New finish courtesy of Axewraps (click to enlarge)
First, a word about that finish . . .
I've never owned a guitar with any kind of flashy graphic finish before this, but this being a pretty inexpensive instrument, I decided to be adventurous.
Once the decision was made, there was no question but that I would want to use my own art. I figured I could print out the graphic on some kind of film using my color inkjet printer, then apply it in pieces. While searching out the appropriate materials, I happened across these Axewraps people's site. They say that their stick-on finishes can be removed with no damage to the guitar, not that this mattered in my case. They offered custom wraps for a variety of styles, but mine was not among them. When I emailed them, they replied saying that they would like to use my guitar to create a template, and if I would agree to send them the body, they would print and apply the wrap for me for free. I couldn't resist! Moreover, they also agreed to use my own art.
The results are better than I dared hope, and way better than is shown by my photos. Up close, it looks and feels like a good air brush job, and there's no way you'd guess that it's a vinyl overlay.
They offer a wide selection of designs, including several of mine (email for more info.) For a paltry $39, if you ever wanted to add a little pizzazz to your guitar, this deal is hard to beat. There are more pics at the bottom of the page.
As to the guitar itself . . .
As you can see from the rest of this section, I've owned some relatively high-end guitars over the years. In addition to those shown here I've also owned a '61 SG/Les Paul (an original), an original reverse Firebird, with 3 mini-humbuckers, several vintage Les Pauls, a Gibson Johnny Smith -- the list goes on. Hence, finding myself without an electric for several years, and with funds available only for a VERY low-end instrument, I really didn't expect to like it much.
After researching the available instruments in my price range, I narrowed my choices down to a Samick Torino, which featured Seymour Duncan Design humbuckers, a Jay Turser SG copy, and the Squire Telecaster Custom, which is what I wound up getting.
One of the things I liked about it was that the P-90 pickups meant that it wasn't a cheap knockoff of another instrument, but was unique unto itself. Also, I've always liked P-90s. I also liked the control configuration (2-volume, 2-tone controls and a 3-way switch, which meant that I could easily incorporate my favored custom wiring scheme (Les Paul Wiring). Finally, being licensed by Fender, I figured I could depend on the general shape and proportions being 'correct'. I really detest guitars that are ALMOST like the instruments they try to copy, but have something oddball about them (like the Samick's headstock).
I had hoped to find one at a local store that I could play first, but failing that, I had one ordered from Magdon Music in Olyphant, PA. As a matter of policy, they match the best online prices, and throw in a free setup as well. In addition, I paid an extra $50.00 to have it fitted with a bone nut (one of those details that bugs me). With the addition of a functional tweed case ($59.95), I came away at under $350.00, including sales tax.
Having now lived with it for about a month, I have to say that I am 100% satisfied with it. The tone of the Duncan-design P-90s is incredible. The overall vibe of the axe is something like Telecaster-meets-LesPaul Special. Magdon's did a great job on the setup, so I don't know what it was like right from the factory. As it came to me, the freets were perfectly polished, no sharp edges anywhere, intonation was dead on, pickups properly adjusted, etc. The only fault I can find with it is that the jack and jack plate are on the rickety side, but I will replace those when I get around to rewiring it.
The neck features a satin finish, which while perfectly comfortable and functional, does, to my eye, impart a somewhat cheaper feeling, but it plays just fine, so I can live with it for the price. Thus far the tuners appear to keep it in tune just fine. I have it set up with light-top/heavy bottom strings (.010 - 0.52), which I've always used on all of my electrics. Here are some pics (click on a thumbnail to enlarge).
