This is, by far, the best review of this guitar. None of the other reviews display the real tonal options this guitar has. My Baja is my favorite instrument. Great review! Thanks man.
I sold my Epi Les Paul, Squire Mij Strat N Series and Squire Tele Affinity to buy this Baja tele. Great guitar and now I have more room in the appartment!!!!
If you use all 3 fingers together to push up the strings, you will be able to bend to pitch. Your index middle and ring finger should work as one finger for most of the bands. If you do that and work on bending up a half step and then a whole step and stop the bends at the pitch, without letting it fall down from the pitch, you will be in good shape when it comes to bending. Trust me, that is how it's done.
I recently sold my Gibson SG classic and got the Baja Tele 60´s, with the Pau Ferro fretboard. Differently from many people in this thread, I love the looking of the PF fretboard, and it feels so great playing, very smooth. I also have a Gibson LP Traditional and an Am Std Fender Strat and to be honest I have been playing this tele more often than these other two guitars. I basically play it on a blues band and on a grunge band... yeah grunge, playing Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and all that sort of stuff. It sounds awesome with my Wampler Plexi Drive pedal. Indeed, a very versatile axe!
Bob Artur I’m so with you. The more expensive the less I play for some reason. I feel like the Baja setup with the Wiring, pickup combination and general feel of the guitar is perfect.
I think this will be my next guitar. Nice demonstration of all the different tonal capabilities. Just bought a gibson lp special dc about a year ago so I have to save up for a while longer
steven Potter Thanks Steven. The Baja Tele is my favorite Tele. If I could play only one Tele I would play the Baja. The neck and pickups cover a lot of torn territory. I hope you really dig yours.
Thanks so much for making this video! I’ve watched it a few times and finally ordered a used one today. I’ve never owned a tele yet but I think it will help me get some good sounds that my LP Studio just can’t get. Thanks for helping me decide 🙂
I just bought one for my birthday, I can't wait to have it at home. But Im not sure for the photo pic if is white or light blue :-? I have never played a telecaster before, I have a Les Paul and a Ibanez Prestige, since I really like the hard rock of the 80s, I think it can be good to play more classic rock. I'm not sure what musical styles this guitar can best serve, maybe for blues as well? Thank you very much Mike, I loved your video. Greetings from Spain.
Yo Mike I'm currently saving to buy a Telecaster but the one I'm really interested in is the HH one you did a video on it with the surf green color. It really caught my eye not just the color but the HH configuration would you still recommend that one or maybe some other fender Tele with HH??
Hi, thanks for the demo. I thought it was the 'Twisted Tele' in the neck position and not a '52? Perhaps the spec has changed? I tried this against a '64 Reissue Tele (the Pure Vintage USA model with the thin finish) and the Baja sounded very similar in the bridge position even though it's a '64 in the US model and a '58 in the Baja. The Baja as an instrument was every bit as good as the '64 reissue - just the '64 had the nitro finish and the extra attention to detail and the fancy case. As I already have a Pure Vintage Jazzmaster I cannot justify the extra cost so for me the 60s Baja wins! The extra switching options are great as well. The 60's Baja really are a great buy - I liked the sound of the 50's Baja but I really disliked the fat neck (smallish hands and a broken joint in pinky that never really healed properly).
Just looking at specs in MF it says both pickups are Vintage 52 . I think some of the specs have changed on this guitar. I no longer see CS 58 pickups anymore on Fender site either. Just 51 Nocaster, Original Vintage and Pure Vintage 64 - as far as specific historic pickups. Edit: however Fender lists specs as 52 neck and 58 bridge. Don't see these available on the CS pickups though.
@@rsaathoff Actually the Baja uses a Custom Shop Twisted Tele single-coil int eh neck and a Custom Shop Broadcaster single-coil in the bridge. The Baja 60' Classic Tele uses '52 and 58' American Vintage Single-Coil Pick up combination. They are two different types of guitar of slightly different names. I made the mistake of buying the Baja when I really wanted the 60's. Had to return and exchange etc...
Love those guitars gonna buy one soon. I thought they were gonna stop making the Rosewood necks? I am going to Mexico soon wounder if U could get one cheaper down there?
