This video was super helpful! Your style of review is fair and objective. Transitioning while playing helps to understand the guitars better. I had the AVRI52 but i think i am going to get the 51 soon. Thank you!
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
'51 all the way! I have one and it's the best looking and sounding of them all.
@vyvynylification
Жыл бұрын
these comparisons you make... Love it! The AO 60s strat vs AVII 61 strat was another one I was dying to find
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!! Yeah I can never truly be at peace with my choices unless I have something to compare them to 😆😆
@vyvynylification
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I'm exactly like that, that IS why I love these so much. I'm set for teles though. I own a AO60s tele and LTD AO50s tele. After comparing them to the AVII I just prefer the 9´5 radius more personally and went with that series. Still looking for a strat though! As for this video, I prefer the avII slightly tone wise and look wise. But if I bought that AVi used, i'd return the avII and just put pick ups I prefer in the old one. That thin laquer is cool tho
@nathanbouton6700
Жыл бұрын
'52 all day
@crystalballgazers
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for this review my buddy was telling me to get the 52 and I was leaning more towards that because of the nitro finish and this only confirmed it
@leftyjcw7173
Жыл бұрын
Keep both. Dang, you already got em. She will get over it. I own 47 guitars. Married 47 years. They usually do get over it.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Haha sound advice!
@larryalexander900
Жыл бұрын
It's amazing how consistent these teles are. I also have a 52AV1 and it sounds just like yours, same amp. Other demos as well. Mine is also light just under 7lbs.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
That’s cool. Yeah I ended up going with the ‘52. I have 3 guitars from the 2012-2017 AVi line and they are all so very nice.
@PowerInOne22
Жыл бұрын
the sticky neck will smooth out with play- at least the nitro neck on my strat did. great playing man! fun video.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Funny, I used to be all about the satin necks, but now the stickiness of the finish doesn’t really bother me. I don’t play fast enough for it to hinder anything.
@favoriteblueshirt
Жыл бұрын
Love the way your wife says they are the same, because she's not really wrong is she? They look the same they sound the same... only a nerd would say otherwise. Great test thanks now I know which one to buy. The Fender Telecaster.
@JimmyJones206
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the awesome Contant Insurance you think and your understanding of these things you share!!!! 0:54
@AngelMartinez-qs3cf
Жыл бұрын
Great demo. Great groove riff at 4:50.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Nice of you to mention
@gregjohnson6329
Жыл бұрын
I have a 2017 AVRI i. After I bought it I got a Nocaster and had Marc Rutters build me a 53 tele with Ron Ellis pickups. I sold both and kept the AVRi. I do have Onamac nocaster pickups. They’re amazing. Low output. These are the most underrated of that teles. The ii looks as good. Glad to see this comparison.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Yeah after a lot of back and forth I decided to keep the ‘52. Both great guitars. It mostly came down to the fact that I got such a good deal on the ‘52.
@mborski8721
5 ай бұрын
Very well done and informative video. I'm going to look at a '52 today!
@NickHandleyCreative
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! Yes, I’m very happy with my ‘52. Light and resonant
@kuma1088jpmx
Ай бұрын
I'm considering buying the American Vintage II Terecaster '51 model, so your video was very helpful. Thank you very much.
@NickHandleyCreative
Ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful. Can’t go wrong either way and now that the AVii line has been out for a while there’s probably some amazing used deals to be found
@jimmy5634
3 ай бұрын
The 1951 Nocasters had a variety of random numbers of windings on the bridge pickups. Leo Fender used A3 magnets on those guitars. Most had a more trebly tone that was polarizing to a lot of people. That being said, some were overwound accidentally. Those are considered the “ holy grail” of the Tele bridge tone by many players. I have one I had custom overwound and it’s killer.
@MRROBBIEWATTS
Ай бұрын
Wow!...Ace Video man! - :)
@michaeljoyce3286
11 ай бұрын
Hey man, just want to give you an update I got the 50 to the other day and while I was there, I compared it to the American vintage 2 telecaster I spent probably around 2 1/2 hours just going back-and-forth. I truly love AVR I But the AVR one was set up the way I wanted to do it with the electrical switching getting rid of the dark circuit. I will say that these are probably the best telecasters I’ve ever played. I’ve played everything from LSL fender, custom shop master built to local great builders , there’s something about these and I just want to thank you so much for giving me your feedback and help guide me to the right one for me
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
Wow that’s incredible you had the chance to play both in the store! Like you, I ended up with the AVi. It’s a really nice guitar. That said, I loved the AVii also, it just would have cost me a lot more money and effort to keep that one. Congratulations on your find!!
