Fender Custom Shop Guitars

Peen Simmons

Let’s Get Obtuse!
I know “vintage mojo” and all that, but it’s very annoying that so many off the rack FCS teles and esquires come standard with non-compensated saddles and (worse yet) threaded steel saddles. People have solved the inherent issues with the original hardware. Why not learn from them and let the handful of vintage freaks retrofit to the less good option.

It’s just wild to tell people “pay $4k for a guitar AND then plan to turnaround and jack around with new saddles and a setup because Leo.”

Also, I’ve played more than one new custom shop guitar with dodgy/fussy wiring issues in the last couple months . Sheesh.
 
The irony is that I prefer vintage-style, non-compensated saddles on proper ashtray bridges after trying all the other options. I don't want a thicker ashtray, I don't want a modern bridge with six saddles, I don't want compensation. They don't work for me.

So... Sorry if I'm the market they're catering to. :tongue:
 
The irony is that I prefer vintage-style, non-compensated saddles on proper ashtray bridges after trying all the other options. I don't want a thicker ashtray, I don't want a modern bridge with six saddles, I don't want compensation. They don't work for me.

So... Sorry if I'm the market they're catering to. :tongue:

I’m not super fussy, but I do like the guitar to intonate without a bunch of witchcraft.

Also, truss rod adjustments at the heel without an easy access wheel…c’mon man. I get the appeal of the vintage specs and all, but I’m just not into institutionalizing all the little nuisances.

You’ve become a big offset duder so you must be able to see how stuff like Mastery bridges and purpose-built Mustang-style replacement bridges are a benefit vs ye olde original threaded saddle rattle master Fender vintage spec stuff is an improvement.
 
I’m not super fussy, but I do like the guitar to intonate without a bunch of witchcraft.

Also, truss rod adjustments at the heel without an easy access wheel…c’mon man. I get the appeal of the vintage specs and all, but I’m just not into institutionalizing all the little nuisances.

You’ve become a big offset duder so you must be able to see how stuff like Mastery bridges and purpose-built Mustang-style replacement bridges are a benefit vs ye olde original threaded saddle rattle master Fender vintage spec stuff is an improvement.
I've always found D'Addario EXL110s intonate pretty much spot on with '52RI saddles and I haven't had any issues with the NYXL 11-49s, either.

I do agree about heal truss rod nuts... They're a PITA.

Oh, the Jazzmaster/Jag bridges are rattle traps, even with a good setup. Blue thread locker helps somewhat, but there's a reason I sell Mustang bridges and A LOT OF THEM. A good shim in the neck pocket and some height on the bridge and you're ready to go!
 
One of the few, "wish I didn't let it get away" guitars was a Fender Custom Shop. Strat, with lace sensors, but a neck through.

Couldn't justify the 2k price though,
 
Meh. I'll stick with partscasters that I build to my specs. FCS guitars are overrated and overpriced.
 
I wouldn’t buy a new $4,000 Fender no matter what parts it came with. Fender instruments just aren’t that good. But I’m kind of talking out of my ass here—maybe the custom shop crew actually set the saddle heights before they box up the guitars, which the people who made the last two MIA Fenders I bought did not do.
 
I know “vintage mojo” and all that, but it’s very annoying that so many off the rack FCS teles and esquires come standard with non-compensated saddles and (worse yet) threaded steel saddles. People have solved the inherent issues with the original hardware. Why not learn from them and let the handful of vintage freaks retrofit to the less good option.

It’s just wild to tell people “pay $4k for a guitar AND then plan to turnaround and jack around with new saddles and a setup because Leo.”

Also, I’ve played more than one new custom shop guitar with dodgy/fussy wiring issues in the last couple months . Sheesh.

If you or, a loved one has been injured by a Tele, you may be entitled to compensation.
 
Meh. I'll stick with partscasters that I build to my specs. FCS guitars are overrated and overpriced.
I'll agree on the overpriced, but the single best telecaster I have ever played was a masterbuilt blackguard - it weighed about six and a half pounds, was the slickest playing and best sounding tele (through a DRRI) I've had the pleasure to hold. I just wasn't ready to part with $5K...
 
It’s Joe Stummer man. Come one.
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Stable intonation, no one will care or will even notice. Mostly because it will never be played only looked at on the owners birthday.

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Ive never played a Custom Shop, but Ive never been all that impressed with any USA Fender guitar manufactured in my playing lifetime........ mid 70s till now. Yea there have been some good ones but a lot of mostly mediocre and lets face it, way too much overpriced crap.
Generally you get a better deal out of Japan or Mexico, or just build it yourself from identical or better parts.
 
Zero interest in the guitar, but I’d totally pay for that case.
Remember the first time they put the black Joe model all road worn. It was like $400. The beginning of road worn thing it but seemed it had to much rust on part. Was there even a custom shop then?
 
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