Hai mike , very helpfull video , i need your suggestion , fender baja tele or fender player series telecaster? Im gonna buy my first tele & sorry for my english
That’s a tough one because I’ve never played a Fender Player. I think both are great even though I haven’t played one. I’ve looked at the specs and it’s going to be great if you love the tele. If you like the idea of how the switching is on the Baja go for that. If you don’t care and just want a straight forward Tele go for the player. Honestly it’s best to hold one first and play but I know that’s not always possible. Either way you will be happy if sure.
Thanks so much for this video! I'm considering installing a Baja control plate to turn my Player Series Tele into a Player Baja Frankenstein. I really like the Player Series Alnico 5 pickups, and I thought putting the Baja control plate in the mix would really open up some great possibilities.
I love the Baja controls so much, I did the same thing! I purchased from Ebay from the Stratosphere Seller the Fender Baja wiring and pickups and installed in a an MJT Tele body and used a nice neck and made my own baja tele.
Great review Mike thanks. I'm looking for a new tele to go with my 62 MIJ Tele. This one sounds amazing and has the Steve Cropper look too. I need to try one out!
mike bartlett For sure man. Yes Steve Cropper!! I love Steve Cropper. He lives here in Nashville not too far from Jack White’s house. He’s a legend. The Baja Tele is my all time favorite tele. The wiring and switching, the neck and pickups. Everything about it I love. I think you will to. Thanks man.
Because you wear your watch on your right hand! I’m a lefty that plays righty too! I always have to switch my watch for fear of scratching the guitar up.
Yes! Of course. I should have known that. I was looking too deep on that. =) Thanks Arnold. Do you ever wish you learned to play left handed? I feel like it's too late now. I just always naturally played right handed instinctively but sometimes wonder if I would play differently had I learned to play left handed.
Mike From Nashville not in the slightest. I feel like my left hand is perfect for fretting, and my right hand is perfect for picking. Mark knopfler is another lefty that plays righty. He claims it helps with his vibrato, and I’m inclined to agree! It definitely gives us a unique perspective on playing.
I just bought a Minty Baja desert sand :) its such a nice guitar!! I compared it to my USA Fender Strat plus, both have great build quality! dare I say I prefer the sound of the Tele, its more punchy!! and has several useful tones :) I love how you can go from Tele to humbucker vibe and in between and its lighter than my Les Paul, I went through a bit of illness where my Gibsons weight was not helping :) the Baja can't be beat for its price!!! its as good as my American made guitars :)
Gibson Weasel I agree. There is something special about these Baja Tele’s. You really can get a lot of different tones. Not just different tones but very beautiful tones from woody on the neck to twangy on the bridge. Thanks! It’s great to hear your feedback.
Thanks man, just realized this from your comment. Where I live I have to adjust the truss rod a couple of times a year. That would be a pain in the rump. Fender goes too far in the vintage accurate nonsense, even if it’s a downgrade.
@@Chrishagen Yes, I'd rather have some of the more obvious features like this be modern than to be "vintage correct." At any rate, I ended up buying a Reverend T style guitar instead of a Fender Tele, but I'm starting to want a Nashville Tele and I'm sad that the only ones left are the "Plus" models with the 12" radius necks. Wish I'd grabbed a 9.5" one back when I had the chance.
These MIM Classic Series Fenders are gonna keep going up in value. The newer Vintera line with the Pau Ferro fingerboards and oddball finishes are less desirable imo.
I own Gretsch’s and Fenders from Japan and they are always the best. They don’t mess around or cut corners in Japan. If the guitar is made in Japan, based on my experience it’s going to be the best quality that you can get. Again, based on my experience with many made in Japan and crafted in Japan guitars.
I recently bought a 2nd hand 60s baja. The S1 switch is flush with the top of the knob or pressed again it protrudes out. Is that correct.? Or should it be flush and when pressed down sunk into the knob. Can somebody clarify?
Tele's are easily adjustable. You may need to tighten the truss rod a couple notches. Sounds like you just need a setup. I have become pretty good at setting up my own guitars. Look and see if you have a bow in your neck. If your not familiar with adjusting your truss rod, look up how to on youtube. You only usually need to just tighten it a notch. I hope this helps.
Ok you said you know a lot about Teles. What do you think about the Nashville Deluxe Tele (3 pickups)? I want to buy a Tele and I have to make my decision between the Baja Tele and the Nashville Tele. What would you suggest?
