• Cool....but...

  
  As reviewed by ROBERT ESBENSHADE on 2/25/2013

  I was anxious to get this new Tele Bass model from Squier for several reasons. One, their vintage lines have produced some pretty cool instruments for not a lot of money. Two, I wanted to get something inexpensive to have for when I play outdoor gigs in severe weather ie....very hot or cold. I don't really like taking an expensive bass out in extreme heat or cold. Three, I think the Tele with its 32" neck makes for an interesting bass. That being said, this is a pretty cool bass. It is extremely solid and heavy. The neck has a very good feel to it. It takes a little time to get used to the Tele body on a bass, but with a good wide strap and the proper height adjustment it is comfortable to play. It is also very cool looking. I got the vintage blond and it is very unique and attractive. Here is my downside. The pick up is fine in the middle position. It has that good old single coil Fender sound and the tone control actually does make a difference. What I don't understand is why they even bothered putting on the other two positions. I can't see any use for the bridge position as it is very thin and weak, and the neck position is very dull and weak. These just seem like gimmicks to me. I personally think it would be a better instrument with just a good Duncan design single coil without the three way position. But, like I said before, the single coil sounds very good in the middle "modern" position. I immediately changed the strings to a set of GHS light gauge boomers and that significantly made it sound better. I think light gauge strings will enhance the performance of a shorter neck. All in all I think this is a cool retro looking instrument that people will certainly wonder about. Make no mistake, it is not in the same realm as a good USA Jazz or P Bass, but it is fun to play, looks cool, and has a decent sound. By the way, it came with a pretty good set up right out of the box, but the bridge, although nice and substantial, does not have a lot to work with as far as adjustments. Bottom line, if you are looking for a unique and decent bass for $299, it is worth checking out. I can see myself playing it out depending on what kind of gig I might be doing...it could be fun.

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