@pharmerdavid1432
Жыл бұрын
That was fun Nick, and nice playing man! For me it's the older (Mexican made) 2010 road-worn vs Vintique 2021 road worn. Older one has an ash body, 7 1/4" radius, 7 pounds. Newer Vintique version is alder body, 9 1/2" radius, 7lbs. 4oz. They both had their pickups changed before I bought them, which is nice since I don't prefer hotter pickups like the Tex-Mex and whatever they use now. Vintique has a Brad Paisley "La Brea" bridge (AlNiCo 4, 6.3 sounds awesome), and Lollar Royal-T neck (AlNiCo 5, 7.5) more of a strat sound, blends well with the La Brea, whoever chose them had good taste. The older one has Canadian "Wizard" pickups which also sound awesome. Once you have a resonant good sounding guitar body and neck, and add some good sounding pickups, it hardly matters if its Mexican or USA made. That said, if price didn't matter, I'd gladly trade for those two beauties, especially the older one - the thin nitro finish makes a big difference you can feel while playing it, as you said. Cheers!
@ryangunwitch-black
Жыл бұрын
MIM RW series from 2009 was awesome
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
+ 1 for the road worn tele’s. I had one and it was fantastic. It I had my eyes closed and someone handed it to me and told me it was a custom shop I would have totally believed it. I have sellers remorse for getting rid of that one. Dude who bought it scored
@harleyveejay
Жыл бұрын
It's a no brainer dude, you keep them both!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
My wife would love you 😆
@user-tx1ec9wb1z
6 ай бұрын
Sell em both, get a Suhr classic T
@alfloer9461
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for the great review. I have a 2005 '52 Tele Reissue. I love it and yes hard to put down. Several Pro friends want to buy it. It is my real go to guitar and I can get any sound I want out of it. But playing it pure with little affects is the best.
@NickHandleyCreative
6 ай бұрын
Yeah I love the simplicity of a good tele plugged straight into a good single-ended tube amp
@Lasaration
Жыл бұрын
Great video. I am not a Telecaster fan. I owned two and I got frustrated as there was no tremelo. If you love it then good luck to you and keep groovin!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I’m not as much a telecaster person myself compared to strats but I really wanted at least one 50’s and one 60’s.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I'm not a fan of either the Tele or the Strat in any real way - I love both! I use the Telecaster as my go to guitar for the sound not just the look. I've owned plenty of Strats but I've only owned about five Teles in my life. Those are something that you buy, play, and own but never get rid of. I've sold I don't know how many Strats but Teles have such a special place in my heart.
@chestermaton4830
Жыл бұрын
I have the American Vintage ii 1951 Telecaster. Love it a lot!!!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
They are super nice. Love the aesthetic and warmth of the one I have in this video
@mannydecastro8604
2 ай бұрын
I stumbled upon this video because I’m deciding if I should buy a vintage 2 51. Your likings of the vintage 1 is what I’m looking for. Neck rolled edges and light weight. I’m also looking for a 7.25 radius. 👍🎸👍
@explorervango880
Жыл бұрын
I bought a used heavy relic 52 Custom Shop. Cost a little more than one of these, but less than two and the date on mine was my daughter’s birthday.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
That’s one of those ‘meant to be situations’ for sure!
@ChrisTeachesHistory
Жыл бұрын
My 1999 ‘52 reissue is hard to put down. Haven’t quite connected to another instrument the way I have with it. Nitro will turn more amber with UV exposure too, so if you leave the ‘52 by the window, it will get darker. I would confidently say my ‘52 neck and body are darker than both of these, but that could also just be the age.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
The flash coat lacquer is indeed why I gravitated toward grabbing the 52. I’ve also heard many times over that the 2012-2017 era of the AVi’s are the most period correct versions of all the generations of the AV series. I have a 59 and 56 strat from that generation and they are both oh so nice.
@MARKLINMAN1
4 ай бұрын
Absolutely the 2 Sounds warmer, thats the keeper for me.
@GuitarShack
Жыл бұрын
They both sounded pretty good. Can’t go wrong with either one. A similar thing happened to me recently. I was demoing the American Pro i & ii Jazzmaster. Both were awesome and it was a tough decision.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Which one did you go with? I have one of those from the AM pro I line.
@GuitarShack
Жыл бұрын
I went with the pro i. I didn’t expect to. Thought I’d get the newest model and while the pro ii was fantastic, I was drawn more to the pro i (even though it doesn’t have the rhythm circuit.) I liked the hotter pups, mystic sea foam finish and the satin neck actually had a nice flame to it. It was fun deciding!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@GuitarShack I believe they call that a ‘good problem’ !!
@GuitarShack
Жыл бұрын
Indeed
@NewPraetorianBlues
Жыл бұрын
You deserve A LOT more subs than you have. 242 is nowhere near enough.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Wow thanks! Tell your friends 😆😆
@lazvt8469
Жыл бұрын
agree....great vid...
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@lazvt8469 thank you! I’ll keep them coming. Pretty much gone are the days of trying out gear at music shops. Now it’s all about how much info can you get from other people’s opinions.
@MrSmiley1964
Жыл бұрын
I own a 2017 '52 AVRI and it's never (never say never) leaving my side. But I put a set of quality compensated bridge pieces and a set of David Allen Colt '51 Tele pickups under the hood. The first time I've done that in 20+ years. She didn't need it, but the baseplate on the bridge was the correct thickness for a '51 and they sound so good.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Yeah the 2017 ‘52 is ultimately what I decided to keep.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I would've too! These are keeper guitars. Unless you're down on your luck, selling your house, or getting a divorce there's no reason to sell your Teles.
