The Best '52 Tele Reissue EVER?! | Friday Fretworks 

Bought my '52 AVRI in '83. The certificate of authenticity states a build date of '82, the 1st year they were issued. Still have all the case candy & original receipt.

Great playing dude! I actually dig the 7.25" radius, if the guitar is setup correctly its not much harder to play than a flatter radius. These are great guitars for sure.

I got one of these in 2003 because I'm a huge Graham Coxon fan. Never played a tele before so the neck thing was never an issue for me. This is a superb guitar. Ran it through a hot rod deluxe and it was just gorgeous. Had this and an 03 LP Standard. 1 had to go and sold the Gibson. Says it all.

You have, by far, THE tastiest playing on RU-vid... Wow. I sub'd 30 seconds into the first video of yours that I watched.

I'm working at a pawn shop in Japan, and this reissue came in the other day. It has really great feeling, and actually, was the best Tele I've ever seen. (more than the pre-CBS in the showcase!) It's a series that doesn't get a lot of attention, but if you're interested in Tele, you MUST try it when you see. I won't gain nothing by this recommendation, so it's true ;)

I have 52 AVI pickups in my Tele wired standard. Those pickups are amazing! Totally changed the sound of my Tele!

When I went shopping for an AVRI ‘52 back in 2009, I was fortunate enough to find a shop that had two on the wall. A-B’d them, and while both were well worth the $1400 retail price, the difference was striking-one was way louder and just had more acoustic ring and girth. No question which one I was taking home with me. Of all my electric guitars, it’s gotten more play in the last 12 years than the others combined. Just this past year I had the first setup problem with it-high E started buzzing like a sitar whether open or fretted. Filed down the little string notch that was forming on the soft brass of the saddle, and it’s as good as new.

Dang! you have such fantastic phrasing, tone and feel. I recently bought a Tele Baja 52' and I completely fell in love with the thicker neck profile and seemingly never ending sustain.

Nice to hear you mention Mark Knopfler, your tone and style are the most unique and beautiful since Mark. Love your sound and watching you play. All the best.

Hey Chris. Just a follow up on this. Shortly after I watched this my telecaster went into my local luthier for a set up. I mentioned to him that the action was a little high and that the notes would choke out on the B string around the 14th fret if I did double note bends. I did realise this was because it's a 7.5 radius neck and didn't know of any easy way to improve this. He suggested something which I've never heard of before. He created a compound radius on the frets from the 10th fret upwards as opposed to contouring the fingerboard. I picked up the guitar yesterday and it's transformed the neck. The action is low now in comparison to what it was and the neck has no buzzes or chokes around the 14th fret. The frets won't last as long at the top end but it's a price worth paying for me.

Tu eres el primero que valora la circuitería original. Es un plus respecto a todas las otras telecaster: neck position es al medio y puede mezclar las 2 pastillas con el control de tono que es un control de mezcla. Yo poseo una modelo 2000 que es realmente fantástica👍

Damn, what a tasty guitarist you are! Awesome tones and playing. I own a 1999 left handed '52 RI, and it's going to the grave with me. I always get compliments on my sounds, and I am very average, so the guitar is as plug and go as you can get. For years I've searched around for another '52RI neck to put on some of my other Tele builds, and they're impossible to find. (Even Warmoth doesn't make them). By far the most comfortable neck I've ever played, and honestly, I don't know how you are achieving those bends because when I try to do that I either fret out or dislocate my knuckles, LOL. The only mod I did was replace the saddles with 3 compensated ones, and I did do the 4 way switch mod. (4th position puts it in serial).

Couldn’t agree more. Have one with the mods made to the switching, plays and sounds like butter. Smooth when you want it, sizzles when you have to have it. And tasty playing, thanks for the bonus bits.

I have one of these (2007 model). It’s my no1. Love it to bits. I’ve ditched the mud selection for a normal 3 way setting. Mine is very light and rings like a bell. The pickups are great, I’ve a Custom Shop Nocaster set in my Paisley Tele and the stock 52ri pickups are easily as good. Done hundreds of gigs with it from old school Rock & Roll, through Country to (very) Heavy Metal and it’s been perfect for them all.

