Best “Budget” Tele? | Monoprice Indio Retro
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2022
- In this 143rd installment, Jimmy again takes his own advice and jumps on one of the best sale prices of the year from Monoprice on the Indio Retro Tele style guitar. The normal “bargain” price of this model is already a low $109.99 including a gig bag, the the end of July sale brought the price of the guitar to $69.99 for the blue finish model only! Let’s take a look and listen to what a $69 Tele sounds/looks like!
- Zábava
Great video. Every guitar you showcase is perfrct for home playing and home recording. No need to spend $1000.00nds of dollars. No one will be able to tell on the recording. Bottom line...you like the sound and feel, you have a great guitar. Keep up the great and honest reviews!
Thanks so very much just Bob….really appreciate your stopping in and the kind comments! 🎸👍
I just ordered this off of Amazon, it was only $89! Thank you for your review I can't wait until she gets here!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Rob! Congrats on your (soon to be) new Tele! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
Thank you Jimmy for your obvious love of guitars and your honest reviews!
My pleasure David…thanks so much for watching and commenting. Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
I purchased the identical guitar on sale about 2 months ago. Third Mono price I've purchased. Fret edges were sharp and required filing. Also had fret buzz after tuning. Adjusted neck and all well. Love it for the price! Love your vids too! All the best!
Thanks so much Duane…appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts. I have around 8 or so now…not disappointed with any of the models! Fret sprout and a setup is expected, yet this was right out of the box, so….so happy to hear you are enjoying the videos, truly appreciate your kind comments! 👍🎸
I really do appreciate all you do for your youtube viewers. Great reviews for beginners and intermediate players. I really like the monoprice gear. Very good prices that won't break the bank, but will allow beginners like me to experiment with different style guitars. Thanks again for all your hard work on these videos.
My pleasure Johnny! So glad to hear you are enjoying the channel…I really do appreciate your stopping by and the kind comments! Much thanks…🙏👍
Sooo tempting! I might need to add a monoprice Tele to the herd! beautiful job with the presentation and review!
Thanks so very much! Missed seeing you here on the channel!! Truly appreciate your stopping in! 🎸👍
Great video as usual Jimmy!! Yeah, I almost pulled the trigger and got another Tele on sale last week as well! I think that they are great guitars, especially for someone who isn't trying to break the bank! When mine came last year, I was giving it to my 9 year old..... I kept it and bought him a 3/4 nylon string Idyllwild parlor guitar.. That's mine now as well!! LOL Keep up the great work!!!
Hi Reggie….I know it’s tough to keep from hitting the “buy” button. Thanks so much for stopping in my friend…really appreciate the support! 👍🎸
Playable out of the box for only $75US? It's a steal. When it comes to these things, Tele me all about it. I have 3 Harley Bentons and 1 Sawtooth. (Lefties have less choices.) Something about teles j ust feels right. Another great value, Jimmy!
All I did was tune it…great stuff coming out from Monoprice! Thanks so much for watching and commenting Cal B….always appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
Love your detailed breakdowns of these instruments, Jimmy. You're an incredible resource for fans of MP - guitars, I think, that may well be the future Silvertones/Danelectros/Teiscos, etc. If I'd had access to budget instruments this playable when I started out back in the 80s...I'd probably be a much better player now! :)
Truly appreciate that cdavidlake2….
It was the same situation when I started out (late 60’s) Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and glad to hear you are enjoying it! 👍🎸
It’s crazy. The Acoustics are amazing too. Enjoy my Goya, Yamaha, Jasmine acoustics but my Idyllwild is awesome! These Indios are sensational. Stats & Tele’s.
Great video JS. Thanks!
Truly appreciate your stopping in and sharing Dennis….heard nothing but good things on the Idyllwild acoustics too! Thanks ever so much for watching and commenting! 🎸👍
Awesome Jimmy! I somehow missed the message about the sale. On your last video I was talking about changing my Indio Tele neck pu and would have swept one of these up just to have a traditional Tele. I'm still trying to decide what neck pu I want to buy. I saw a few videos where they put a KP Alnico Fatbody from Guitar Fetish in the neck and they sound awesome. Thanks for the info on the sales. I'll be sure to watch for sales on any Monoprice guitars from now on. Have a great weekend!
Truly appreciate your stopping in Tim…keep your eyes out as they come up from time to time. I think they continued the 15% off this weekend so still a good buy!
I pulled the trigger also. At 70 bucks I couldn't pass it up. Dropped the action a bit to my liking but that was it. I didn't have a tele with the barrel saddles so I was concerned about setting the intonation. Turned out it was dead on out of the box. Another thing I was curious about being a top loader was sustain. But this didn't disappoint! Sustain is fantastic.