I owned a Nashville Deluxe in blue that came out a year or two ago and sold it. I also owned a b-Bender American made Nashville Telecaster and sold that. I do regret selling the B-Bender but not because it was a Nashville Tele with three pickups. Your question is really going to be a personal preference based on what sounds you are looking for. I am not a fan in general of 3 pickup guitars. I am all or nothing in my tone. I like either woody for rhythm in the neck and or high treble twangy punk/surf rock cuts through the mix bridge single coil tones. With the Nashville you have the middle single coil and gets you into a strat realm. You can get a funk sort of funk out of phase "Maybe out of phase is not a good description", but lack of mids. Personally, I like my tele with just a bridge and neck pickup. In my opinion and maybe scientifically, having three pickups adds more magnetic pool and could be less sustain. That's pretty deep and I could be wrong about that. Based on what I have read, there is a difference on the vibration of the strings. I think and it's a guess that they call it a Nashville so a player can switch in the middle and dial in a more strat tone to their tele. That's my guess. So the short answer is it's really a personal preference on what you want out of your tele. If you only play bridge and neck tones, adding a middle single coil does add another tone but will you use it? I've owned $1800 American made Telecasters and sold them all. Of all the Tele's I have played my favorite is the Fender Classic player Baja Tele. The pickup combination and wiring is perfect for every tele sound I want and them some. It's by far more versitile with tones then any guitar I have owned. I have owned many. Also the feel of the baja is great. The neck is slimmer near the headstock and it widens closer to the body. It's ver subtle and most people don't notice it. I would be happy to only own my baja tele if I could choose one guitar. Everything is based on what you are looking for. I recommend playing them both if you can. Thanks! Mike
Hi Mike, thank you so much for your great answer. I understand much better now why everybody says the Baja is a great guitar. It is a super Tele that leaves untouched the spirit of the Tele, whilest the Nashville tends somehow to change the original Tele recipe. Thanks a lot Mate. All the best. Frank
Hey man, thorough review! I just had one delivered from Sweetwater a couple weeks ago. I already have an older standard tele that's a nice all-around guitar (with the six saddle bridge), but I got this one for that vintage twang that the brass saddles seem to produce. My fretboard is Pau Ferro. I staked out the website until they displayed one with a darker colored board, then bought it. It's possible to get a darker Pau Ferro board, but the grain is a bit streakier. Love the american 58 and 52 pickups, love the neck size and 9.5" radius (as apposed to the 7.5" radius) and love the extra in-series pickup position for leads (no pedal boost necessary with this in-series option, just flip the switch). I'm not a fan of the over-the-topS1 out of phase sound. I won't be using it. The normal bridge-neck pickup position has plenty of "quack" IMO. One question, did you have to mess with the 3 saddle bridge much to get proper intonation? It took me about an afternoon of adjustment, but finally got it right.
Frank Young Hi Frank! I’m happy to hear you love the tele. These are special guitars. Yes I did have to make adjustments for The intonation. With the S1 switch, I must admit it took me a while to adjust to that in series out of Phase sound. It does have a good us for different styles of playing. Also, try doing some licks with some over drive and bit that S1. The S1 only works on position 2 “Both pickups Parallel” and position 4 with both pickups in series, you kick in the S1 and you get out of Phase over both positions. You may discover you like it with some pedals and some styles. Thanks for sharing!
Tried it at the guitar shop, took me 2.5 seconds to decide to go and pick up my SG and switch it for the baja. The sound is great, but I just fell in love with how it plays! I’m so happy with it
Hey what do you think of the classic 50s Baja Telecaster I own and I think it's great but I'm thinking about getting this one on there any differences? Have you tried the classic player 50s Baja Telecaster?
Angel Martinez I haven’t tried the classic 50’s. I will say I get an overwhelming response from so many people how Fender really nailed it with this tele.
I used to have one when they first came out. Back then it was a real chore to find one in Faded Sonic Blue for a decent price! Think it may have needed some fretwork. Might buy another one eventually since I love the color, but I'd probably ditch the s1 and make some other changes the next go-around.
PCollen YT It appears White on camera but it’s called faded sonic blue. It’s so subtle that you don’t see the blue unless you compare it to a white piece of paper. In all honestly I don’t know of any guitar that started out blue that fades to this color. This color is a completely made up color by Fender. Yes, this is a Classic Player 60’s Baja Tele.