Awesome playing as ever, patiently waiting for the new album to drop. I just scored an AVRI 59 strat, a stunner. I’ve never had the vintage radius, vintage frets etc. but nobody should be scared of them. Players of that era managed to create all those classic songs on them. The tone on this thing though .... quacking bell. Amazing. A real depth and richness to the tone. Quacks when it should. Chimes when it should. The most strat sounding strat I’ve picked up.

Hi Chris, thanks for your playing very expressive 👍 for the 52 AVRI, I have a 2011 with modern wiring which I prefer, neck pick up with tone rolled off is really too dark for my taste. And modern wiring offers larger versatility. Very good jazzmen are playing that tele ! I have to say I needed to accustom to neck shape prior to easy playing. Pick ups are a dream. Worth the buy if one can find one.

Maan your playing is impeccable and it fits this guitar really well!

Just got a 52RI - but after listening to those solos, I think I may give up.. Wonderful stuff :)

I have a 2002 and it is an amazing guitar. I bought it used and it had already been converted to modern wiring. I added some compensated brass saddles and shielded the pickup cavity. It has been #1 ever since. I used to be more of Strat guy till I got this guitar.

7.25 radius is my favorite. No problem at all with bending if the guitar is well built and set up. Just take a look at Mr. Gilmour... 7.25 Radius and bending like no other

that solo was next level, excellent technique

I know a few guys who are just nuts for the early reissue Teles. A couple years ago I got one from 82 and it is a smoking guitar.

I just bought a 2002 AVRI, wonderful, excellent player and great video. thanks so much, love it

I've owned my '06 for more than a decade now, it'll always be my number 1. There's just nothing else like it, it feels like home. It's good to see my favorite modern guitarist giving the old AVRI's such high praise.

Very tasteful and interesting playing. A real showcase for what this guitar can do.

That bridge is a screamer, I like it a lot

Chris: I have a '52 Reissue Telecaster, (made in 7/2005 according to Fender re: the serial number) before they changed the specs to the AVR version. I bought it used and have not taken it apart to see if anything was changed. That said, the neck is not a U but a C, more like the American Standard Telecaster. The radius is 7 1/4. The pickups are sweeter than any '52 AVR that I have played. In fact, they are superb in all positions. Again, I have not explored whether they are original Fenders or after market. I would play anything from rock to blues to jazz with that guitar. Its one of my favorites. A few years ago, I saw another at Guitar Center, used, and I could kick myself for not buying it, giving me two.

I played an older 52 reissue it was a 1991 model very great guitar I might get it

I wonder what you think about the new Broadcaster 70th Anniversary that's out there these days...

I have this guitar, got lucky when in the States over 10 years ago when the exchange rate was great. Love it, but never really got on with the small frets so finally gonna get it refretted.

My 52avri is my number 1, when the frets wore down (since they are small) I put jumbos in which imo are perfect with a vintage radius, allow really deep bends, that and 4 way switch make this a killer

Ya I got a avri it's a 2005 and I like it...its checking nicely and it works for many types of music. The frets are wearing out tho cuz i play it so much and i do have a fret board issue at the 13 it's just a little grainy...so i try to get under the string when i play there.....it sounds and feels amazing tho AND oh ya I changed the cap so I could play both pick ups that rolled off tone was almost useless. The nitro is so thin it's almost completely worn off the back of the neck

I've gotta try to resist copying the intro solo! Hope you're well mate.

I just purchased your “Lick Library” DVD... I enjoy the way you play. I had an early model of these ‘52s. It was a great guitar. That said, the recent Brad Paisley model is even more resonant, lighter and has even better pickups, to my ears. I saw it and thought the sparkle finish was a bit much. Then I played it... Sold!

Everytime you does that reverse rake 🤤🤤

Just received one of these the other week and at first i was skeptical that all the heavy wear was not natural but after a lot of inspection by guitar builder i know it turns out it is natural. Love it to bits

Hi Chris. I picked one of these up 11 years ago. I did consider bringing it to Brighton a couple of weeks ago but the partscaster won. Mine was second hand and had already had the mod (I didn't know about the original wiring). I agree it's a great guitar with a killer sound.

what else can i say. you are my new favourite player. very inspiring. very glad i saw you in a anderton's video. your playing is truely amazing.