@michaelquillen2679
Жыл бұрын
If you had auditioned for my band (back in the day) with either guitar,, you would have been in!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Until you actually heard me play…. Then I would have added to my collection of gold watches 😉
@thetypetwolife3602
Жыл бұрын
Good content!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@bluemagic5829
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review. I really wish Fender didn't make the butterscotch blonde on the new reissues so orange. I like the lighter, more blonde look of the original butterscotches.
@danielstoddart
6 ай бұрын
I also prefer the "Harper" blonde butterscotch on the '52 AV far more than the orange "pumpkincaster" finish.
@sonnywolfblues
Жыл бұрын
I own a 2016 AV1 and I love it.The flash coat lacquer really chips and wears fast so after a while of steady gigging it really relics nicely and looks like an old vintage one.I own also a 2011 52 reissue which is what the new AV2 is basically like with the darker butterscotch color and polyester undercoat and it doesn't age the same way.Both are lovely guitars though....choose the one that you feel will serve your music best.Keep in mind though that finding a AV1 like you did in such clean unplayed condition is a rare find now that it has been discontinued since 2017.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Great points! I do love the flash coat lacquer of the 52 and I swear I can feel the body of that one vibrating when I play it. I’m also such a value hunter that it would be hard to choose the brand new 51 over the 52 that I got at an amazing deal
@ryangunwitch-black
Жыл бұрын
I saw a KZitemr saying his 6 month old AVII Strat already has lacquer checking. Which is great in my opinion.
@sonnywolfblues
Жыл бұрын
@@ryangunwitch-black Sure....the nitro will react to temperature changes even if it had the thin Poly undercoat.But the one with the flash coat will chip a lot more and look more like a vintage one ages.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@ryangunwitch-black totally! I love the aging process. I actually noticed that I somehow took a nice chunk out of my AVii 57 strat. Have no idea how it happened, so the poly undercoat must indeed be pretty thin.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@ryangunwitch-black Yea! A finish that isn't durable or reliable enough to keep the wood from being damaged. That's never a plus in my book! I'd rather have a polyester or polyurethane finish any day.
@stoneglad
Жыл бұрын
Go for the AVI - the flash lacquer and lighter weight are the most important, you can easily swap out the stock pickups for Fender Custom shop or Lollar, etc to get the tone you’re seeking.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
That’s definitely the way I’m leaning at the moment.
@alohamark3025
Жыл бұрын
Your wife knows you own two guitars that look similar? Lucky guy. I found the trick is to own MANY guitars that look alike, so unless the woman of the house sees a new box in the garage, she thinks it's something I got in the past. Anyway, your journey into the Telecaster world will not end with these two guitars. Go back to the 1960's, either to the pre-CBS years, or the CBS years from 1966-69. People are usually confused about 1965. It's too complicated to explain, and unless you're a historian, it would be difficult to explain to a spouse who is averse to guitars. Final suggestion: Try a few thinline Telecasters.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Let’s just say the UPS driver knows what it means when he sees me running out to meet him in the street 😆 Great tips about the 60’s tele’s. I’ve been down the rabbit hole with strats but tele’s will be a new adventure. My wife will be thrilled!
@uwedasler425
Жыл бұрын
Looking to buy one of these, so that was helpful. Thanks! The older model does, to my ears, sound closer to the 1951 originals I have heard... a bit too much treble for me. I would go for the newer model based on the warmer sound, even if it is maybe slightly less original. Over time I might change the pickups though...they are good, but I think both guitars can do better.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Good ears. I totally agree. For the sake of the comparison I had the tone knobs all the way up, but in real life I’d probably roll the AVi way back. The articulation sounds nice on the neck but it’s a bit like being stabbed with an ice pick on the bridge 😆 I might slightly prefer the AVii overall. Hard to say. I’ve been flip flopping
@walterrizotto8668
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative You could try a Gotoh 6-saddle bridge for a slightly mellower sound.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@walterrizotto8668 good call. I ended up just using some pure nickel strings (which is period correct anyway) and it tamed the ice pick quite a bit.
@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo
11 ай бұрын
Love the playing. Wife is right, though. I think the unbranded cases are G&G missing the logos. Some of my AVIIs have them, some don't. I got the AVII 63 tele and it was the worst Fender I ever played. Nut wasn't filed (just pilot slots), frets weren't leveled.. total mess. But it was the last one in stock and I wanted a surf green Telecaster (my only telecaster). Gave it a bigsby conversion. Your channel is gonna give me gas and I've sworn off new guitars...
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
Interesting stuff. I’m surprised you had the dedication to keep it. There must have been something special about it, which is something I’ve noticed about guitars in the AVii line. Some indescribable character that make them awesome, even with the quality control. I’ll bet the surf green tele looks amazing with the bigsby!
