Modify or trade in existing guitar?

[Tom_C76]

I've got a USA Tele that I never play. I used to tell myself it was uncomfortable but I needed a Tele sound sometimes, but I've come to the conclusion that I don't really like the sound of it all that much. It's too thin and I don't play country.

So do I modify it or hack it it? I've asked around, and been told it's only worth 350 to 400 as is, so wouldn't get me far towards anything fancy. But I could stick a set of hot rails in for about 100 quid and see how it goes, or there's a USA based company making mid boost kits for standard Tele controls.

Is starting on modifying a guitar just the top of a slippery slope? I've already got this idea of trying to cram the electronics from a Clapton Strat into it.

[Baryonyx]

So it's uncomfortable and you don't like the sound of it? Just get rid and find something more suitable. Modding is fun, but you need to start with a guitar you're happy with in some respect, rather than throwing money and hope at something.

[Fantuzzi]

Baryonyx said:

So it's uncomfortable and you don't like the sound of it? Just get rid and find something more suitable. Modding is fun, but you need to start with a guitar you're happy with in some respect, rather than throwing money and hope at something.

I agree, feel is more important, you can piss ass around with pick ups and the like but feel is the main thing, its the reason why you just 'need' to pick it up and play! If its uncomfortable get rid.

Sell it.

[MG0o]

you cant polish a turd, if your not feeling it get rid of it.
Mods are for making something you like even better.
Also there is a uk based company called axes r us which do alot of fender mods and bits, friends have used them alot,i have no cause to i use ibanez guitars.

[anonymous-user]

Send it to Gene Parsons. Or, if that's a bit steep - try getting some pickups from Curtis Novak. You can tell him what kind of sound you're after. He's on another planet sound wise.

[Justin Cyder]

If it's not battered, a USA Tele should fetch £500 all day.

[Tom_C76]

I looked at it the other night and concluded the tele is no less comfortable to hold than the LP, and the LP gets played all the time. Hence my suspicion that I don't play the thing cos I dont get on with the sound.

Thanks for the tip of Axes r us, there's some really decent priced pups on there. £20 for a set of rails style mini HBs...

[suthol]

Sounds like single coils aren't to your taste soundwise, there are plenty of pickup options including mini humbuckers that don't require body mods.

One of the locals over here in Oz has stuck the guts of his variax into a tele body so if you want a really broad sound palate that is another option.

Have a listen to the sounds that Redd Volkaert & Bill Kirchen get out of their Teles in this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTmNk3U1ujY

Edited by suthol on Friday 28th March 11:42

[KemP]

Justin Cyder said:

If it's not battered, a USA Tele should fetch £500 all day.

Agreed there is no way a US tele is worth £350. How old is it?

[Tom_C76]

Think I bought it in 98, new from a Fender dealer. I don't object to single coils in general, as I love the sound of my Strat. Just not the sound of the Tele.

[Justin Cyder]

Well, if you want £350 for it, I'll take it off your hands.