Around 14:10 you are on the neck pickup and the S1 switch does not work there. If you listen, the sound does not change when you press it. It only works in the 2nd and 4th positions. I don't understand why everyone says it's out of tune though. They always say that even when the pros are doing videos with big companies. I think people pick up on other things in the sound because it is in a video or something and the sort of low end rumble is mistaken for it being out of tune. You could probably tune it in the video with a tuner and show that the intonation is perfect and people would still say it's out of tune. Their ears are not as good as they think they are.
One question.How do you adjust the truss rod?Do you need to take out the neck?I'm getting one of these for sure.But there are only available with pau ferro.This will be my first and only Tele,so I think I invest in this model.
T.I.N Mateus Place a capo on the 12th fret. Loosen the 4 screws that attach the neck to the body. Loosen enough so you can gently pull the neck out of the pocket exposing the truss rod bolt. Clockwise is to tighten which will make the neck straighten if there is a bow. Just a couple notches. Then tighten screws and you may need to adjust the height. Wait about a day so the guitar adjusts and if it needs another notch, repeat the same steps.
@@MikeFromNashville Thanks.Sounds kind of tricky I really like this guitar,but don't wanna take the neck off,hmm might get me just the classic player Baja it has the truss rod on the headstock.
T.I.N Mateus If you don’t feel comfortable taking the neck off I would suggest taking it into a guitar Luthier. When the truss rod is properly adjusted, it’s like night and day. Fenders are built to take a part and put back together. It’s annoying but once you have it adjusted it’s like a new guitar and you don’t realize what a difference it makes until you have it properly adjusted. Take care.
The neck is a 60's C shape so the neck is not fat and not thin, It should compliment someone with big hands or small. The fretbaord radius is more modern at 9 1/5 radius.
I always tune before these videos. Literally every video there’s always someone that says it’s out of tune. I think some people I presume like yourself have an extra sensitive ear 👂 that can pickup a slight out of tune guitar where some people can’t. That’s pretty cool. But I do tune before every video. I suppose they go out of tune during the video?
This is, by far, the best review of this guitar. None of the other reviews display the real tonal options this guitar has. My Baja is my favorite instrument. Great review!
Thanks man.
I sold my Epi Les Paul, Squire Mij Strat N Series and Squire Tele Affinity to buy this Baja tele. Great guitar and now I have more room in the appartment!!!!
I just got one from Sweetwater on 4/18/2018. Do yourself a favor and get this Tele. Trust me...you will not be disappointed.
Karl I love the Baja tele so much I built another one using the same wiring.
Honestly... I put my American Strat in it's case. It won't be getting any use for a while. I am in love with my Blonde Baja!!
Karl Its nice to have that connection with a guitar. That’s awesome Karl!
If you use all 3 fingers together to push up the strings, you will be able to bend to pitch. Your index middle and ring finger should work as one finger for most of the bands. If you do that and work on bending up a half step and then a whole step and stop the bends at the pitch, without letting it fall down from the pitch, you will be in good shape when it comes to bending. Trust me, that is how it's done.
I recently sold my Gibson SG classic and got the Baja Tele 60´s, with the Pau Ferro fretboard. Differently from many people in this thread, I love the looking of the PF fretboard, and it feels so great playing, very smooth. I also have a Gibson LP Traditional and an Am Std Fender Strat and to be honest I have been playing this tele more often than these other two guitars. I basically play it on a blues band and on a grunge band... yeah grunge, playing Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and all that sort of stuff. It sounds awesome with my Wampler Plexi Drive pedal. Indeed, a very versatile axe!
I’ve had this guitar for years. I still love it
Best demo of this model I've seen yet. Thanks.
Mike Landreth Thanks!!
Checking which pick up is on with your watch was so cool!
I just got one of these like new with the rosewood fretboard last night. I am blown away and very proud to own it. 🤘😎👍
Awesome demo. Know nothing about electrics. Thanks for ‘learning me’ about this tele.
Peter Jolles Thanks Peter!
I tried more expensive USA made Teles and believe me this sound more and more better! Mine is a 2014 model and is awesome!
Bob Artur I’m so with you. The more expensive the less I play for some reason. I feel like the Baja setup with the Wiring, pickup combination and general feel of the guitar is perfect.
Thanks.
