like it isn’t normal. I have it in the neck position and it sounds more like a bridge
They have different body shapes. A telecaster has two pickups, the bridge has a brass plate beneath it to give it that twangy sound, the neck has a metal cover on it. A stratocaster has three pickups, and a five-way switch to let you get five different tones (bridge, bridge/middle, middle, middle/neck, neck). Due to the differences in construction and setup, they sound a bit different.
I love the neck. I set the relief at about 0.004" and get no buzzing, plays easy and the neck feels small to my hand. Also the polyurethane finish stays very slick even wihtout talcum or anything.
Reversing the switch plate so the knobs are towards the tuners is a trick used by Bill Kirchen, the King of Dieselbilly (see his videos on RUclips). And some others, too. (Terry Jacks, iirc...) It allows him to use that volume knob like a foot pedal: you've probably heard Bill's volume swells on Hot Rod Lincoln. :-)
It's an FSR (standard) MIM without any mods that I am aware of. I love it though. I have since gotten a Peavey ValveKing (review of that on my site) and it kicks butt. I can get lots of bottom end from a Tele! Plus it will kick out all the twang you can handle if that's what you want.
Hi, great video! I have a question though. I just the Mexican Standard Telecaster at Guitar Center for $500, ($544 with tax). They had a Squire Classic Vibe 50;s Telecaster but it was used. It was dented. Is there a difference the Squire Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster and the Mexican Standard Telecaster? Can you or someone please let me know. If there is no difference, I will the the Standard back and get the Squire one, ($380 new). Please help. Thanks.
Well, for starters, they are made in different countries...IMHO as you approach the American continent, quality specs and prices begin to rise. But I must say that the "budget" brands (Epiphone, Squier) are really improving their quality. I just purchased one of these Rustic Ash models, but have a Squier Affinity Telecaster which is awesome. In relation to your question, I wouldn´t be sure about significant differences in tone and sound, but there are differences such as the bridge (Fender standard tele bridge vs. Squier three saddle bridge), body material (alder Fender vrs. pine Squier), wider nut on the Fender, and aesthetics in general. I would be happy with any one of them, depends on your budget really. Hope it helps, y que lo que compre sea lo que le satisface y haga feliz. :-)
Mine is also a Mex FSR, same components and colour, but the switch plate is in standard configuration (i.e., selector switch at neck end) Is this just for UK export models, or have other got this setup as well;?
What the hell happened with that control plate? A mistake by someone at the factory? So I assume the top knob would be tone, and the bottom one is the volume? Interesting.
To be honest, that is EXACTLY HOW FENDER MADE THESE TELECASTERS. They are called "Fender FSR Ash Telecaster". I think the body is made of Ash Wood instead of Alder or Pine (As in Tele or Strat modern players!). There is another video about this guitar/demo here: watch?v=Zs5YRtlz1Dc&list=RDdlatm_SKiwU&index=2 When watching the introduction of this video, note the position of the control plate. Then pay SPECIAL attention to this portion of the video: 1:23-1.29 (total video is 5 minutes and 20 seconds) I hope this helps. I am thinking if I decide to get this model I am going to "reverse it back" so i would look like and function as a regular Mexican Standard Tele. You could buy a regular control plate on Ebay or try to switch the knobs back to normal, you might have to cut wires so have some electrical tape handy! I believe the knobs and controls have philip screws. If so that makes the change much easier. But its up to you, you can just by a MIM tele at guitar center or ZZounds, etc. they are about the same price which is about $499. I dont see many used ones; however, on Ebay I usually see them about 450 or 449, etc I never have seen them lower, if you do just make sure you are not mistaking it for A CLASSIC VIBE SQUIRE TELE! These guitars are not bad either but your concern is with the FSR tele as shown in the video above.
moorejr1400 Ha ha, they are reversed indeed! Interesting fact, I just got a 2013 rustic ash Telecaster, and its controls are in the usual way. Just checked your ash telecaster and it is also reversed. So maybe is a nice weird detail that distinguishes it from others, lol...just a question, are controls totally reversed? I tried reversing mine so I had tone on the nearest knob and volume on the farthest...are the knobs here also reversed or volume and tone are placed as usual?
TheSpelingChamp But having large knobs close to where the control and pick guard meet would worsen the problem. I tried to play a basic strum pattern and my hand kept hitting the knob. so instead, i had to make more movements with my wrist instead of my whole arm. That is not comfortable!!! I tested a couple of times at Guitar Center. The bridge pickup is really hot (to me it seem almost as powerful as a humbucker although its clearly a single coil or the amp made it sound that way), but when i get this guitar I will make immediate adjustments to the control plate: re-reverse everything the way it should be.