@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo
11 ай бұрын
It was the last one of the first batch in Tokyo. I went ahead and did the missing work to the neck. Filmed it for a youtube video, but didn't post it worried it would piss off Fender. Also had an AVII JB that had a maxed out truss rod out of the box. Fender replaced it. 54 P bass and Jazzmaster are fine. Would love the 57 strat but ran out of budget. @@NickHandleyCreative
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
@@GoodmanRecordingsTokyo ahh man you should post it! I’d love to see that
@marknielson2099
Жыл бұрын
Both are nice and sound great…. Personally I would keep the AVI due to the nitro finish and weight. Tough decision Nick!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Indeed. I love the flash coat. I also spent $500 less on the AVi so I can’t ignore that fact even though I’m trying to be unbiased
@marknielson2099
Жыл бұрын
I’m trying to find an AVI at a good price…. Like you, I want them all!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@marknielson2099 they’re definitely out there. Easier to grab a good deal now that the AVii is out
@anthonycraig1458
Жыл бұрын
Great video. I recently got a used 52 reissue that was mint condition (even the pack inside with the ashtray bridge cover was still sealed) and it's perfect but I have wondered how it compares to the new one. The new ones look a bit nicer with more visible grain on the body as I believe the older models had a white undercoat on them. Not sure if that's more vintage accurate or not but I'm very happy with it, as you say the rolled neck edges feel fantastic. I'm a big fan of the vintage range made from 2012-2017 and also managed to find a black 56 strat and the limited edition 1954 reissue from 2014. Both different but equally brilliant guitars. The knobs and pickup covers on the new reissue strats look too yellowed for me compared to the ones I have.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Wait wait….. there’s a AV i ‘54 strat, or is it in a different series?
@anthonycraig1458
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative yes it was a limited edition of 1,954 that came out in 2014. Ash body, nitro finish, proper 54 specs on the knobs and pickup covers. It wasn't a custom shop model but of a similar price to the regular AVRI series at the time. I'm sure Fender won't let the 70th anniversary pass without something special next year!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@anthonycraig1458 I’m gonna have to track one down! Thanks for letting me know about them
@richardhill6640
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreativesome series. Was only offered in 2014, and there was only 1,954 made.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@anthonycraig1458 LACQUER finish - not nitro. Nitro refers to nitrous oxide. I don't know how or why this is the current trend but it's a horrible misnomer!
@ryangunwitch-black
Жыл бұрын
Weird that AVII was heavy. I guess this line really is all over the place. I picked one up at GC and it was feather light. I mean, it weighed nothing. I was very surprised. And the finish was beautifully transparent over that ash grain.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Yeah the AVii has a beautiful wood grain. I feel like tele’s can go any direction with the weight. This one is crazy heavy but no doubt just that particular piece of wood
@groundleaf865
Жыл бұрын
52 AVRi is already discontinued, I have a 1994 Ri AVRi all vintage specs and it’s sounds amazing.
@donalddignam1805
6 ай бұрын
52 for sure. Bought in 1996. It has aged so perfectly. I'm sure 51 is great but can't replace my sweetheart. Actually set up like Keith R at the moment; 5 string in open G Whichever you choose you won't be disappointed. D
@NickHandleyCreative
6 ай бұрын
Yeah I went with the ‘52
@A.D.D.O.C.D.T
3 ай бұрын
Best reviews 🫡🔥
@DiscoBiscuit21
Жыл бұрын
They both sound good. I'd keep the one with the lighter weight.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Probably will end up doing that
@shellsea9520
Ай бұрын
Hay Mate , I am like yer keep them both ,they both hv GR8 sounds , but I definitely liked the sound of the Vintage i more ❤ WISH I could play as good as u blind folded 🥰😁💥💫 SUBSCRIBED
@NickHandleyCreative
Ай бұрын
Right on, thanks man! Yeah I’m with you. The AVI spoke to me a little more. Not mention it was also about $500 less expensive :)
@michaeljoyce3286
Жыл бұрын
Man after watching this I’m in worse shape lol great video
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Haha thanks! Decisions decisions
@michaeljoyce3286
Жыл бұрын
I think what makes it harder not a lot of shop dot have both or you could try them so one Has’s to be a gamble
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@michaeljoyce3286 yep that’s the guitar buying reality these days. Instead of trying things in a shop it’s all about buying sight unseen and selling/returning if you don’t like.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I would've kept the first one!
@comicsrcool5483
Жыл бұрын
Keep em both. They're not from the same year either way >:) Having dealt with Reverb I can bet you'll probably stick with the AV i. If it was me I would have a harder time keeping the one thats the lighter shade of Butterscotch. I am sure Fender would tell you the AV i is "Faded". At least thats how they explain the wild difference in color of the two Sonic Blue Strats I have. Either way congratulations. They both sound awesome.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Yeah. All things considered I don’t think i want to go through all the trouble of selling the AVi. The AVii was a simple return even though I may liked that one a slight bit better
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
The lighter Butterscotch colour is the right shade. It's what these looked like when new - not the darker aged version that everyone is used to seeing. I actually love the original Butterscotch Blonde colour as opposed to the darker finish that Fender and everyone else is using now.
@bumblefritz
11 ай бұрын
I haven't tried any of the AV2 yet but I have an AV1 '62 Jaguar and I can attest to the old series being very good.