I have been offered one of these. I needed to here a real review not a shop reading specs. Thanks
I think this will be my next guitar. Nice demonstration of all the different tonal capabilities. Just bought a gibson lp special dc about a year ago so I have to save up for a while longer
Thank you so much for a perfect review of a Telecaster that I want and needed good info on. Really appreciate it,and you should do more reviews.
steven Potter Thanks Steven. The Baja Tele is my favorite Tele. If I could play only one Tele I would play the Baja. The neck and pickups cover a lot of torn territory. I hope you really dig yours.
Luv that Buddy Holly sound!! Yum, the others are super too♡
Thanks so much for making this video! I’ve watched it a few times and finally ordered a used one today. I’ve never owned a tele yet but I think it will help me get some good sounds that my LP Studio just can’t get. Thanks for helping me decide 🙂
I just bought one for my birthday, I can't wait to have it at home. But Im not sure for the photo pic if is white or light blue :-? I have never played a telecaster before, I have a Les Paul and a Ibanez Prestige, since I really like the hard rock of the 80s, I think it can be good to play more classic rock. I'm not sure what musical styles this guitar can best serve, maybe for blues as well? Thank you very much Mike, I loved your video. Greetings from Spain.
I have one the same. They are a mix of blue and white. Epic guitar
Yo Mike I'm currently saving to buy a Telecaster but the one I'm really interested in is the HH one you did a video on it with the surf green color. It really caught my eye not just the color but the HH configuration would you still recommend that one or maybe some other fender Tele with HH??
Hi, thanks for the demo. I thought it was the 'Twisted Tele' in the neck position and not a '52? Perhaps the spec has changed? I tried this against a '64 Reissue Tele (the Pure Vintage USA model with the thin finish) and the Baja sounded very similar in the bridge position even though it's a '64 in the US model and a '58 in the Baja. The Baja as an instrument was every bit as good as the '64 reissue - just the '64 had the nitro finish and the extra attention to detail and the fancy case. As I already have a Pure Vintage Jazzmaster I cannot justify the extra cost so for me the 60s Baja wins! The extra switching options are great as well. The 60's Baja really are a great buy - I liked the sound of the 50's Baja but I really disliked the fat neck (smallish hands and a broken joint in pinky that never really healed properly).
Just looking at specs in MF it says both pickups are Vintage 52 . I think some of the specs have changed on this guitar. I no longer see CS 58 pickups anymore on Fender site either. Just 51 Nocaster, Original Vintage and Pure Vintage 64 - as far as specific historic pickups.
Edit: however Fender lists specs as 52 neck and 58 bridge. Don't see these available on the CS pickups though.
@@rsaathoff Actually the Baja uses a Custom Shop Twisted Tele single-coil int eh neck and a Custom Shop Broadcaster single-coil in the bridge. The Baja 60' Classic Tele uses '52 and 58' American Vintage Single-Coil Pick up combination. They are two different types of guitar of slightly different names. I made the mistake of buying the Baja when I really wanted the 60's. Had to return and exchange etc...
Love those guitars gonna buy one soon. I thought they were gonna stop making the Rosewood necks? I am going to Mexico soon wounder if U could get one cheaper down there?
Hai mike , very helpfull video , i need your suggestion , fender baja tele or fender player series telecaster? Im gonna buy my first tele & sorry for my english
That’s a tough one because I’ve never played a Fender Player. I think both are great even though I haven’t played one. I’ve looked at the specs and it’s going to be great if you love the tele. If you like the idea of how the switching is on the Baja go for that. If you don’t care and just want a straight forward Tele go for the player. Honestly it’s best to hold one first and play but I know that’s not always possible. Either way you will be happy if sure.
@@MikeFromNashville thanks Mike
Thanks so much for this video!
I'm considering installing a Baja control plate to turn my Player Series Tele into a Player Baja Frankenstein. I really like the Player Series Alnico 5 pickups, and I thought putting the Baja control plate in the mix would really open up some great possibilities.
I love the Baja controls so much, I did the same thing! I purchased from Ebay from the Stratosphere Seller the Fender Baja wiring and pickups and installed in a an MJT Tele body and used a nice neck and made my own baja tele.
Nice! That’s not the one in this video, is it?
@@goosegaskins Nope, that's another so I have two!!! The other I have is a daphne blue.
@@goosegaskins I basically re-created the baja on another tele body I own.
@@MikeFromNashville Very cool! I got the Player Series Tele in Burgundy Mist, and sometimes I just look at it. LOL
Great guitar! thanks for the demo. Cheers.