I've got a bunch of these indio guitars and only one needed serious work. Maybe I've just been lucky? But I honestly think that even at full price of 110 bucks you can't go wrong.
Thanks as always Jimmy!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting tiernanfoss…I hear ya…it’s tough NOT TO BUY. I will be setting mine up here shortly, just trying to decide if I want to swap the necks out when I do the setup. This is my 8th Indio now and all have been very, very good out of the box so I don’t think it’s you (or me) just getting lucky.
A setup and new strings is usually all that’s been required, and I do that for ANY guitar I purchase, regardless of price! Really do appreciate you stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 👍🎸
Hi Jimmy! Great review as always. I bought both of those (Blue and Yellow) just because. Like you always say, "if it's on sale, buy it"!
Ha!!ha!! 🤣
Yep!! I bought both as well with the intention of swapping necks…didn’t quite work out, but both guitars play great “as is”!! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 I'm guessing that the screw holes didn't line up. Any tips on reattaching the neck? I've had problems getting the screws back in correctly after neck removal. Do you set the neck completely in the pocket first, or just part way and then start the screws?
Good stuff as usual Jimmy...I almost bought one just cuz-then WAIT, I love the Tele I have LOL...Just so you know, I finally finished my acoustic "tune up" from many months ago--I have watched that video several times...Love, my brother
Thanks so much for stopping in Bob…I love ALL my Tele’s 😎
Glad to hear you got that acoustic sorted out! Truly appreciate your watching and sharing your thoughts my friend! 👍🎸
Undate on my retro classic Tele..
I decided to keep it. Had it set up replaced the neck pickup and now it is awesome!!!! I love it!
That’s great news Ray!! 🎸👍
Always a pleasure watching your reviews, Jimmy. I'm shopping around for a Tele copy, but the odd thing is, on ebay, I saw the Monoprice Indio Retro, but it was a three-saddle with a rosewood fretboard! It seems to be a mix of both versions you talked about, just to create more confusion! Not sure I feel confident to be from them...
Hi Paul…the have a lighter blue with rosewood, the dark blue like this one with maple. The other confusion is there is still some of the “older” versions being sold with the string through and six saddle bridge. I think anything you buy on Monoprice will be the newer 3 barrel top loader!
Thanks so much for stopping in to the channel! Most appreciated!! 🎸👍
I'm living in the Philippines and just bought a Jcraft T1. About the same price as the Monoproce Teles and maybe even a step up in quality. The only "problems" I see are one screw on the bridge pickup not seated completely and a little fret buzz because the action is too low. The finish is flawless and the neck is straight. It has a poplar body and a beautiful maple neck. Apparently they are imported here by an outfit in Hong Kong. They could very well be made in the same location as the Monoprices. Absolutely perfect finished fret ends. In the late 60's I bought a new Epiphone made in Japan 335 clone and these new guitars play 100% better than that one and as I recall I paid about $250 for that one .
Wow..interesting! Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing/commenting fleetfoot…enjoy your Jcraft!! 👍🎸
Nice review on the new style Tele. Although my original style MP Tele Retro required extensive set up (and I modded it as well) You just can't beat the price.
As always good job Jimmy!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! My 1st Monoprice was the Classic Cali, and that guitar required the most work of all mine. Mostly fret/nut work, but again amazing for $79…since then I have bought another seven Monoprice guitars and every one of them have been much more guitar than the price point would have you believe! I have been very happy with them…really appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸
@@JimmyStewart1 I hear my Cali Classic is one of my favorite strat style guitars. It to required a full setup but for price and now a few mods to it, it's a great guitar. All told with shielding, Fender Tex-Mex pups, and new electronics, it's easily comparable to a Fender standard at an 8th of the price.
Yep!! Really appreciate it. I have both a Custom Shop 65 NOS Strat and a American Swamp Ash Tele that pretty much stay in their cases these days, as I play my Cali Classic and Retro when I am looking for a Strat/Tele. 👍🎸
Leo Fender's original design for the "Broadcaster" had three (3) brass barrel saddles. There was a method to his madness. When two strings share the same saddle, the string that is NOT plucked vibrates "in sympathy" with its partner, adding an overtone that helps to create that unique "Tele sound."
I personally prefer this "vintage design." Others prefer the "modern design," as the six saddles allow each string to be intonated independently (perfectly.) I do not know if I can hear the difference between a perfectly intonated electric guitar and one that is NOT perfectly intonated, but I can certainly hear the difference between a Tele with shared saddles vs. six separate ones. 😊
Hi Benjamin…thanks so much for watching and commenting. For a non player, Leo certainly took the time and picked the brains of many to come up with a guitar that is still a style that every guitarist should have at least one of…😎🎸
Appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts!