Hi Chris! I'm actually speechless! Your style of playing is so damn motivating to me, i just want to rush home and grab my (not so epic) squier tele and learn those perfect licks you play! I watched the 1959 Les Paul into a Bluesbreaker video and i was just blown away from your skills! Subscribed! - new favorite Guitar-RU-vid-Channel!

That's a great demo. Quite the groove, and demostrating the pickup positions including the tonerolloff neck position.

Another great video demo Chris!

The 52 hot rod is the best tele I've ever played. And that mini humbucker in the neck is amazing. Hope to buy one someday

Haha, Looked up a review and didn’t see the channel, but right away knew it was Buck when I saw the unique fingerstyle! Awesome tone!

Really tasty playing. Can't believe *Fender* discontinued the AVR series.

It does sound great. You play well. I wish you the best!

Subscribed after 10 notes. Nice touch and feel man!

Did you know you can actually get a 4th tone out of one of those by placing the selector in-between the bridge and neck PU, like you can on one three position Strats...

I could listen to you play all day man very nice

Fine, fine guitar playing. Very tasteful! Excellent, mate!

The microbends are spine tingling. I play a left hand version of this guitar, beautiful.

Great video and playing! It would be great to see a comparison between this guitar and the newer Fender 50's Original. Cheers!

In many respects I think they improved the design with the American Vintage 52 "Thin Skin" teles they did after. Those usually have a 9.5 radius, 6105 tall narrow frets, and they don't use the old (pointless) style wiring by default. Sadly, they were also discontinued.

7.25 require a bit higher height. Problem with these is they used Nitro over poly and applied the nitro super thick on the necks and body. Given the price you can get a real nitro MJT reliced or new for less than a good 52avri used. Still a solid guitar.

Well done! Great mix and demonstration! Thanks for sharing brother!

That was just beautiful. Thank you for the taste at the end. I would love to see you play live.

Well i've been playing for 40 years and can't play like that,fantastic playing dude,i have a 1999 '52 reissue amongst many other fender's ,this is the one i would grab if my house was on fire...

Yes. It's a shame Fender discontinued the great American Vintage series.

I dream of owning one of these, some day. Truly great playing, sir!!

Your intro on this friday fretworks makes my sunday 👍👌

Nearly pulled the trigger on a second hand one these about ten years ago. Superb guitars and well worth seeking out. The one I tried had the modification done and that's what I'd reccomend.

Great playing. Thanks!

Love this. Very woody and thick tone 💯

I have one of these. Took me a while to realise just why it feels so good to play; as well as the radius, it's the small frets. I have another guitar with 12" radius and I can handle that, but I recently got a Strat' that has jumbo frets 'so easy to play' they said - nope. To me, the jumbo frets are just too lumpy and get in the way. One other thing to mention on the AVRI 52' is the finish to the neck itself; it sort of sweats and gets sticky and takes a lot of very fine wire wool rubbing to get rid. Mine's perfect now, a real keeper. (Great playing once again btw - what is 'guitar rig 5' please?)

Great review ..beautiful guitars true to the vintage feel and vibe ..what a tone to ..lovely playing ..play anything on a tele ..The new ones are great to ..

Please do a review on the Harley Benton te 52!

Superb. Hasn't Lee Anderton offered you a gig at Andertons yet? 😝

Nice playing. Wow! 😮

You should check out the 2020 broadcaster reissue, it's an awesome guitar with amazing pickups

I really enjoyed your review. And the chords and simple sounds of the guitar with out much if any effect s used

Brass string saddles and enough space to create a good angle out of the saddles into the guitar body. That’s why those are so famous from fender compared to the new different models, the bridge part.

just picked up a new old stock 2011 version, still with hang tags and plastics and original strings. It is a little unusual but I do like the sound of the individual pickups and the dead position is a little freaky and disconcerting...but if I want a modern sound I can move to my modern era Telecaster. I bought this one as an emotional response to my life...and I don't regret it. btw: although I like thinner modern necks, I found this one very playable (and it is lighter by a pound compared to my American Std.)

You have completely overlooked the AV1 that was replaced in ‘17. They are by far the most accurate recreation of the 52 ever made right down to the hollow top Top Hat selector knob. Much more accurate than the AVRI series and much more sought after. As usual your playing would sound awesome through a shoebox!

I don’t get ppl that like when the guitar is easy to play. Without resistance i typically make mistakes. The fight is the best part of playing guitar.

