tft3323 Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I have been keeping my eye out on Fender Telecasters for the last year or so, and there is one available locally that is a 1996 Made in Mexico. The guys picked it up at the Orlando NAMM show and it seems in good condition and at a good price. Anyone have any experience with the MIM Fenders, and more specifically the one's from the mid-90's? I feel very educated and informed when it comes to shopping for acoustic guitars, but with electrics not so much. Obviously I am not looking for a vintage world class instrument, just a good solid body to mess around with. Any advice would be much appreciated...thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmacomber68w Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 If the price is right (what is the price?) I say a pre-owned MIM fender is the best option for anyone looking not to break the bank Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I had a MIM strat until recently, and I have a higher end MIM Tele (the Muddy Waters model). Both are solid and perfectly playable instruments. Tele's are such simple instruments that you could probably tell right away if something were wrong with it. I think new MIM Teles sold for $299 in the mid-late '90s. There are probably hundreds (if not thousands) of used MIM Fenders on the market these days in the $175 - $250 range. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moss Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 This probably won't help much but if you can sell a few kids, save some money, rob a liquor store, the 52 reissue is the greatest guitar ever. I have literally played Godsmack and Johnny Cash, and everything in between on it. The neck is like butter. It stays in tune, has the Tele twang. But to go back to your original question, I don't know anything about the MIM Tele. I will see what I can find out though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dondoboy Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I've had one for a little over ten years and I couldn't be happier with it. I really have zero complaints about it. For all I've put it through, its paid for itself ten times over. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pmancini100 Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 i just got one actually, 279 used. missing a knob, but it plays great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dondoboy Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 i just got one actually, 279 used. missing a knob, but it plays great.One other thing, now that I read this post. Parts for MIM Tele's are very easy to come by. Most independent music stores (if you can find one) can drum them up. Even guitar center has helped in the past. And they are so simple to work on. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deepseacatfish Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 I started out playing a MIM Strat, and it's held up very well. I've had it for I think about 10 odd years now. Few complaints at all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimmyjimmy Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 MIM Teles are great bang for the Buck.Assuming your getting it from a reputable shop who'll ensure it's set up for you, you really can't go wrong. Any specific questions you might have will probably get an enthusiastic response from these folks here at the Telecaster Forum. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pmancini100 Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 yeah, ive had quite a few different guitars. my favorites are the mim fenders. its weird, cheaper guitars are better a lot of the time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tft3323 Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 Thanks so much for all of the feedback. Yeah, this is an independent store that I trust so I think the set up will be good. I would love to go with the '52 reissue, but that is not in the budget right now! I am going to go back down to the store this weekend and play it some more to make a decision. The advice I have received on this forum has always been spot on...thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a.miller Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Here's the thing with Fender: You can buy a MIM, which is built in Mexico, by Mexicans. Or, you can buy a MIA, which is built in America, by Mexicans. all kidding aside, the MIMs are really good guitars. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Here's the thing with Fender: You can buy a MIM, which is built in Mexico, by Mexicans. Or, you can buy a MIA, which is built in America, by Mexicans. all kidding aside, the MIMs are really good guitars. And then you have the ones in which the parts are made in America, then shipped to Mexico for assembly. I think those are the ones named after players...Muddy Waters Tele, Jimmy Vaughan Strat, etc. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dmait Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 >the 52 reissue is the greatest guitar ever. Any links to the '52 reissue? A friend just bought one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dondoboy Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 Is this what you wanted? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmacomber68w Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 On the topic of teles, this is the only tele that should matter http://archive.liveauctioneers.com/archive/219/0029_2_lg.jpg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Moss Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 On the topic of teles, this is the only tele that should matter http://archive.liveauctioneers.com/archive/219/0029_2_lg.jpg I think this tele is in the Rock and roll hall of fame in Cleveland. I stared at it for hours. It's the one from the rooftop show as well as many Abbey Road recordings. I couldn't believe I was inches from it. That's the stuff I like about the R and R hall of fame. Is this what you wanted? I love that guitar. I hardly play my other guitars. It has such a sweet sound and comfortable neck. Stays in tune. Just a great guitar for the money. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dondoboy Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 On the topic of teles, this is the only tele that should matter http://archive.liveauctioneers.com/archive/219/0029_2_lg.jpgI always thought that guitar was so weird looking. I love it. That color is amazing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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