I like this review. Very rogue and non biased to promote one Vs the other. Also, thumbs up for not being on the fence on your opinions. Sure budget plays a part in someone's decision but this was really helpful. Thanks guys
I'm a Tele guy but my biggest guitar pet peeve is butterscotch blonde in perfect condition. Blackguards didn't start yellow, they ended up that way over time, and by then were not showroom shiny even if well cared for.
I like both them, I would probably get the Nocaster even though I am not a poly finish fan at my senior age and level would be more than enough me. I was looking originally at their cheaper tele for about half the price. But this would be a great choice for a one and done for me 20:00
Both of these look and sound great. I always wanted a Baja but at the time couldn't afford it. I have a Noventa blonde but that's not quite the same. One of these days I'll get one and that new NoCaster model fits into my price range but TBD. Love Coopers playing, he really brings out that Tele twang with that arrangement. I laugh when I watch him play like that cause its so sick!
IMO, the Mex one looks more like a Vintage Blonde than a Butterscotch Blonde. Alder body is different in color tone too. Both guitars are great. I played a Vintage II 51 tele, 2300€,and ordered a Road Worn Vintera 50's tele in Sonic Blue, for half the price which feels better for me except that phenolic pickguard ! Thank you for your work, cheers!
I've owned a ton of Teles and the one I have now is a Vintera '50s Sonic Blue, replaced the neck with a Road Worn (from Fender) and I love it. I've had CS Nocasters and those are really the only Teles that beat it but it's not even close in terms of cost these days, the Vintera is bang for your buck the best.
Sans custom shop. The 70th Anniversary Broadcaster both Custom Shop that I own and the American are unreal. If you find one, play it! I own probably 35 guitars from Gibson, PRS, Fender (quite a few CS models) and that CS Broadcaster is by far my number one. Not even a doubt.
It's a polyester sealant not a polyurethane undercoat. Apparently that “poly” base coat isn’t polyurethane lacquer but some thin kind of sealant cousin of it. Just to clarify. So yes you can wear through the paint if you want.
Have a Vintera 50s Modified (what used to be the Baja) in Daphne Blue. Fantastic guitar. This was a great comparison, and the only one I've seen so far asking the question of whether the Vintera II for a grand less is the better deal. As the case isn't a big deal for me, what if you swapped out the pups on the VII for a more vintage correct set? How much closer does that get you to the AVII?
I need to play the new Vintera II soon, but comparing the AVII to my 70th Anniversary Custom Shop Broadcaster…(which I sold) it’s feeling VERY VERY Similar. And The pickups on the new AVIIs are GREAT. I was missing that Broadcaster, but the AVII I think fills the gap at a lower price point.
Wanted a Telecaster (or an interpretation of it) with a fat maple neck and the 7.1/4 radius . Was looking for something around 1000 to maybe 1500 €. So I went to my local shop and checked out what they had, MIM Nocaster, Isbell, Chrissie Hynde. Ok, just one with a maple neck but a good guitar can change your mind eventually. And it should. So, just to find out if the more expensive ones were worth it, I also tried some USA ones. The owner has been knowing me for decades so he even let me try the custom shop ones, too, although he knew I never would buy one of them. Then I got to this AV2 51, plugged it in and I unconsciously went "wow" loudly at the first note that I played. It was like giving back to me when I played it, if that makes any sense. All these other guitars were very good to excellent (especially the CS ones but totally out of reach) Am Pro (rosewood, modern radius etc. but what the hell!) and the Isbell got me thinking. But the 51 had me on the first note while all the others didn't. Ok, couldn't afford it. Two weeks later I went back, just to see if it was still there and if my mind had somehow tricked me the first time, went through the same guitars, none of them sold, and it was the same experience. I asked if the guy would let me make a reasonable deposit so he would put it off the rack and behind the counter so nobody could buy it. I'll pay my last installment next week and have what I found to be the best Telecaster, for me, that I've ever played. Expensive? Yes! Worth it? Every cent!
I liked the twanginess of the no caster. The AVII sounded compressed a bit in comparison, to me. But if you asked me tomorrow, I may change my mind. But Cooper nailed it for me with his vote for the pro II . That one I’m working on.
