That fingerboard looks like ebony! Right now I'm on the fence...I like (i don't love) my Les Paul and I'm actually thinking of trading it for a Marshall Mini Jubilee combo or a Mesa Badlander 25 combo. At the same time, I have a Marshall SC20 combo on consignment. I'm not crazy about the ten inch speaker. When it sells, I was thinking of getting one of the PRS SE guitars, either the SC, McCarty, or DGT. I like blues and 70s hard rock but also 80s thrash/speed/NWOBHM. It's tough to figure out which would be suitable for all of the above.
You know, between those three, I think you probably want to base it on feel. They can all handle the music, but the neck carves vary. Thanks so much for watching.
Nice Demo and Review Leonard! I feel the Price is WAY ABOVE the quality of the product but that's just me. Also the addition of Coil Splitting is a No Go for me. The ONLY guitar I've ever played with out a signal drop was an American PRS and even at that didn't really like it. If I want Single Coil sound I'll use a guitar with Single Coil Pickups. LOL! Please keep up the Good Work and Cheers from Salem, Oh.
Thanks so much. The only coil splitting pickup I ever owned that actually sounded useful was a Tom Anderson H Series pickup. It actually sounded a bit like a P90 when split. All the others, signal drop or not, just sound like a single with no character.
LOL. Yeah, it’s not my favorite, but the matching headstock does have a lot of fans. Vintage models with the matching headstock are somewhat rare and I think that’s probably what drove the interest. Thanks for watching.
@leonardgriffieblues5845 no, I love matching headstocks usually. I just can't get behind how it's so shrunken looking and doesn't seem to fit a guitar that everyone has loved for so long.
Great review - lovely looking guitar, too! Never owned a Tele (one day!) but I have been playing a couple of Am Pro II Rosewood Board Strats at my local and love them - the extra 2 push / pull things are a nice addition - being able to select Bridge & Neck as a pair is really nice. I guess the split humbuckers option in the Tele is going to be useful for a lot of players . . . personally I would prefer 6 saddles for fine tuning.
Yes, while the 3 barrel bridge does intonate pretty well, it can’t be quite as precise as a 6 saddle. I suspect it’s more about marketing than function but I could be wrong. Thanks for watching.
They must be useful to some, but for me, even if I’m going for old school funk, just turning the humbuckers down sounds better. The only pickup I ever owned that actually sounded good split was a Tom Anderson H series pickup. It sounded almost like a P90 when split. Thanks for watching.
Hey Leonard another great review , there’s something really cool about those telecasters I bought the Vintera model about 4 years ago and I love it but don’t play it enough your video has now made me dig mine out and I will start playing it again, great playing as usual, take care ✌️🧷🎸
Well that’s great. I thought I’d remembered Tab Benoit playing a Tele Deluxe from seeing him at one of the festivals, but his was actually the Thinline, 2 knob version. Same 70s era and pickups and the only guitar I’ve ever seen him play. Thanks so much for following the channel.
Not bad, I do like Telecaster Deluxe guitars. I have the affinity Squier in the black on black and maple neck. I did a slight mod lol. Slapped a bit better PAF alnico 3 humbuckers with 500k pots with treble bleeds. Sounds great for a fraction of the cost. Well worth the mod, especially since it was a present from my wife
Sure, everyone has their preference. Back in 72 when the original came out, Fender was all in on producing a Gibson competitor, hence the Gibson like control arrangement. Best not to think of these models as regular Teles. And in truth, there are plenty of those in every configuration. Thanks for watching.
Great demo, Leonard! Love your phrasing!! The most off putting detail with this guitar (other than the price) is the headstock, to me! A Strat headstock on a Tele is just against the laws of nature!! 😎
Hi Leonard, my experience with the AmPro II was a Jazzmaster. There were a number of QC issues which I won't bore you with. One thing that was impressive was the neck profile and satin finish on the neck. They're currently on sale in the UK, so maybe an AmPro III on the way or another modern Corona range. Thanks for some nice phrasing.