My Fingerboard Thanks man!
Great review Mike thanks. I'm looking for a new tele to go with my 62 MIJ Tele. This one sounds amazing and has the Steve Cropper look too. I need to try one out!
mike bartlett For sure man. Yes Steve Cropper!! I love Steve Cropper. He lives here in Nashville not too far from Jack White’s house. He’s a legend. The Baja Tele is my all time favorite tele. The wiring and switching, the neck and pickups. Everything about it I love. I think you will to. Thanks man.
@@MikeFromNashville He certainly is and my favourite guitar player by miles!
Great review! Quick question, are you left handed?
Yes! How did you know? I learned to play right handed but I am a lefty.
Someone else mentioned that as well..
Because you wear your watch on your right hand! I’m a lefty that plays righty too! I always have to switch my watch for fear of scratching the guitar up.
Yes! Of course. I should have known that. I was looking too deep on that. =) Thanks Arnold. Do you ever wish you learned to play left handed? I feel like it's too late now. I just always naturally played right handed instinctively but sometimes wonder if I would play differently had I learned to play left handed.
Mike From Nashville not in the slightest. I feel like my left hand is perfect for fretting, and my right hand is perfect for picking. Mark knopfler is another lefty that plays righty. He claims it helps with his vibrato, and I’m inclined to agree! It definitely gives us a unique perspective on playing.
Love these guitars
I just bought a Minty Baja desert sand :) its such a nice guitar!! I compared it to my USA Fender Strat plus, both have great build quality! dare I say I prefer the sound of the Tele, its more punchy!! and has several useful tones :) I love how you can go from Tele to humbucker vibe and in between and its lighter than my Les Paul, I went through a bit of illness where my Gibsons weight was not helping :) the Baja can't be beat for its price!!! its as good as my American made guitars :)
Gibson Weasel I agree. There is something special about these Baja Tele’s. You really can get a lot of different tones. Not just different tones but very beautiful tones from woody on the neck to twangy on the bridge. Thanks! It’s great to hear your feedback.
Beatles fan, I see.
ShaggyDawg Just a little bit. :)
Have you ever seen one with a b bender installed in it?
No but I want one. I had a nice 2014 or 2015 Fender with a b-bender. I totally regretted selling it. You can have them installed now.
I hate that you can’t adjust the truss rod from the headstock
Thanks man, just realized this from your comment. Where I live I have to adjust the truss rod a couple of times a year. That would be a pain in the rump. Fender goes too far in the vintage accurate nonsense, even if it’s a downgrade.
@@Chrishagen Yes, I'd rather have some of the more obvious features like this be modern than to be "vintage correct." At any rate, I ended up buying a Reverend T style guitar instead of a Fender Tele, but I'm starting to want a Nashville Tele and I'm sad that the only ones left are the "Plus" models with the 12" radius necks. Wish I'd grabbed a 9.5" one back when I had the chance.
These MIM Classic Series Fenders are gonna keep going up in value. The newer Vintera line with the Pau Ferro fingerboards and oddball finishes are less desirable imo.
Someday I'll get this guitar !! 😁
Since you’ve brought MIM and MIA Fenders what are your thoughts on the stuff from Japan?
I own Gretsch’s and Fenders from Japan and they are always the best. They don’t mess around or cut corners in Japan. If the guitar is made in Japan, based on my experience it’s going to be the best quality that you can get. Again, based on my experience with many made in Japan and crafted in Japan guitars.
I recently bought a 2nd hand 60s baja. The S1 switch is flush with the top of the knob or pressed again it protrudes out. Is that correct.? Or should it be flush and when pressed down sunk into the knob. Can somebody clarify?
That’s something I never noticed. I don’t have mine on hand but I do believe it protrudes out.
@MikeFromNashville if you could let me know that would be great. Thanks
Did you get this setup in any way? I've got one, I love it. But compared to my American Strat the action is a bit high.
Tele's are easily adjustable. You may need to tighten the truss rod a couple notches. Sounds like you just need a setup. I have become pretty good at setting up my own guitars. Look and see if you have a bow in your neck. If your not familiar with adjusting your truss rod, look up how to on youtube. You only usually need to just tighten it a notch. I hope this helps.
@@MikeFromNashville Yeah it does, thanks mate.