Cooper’s playing tho. Will you guys consider an AV2 51 and 63 tele shootout? I’m as torn as I’ve ever been ever. I like the top end and dynamics of the 63 pickups but don’t like the colors much. The 51 is perfect in every way except the 63 pups having more life to them.
Fender should bring back the real Vintage Reissues. As simple as that. And, they can continue to produce and sell all the combinations and iterations in addition to real vintage reissues that should rarely need to change. 🙏
Time stamping I feel like the nocaster is more wide open sounding the avii seems to be mellower perhaps warmer back to back with the vintera ii. Interesting! I know contrasting ibg vs g the g is usually the one more wide open sounding. I prefer the looks of the nocaster
A question for Cooper: Imagine you have no money, and then your great aunt gives you $2000 to buy a ‘50s style Tele. You get to keep the change. Do you buy the AVII, or the Vintera II and pocket the change?
A “Nocaster” is a bit of a wasted opportunity in the V2 series. It’s a Tele without Tele on it. Big deal. An Esquire would have been a great choice. Both 50s and 60s Custom Esquire with the binding. I prefer the AV2 here. The sound is less thin and it’s warmer.
Go for the comparison with the guitars in stock! You’ve got my vote. Chris, if it feels right, you love it and can afford it, then do it. You won’t regret buying it- you will regret ( probably) letting it go, right? It’s the old hippy chant, “if it feels good, do it!”
Regarding the color, they aren't supposed to be the same. The AV2 is "butterscotch" blonde and the Vintera is just blonde, so they all look more yellow.
The Nocaster sounded like a Tele. Just the right amount of high end sparkle ready to unleash it's inner icepick. The AV II sounded a bit less lively. A nice generic, well rounded guitar for any occasion.
The neck pup on the AVII is hands down a hunnerd times sweeter than that of the Vintera II. Both have a great bridge sound but the AVII has a little more magic. Aside from the lack of a vintage neck shape and board radius, the Classic Vibe blackguard is probably just as good as the Vintera. Yeah, I said it. 😂
I just played an AVII at my local GC. Magic is the word. Never heard unplugged sustain and resonance like it. The neck (close to the nut) actually vibrated in my left hand. Fit and finish is impeccable. Neck figuring is gorgeous, basically quilted. Ash body with perfect natural grain and both beautifully finished. And the pickups! You can hear their presence even on a phone speaker. I’m going back to buy it.
I need to see that double bound black Tele for Cooper, I mean for the public! Yeah the AVII sounded better, looks better. Mexico or California … doesn’t matter to me. But better pickups, nitro, ash… that adds up. I’m waiting on the Road Worn Vintera II line . Is that happening? Nitro, out of Mexico.. even with cookie cutter chips and dings … that might be the best value new, and an AVII used might top them all. 👍🏽
The USA has better pickups and if you believe in tone wood, like I do that is also making it better in tone. But if you have good amp, spend more on the amp always, and with a good amp, just a tweak of the knob, you wont notice. The quality of the USA is still unmatched. That said I play a Japan JV modified so there ya go. I do wish you would measure the necks, buying online, those measurements are VERY important.
51sounds a little sweeter can you adjust your and get the same maybe I got a2008 American standard I plan right next to a guy playing an actual 51 sound so good I started turning knobs on my twin reverb until I couldn't tell them apart sound wise
funny how many guitar dudes just can't say the US isn't really worth the extra... its just because of the prestige... im sure it's also at cost so it's easy for an employee to make the us decision.
Butterscotch didn't come in till Telecasters. So the Nocaster should just be blonde although they give a variety of names to that colours and my tele pre butterscotch colour is called off white vintage blonde.🤔
Man theres smthg abt 50s fenders although the 60s guitars are more popular. I think in the 60s they became more mellow but in the 50’s they were more intense which is great with gain.
