52 Tele RI advice

[jdm61]

I am seriously contemplating getting a 52 RI Tele. What do you current owners think of that model and what did you do to modify yours? I am wondering about going to a 3 position switch and some Duncans.....maybe another set of Antiquities. Any thoughts?

[Telesexual]

i would look into a American Deluxe tele, better stock PUs imo with the same color and The 52 neck can get a little sticky feeling to me. other than that awesome sounding guitar deserves great pickups. Also, The bridge on the 52 can be a beotch on your hand

[jdm61]

I have a 54 RI strat so i probably won't have a prob with the neck dimensions or finish on the 52. iactually prefer the vintage bridge style. My MIM has one of those hybrid bridges with the 6 saddles and the stings coming throught the back of the bridge and I hate it. Can't get the strings to stay centered because they have to go around the springs

[Telesexual]

The U necks on the higher end teles are very nice. Ive only played strat antiquities so I cant really help you there.

[the guy who invented fire]

if you don't mind vintage Fender necks then go for it...i'd love to have 3 or 4 52 reissue Teles!

[Scott_F]

I had one for a while, a real beauty with a lovely flammed neck. That 7.25" radius sucked for me and bends. I didn't care for it long term. The beauty of it overwhelmed me and I got instant gas that only a credit card can cure. Got it for $1100 out the door at GC. Sold it six months later. (or less!)

[jdm61]

Christian......you DO have 3 or 4 of them so shuddup!!!!!! lol. What is the radius on my 54 Strat?

[mrfjones]

I would just put a set of antiquities in a 52 reissue and also change the switching to a more modern setup.

good luck with the 52

[Gearjoneser]

You can always find that model used for around $800. Then, if if you ever want to sell it, you'll take no loss.

[Hoss]

part of me has always wanted one too...but i don't think i'd get along with the neck very well either...i'm another HUGE fan of the Deluxe!!!

[Butch Snyder]

If you want a Tele that has a classic vintage vibe, the 52 is the best and only topped by the 51 Nocaster. The Am Deluxes are nice but not the same vibe as the 52 RI....

[tone4days]

i looked hard for a 52ri i could fall in love with - because for that kinda scratch, it was gonna have to be love, not just like ... i figured i'd be able to micromesh the stickiness outta the neck and the carve was nice ... i'd have to put in the modern switching 'cus the vintage position 1 is useless .. the pickups were ok, but not spectacular .. the grain was very milky under the very thick clear coat ...

i couldnt feel it for the half dozen or so i tried .... of course, the $2200 suhr tele i did fall in love with, but that wasnt gonna happen ...

i ended up with a $300 tokai clone of the 52ri .... set of duncan vintage stacks, 4 way switch, and a nut/setup and i'm got my tele needs covered for under 5 bills and i dont have to worry about taking it to a bar ... i dig how it feels and sounds, and that's all that matters ...

so consider some used or some off brands or MIJ / MIK imports

good luck
t4d