They are fully reversed controls (also known as the ‘Bill Kerchen Mod’) vol then tone then pickup selector. This allows ease of access for volume swells...and keeps from knocking off the selector switch cap (most common problem with the ‘old’ tele controls. They are designed this way at the factory, and reversing them to the usual tele configuration will require rerouting the cavity and changing the wiring configuration as well. Easily stands with any USA made tele in every aspect, and including solid shaft CTS pots, ash body...this one’s a winner!
Ha ha .. Boy, you nailed it Johnny. So true but you can get to heaven with either. Look how Fender started putting a middle pickup in the Teles. Even James Burton started playing the 3 thing. Jimmy Bryant started "chicken pickin" and the Tele world exploded into a cult following that has us all trying to catch the chicken. I miss Danny. Good day to you sir!
I have one of these. They are outstanding instruments!
The reverse control plate is useful to do volume tricks with your pinky finger. that's the reason!
Just wanted to say out of the several guitars I've bought (I currently own 10) and the hundreds I've played I really adore the FSR Tele. To be honest, I think it feels nicer than an American Standard.
I needed to read this. I just ordered one!
I love my FSR Tele, 2014. Just FYI, the switch plate is not easily reversed to standard Tele position due to different routing beneath the plate interfering with the bottom of the switch. No matter I'll play it as is smiling all the time this really is a great guitar I don't care where it's made.
I've had my fender fsr for several years and love the play and sound of it!
Currently I own six Fender Telecasters, three American's and three Mexicans. Each one has their own unique pickup configuration, either from 'boutique' winders such as Chris Klien (excellent pups!), Lollar, Fender Custom Shop, or some of the other big name manufactures. The latest addition the the Tele herd was the made in Mexico Classic player 60's Baja Tele dressed in faded Sonic Blue with a rose board. That little guitar features outstanding build quality and is beyond versatile and is being kept bone stock. Last week I got to play the Fender FSR Telecaster, and once again the build quality of these guitars is absolutely first class. My plans for that guitar however is to install Fender Custom Shop '51 No Caster pups and a pair of domed knobs. I already purchased the pickups for this latest build (as they were in stock) and the FSR Tele is on reserve. Excellent guitars and very fun to play. Especially through the Mesa Engineering 'Royal Atlantic' head with a custom loaded 4X12 Celestion (Alnico Golds with G12H 30's) cabinet, and don't forget the cold beers! Cheers!
Could you tell me the positions of the 4 way. I have this and it seems like it isn’t normal. I have it in the neck position and it sounds more like a bridge
I have the FSR Tele and I find myself constantly hitting the volume knob with my little finger when strumming which ends up lowering the volume.
They have different body shapes. A telecaster has two pickups, the bridge has a brass plate beneath it to give it that twangy sound, the neck has a metal cover on it. A stratocaster has three pickups, and a five-way switch to let you get five different tones (bridge, bridge/middle, middle, middle/neck, neck). Due to the differences in construction and setup, they sound a bit different.
I love the neck. I set the relief at about 0.004" and get no buzzing, plays easy and the neck feels small to my hand. Also the polyurethane finish stays very slick even wihtout talcum or anything.
Reversing the switch plate so the knobs are towards the tuners is a trick used by Bill Kirchen, the King of Dieselbilly (see his videos on RUclips). And some others, too. (Terry Jacks, iirc...)
It allows him to use that volume knob like a foot pedal: you've probably heard Bill's volume swells on Hot Rod Lincoln. :-)
Those brass saddle resonates for days . Great Guitar!!!
It's an FSR (standard) MIM without any mods that I am aware of. I love it though.
I have since gotten a Peavey ValveKing (review of that on my site) and it kicks butt. I can get lots of bottom end from a Tele! Plus it will kick out all the twang you can handle if that's what you want.
Awesome, awesome video. I just picked up a used one of these and it's absolutely amazing sounding I love it!
This guy reminds me of Huell Howser the way he narrates.
Landon Kirk isn't it AMAZING!!
timtim 1 Amazing indeed! Lol
The second tune is a chord progression for a song I wrote years ago. the lyrics sucked but I always liked the chords.
Awesome review.
Can anyone tell me what is the different between stractocaster and telecaster
Hi, great video! I have a question though. I just the Mexican Standard Telecaster at Guitar Center for $500, ($544 with tax). They had a Squire Classic Vibe 50;s Telecaster but it was used. It was dented. Is there a difference the Squire Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster and the Mexican Standard Telecaster? Can you or someone please let me know. If there is no difference, I will the the Standard back and get the Squire one, ($380 new). Please help. Thanks.