Ok, what in the world is the reasoning for shooting nitro over poly, I’ve got to ask!!! 🤣 I’m simply guessing it can’t be cost? ( correct me if I’m wrong here ), most of my T and S style guitars are Warmoth builds I’ve done myself and painted myself as well and yes, I used full nitro and they came out beautifully 👍 I shoot the bodies with a nitro type sanding sealer as my base coat and then of course the nitro color and then satin or gloss nitro. The only benefit I can fathom here is they go on thicker with the poly base coat to save some time layering it? This is so far out there for me it’s comical. I’m just going to take a stab @ a guess here and say Fender’s just doing this to satisfy a half ass cork sniffers so they can say it’s a nitro finish? 🤣 ( Meanwhile the old myth of the nitro finish being more resonant just went right out the window with that poly base coat 🤣 ). Anyhow, I apologize for the long winded comment here…. I really dig your feeds though guys and thanks for sharing this little tid bit of knowledge on this, I’d obviously never had known they’re doing this ahah!
So sick and tired of these vintage spec guitars. Why adhere to bad ideas and quite frankly design flaws just to boast some mythical vintage vibe? 7 1/4 radius, removing necks just to turn the truss rod-- ridiculous.
Teles do so much more than chicken pickin'. I wish more demonstrators were able to show the full range of the guitar. It's always pigeonholed into country.
Since 2016, Californian law states that MADE IN USA can only be stamped on a product that’s 100% made in USA. Fender uses parts from all over the world. On the back of the headstocks of USA made guitars it says Corona, CA since 2016. Made in USA is gone.
Not true. Californian law is stricter in this area than the FTC rules, and when originally introduced did require 100%, but was quickly loosened a little. Up to 5% of the sale value can be represented by parts made outside the US (up to 10% if those parts are not available in the US). Furthermore, as I understand it, the Californian Law _only_ applies if the product is sold within California. It's possible, I think, that after the relaxation, Fendeer might have been able to go back to Made in the USA for some of their guitars but I believe Fender just chooses to stick with the Corona, CA to enitrely sidestep it.
1. The Nocaster is first half of 1951, not 1950. 2.They're not supposed to be the same color. There is such a thing as Nocaster blonde. It's lighter. Do your homework.
The video that everyone was waiting for. Thank you, @alamo music center!🙏👍✌
Our pleasure!
LOVED this! What I really like about that AVII '51 is how the neck and body are similar in tint! Matches nicely.
I like this review. Very rogue and non biased to promote one Vs the other. Also, thumbs up for not being on the fence on your opinions. Sure budget plays a part in someone's decision but this was really helpful. Thanks guys
Great save at 4:25 🤣
😂😂
I'm a Tele guy but my biggest guitar pet peeve is butterscotch blonde in perfect condition. Blackguards didn't start yellow, they ended up that way over time, and by then were not showroom shiny even if well cared for.
Excellent video and I agree with the "if you got the money go for the MIA ,if you dont the MIM is a good one to get" opinion.
I absolutely love your interaction, and your reviews! Some of my favorites on UA-cam!
Referring to the end of the video, both of you should do it!
vintera nocaster
7:49 neck
8:31 bridge
avii 51 telecaster
9:11 neck
9:43 bridge
You guys work really well together.
Bring back the Road Worn butterscotch tele.
I like both them, I would probably get the Nocaster even though I am not a poly finish fan at my senior age and level would be more than enough me. I was looking originally at their cheaper tele for about half the price. But this would be a great choice for a one and done for me 20:00
This is the very comparison I wanted to see! Had no idea the American Vintage had a poly undercoat.
“Nitro let’s the wood breathe” lol! But there’s a sealant layer underneath! Duh! The Nitro on the AV2 is not really like Nitro.
Question is, will it age like a vintage? If not, complete waste
That’s the reason why I will refinish my AVR Stratocaster.
Both of these look and sound great. I always wanted a Baja but at the time couldn't afford it. I have a Noventa blonde but that's not quite the same. One of these days I'll get one and that new NoCaster model fits into my price range but TBD. Love Coopers playing, he really brings out that Tele twang with that arrangement. I laugh when I watch him play like that cause its so sick!
BTW hope to see you guys at Guitarlington in October
The Baja has an ash body
IMO, the Mex one looks more like a Vintage Blonde than a Butterscotch Blonde. Alder body is different in color tone too. Both guitars are great. I played a Vintage II 51 tele, 2300€,and ordered a Road Worn Vintera 50's tele in Sonic Blue, for half the price which feels better for me except that phenolic pickguard ! Thank you for your work, cheers!