Wonderful. I have the same guitar. Have changed the pickups to (Swedish) Lundgren, but still a lovely guitar right from the factory.

AVRI perfected the line and peaked in 2012, in fact they slightly changed the name in just "American Vintage". While the AVRI had almost all the needed vintage specs, some details were overlooked. For example the strats had some generic vintage pickups called "57\62" and the necks were quite generic too. Only with the 2012 line they went completely for the vintage specs, with every model based on a fully-analyzed vintage counter part: completely unique necks, completely unique features, completely unique pickups. The 2012 was so superb quality wise that some people said it was just a small step below the Custom Shop, some even said that the line came out in "few numbers" cause those models were extremely expensive to produce. I'm a super happy owner of a '59 strat and it plays like a bloody dream. I'm quite disappointed about the new line American Original, there were still so many years to explore with the direction previously taken.

Holy shit that playing is tight!!

A lot of the original ‘52’s did not have a fat neck, Danny Gatton actually removed the think neck on his favourite and swapped it for a fatter 54 neck. Also quite a lot of the Broadcasters actually had a 9.5” fretboard.

Tasty playing as always Mr.Buck!

mate, what were you doing on that intro, chord tones, changing scales per chord or just flying on one single scale? (or none of that?) it was god damn brilliant!

Weight was all over the place on the 1998-2012 AVRI. The later 2012-2017 AVRI were much more consistent in terms of weight, also frets were vintage tall ones. In my opinion the later reissue is the one to get, I got mine new in 2016 and will never part with it :)

The harley Benton 52 telecaster is spot on in tone and quality

Really sounds awesome! Great play demo, thanks!

I just picked up a "new to me" Tele yesterday. It looked exactly the same as the one here, including the switch tip. Mine has a decal that said "Made in Mexico" which is fine by me. It is the Baja model. Great guitar but likely costs far less.

I tried one of those in Denmark Street several years ago. Great guitar and the guys in the shop loved it too. They thought it was the best one they had in at the time. I remember asking them what guitar do they have with the biggest neck. They handed me this tele.

Dude.. you look so young.. how are you this bad ass on guitar?? Holy horse custard!

Chris Buck you would be a great narrator for the BBC!!! Can you talk about zebras and lions on the Serengeti?!!

Great Playing!!

Omg that intro!!!!!!!

Chris Buck have you tried the ones that came right after from 2012 to 2017? They were even better in terms of exact specs, thinner nitro, and sweeter sounding pickups called pure vintage. Supposedly they made the pickups, finish, weight of the wood etc. closer to a real good example of an original 52 tele they had. They were called American Vintage 52 Telecaster as opposed to the American Vintage Reissue 52 Telecaster that was from 98 to 2012. I like those too but I found the ones from 2012 to 2017 to be a little better. Has all the right stuff 7.25 radius smaller frets etc. I love mine. Has a little more mids and kick. Not as twangy and bright as the tele's from later 50's. I need a few tele's as these earlier ones have more guts to them. A keeper for sure.

You didn't mention the 2012-2017 models which were better

Nice playing chap

People didn't complain about the 7 and a quarter radius on the mayer strats.....

Want one of these bad. Would be even better if I could play! Good vid here.

wowwww so bautifullll!!!

I just bought one on ebay great guitar mines a 2005 body and and 2016 pick ups but I Modded it to a 4 way switch.

Chris, how did you get the neck and bridge pick up setting? Great playing as always!

Fantastic playing, I've just made one of these and i did a 7.25 to 9.5 compound radius which is a big improvement for vintage feel and playability imo, I'd love to get you to try it one day

Beautiful playing, one! I read elsewhere that on the Broadcaster reissues (of 2020) the “bridge” position actually blends the bridge and neck, essentially letting you pick the amount of blending you want and giving you the seemingly missing middle position. I’m curious if that’s your take on this? I always thought the middle was both pickups simultaneously and the neck by itself was nowhere to be found. Thanks for clearing that up. I have the 82 myself.

The best example of an old-style Tele using neck (dark roll-off) and bridge is probably 'Wooden Ships' from 'Crosby, Stills, and Nash' (1969). Also, that dark neck tone works great with distortion, and a powerful amp to get a nice 'woman' tone.