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
Yeah, with this new tele that makes 4 AVi guitars from the previous 2012-2017 generation that I’m lucky enough to steward. I can attest that there is something special about them. Personally, I think the flash coat nitro is a big part of that
@blues3531
7 ай бұрын
I ordered two tele's this week also and my wife had the same reaction "Two of the same guitar?" "THEY'RE NOT THE SAME!" lol
@NickHandleyCreative
7 ай бұрын
The dog house is colder in the winter 😆
@TheBlackHarrington
Жыл бұрын
That’s tough. I’d want to combine the weight and resonance of the i with the warmth and tint of ii.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
I was pretty much in the exact same position
@pjmuck
8 ай бұрын
I have a '99 Fender '52 RI Tele. I'll never sell it. Perfect guitar for me. Mine came with the original (and useless) bass setting in the 3rd position that most players rewire, so I put a 4 way switch in to put position 4 PUPs in series. (I don't know if later '52s still came with the bass setting or not). IMO, the series I vintage guitars are better because you could find very light weight ones. Mine is only 7lbs.
@angelp9658
2 ай бұрын
Go with the 1952 ! l , would ! But color looks better on the1951 !! Color is up to the person . From south Sarasota , Florida !! Were the Butty is ! !
@thetinman3353
16 күн бұрын
Made it easy on myself and found a used avii 51. Love it! It is an ash body however which I like. Not sure what the avi is. Also I thought my avii was pure nitro finish…am I wrong?
@JustWatchreviews
9 ай бұрын
I had both and wound up keeping the AV2 '51, I like the bigger neck of the '51 (the '52 felt quite a bit flatter on the back to me, more of a "D" than a "U". That being said, my '52 was an awesome guitar, with a great bridge pickup, I'm sure I'll regret selling it. Thanks for the review, good stuff!
@leftyjcw7173
Жыл бұрын
It must be so nice to have such a choice as to be able to pick. After 54 years of playing guitar, it still bothers me that I can’t choose. Oh, dang, I almost forgot, I’m left-handed. I usually buy one dud after another. (Not always, I own some nice guitars, but lots of mistakes along the way).
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
I feel for you my man. Lefty’s have a raw deal when it comes to guitar and baseball glove selections!
@KRAZEEIZATION
Жыл бұрын
My problem with the AV2 is this, I like medium jumbo or even jumbo frets on a 9.5 radius board. I did order the fiesta red 62 Strat but after a while I thought €2400 is a lot for a guitar with spaghetti frets on 7.25 radius. While I own 3 Fender Teles with 7.25, Vintera and classic series, I really do prefer 9.5 and medium jumbos. I ended up buying an American Special in Sherwood green instead and it’s a dream machine. I prefer the custom shop Texas Special pups over the weaker vintage pups too which I find thin. I like a thick almost Gibson-like warmth to my overdrive tone.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Yeah sounds like you would be a candidate for the custom shop stuff. Or alternatively the American Original series - they have the 9.5” radius for sure and I think they may also have taller frets. Although it sounds like you already found your #1.
@jasonkucerik9225
Жыл бұрын
Your playing seemed to open up and sound a little more natural on the AVI. I know you said the AVII seemed warmer, but I heard the AVI as a little warmer sounding, at least in the video. At any rate, it really comes down to your taste, right? I recently was in a similar situation, and went with the guitar that just seemed more natural, and was more fun to play because ultimately, nobody in the audience is going to care about the specs--it's how I play it. If I'm having fun and inspired by an instrument, that "resonates" through (hopefully) to the audience. Anyway, that's my two cents. I'm sure you'll love either of them!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Haha most realistically I’ll love both of them 😆😆
@MrSmiley1964
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative Better buy more flowers.
@ErinBlueBird
3 ай бұрын
Flash coat nitro finish on the AVI is a REALLY BIG difference, mine has aged beautifully I've always preferred 62 style teles but this one has so much character and yeah they're definitely lighter mines a shy 7 pounds
@jeffcampanale3540
Жыл бұрын
51 did sound warmer. But which one felt better? I'd keep both
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
I’d say the 52 may feel a slight bit better with the amazing fretboard rolling. So close though I’m just splitting hairs on that one
@davidmahoherrezuelo
Жыл бұрын
The real keeper is a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster 50s, China or Indonesia. But...52s rules!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Indeed a lot of value in those squiers
@lazvt8469
Жыл бұрын
with Lindy Fralin Blues Special.....>VERY special guitar in my oversized arsenal....cheapest yet most satisfying to play for me. Now through in a new/used Hamstead Artist 20RT...and now I"m in heaven.
@MusicZtorm
2 ай бұрын
American Vintage I for me !
@steverolfeca
Жыл бұрын
For me, the AV1 would probably get the nod. Lighter, more rolled fb edges, more resonant? Done and dusted. The fact that there’s no poly, and you can watch it age and tint over the years instead of coming with a fake orange tint that will darken up too much over time, is just an extra bonus. Ditto for the branded American case. Also, you can always roll off a little extra treble, but you can’t recover treble that isn’t there. But I’m not you- go with your heart, not your head!