Actually they call it Blackguard Blonde, not Butterscotch. Hence, the difference.
I've owned a ton of Teles and the one I have now is a Vintera '50s Sonic Blue, replaced the neck with a Road Worn (from Fender) and I love it. I've had CS Nocasters and those are really the only Teles that beat it but it's not even close in terms of cost these days, the Vintera is bang for your buck the best.
Ah man, this is exactly what I was looking for. Also, great work guys, love the vibe and subscribed already!
Nothing compares to the American Vintage reissues of 2012-2017. Those are the closest reproductions Fender has done to date.
Sans custom shop. The 70th Anniversary Broadcaster both Custom Shop that I own and the American are unreal. If you find one, play it! I own probably 35 guitars from Gibson, PRS, Fender (quite a few CS models) and that CS Broadcaster is by far my number one. Not even a doubt.
American Original series was great!
I had one from 2017. I had it for 4 months, then happily sold it. It was dull af. Nice neck tho
Fender does not own Gretsch!
It's a polyester sealant not a polyurethane undercoat. Apparently that “poly” base coat isn’t polyurethane lacquer but some thin kind of sealant cousin of it. Just to clarify. So yes you can wear through the paint if you want.
My American original guitars are both beginning to age so can confirm that is the case.
Have a Vintera 50s Modified (what used to be the Baja) in Daphne Blue. Fantastic guitar. This was a great comparison, and the only one I've seen so far asking the question of whether the Vintera II for a grand less is the better deal. As the case isn't a big deal for me, what if you swapped out the pups on the VII for a more vintage correct set? How much closer does that get you to the AVII?
I need to play the new Vintera II soon, but comparing the AVII to my 70th Anniversary Custom Shop Broadcaster…(which I sold) it’s feeling VERY VERY Similar. And The pickups on the new AVIIs are GREAT. I was missing that Broadcaster, but the AVII I think fills the gap at a lower price point.
Fender uses “blonde” and “butterscotch blonde”. The Nocaster is called “blonde.” I think the difference is intentional here.
Yeah from what I’ve read the Vintera ii nocaster is blonde, American Vintage ii is butterscotch blonde. Love the blonde colour.
I would say they are aiming at the nitro dulling over time, whereas the poly will always look the same. Much prefer the blonde, and no wear.
Wanted a Telecaster (or an interpretation of it) with a fat maple neck and the 7.1/4 radius . Was looking for something around 1000 to maybe 1500 €. So I went to my local shop and checked out what they had, MIM Nocaster, Isbell, Chrissie Hynde. Ok, just one with a maple neck but a good guitar can change your mind eventually. And it should.
So, just to find out if the more expensive ones were worth it, I also tried some USA ones. The owner has been knowing me for decades so he even let me try the custom shop ones, too, although he knew I never would buy one of them. Then I got to this AV2 51, plugged it in and I unconsciously went "wow" loudly at the first note that I played. It was like giving back to me when I played it, if that makes any sense. All these other guitars were very good to excellent (especially the CS ones but totally out of reach) Am Pro (rosewood, modern radius etc. but what the hell!) and the Isbell got me thinking. But the 51 had me on the first note while all the others didn't.
Ok, couldn't afford it. Two weeks later I went back, just to see if it was still there and if my mind had somehow tricked me the first time, went through the same guitars, none of them sold, and it was the same experience. I asked if the guy would let me make a reasonable deposit so he would put it off the rack and behind the counter so nobody could buy it. I'll pay my last installment next week and have what I found to be the best Telecaster, for me, that I've ever played. Expensive? Yes! Worth it? Every cent!
Do it very good review side comments on other versions bang on for clarity and validity
Good review!
I liked the twanginess of the no caster. The AVII sounded compressed a bit in comparison, to me. But if you asked me tomorrow, I may change my mind. But Cooper nailed it for me with his vote for the pro II . That one I’m working on.
I vote American. And it was played just they way I want to hear it played. Thanks Cooper.
Cooper’s playing tho. Will you guys consider an AV2 51 and 63 tele shootout? I’m as torn as I’ve ever been ever. I like the top end and dynamics of the 63 pickups but don’t like the colors much. The 51 is perfect in every way except the 63 pups having more life to them.
