Fender American Elite Telecaster with ebony fretboard

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 05:11 AM

Originally Posted by LtKojak

Rob, that's a magnificent sounding instrument, and I'm known to hate Teles with a passion.

Hate teles with a passion? Never heard anyone say that before. But I'm glad to have softened your view, Kojak

I agree, this is a magnificent guitar.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by Stringswinger

Congrats. Sounds and looks great. Put some 12's on her and you will have a fine jazz box.

Query? Does it have a tummy cut on the back?

Tummy cut - yes, the top edge as you are holding it when standing. It's probably the most comfortable guitar I've held. Everything just fits.

I don't think I can go as thick as 12s. 11 might be the limit, but I'll try a few gauges and brands.

**Alter** · 08-27-2018, 07:18 AM

Grats on the guitar! Post some comments on your opinion on the ebony fretboard after you 've had it for a while, i 've never even played a tele with ebony, must be great for a jazz feel.

Regarding the Elferink, my tonemaster had a 10s setup from the previous owner when i got it, it played beautifully. Of course yours has a more acoustic nature, but try all alternatives before letting the instrument go.

Heavy or light strings, archtops or teles, the music is still there to enjoy no matter what the instrument might be. So may the new guitar bring some new music!

**citizenk74** · 08-27-2018, 07:24 AM

Isn't it great to get a guitar that is ready to play "off the shelf" with a proper action and flawless fret work? I could tell by those smooth and even perfect bends that the guitar was ready. My PRS have all been like that - open the case, tweak the tuning, and let 'er rip!

When I was post-op from some finger surgery, I got great physical comfort from therapeutic paraffin baths. Not the sort of thing one can do at home, but I still find that a warm hand is a happy hand. And I do find myself tending to lighter strings and a lower action. I wish you the best of luck, and much joy with your instruments!

**grahambop** · 08-27-2018, 07:40 AM

That’s nice blues playing Rob, really enjoyed that. The tele sounds great, I am thinking of getting one sometime!

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 08:57 AM

Well, Graham, I highly recommend this model. But it's opposite is also great, a '52 reissue (or original, though they are at a premium) or Nocaster. But there are intonation issues with those models, though what defines intonation varies with the style of music. Rock n Roll is MEANT to be out of tune!

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by citizenk74

Isn't it great to get a guitar that is ready to play "off the shelf" with a proper action and flawless fret work? I could tell by those smooth and even perfect bends that the guitar was ready. My PRS have all been like that - open the case, tweak the tuning, and let 'er rip!

When I was post-op from some finger surgery, I got great physical comfort from therapeutic paraffin baths. Not the sort of thing one can do at home, but I still find that a warm hand is a happy hand. And I do find myself tending to lighter strings and a lower action. I wish you the best of luck, and much joy with your instruments!

k, happiness is indeed a warm hand, except the weather in July was warmer than I can remember, and my hands swelled up, clearly visible, and I couldn't touch my palms with the fingers. Thankfully it is now only 60F - perfect

It's been a long time since I bought a guitar that was ready. I'm not into Gibson bashing, but the last two I bought from them (both pro-level guitars) required a lot of work to get them where they should have been. This is most ready guitar I've come across, and at half the price of either of the two Gibsons.

**Greentone** · 08-27-2018, 09:12 AM

Rob,

Not only was that a great bluesy tone you got from your new Telecaster, it was also an excellent jazz tone. Just goes to show that stock single-coil pickups--especially the neck pickup--are great for playing jazz.

I play entire gigs on the neck pickup of my Telecaster, these days.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 09:23 AM

Cheers, Greentone. I entirely agree with you. The Telecaster IS a jazz guitar!

Not a lot of detail out there about these 4th-generation noiseless pickups, other than Fender saying:

1. They are only available on this model (I imagine you should read that as "currently")

2. They went back to the early '50s pickups for inspiration

**Greentone** · 08-27-2018, 09:46 AM

Those noiseless pickups (4th gen) sound great, to me.

**omphalopsychos** · 08-27-2018, 09:51 AM

Rob, I'm sorry to hear that you have been dealing with pain while playing your instruments. I hope (somewhat selfishly) for a your healing and full return to musical performance. This telecaster sounds wonderful! It seems to do everything a fine electric jazz box can do - and more.

Regarding strings, you may benefit to know that both D'Addario and Pyramid make 11s with a wound 3rd string. One of the things I typically disliked from lighter strings was the feel of the plain 3rd. With a wound 3rd the feeling is much more familiar.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 11:25 AM

Good to know, om. I didn't know that, so thanks for the info.

Hey, I can still play. Life could be a lot worse!

**rabbit** · 08-27-2018, 11:30 AM

Thanks for the reply, I wish you the best.

If you're going to an herbalist I'll guess that you don't need the 'try elimination diets' lecture.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 11:34 AM

No, I don't.

**grahambop** · 08-27-2018, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

Well, Graham, I highly recommend this model. But it's opposite is also great, a '52 reissue (or original, though they are at a premium) or Nocaster. But there are intonation issues with those models, though what defines intonation varies with the style of music. Rock n Roll is MEANT to be out of tune!

Yes I haven’t really thought about it much yet. Only want something cheap’n’basic really. I quite like the look of those Squier VM72 thinlines, probably put 012s on it for a jazz sound. Got to sell an existing guitar first!

**vinnyv1k** · 08-27-2018, 01:15 PM

Sweet blues Rob ! Congrats on your new axe. You can make anything sound wonderful. Do enjoy.

**Rob MacKillop** · 08-27-2018, 01:33 PM

Cheers, Vinny. Appreciated.

**QAman** · 08-27-2018, 01:58 PM

Nice guitar Rob. I considered buying one of these myself. In my opinion the ebony fingerboard is the better choice for jazz.

Nice playing - and a great alternative to your other instruments.

**fep** · 08-27-2018, 02:05 PM

The S1 switch engaged makes a great additional tone, I use that setting as much as any on my tele. And yes it is only for when you are in the middle position using both pickups.

My tele; a Squire Classic Vibe 50's... I just couldn't live with the 60 cycle hum since I do a lot of recording. I replaced the pickups, 3 way switch, volume and tone pots with the Gen 4 noiseless and all the other elite series stuff. Digging it.