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Good insights. I’m right there with ya. Not to mention the fact that I got a pretty good deal on the AVi. All things considered that’s the way the wind ended up blowing.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
Poly has nothing to do with it. Lacquer will still age. It turns yellower over time. I don't see how that's an advantage.
@steverolfeca
3 ай бұрын
@@solarismoon3046 TINTED poly has everything to do with it. Laquer starts out clear and darkens. So do many poly finishes. But the pre-tint used to get an orange look with poly out of the box on many "vintage inspired" models ages in a way that I find very unattractive. We can disagree over the attractiveness of that effect, but not the basic principle.
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@steverolfeca What they mean is that Fender is using a polyurethane sanding sealer coat. This isn't used for finish coats. That's also why they don't use it on Blonde or tinted finishes. Lacquer darkens over time and keeps getting darker and darker whereas poly will have UV block in it or at least some companies will add it to the finish. I don't since I let it age naturally - I don't tint my clear coat or use poly for anything but clear coats not finish coats with tint in them. I don't know of anyone that does this unless it's completely polyester or polyurethane.
@craigthomson3621
Жыл бұрын
Would be interesting if you ever had access to the American Original 50’s Telecaster that Fender had in their line before the Vintage II, to compare that with the two guitars in this video. Recently I find I am playing my G&L Fullerton Deluxe ASAT t-type more than my Fenders.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
I actually have the 60’s AO tele. I love that thing. Sounds incredible.
@craigthomson3621
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I’m a lefty so the 60s AO Tele is forbidden fruit for me (actually I can play right handed guitar also but I prefer playing lefty).
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@craigthomson3621 oh bummer. They don’t make a lefty in the AO 60’s?
@craigthomson3621
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative no lefty AO 60s Teles. However, I think there were some lefty previous generation AVi 60’s Teles that very occasionally appear on the second hand market.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@craigthomson3621 damn. The lefty’s have it rough. Cool you can play righty too. That’s some skill for sure
@CorvetteStingRayLane
Жыл бұрын
Great Video Comparison. Have you ever tried the G&L Asat Classic Bluesboy? G&L Guitars are designed and built by Leo Fender and George Fullerton. This was the last Guitar Business that was owned by Leo Fender. G&L manufactured Guitars today that are a better quality built than a Fender Guitar. I have a 2010 G&L Asat Bluesboy Classic Anniversary Guitar and a 2012 Fender Stratocaster American Special Guitar.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
I haven’t tried those but I’ve always been curious about G&L.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@carlton1390 this is not sounding like a gleaming endorsement 😆
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@carlton1390 hard for me to break from Fender/Gibson. I’ve tried some PRS and Ernie Ball, but they always seem to get sold after a while.
@ushnicyuvnikof2748
10 ай бұрын
Vintage 1s are better, so I'd say keep the 52.
@wyattsdad8561
9 ай бұрын
I like the AV2
@alainmalo3791
10 күн бұрын
Manque une encore , la Squier 50s vibe !!
@nikverschuren4291
10 ай бұрын
The color of the new one is off, would love the i color with nitro for the aging.
@MELONenSURPRISE
Жыл бұрын
Nice , which amp is that ?
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
It’s one of the FSR ‘65 Princeton Reverb reissues with a 12” speaker.
@MELONenSURPRISE
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative Nice , thank you
@dominbuleto
3 ай бұрын
Great video, socks are the real touch though. Jokes aside, I believe the avri has a 9.5 radius, right? And avrii 7.25. just for that I'd go for avri, probably
@NickHandleyCreative
3 ай бұрын
Thanks! To the best of my knowledge, all the American Vintage series guitars have 7.25 radius with the exception of the limited run ‘62 hotrod strat. The American Original series (which was that line that sandwiched between the AVi and AVii) had 9.5 radius.
@dominbuleto
3 ай бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative thanks, Nick!
@solarismoon3046
3 ай бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative All the American Originals have a 9.5 inch radius now regardless of model. This was done two or three years ago to standardize their line of guitars. It makes more sense so that they don't have to switch from one type of neck profile to another just to appeal to a niche audience. Also I like the 9.5 inch much better as it feels more like a better radius since 7.25 chokes out when bending unless you have high string action.
@kathleenbrinkermann5413
11 ай бұрын
I would chose the ‘51 I like it better and I heard my family had been asked to choose which one? I don’t know but that depends who you are. Why did they ask? Maybe I get a reward? Ktb
@NicholasANappiNick
Жыл бұрын
First one sounded slightly better 🎉
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Sounded a little better to my ears as well. I think I’d give the playability and feel to the second one though. Tough choice !
@joshhayl7459
11 ай бұрын
🟦... Not knowing what your settings are, the '52 sounded a little hotter in the neck pickup & there was a "wirey" sounding artifact to the overall sound that may go away after it's been set-up for you.
@RRW276
8 ай бұрын
I wonder why they do a poly base coat with the nitro as opposed to just straight nitro. Is it a cost/time saving measure? The both look and sound great, definitely a hard choice.
@sevenchambers
7 ай бұрын
It’s because fender is out of touch with its customer base.