Fender should bring back the real Vintage Reissues. As simple as that. And, they can continue to produce and sell all the combinations and iterations in addition to real vintage reissues that should rarely need to change. 🙏
cooper’s shirt goes so hard
Please make a video comparing the Vintera II Tele and the Player Plus Tele. The most expensive MIM Telecaster...
You get 51 pickups in the American Tele? Whoa! I always thought you’d only get 2!
Cooper looks cool with that telecaster
Time stamping I feel like the nocaster is more wide open sounding the avii seems to be mellower perhaps warmer back to back with the vintera ii. Interesting! I know contrasting ibg vs g the g is usually the one more wide open sounding. I prefer the looks of the nocaster
Did Chris ever end up needimg to beat someome off? Haha....favorite part of this episode.
The pick ups of the AV II sounds more similar to my Squier CV 50 than the Vintera II does!
the tones from the AVII is night and day.
A question for Cooper:
Imagine you have no money, and then your great aunt gives you $2000 to buy a ‘50s style Tele. You get to keep the change. Do you buy the AVII, or the Vintera II and pocket the change?
You could beat someone off who is coming on the stage with it…
Fender needs to start including that feature in their marketing materials
Man, Cooper's good.
A “Nocaster” is a bit of a wasted opportunity in the V2 series. It’s a Tele without Tele on it. Big deal. An Esquire would have been a great choice. Both 50s and 60s Custom Esquire with the binding.
I prefer the AV2 here. The sound is less thin and it’s warmer.
Go for the comparison with the guitars in stock! You’ve got my vote. Chris, if it feels right, you love it and can afford it, then do it. You won’t regret buying it- you will regret ( probably) letting it go, right? It’s the old hippy chant, “if it feels good, do it!”
Regarding the color, they aren't supposed to be the same. The AV2 is "butterscotch" blonde and the Vintera is just blonde, so they all look more yellow.
Surprised about sall the attention for the looks and smells... I guess the AV sounds warmer (= more bass & mid).
The Nocaster sounded like a Tele. Just the right amount of high end sparkle ready to unleash it's inner icepick. The AV II sounded a bit less lively. A nice generic, well rounded guitar for any occasion.
@4:24 “you could beat someone off…uhh away.” You could do what now?
Caught that too ha
do what the legends did and still do, buy a standard and keep swapping bits until it feels and sounds like you want it to
The neck pup on the AVII is hands down a hunnerd times sweeter than that of the Vintera II. Both have a great bridge sound but the AVII has a little more magic.
Aside from the lack of a vintage neck shape and board radius, the Classic Vibe blackguard is probably just as good as the Vintera. Yeah, I said it. 😂
I just played an AVII at my local GC. Magic is the word. Never heard unplugged sustain and resonance like it. The neck (close to the nut) actually vibrated in my left hand. Fit and finish is impeccable. Neck figuring is gorgeous, basically quilted. Ash body with perfect natural grain and both beautifully finished. And the pickups! You can hear their presence even on a phone speaker. I’m going back to buy it.
Each of you…do it!
They are close enough that the player is 99.999999% the difference.
$1000 ...yeah, that's a lot.
Hasn’t Fender historically used an undercoat that isn’t nitro to seal the wood and then sprayed nitro over the paint?
Yes indeed.
I need to see that double bound black Tele for Cooper, I mean for the public!
Yeah the AVII sounded better, looks better. Mexico or California … doesn’t matter to me. But better pickups, nitro, ash… that adds up.
I’m waiting on the Road Worn Vintera II line . Is that happening? Nitro, out of Mexico.. even with cookie cutter chips and dings … that might be the best value new, and an AVII used might top them all. 👍🏽
Nocaster is way better then the American in my books. $100 ish extra for a case and the nocaster wins the battle. In my opinion
Do it !
The USA has better pickups and if you believe in tone wood, like I do that is also making it better in tone. But if you have good amp, spend more on the amp always, and with a good amp, just a tweak of the knob, you wont notice. The quality of the USA is still unmatched. That said I play a Japan JV modified so there ya go. I do wish you would measure the necks, buying online, those measurements are VERY important.
