"A Classic RI of a Classic Telecaster"

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
It has all the features of a 52 Telecaster. It is nice that you are provided options such as a more modern bridge and electronics package all included. If you prefer the 6 saddle bridge...it's there. If you prefer the modern wiring...everything is included to give you that option. A really nice touch and one I hope Fender continues on there Vintage models.

Quality:
The overall fit and finish on my 52RI is excellent. Fit of the neck to the body is tight, overall finish is very well done and all parts are integrated very nicely into the finished product. A lot nicer than some of the real vintage Teles I have seen, but not as nice as some of the guitars I have seen come out of the custom shop (although very close).

Value:
I bought mine before the last price increase, so I felt it was a pretty good deal at the time. Comparing it to some of the Custom Shop models, and considering the accessories, options, and overall quality, I feel it is at a very reasonable cost for all that is offered. Another price increase might change my mind though.

Desirability:
I was born in 1952...I love Fender Guitars...I love the Telecaster...not much more to add than that. If you look under Telecaster in the Dictionary...this is the picture you should see.

Sound:
If you are looking for the vintage Telecaster tone, this is the way to go. I have played late 50's Teles in the past and can tell you that they do not all sound the same. They do however, have a very common voicing that this RI is able to match very well. The low output pups provide a bright clean tone but allow for a good amount of variation if you want to push them a bit for a little more bite. The key to remember here is the word "Vintage". I generally play through a '65 Fender Twin Reverb, Vox AD30, or Vox Pathfinder. This guitar matches up very well with all three of them. Using this Tele, the Twin Reverb, and a Danelectro Dan-echo, you can almost see the clocks in the room start running backwards in time.

Ease of Use:
The action on any guitar is a personal preferance. I have to say that my '52RI was very nice right out of the box, and only required a minor adjustment after putting on my preferred string brand and weight. It plays as nice as any Tele I have ever used. The back of the neck is smooth, vintage frets are clean, and it plays very well for both rythem and lead.

Support:
I have never had to contact Fender on this product, however in the past they have been quite responsive. They do not provide email support for general questions if you want a reply, but their phone support is good most of the time. I have encountered some problem in the past getting in touch with the "right" person to answer my questions. Overall it is not bad though.

Overall:
Overall, I have to give this a 10. All the reasons are stated above, but this is one guitar that I love. I cannot think of a better tribute to this classic than this. A lot of it just comes down to personal preference. This is one of my favorite guitars. If I could own a mint condition 1952 original vintage Telecaster, I might have to drop some of my ratings on this one, but I don't and most likely never will, so I have to go with what I have and enjoy it for what it is. I wonder if in another 50 years or so they will have a '52 RI Re-Issue to commemorate one of the best selling RIs of all time.

"Beginner Now Hooked For Life - Don't Hate Me, Instead Buy One Yerself"

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
Comes with a pretty good strap if that matters. The case is awesome looking too... Orangey fur-like felt inside, nice yellow & brown mix on outside material... extra parts too...

Quality:
I know that aesthetic visual beauty really doesn't matter to sound... but hey, this thing is way nicer than you can imagine... or than appears in any photo I'd seen... It's like you can smell the gooey butterscotch...

Value:
Comes with a strap too...

Desirability:
And I got it...

Sound:
Sounds great to me...

Support:
No problems but if you order it during a freezing winter, will you be able to wait for things to warm up before you open the box? They should warn you better. Me, I got mine in the fall. Website should specify details of extras maybe using pictures too.

Overall:
Only guitar I need... (Famous last words of a guy who just bought his 1st guitar)...

"Fender 1952 Telecaster reissue evaluation"

Feature:
The guitar was constructed using vintage or reproduction vintage components with the same specs as the original components. The materials were reproduced as they were back over 50 years ago. The accessories were inconsequential.

Quality:
As all American made Fenders, this guitar will last forever. It's fit and finish is great. They are all workhorses and will handle the road-it's a Fender.

Value:
The worst value was a Coronado that I paid $250.00 new for and it is now worth $1250. My middle value was my early Strat that I paid $339.00 for and is now worth about $3000.00. The best value of the guitars that I own is a Telecaster Thinline that cost about $300 in the late 60's and is now worth over $6000.00. Fenders are worth it.

Desirability:
This guitar is sexy-it is a piece that you just want to play and carress. It is practical but it is so fantastic looking and playing that it is now part of the family.

Sound:
The Fender reissues are made very well. The quality is better than the original early 70's guitars that I purchased new and as good as the middle to late 60's Fenders that I purchased new. All the guitars require a professional setup but only a great instrument can be set up well. The poor quality guitars cannot be made to play fast or establish great intonation as the parts of the guitar do not meet in the proper relationship range. I only play through fender amps and the guitar sounds great through my old tube Fender Concert as well as through my newer solid state Fender amps and even my Fender Amp Can.

Support:
I have dealt with Fender personally for over 30 years, when they were in Fullerton, CA. I have no bad experiences with the company. They have been great for upgrades and I have not had any warranty problems with any of my Fender Guitars and I have many.

Overall:
I chose this product for what it is and how it is built and plays. I Don't think I would replace this guitar unless it was with a true vintage 1952 Telecaster of the same exact spec and condition which would be selling in the 20,000 to 25,000 dollar price range.

Fender '52 American Vintage Telecaster (Maple) Customer Review

Feature:
included nice array of case toys, ashtray cover, strap, cable, could have come in a potato sack I would still buy it.

Quality:
craftsmanship, quality, all first rate. Comparable to custom shop without crazy price.

Value:
The price is right. A great value for the money. It will only get better with age.

Sound:
all I can say is this guitar sounds great, hollow, blusey tone suitable for any type of music. I compared this guitar to the custom shop nocaster, and could not justify spending $1,000 more for the custom shop guitar. the quality and sound were comparable. The 52 cannot be beat, a beautiful guitar.

Support:
never had to bother

"Good God! What a sweet lil'guitar, yal!"

Feature:
I liked the features because I love vintage guitars and the way they look. I have always had a special fondness for the way telecasters look.

Quality:
Very smooth. Enough said.

Value:
It is definately worth what it is selling for.(Even though I can't afford one!)

Desirability:
Yep.

Sound:
I prefer more of a muddier, bluesy kind of sound and this guitar delivers, of course, its a telecaster. I was impressed because not because it surpassed my expectations, but because it met my expectations on the sound. I have really high expectations when it comes to guitars and their sound. That may or may not be a good thing, but nevertheless this ole tele checks out in my book.

Overall:
Awwwwwwwwwesome. oh yeah. Telecaster baby!