@danielstoddart
6 ай бұрын
Environmental regulations. Finishing with nitro only at the factory is no longer legal.
@danielstoddart
6 ай бұрын
@@sevenchambers No, it's because they are not allowed to do that anymore because of environmental regs.
@douglasalexander4348
4 ай бұрын
@@danielstoddart So when did nitro become more environmentally friendly than poly ? They do it because poly dries so quickly and need no finishing. = money saved. A quick blow over and they call it a Nitro finish. It’s total bullshit by Fender. Might as well save loads and buy a Mexican version. (Found my 10 year old American ‘nitro’ strat was poly based after it cracked and couldn’t be finished like my Gibson Les Paul, which is proper nitro and could be easily repaired)
@danielstoddart
4 ай бұрын
@@douglasalexander4348 That's part of it, too. Back when Fender did truly nitro finishes with no filler, buyers complained that the finish chipped. As recently as the AV '52 Telecaster line, customers were still complaining about the finish chipping. It's not as big of a problem today what with the "relic" movement, but decades ago in the 1960s and 1970s guitarists liked poly because it protected the guitar from dings and finish chipping.
@jsarty54
6 ай бұрын
Simplicity is the tele’s strong point , your mood plays a bigger roll .
@NickHandleyCreative
6 ай бұрын
Good point.
@geraldponce8336
Жыл бұрын
The vintage i sounded lighter. A little more resonant? Which is my preference. But I don't think it reflects on the series as a whole. They vary guitar to guitar
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
True true. When I filmed this it was literally the first time I’d felt either of them, so who knows what kind of strings the AVi had on it. I’ve since put pure nickel strings on the AV i to tame it a little. It softened it up a touch but it’s still snappier than the AV ii and a little more lively. You’re right that it could just be that particular guitar as opposed to the whole line.
@geraldponce8336
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative yeah that balance is the thing. Like a bright happy resonant chimie top end then we still want to have depth in the low end. (Best of both worlds, of course we want it all) Why I mod my guitars. Lot of ways to manipulate the over all balance of a guitar. Strings, brass bridge, changing from a maple to rosewood neck, even putting slightly hotter single coils adds warmth. And if your willing to go way over board. Have a 59 paf style humbucker routed in the neck position. Thinking about doing that to one of my telecasters that is on the light side. Fun stuff for sure.
@geraldponce8336
Жыл бұрын
But it all starts with a body. Like the center of the whole thing and kind of work off that. Who knows what direction it goes. Guess the other consideration is feel. The neck, frets, roll job, fret ends, and resonance and vibration. That is the part people don't really hear, but we sure feel it in our hands and our soul. Like a guitar that just comes alive in my hands. Like it just sucks me into the music almost simultaneously. It's a great feeling when everything is right. Balance, feel, resonance.
@onlyonemail
Жыл бұрын
Avri 1 52 tele my favorite 😍
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
It was the keeper!
@benjamingilmore825
Жыл бұрын
Keep the lighter one! You’ll want to pick it up more. Congratulations! Both sound fantastic! And you can always try endless pickup swaps and strain your marriage further 😅😂
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Haha I love that! Great comic relief right when I needed it!
@benjamingilmore825
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative my pleasure. Did you decide yet?
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@benjamingilmore825 I did. I ended up keeping the ‘52 which was indeed the lighter one. The ‘51 was nice too, but the ‘52 felt a little better in my hands and i got such a good deal on that one that it ended up making the most sense.
@soundofbluesthing
Жыл бұрын
'52👍
@arjanbohm5697
Жыл бұрын
Choose the AV I. Best sounding and typically snappy 50s sound. The AV II sounded dull, less articulation on the notes than the AV I. For me the AV I should be the keeper 👌
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
That’s where I landed too, although in person the AVii sounded lovely. It had a nice warmth to it. Perfect for the rhythm sound, although I know that’s not typically why people buy tele’s.
@user-rk4zm3nb5f
Жыл бұрын
The winner would be my '52 American Vintage Re-Issue I bought in 1982.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Wonder how much that would sell for these days?
@rafalskydog8028
Жыл бұрын
I had one of those. I sold it in the late '90's for $900.00 Canadian. It was a perfect guitar. Especially through my Fender Blues Jr.
@user-rk4zm3nb5f
Жыл бұрын
@rafalskydog8028 Only way I'd part with it is if Keith Richard's himself knocked on my door with a load of cash.
@aRRRaiS
Жыл бұрын
Hi how bad is quality difference beetween G&G case and unbranded ?
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Literally undistinguishable from an aesthetic and weight perspective other than the fact that the G+G has the little name badge on the inside. That said, the spring on the latch of that case that came with my AVii 57 broke, so I’d have to assume the G+G’s are of higher quality.
@aRRRaiS
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative Thanks for info
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@aRRRaiS no problem!
@LA-zc9rg
5 ай бұрын
Huge difference in weight which translates to less durable imo.