51sounds a little sweeter can you adjust your and get the same maybe I got a2008 American standard I plan right next to a guy playing an actual 51 sound so good I started turning knobs on my twin reverb until I couldn't tell them apart sound wise
interesting tee shirt Cooper
funny how many guitar dudes just can't say the US isn't really worth the extra... its just because of the prestige... im sure it's also at cost so it's easy for an employee to make the us decision.
You could definitely beat someone off with a Tele!!
Yes, get Cooper his bound Tele!
Guys, Nocaster blonde is not butterscotch blond. It is supposed to be different.
DO IT!!
I thought the American vintage, too, had a warmer sound.
How is this nocaster different from Vintera 1 '50s telecaster ?
Butterscotch didn't come in till Telecasters. So the Nocaster should just be blonde although they give a variety of names to that colours and my tele pre butterscotch colour is called off white vintage blonde.🤔
Man theres smthg abt 50s fenders although the 60s guitars are more popular. I think in the 60s they became more mellow but in the 50’s they were more intense which is great with gain.
Was that a nod to Ontario, Canada? lol I think it was!
Get the Am Pro 2 for around $1.700
Satin neck. Pointless to get nitro with a poly base coat
I like the am pro ii, but I would switch those pickups out.
Ok, what in the world is the reasoning for shooting nitro over poly, I’ve got to ask!!! 🤣
I’m simply guessing it can’t be cost? ( correct me if I’m wrong here ), most of my T and S style guitars are Warmoth builds I’ve done myself and painted myself as well and yes, I used full nitro and they came out beautifully 👍
I shoot the bodies with a nitro type sanding sealer as my base coat and then of course the nitro color and then satin or gloss nitro. The only benefit I can fathom here is they go on thicker with the poly base coat to save some time layering it? This is so far out there for me it’s comical.
I’m just going to take a stab @ a guess here and say Fender’s just doing this to satisfy a half ass cork sniffers so they can say it’s a nitro finish? 🤣 ( Meanwhile the old myth of the nitro finish being more resonant just went right out the window with that poly base coat 🤣 ).
Anyhow, I apologize for the long winded comment here…. I really dig your feeds though guys and thanks for sharing this little tid bit of knowledge on this, I’d obviously never had known they’re doing this ahah!
Spot on comment.
Do it
The Vintera is listed as Blonde.
The AV is Butterscotch Blonde.
Do it!!!!!!!!
DO IT
Do it!
Do it!!
DO IT!
do it!
I wish you would chicken pick Andy Summers style 😎
So sick and tired of these vintage spec guitars. Why adhere to bad ideas and quite frankly design flaws just to boast some mythical vintage vibe? 7 1/4 radius, removing necks just to turn the truss rod-- ridiculous.
Do it.
Do it...
Teles do so much more than chicken pickin'. I wish more demonstrators were able to show the full range of the guitar. It's always pigeonholed into country.
They can say made in Corona but not made in USA
Since 2016, Californian law states that MADE IN USA can only be stamped on a product that’s 100% made in USA. Fender uses parts from all over the world. On the back of the headstocks of USA made guitars it says Corona, CA since 2016. Made in USA is gone.
Not true. Californian law is stricter in this area than the FTC rules, and when originally introduced did require 100%, but was quickly loosened a little. Up to 5% of the sale value can be represented by parts made outside the US (up to 10% if those parts are not available in the US). Furthermore, as I understand it, the Californian Law _only_ applies if the product is sold within California.
It's possible, I think, that after the relaxation, Fendeer might have been able to go back to Made in the USA for some of their guitars but I believe Fender just chooses to stick with the Corona, CA to enitrely sidestep it.
American vintage is brigther...
1. The Nocaster is first half of 1951, not 1950. 2.They're not supposed to be the same color. There is such a thing as Nocaster blonde. It's lighter. Do your homework.
Do it! I cleared it with Yngwie Malmsteen.
Only in California haha
A $300 Squier CV Tele can do the job as well as a Nocaster. It's all B.S...
Do it!
Do it
Do it!!!
Do it!
Do it!
Do it!
Do it!
Do it
Do it