Solid playing and demo as always! I had a strat in that Dark Night finish and MAN did it look beautiful. The Am Pro II's I've played have definitely been solid but, like you said, there are excellent options you can get for cheaper too. Also Am Pro II necks tend to be a little wider than something like a player neck which might not be for everybody. But overall worth a look 😎👍
I began with a Fender way back in 1963, then traded it in on a new one in 1970. It’s nice to see they’re still making good guitars. Thanks for watching.
No this is definitely the Classic Vibe. There are a number of differences, but just look at the pickups and the headstock. The Affinity version has regular (Gibson style) humbuckers, not the faux wide range humbuckers you see on the Classic Vibe. Also, the Affinity has the regular Tele style headstock, not the CBS era Strat style headstock like the original, and the CV. That should clear it up for you and thanks for watching.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 I've neve seen a total black version of the Classic Vibe 70s Tele Deluxe, and still I can't find it on the web. Do you have a link that allow me to check this beatiful version? Thanks a lot
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 I've never seen a total black version of Telecaster Classic Vibe with HH on the web, just the affinity has this look. Humbuckers and fret could be easily replaced: maybe this is a Tele with body of the Affinity series, HH and fret by CV. But if I'm wrong, please send me a link of this version, beacuse I'm really interested buying one!
They did stop producing the black one. I think maybe 2020. Used ones are available of course: reverb.com/item/83496100-squier-2020-classic-vibe-70s-telecaster-deluxe-black?
We’re all getting older, even when we don’t think we are. Lighter amps are ok. The Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb sounds pretty good and gives the Fender Blackface type of sound as it should. I’m just a Fender amp guy, and prefer that sound. I’m sure I would enjoy the PRS, but I think the sweet tones of the Fender is probably the thing I’m looking to hear, and I think that is true whether Single coil or Humbucker guitars. To be fair, it’s likely that the PRS was not designed or intended to sound like a Fender Blackface amp, and if I could keep that in mind I’d enjoy that amp. But for gigging, would I want to be without that Fender Blackface sound? I’m guessing no, but my listening to this PRS will never connect me potentially to the amp like it would if I could gig with it and play it. Enjoy!
Yeah, David doesn’t really go for blackface Fender with his signature amps. He does go for a vintage vibe, but it’s more of a Vox/tweed/Marshall mashup. A nice sound, but I too am more in the blackface camp. Thanks so much for watching and engaging.
S2 is just a polished up want to be version of a Core!, if' it's not a core model it's not the real thing anyway it's just a marketing gimmick! Now go throw the overpriced Indonesian SE in the garbage can and buy a Gibson or Fender like you should have done from the star instead of making Paul rich. 😂
Thanks. I seem to recall instrument input gave the best level. Which makes sense because it’s designed to run into a guitar amp or PA. I was a little surprised there’s no XLR or TRS balanced output.
Not at all. Very average, Gibson-like. I’ve not played a TA 60, but after 86 they were Korean made, and I have no idea where the newer ones are made but I’m sure they bear only superficial resemblance to the original Matsumoku guitars.
Bang for your bucks? Then look no further. Yamaha offer quality instruments that the other usual suspects could only dream about at that price point. Bravo Yamaha! I am a great fan as you can probably tell.
The two pickup sets honestly didn't sound all that different to me (even with the Fender bridge). The difference was most noticible in the neck position with the Duncan having a lot more clarity. But to me, the other two positions did not sound different enough to want to upgrade my pickups. For now, I am happy with the stock pickups in the Classic Vibe Tele.
That’s great if they work for you. One thing that doesn’t translate is the much improved dynamic response with the Duncans. I tend to automatically compensate with my playing. It’s completely subconscious but it does tend to minimize differences. Thanks so much for watching.
Ok, here is a great question, unfortunately not related to this video per say, but definitely involves tone. If you would have an option, which would you choose, Fender pure vintage 59s with the middle reverse wound or the 61 pure vintage? You may or may not have played either, but may have played the originals. What is the differences between them? Or is there?