Ok you said you know a lot about Teles. What do you think about the Nashville Deluxe Tele (3 pickups)? I want to buy a Tele and I have to make my decision between the Baja Tele and the Nashville Tele. What would you suggest?
I owned a Nashville Deluxe in blue that came out a year or two ago and sold it. I also owned a b-Bender American made Nashville Telecaster and sold that. I do regret selling the B-Bender but not because it was a Nashville Tele with three pickups. Your question is really going to be a personal preference based on what sounds you are looking for.
I am not a fan in general of 3 pickup guitars. I am all or nothing in my tone. I like either woody for rhythm in the neck and or high treble twangy punk/surf rock cuts through the mix bridge single coil tones. With the Nashville you have the middle single coil and gets you into a strat realm. You can get a funk sort of funk out of phase "Maybe out of phase is not a good description", but lack of mids.
Personally, I like my tele with just a bridge and neck pickup. In my opinion and maybe scientifically, having three pickups adds more magnetic pool and could be less sustain. That's pretty deep and I could be wrong about that. Based on what I have read, there is a difference on the vibration of the strings.
I think and it's a guess that they call it a Nashville so a player can switch in the middle and dial in a more strat tone to their tele. That's my guess.
So the short answer is it's really a personal preference on what you want out of your tele. If you only play bridge and neck tones, adding a middle single coil does add another tone but will you use it?
I've owned $1800 American made Telecasters and sold them all. Of all the Tele's I have played my favorite is the Fender Classic player Baja Tele. The pickup combination and wiring is perfect for every tele sound I want and them some. It's by far more versitile with tones then any guitar I have owned. I have owned many. Also the feel of the baja is great. The neck is slimmer near the headstock and it widens closer to the body. It's ver subtle and most people don't notice it. I would be happy to only own my baja tele if I could choose one guitar.
Everything is based on what you are looking for. I recommend playing them both if you can.
Thanks!
Mike
Hi Mike, thank you so much for your great answer. I understand much better now why everybody says the Baja is a great guitar. It is a super Tele that leaves untouched the spirit of the Tele, whilest the Nashville tends somehow to change the original Tele recipe. Thanks a lot Mate. All the best. Frank
Hey man, thorough review! I just had one delivered from Sweetwater a couple weeks ago. I already have an older standard tele that's a nice all-around guitar (with the six saddle bridge), but I got this one for that vintage twang that the brass saddles seem to produce. My fretboard is Pau Ferro. I staked out the website until they displayed one with a darker colored board, then bought it. It's possible to get a darker Pau Ferro board, but the grain is a bit streakier. Love the american 58 and 52 pickups, love the neck size and 9.5" radius (as apposed to the 7.5" radius) and love the extra in-series pickup position for leads (no pedal boost necessary with this in-series option, just flip the switch). I'm not a fan of the over-the-topS1 out of phase sound. I won't be using it. The normal bridge-neck pickup position has plenty of "quack" IMO. One question, did you have to mess with the 3 saddle bridge much to get proper intonation? It took me about an afternoon of adjustment, but finally got it right.
Frank Young Hi Frank! I’m happy to hear you love the tele. These are special guitars. Yes I did have to make adjustments for The intonation. With the S1 switch, I must admit it took me a while to adjust to that in series out of Phase sound. It does have a good us for different styles of playing. Also, try doing some licks with some over drive and bit that S1. The S1 only works on position 2 “Both pickups Parallel” and position 4 with both pickups in series, you kick in the S1 and you get out of Phase over both positions. You may discover you like it with some pedals and some styles.
Thanks for sharing!
Great demo, very thorough!
S19NAL C14AIN Thanks!
I just spent all my rent money on this guitar
Well, hopefully you can sell another one to pay it. =) It's a keeper for sure. I hope you dig it man.
Tried it at the guitar shop, took me 2.5 seconds to decide to go and pick up my SG and switch it for the baja. The sound is great, but I just fell in love with how it plays! I’m so happy with it
Hey what do you think of the classic 50s Baja Telecaster I own and I think it's great but I'm thinking about getting this one on there any differences? Have you tried the classic player 50s Baja Telecaster?
Angel Martinez I haven’t tried the classic 50’s. I will say I get an overwhelming response from so many people how Fender really nailed it with this tele.
Thank you so much .
Just wanted to know if if any of the both pickup positions overdriven sounds is hum cancelling .