Well, for starters, they are made in different countries...IMHO as you approach the American continent, quality specs and prices begin to rise. But I must say that the "budget" brands (Epiphone, Squier) are really improving their quality. I just purchased one of these Rustic Ash models, but have a Squier Affinity Telecaster which is awesome. In relation to your question, I wouldn´t be sure about significant differences in tone and sound, but there are differences such as the bridge (Fender standard tele bridge vs. Squier three saddle bridge), body material (alder Fender vrs. pine Squier), wider nut on the Fender, and aesthetics in general. I would be happy with any one of them, depends on your budget really. Hope it helps, y que lo que compre sea lo que le satisface y haga feliz. :-)
I have this but the guy who sold me it said it came stock with a 4 lol
Cool review!!! how's the neck action?
Mine is also a Mex FSR, same components and colour, but the switch plate is in standard configuration (i.e., selector switch at neck end)
Is this just for UK export models, or have other got this setup as well;?
Scottyrafferty Tbh I feel like you are lucky. It might be an export but I kind of with mine was normal. xD
Nice review!Go to your local radio station and you can make some extra money doing voice overs etc as your voice would be perfect. I am serious.
Great review! Thanks!
Joe Pera reviews a Telecaster.
All anyone needs is a little Cheap Trick !!! nice review, I'm gonna get one!
Great review, yeah geezer is not the best guitarist, but what an awesome at a review. Great narrative voice.
What the hell happened with that control plate? A mistake by someone at the factory? So I assume the top knob would be tone, and the bottom one is the volume? Interesting.
To be honest, that is EXACTLY HOW FENDER MADE THESE TELECASTERS. They are called "Fender FSR Ash Telecaster". I think the body is made of Ash Wood instead of Alder or Pine (As in Tele or Strat modern players!). There is another video about this guitar/demo here:
watch?v=Zs5YRtlz1Dc&list=RDdlatm_SKiwU&index=2
When watching the introduction of this video, note the position of the control plate. Then pay SPECIAL attention to this portion of the video: 1:23-1.29 (total video is 5 minutes and 20 seconds)
I hope this helps. I am thinking if I decide to get this model I am going to "reverse it back" so i would look like and function as a regular Mexican Standard Tele. You could buy a regular control plate on Ebay or try to switch the knobs back to normal, you might have to cut wires so have some electrical tape handy! I believe the knobs and controls have philip screws. If so that makes the change much easier. But its up to you, you can just by a MIM tele at guitar center or ZZounds, etc. they are about the same price which is about $499. I dont see many used ones; however, on Ebay I usually see them about 450 or 449, etc I never have seen them lower, if you do just make sure you are not mistaking it for A CLASSIC VIBE SQUIRE TELE! These guitars are not bad either but your concern is with the FSR tele as shown in the video above.
moorejr1400 Ha ha, they are reversed indeed! Interesting fact, I just got a 2013 rustic ash Telecaster, and its controls are in the usual way. Just checked your ash telecaster and it is also reversed. So maybe is a nice weird detail that distinguishes it from others, lol...just a question, are controls totally reversed? I tried reversing mine so I had tone on the nearest knob and volume on the farthest...are the knobs here also reversed or volume and tone are placed as usual?
Supposedly they switched it because people would strum and knock the knob.. Just something that comes with this guitar
TheSpelingChamp But having large knobs close to where the control and pick guard meet would worsen the problem. I tried to play a basic strum pattern and my hand kept hitting the knob. so instead, i had to make more movements with my wrist instead of my whole arm. That is not comfortable!!! I tested a couple of times at Guitar Center. The bridge pickup is really hot (to me it seem almost as powerful as a humbucker although its clearly a single coil or the amp made it sound that way), but when i get this guitar I will make immediate adjustments to the control plate: re-reverse everything the way it should be.
They are fully reversed controls (also known as the ‘Bill Kerchen Mod’) vol then tone then pickup selector. This allows ease of access for volume swells...and keeps from knocking off the selector switch cap (most common problem with the ‘old’ tele controls. They are designed this way at the factory, and reversing them to the usual tele configuration will require rerouting the cavity and changing the wiring configuration as well. Easily stands with any USA made tele in every aspect, and including solid shaft CTS pots, ash body...this one’s a winner!
Yes, and this is the T-shirt I was wearing when I was shot with a shot-gun !
Awesome voice off
I want one.
@Ethan Liu Quack v Twang
Ha ha .. Boy, you nailed it Johnny. So true but you can get to heaven with either. Look how Fender started putting a middle pickup in the Teles. Even James Burton started playing the 3 thing. Jimmy Bryant started "chicken pickin" and the Tele world exploded into a cult following that has us all trying to catch the chicken. I miss Danny. Good day to you sir!
Go Telecaster and Go Pack!!!!
You sold me..im getting one
I'm checking this FSR out because 1: I want a Tele, and 2: I have a 1999 Specialised FSR mountain bike. :-)
Maybe a clean shirt for your next review.
this is fucking LOL!!