Well, unfortunately I haven’t played those specific pickups. And while I’ve played vintage 60s Strats, I haven’t gotten my hands on a late 50s model. The truth is, it may not mean much even if I had, since the pickups back then were anything but consistent, and the modern Fender recreations are probably ballpark at best. I can tell you, based on highly respected aftermarket and boutique pickups, I tend to favor early 60s style over 50s style. Some of the best Strat pickups I have are a set of Chubtone 61s. And my favorite Fralins are based on early 60s pickups as well. But I’d have to try the specific pickups you’re asking about to really be positioned to comment on them.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 thank you so much. I didn't want to buy a set of pickups that expensive and hate them. I was definitely on the fence. I know Clapton's "Blacky" had 59s in them, but I hear so many people rave over the 61s. Although many like different things, I was just thinking of swapping out the Tex-Mex pickups in mine for a bit.
Good video man. As you said Classic Vibe is not vintage correct. I still have 3 CV Teles and I have done the hardware and electronic upgrades plus the neck work. Yes its worth it to me, I'm not trying to resale these because they are keepers. They play and sound perfect for me.
Ive both tube and a Blackstar id 30 and seriously prefer the Blackstar. Easy to dial in everything i need with just a real mcoy and an equalizer out front. Now Blackstar has a new SS 50 watt with an effects loop for under 300.00.
Thank you my friend. The Tone Master has done a remarkable job. It’s not quite as thick in the mids, and it’s overdrive is a little less convincing above about 7, but in the context of a live show it manages to make me completely forget it’s not a tube amp.
The Gibson Les Paul Tributes are the only brand new Gibsons that are the same price as these Epiphone inspired by Gibsons. It’s crazy what assembly in another country will do to a price tag. I know that the US builders are likely a lot more experienced, more careful, use the best choice woods, etc, but most of an electric guitar’s tone is in the pickups; then in the player’s hands and then things like action height and bridge material.
It’s an interesting topic and I plan to devote a video to the perceived pros and cons of far eastern manufacture, address concerns that seem more conjecture than reality, and attitudes based on decades old information. Stay tuned and thanks for watching.
Great vid, Leonard! Love your playing, as always, and some really nice tones there. That little toggle switch seems to work wonders! You know the old saying..."If you have to ask what it costs, you can't afford it"? I'm quite sure that's spot on, but...what does it list for? Thanks for the great demo!! 😎
Thanks so much. The Runt 20 sells for $1500 new. However they have been around long enough used examples are always available, and thanks to their excellent build quality, a used one isn’t a bad way to go. Thanks again for following my channel.
Love the Eastman LA hanging up behind you. I love that guitar and overall I like Eastman. It is on my wishlist. Love the demo with different guitar/pick up configurations. Very nice touch and many others don't do that.
🙂 There is more and more kind of these little amplifiers. I actually have a Boss Katana Mk2 100 and will never change. I just have to buy pedal (s) later. Thanks for your video as always Leonard 🙂🙂
An excellent question. There are pros and cons to each. I won’t really have a definitive answer until I get the Friedman to a live show, but right now I can say they both sound nice in very different ways. The DGT is more of a Tweed/Vox mashup where the Friedman has a strong vintage Marshall flavor. Stay tuned and I’ll talk more about it in an upcoming video after it’s live workout.
HI Leonard, my problem is I'm Left Handed and it's VERY hard now days to find them at a good price. Most companies charge a premium no matter what brand you buy. The Squire Classic Vibe Tele is a very nice guitar but I find the same problem with it as the Fenders, most are way over 7 lbs. Most, at least Left Handed ones are closer to 8 and high ozs. Don';t know why these guitars are so heavy?? Great Vid please keep up the Good Work! Love your Channel and Content!!! Cheers from Salem, Oh.
Yeah, you lefties get the short end on both choice and often price as well. It has improved but I imagine it’s still tough to always find what you want. Back when some of my influences were playing, they had to flip over right handed guitars so it’s better now, but still not ideal. I’ve sound the weight of Squiers to be all over the place, which makes sense. They’re built pretty well but I’m sure the wood isn’t all that carefully selected. So they vary pretty wildly. In any case, best of luck my friend and thanks for watching.