@michaeljoyce3286
11 ай бұрын
Yes, I want to give you a quick update. I was able to play both guitars along with a road worn 50s. Telecaster I’m really stuck between the price point of the road worn Tele any America vintage 2 . Any words of wisdom
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
Hmm... Your first mistake is assuming me to be wise . That said, I've had both guitars you're torn between. The road worn is definitely nice for a Mexican tele, but if the price difference won't bite you in a significant way, I think the AVii is quite bit nicer. Could be a placebo or perceived value, but to me the American made stuff reigns supreme. Also the investment factor is obviously more in play on the USA Strats. Good luck!
@michaeljoyce3286
11 ай бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative hey man, thanks I went with the American vintage 2 I was comparing the Roadworn too much to it. If it was the other way I would’ve went for the Roadworn. It just had a better tone quality and rolled edges. I do prefer a satin neck but I can take care of that. Thanks man.
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
@@michaeljoyce3286 I think you made the right choice. I too like satin necks, but over the last few years the finished necks have grown on me. I will say, when I had the road worn tele, the rubbed off neck starting to feel pretty sticky. I don’t mind sticky on a finished neck, but on a satin neck it feels pretty weird. All this to say, again, I think you made the right choice
@DanielDwightMusic
Жыл бұрын
51
@malcolmhardwick4258
Жыл бұрын
Keep them both ! Yeah thats my answer !
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Showing this comment to my wife 😆
@malcolmhardwick4258
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative Its not like she only has one pair of shoes is it !
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@malcolmhardwick4258 haha ain’t that the truth! Funny thing though…. Seems like woman don’t like it when you point out logic 😆
@LA-zc9rg
4 ай бұрын
One is too yellow with no grain the other too orange. How hard is for Fender to get these colors right?
@jeffcooper3433
Жыл бұрын
The '51 just because I like the darker "pumkin" color.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Yep. In my opinion the ‘51 wins in the looks department. Although probably because it looks like an old guitar, whereas the ‘52 looks like a new guitar that was made in 1952.
@HarryStoneDotCom
Жыл бұрын
AVi 52 all the way. Looks better, apparently feels better and to my ears sounds better here. Plus it has a nicer finish and case.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
+ 1 on all those points. I really couldn’t tell any difference on the case other than perceived value of knowing the G+G cases are made in USA, but perceived value is still value.
@dawin12
11 ай бұрын
I definitely preferred the sound of the AV i 1952. It sounded harmonically richer to me, with more prominent bass response. The leaner, more fundamental-focused sound of the AV ii 1951 was less interesting to me, and could get slightly annoying in the treble. This all probably indicates my bias.
@NickHandleyCreative
11 ай бұрын
I agree about the harmonic richness of the AVi. Although I thought the AVii sounded a bit fuller to my ears. The AVi was definitely a bit more touch sensitive too. It seemed like it took less work to get the notes to ring out.
@albertoshiguematsu6921
Жыл бұрын
I think AVI sounds better with more resonance on the other side I have a impression that you feel more comfortable playing the AVII
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
If I had gotten them both at the same price I probably would have stuck with the AVii, but since the margin of difference was so close i went with the AVi. It was $500 less
@ERAPOSORESERVA
Жыл бұрын
Keep one stock and put a humbucker in the neck of the other one.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Looking at possibly the 77 tele in the AVii line as a possible acquisition at some point for that very reason.
@ERAPOSORESERVA
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I put a 59 in a 62 tele reissue, it sounds incredible
@ditto1958
Жыл бұрын
The one on the left is prettier
@JonHuntley
Ай бұрын
The 51 has more warmth more depth
@davidwalker1763
8 ай бұрын
I think the 51 might have the sound that suits me better but my ears are pretty worn out. The weight wouldn't make any difference to me because I've been playing a 53 Les Paul for years. Love those Telecasters though.
@NickHandleyCreative
8 ай бұрын
The ‘51 was definitely a little warmer, which is probably the sound i generally prefer, but my wallet pushed me over the line to the ‘52 since it was substantially less money
@Paulmccarthy6801
Жыл бұрын
Hey nick tell you the truth that one I talked to you about today sounded way better than both of these to my ears.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
I think the one you were checking out might have been warmer than both of the tele’s in this vid. These two have substantially thicker necks than my old one though. Big huge neck profiles is something I really love.
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
If you liked that road worn tele better than these your wallet will thank you for it!!
@Paulmccarthy6801
Жыл бұрын
@@NickHandleyCreative I know same as my reissue broadcaster a little over 2000. But really that other tele had a warmer thicker sound not as thinner sounding as these 2
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
@@Paulmccarthy6801 a big part of that could have been that I put pure nickel strings on that road worn when I got it in 2019 and never changed the strings. But yes, that one had it’s own character for sure.
@ktwheels44
Жыл бұрын
I'm an old man... I take the lighter one.
@4CloudySky
Жыл бұрын
What's the point of nitro over poly? Pure aesthetics of weather checking?
@NickHandleyCreative
Жыл бұрын
Great question. I think it’s to preserve a little bit of the quality of the finish before the guitar finds its eventual home. Just speculation though.
@Stillblissstudios
9 ай бұрын
Light yellow.
@godzoo18
Ай бұрын
51' warmer, thicker, less metallic, more organic and way more character.
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