I used to have one when they first came out. Back then it was a real chore to find one in Faded Sonic Blue for a decent price! Think it may have needed some fretwork. Might buy another one eventually since I love the color, but I'd probably ditch the s1 and make some other changes the next go-around.
Is that the Classic Player 60s Baja Tele. It looks white..is it ? Or is it blue ?
PCollen YT It appears White on camera but it’s called faded sonic blue. It’s so subtle that you don’t see the blue unless you compare it to a white piece of paper. In all honestly I don’t know of any guitar that started out blue that fades to this color. This color is a completely made up color by Fender. Yes, this is a Classic Player 60’s Baja Tele.
Sonic blue
Yeah, there is a color wich is called Sonic Blue
but this is actually white
FADED SONIC BLUE.EXCEPTIONAL VALUE.9.5 rad med jumbo Frets.I HAVE THIS AND IN CANDY APPLE RED🔥🔥🔥🔥
How's is this Tele holding up from the release of this video?
Guitar Heavy Media I’m holding it now. It’s my go to Tele. I own a few other teles and this one is the one I play the most.
@@MikeFromNashville Nice, I been debating which tele to get. I go back in forth between this one, the 60s modified, and the Jimmy Page model.
What years were these made ?
These were in production 2007-2018.
Around 14:10 you are on the neck pickup and the S1 switch does not work there. If you listen, the sound does not change when you press it. It only works in the 2nd and 4th positions. I don't understand why everyone says it's out of tune though. They always say that even when the pros are doing videos with big companies. I think people pick up on other things in the sound because it is in a video or something and the sort of low end rumble is mistaken for it being out of tune. You could probably tune it in the video with a tuner and show that the intonation is perfect and people would still say it's out of tune. Their ears are not as good as they think they are.
Out of tune but good video showing the functions of the baja tele.
MIKE
Can you octave "quintar" a telecaster with barrel cars?
These are pretty hard to find now (at least faded sonic blue with rosewood).
There are currently a few on Reverb.com
lol...Great demo!........
This is how both pickups sound together: sets the pickup switch to neck pickup😂
I bought one too,
How do you like it?
RobertsVision Guitar love it
Has anyone had one of these setup by a pro? Just wondering if its worth it.
One question.How do you adjust the truss rod?Do you need to take out the neck?I'm getting one of these for sure.But there are only available with pau ferro.This will be my first and only Tele,so I think I invest in this model.
T.I.N Mateus Place a capo on the 12th fret. Loosen the 4 screws that attach the neck to the body. Loosen enough so you can gently pull the neck out of the pocket exposing the truss rod bolt. Clockwise is to tighten which will make the neck straighten if there is a bow. Just a couple notches. Then tighten screws and you may need to adjust the height. Wait about a day so the guitar adjusts and if it needs another notch, repeat the same steps.
@@MikeFromNashville Thanks.Sounds kind of tricky I really like this guitar,but don't wanna take the neck off,hmm might get me just the classic player Baja it has the truss rod on the headstock.
T.I.N Mateus If you don’t feel comfortable taking the neck off I would suggest taking it into a guitar Luthier. When the truss rod is properly adjusted, it’s like night and day. Fenders are built to take a part and put back together. It’s annoying but once you have it adjusted it’s like a new guitar and you don’t realize what a difference it makes until you have it properly adjusted. Take care.
what's the neck profile like on these?
The neck is a 60's C shape so the neck is not fat and not thin, It should compliment someone with big hands or small. The fretbaord radius is more modern at 9 1/5 radius.
It´s out of tune
I always tune before these videos. Literally every video there’s always someone that says it’s out of tune. I think some people I presume like yourself have an extra sensitive ear 👂 that can pickup a slight out of tune guitar where some people can’t. That’s pretty cool. But I do tune before every video. I suppose they go out of tune during the video?
@@MikeFromNashville What kind of Tele can get the sound Sue Foley gets out of her paisley Tele?
Probably got to do with intonation. This Tele has non-compensated saddles I believe, so that's bound to happen.
yes, it's pretty out of tune. very hard to listen to.
slowly switching, please
6:16 WEEZER
Tune it up first maybe
Bingo!
I always tune up before a video. Maybe it went out of tune when I was playing?
Todd Howlett Ya it’s out of tune
no muestra la cara que clase de persona es
It out of tune....
I waaant one
I’ll get oneeee
u will make a mistake if u buy this guitar based on this demo...lol