I Feel a Great Disturbance in the Force

If tone is the Matrix then who is the one that bends it to their will? Puts the whole digital 1′s and 0′s in a whole new context. That entire movie could be an allegory. I’m going to have to re-watch for the obvious hidden message.

Perhaps some Keanu Reeve-esque photos are in order (not any leaning-on-railing poses though, I don’t care if they had them on the Nebuchadnezzar).

Thanks guys for the comments. I’m on the early side of making a decision about all of this, and my wallet is a consideration–though my dad may chip in a bit. While I was at the store (authorized Fender dealer) I played a couple MIM Teles, a Highway 1 Tele, a MIM Relic Tele, a Thinline Tele w/2 HB’s, and even a MIA Strat and MIM Strat. Out of all the guitars, including the Strats, the best “feel” was the MIM Black Tele that I mentioned. Maybe I’m not a huge “plain” single-coil fan, but neither Strat did much for me (admittedly I was straight into a Pro Jr. and didn’t turn up for a dirty to keep the volume lower). The Thinline Tele was kind of cool but I couldn’t slide around the neck well (got “stuck” a couple times). Unless the MIA Tele is a noticeable step up, the MIM is probably what I’ll do for $$’s sake.

I’ll admit I’ve subconsciously sworn to never own a Squier, but I that Classic Vibe looks good. They had one at the store but I didn’t play it. How are the tuners? That’s probably my biggest concern with going lower price-range. Even my Schecter’s G-String, with Grover tuners, sometimes goes out of tune fast, which drives me batty. Also, I don’t really need a versatile guitar because my Schecter already meets most of my needs w/Seymour Duncans and 5-way switching–I just want a brighter guitar that cuts through the mix in a different way than my Schecter does (it’s definitely warmer and harmonically-full and perhaps darker). I like the idea of a Maple neck, as my Sch’s vine of life inlay is a bit much, simple fret markers. I will look into the Blueboy though–I don’t really need HB’s with this guitar, but the bridge single coil is most important, and maybe a neck HB would be nice. The plus side to the Fender’s are I can try them out before I get them.

Shoot, I’ll need new pedals? Will it never end? I’m guessing you mean primarily OD–my OD pedal is nothing to brag about, a Tubescreamer Clone (BBE), but it gets the job done. What do Tele’s like?

Oh, and last question: how important is the difference in bridge saddles? I understand there’s the 6-string one and a 3-string one?

Thanks again guys for all the comments. I went back today to play the MIA Tele, I guess I’m just amped up about the search and want to size up all the players quick. The MIA is nice–looking at it you can tell it’s a little better quality, but I have to admit, the neck didn’t do anything for me–and the pickups didn’t seem that much better through the Pro Jr. I don’t know how either (MIA or MIM) handle dirt. It had a rosewood fretboard, so I’ll wait till they get the maples ones in. Anyway I had to run to see a friend so I came back later to play the MIM Tele again. The guy was like, “back again?” and I thought, “That’s right, you know I’m hooked right through the heartstrings for some lovely Tele tone.” To be honest, that MIM Black Tele makes me exited to play it–I already had a good idea what it sounded like, but I just wanted to play like I want to play guitar at home–I’m about 95% convinced that I’m gonna ask them to set it aside–and then I may take a trip down to the Maple Grove Guitar Center and check out their selection.

Funny you mentioned Open Door, when I was in school in NYC, my parents went there so I attended once. Their lighting reminded me of a retro Beatles-esque concert. I didn’t know the PFR guy leads worship there–my mom really likes them–I’ll have to mention that.

Oh, and I was wrong, they didn’t have a Classic Vibe there–in all my looking I thought I saw something that said that, but I was wrong. They do have one that looks like crap which one guy says plays well–maybe it was a roadworn but I don’t think so–but man–they could at least scrape off the metallic vomit look first. Also, I should mention that I am definitely looking for a Tele’s Tele. I don’t want it do any special tricks–I want that bright tone it’s famous for–and whatever else falls into place, that’s fine. The guy at my repair shop even showed me some special things you can put on the bridge to make it like a two-string saddle thing (i.e. how it angles the string)–apparently the 3-saddle bridges are fine as long as you use a wound g string, or the aforementioned “anglers.”

Whew–that’s a lot. I’m excited! And beginning to understand how people can amass guitar collections (which I never thought I would do).

That GHS looks nice–expensive! I need a patron of the arts.