Yes! As so many have said, "Leo got it right the first time!" @@JimmyStewart1
In my time as a cashier at SUPER TARGET, I saw many MONOPRICE "Indio" guitars purchased, so thank you for this video on them.
I had a gorgeous chrome red "American Standard HS" Telecaster with 5-way switching (one or two coils on the humbucker, in phase/out of phase) that my sister gave away when I was recovering from a long-term illness. It had the mellow tone of a neck humbucker to play jazz licks, but still had the iconic "icepick through the forehead" tone of a Tele's single coil bridge p/u. It was the most versatile guitar that I have EVER played and I miss it desperately. 😩I am seeking to replace it with an IBANEZ AZ2200 as they look and sound AMAZING! 😍
@@benjaminhawthorne1969
My pleasure on the video…glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately, we all have at least one “tale” of the “one that got away”…sorry to hear of your loss…
Good luck on your Ibanez replacement and hope it works out for you. Thanks again for stopping in…lots of Tele style guitar videos here on the channel should you want to explore. 🎸👍
Never heard a guitar with great bright strings out of box, VERY impressed overall imma pick one up
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Mine was a great “out of the box” experience, especially considering the low price. If you decide to pick one up, tell them “Jimmy sent ya”…😎
Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel…much thanks! 🎸👍
Love this guitar in blue. Very nice. It sounded terrific as well. So hard to believe that kind of quality in that price range. Another awesome review. Keep up the great work Jimmy.
By the way I checked Amazon and unfortunately it’s still not available.
Thanks so much for stopping in Mr.Opus…In the case of Monoprice Guitars, I always buy them direct from their website vs Amazon as the pricing in usually better. They also run a bunch of sales…🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 nice. Very cool, I’ll check it out.👍
@@mropus1014
Right now they have it in stock…along with the “Save10” discount, so $99 with free shipping…not to shabby…they do get them down even more from time to time, but that is usually for a specific finish…good luck! 🎸👍
I've seen people reshape the headstock, linseed oil it, and the back of the neck on the rosewood one, I was thinking it might be possible to do the whole maple neck that way, you might have to repaint the fret dots, or tape them off to do it, but after you sand the coating off, and do a couple coats of linseed oil, it tints the neck perfectly,gives it that vintage look and the satin even feels better,so they say.,I have the rosewood model, and might make it a winter project, thanks for an always excellent review Jimmy.
Thanks for stopping in 2Daze…I don’t think it would be difficult to stain/oil down the neck if you wanted to, or reshape the headstock if you wanted. Sounds like a project! Thanks again for watching and sharing your thoughts! Always appreciated! 👍🎸
Jimmy, you sounded excited about receiving this guitar. But not half as thrilled as I was when I saw the price drop last weekend! I had been watching CZcams reviews of Harley Bentons (too expensive with the shipping), Glarry solid and semi-hollow Teles, and then the MonoPrice Retro. After watching a couple dozen reviews on the Glarry, I decided to go with MonoPrice because the workmanship reports on the Glarrys were pretty consistently pointing out flaws, some "Glaring". So I had the MonoPrice website up in my browser from my research and I just happened to take another look and my jaw dropped when I saw the price at $69, free shipping, with a real padded case! Time to pull the trigger!
The guitar arrived on Tuesday. Opened it up, nice bag, nicely wrapped, a couple dents on the cardboard box but nothing (NOTHING!) flawed on the guitar! I was shocked to open up a string-through, 6-saddle model!!! I had just phoned MonoPrice the day before asking why Amazon was displaying a photo of this configuration but there were several reviews stating disappointment that that was NOT the guitar they received. The MonoPrice guy told me that Amazon needed to change their photo because the top-loading, 3-saddle bridge model was the current one. I preferred the 6-saddle bridge so I was delighted to see that on my guitar. I surmise that I got one of the last "new old stock" instruments.
I had ordered a pearl white pick guard from Amazon to replace the black one, so I did that swap before I even tuned the guitar. The Musiclily brand guard was not an exact fit around the neck and around the switch plate. A couple minutes carefully grinding off in a couple spots with a dremel tool and the guard fit. The space for the pickup was not as large as the one you received. It was obviously routered only for a thinline pickup. I had a difficult time getting the screws through the pickguard, through the screws, and into the pickup.
The guitar workmanship was surprisingly flawless, especially after watching the Glarry reviews where there were minor flaws in most of the Tele-style guitar reviews that I watched. The neck joint is tight, the nut is cleanly set, the neck size seems fine (this is my first electric in 45 years). I am planning to touch up a couple of fret ends, I noticed one fret way up the neck was causing some buzz, and the intonation is close but might be improved with small adjustments. And the frets seem a little grainy so I'm going to hit them and shine them up super smooth. Nothing that I wasn't expecting to address on my own at such a value price.
I played it through my Acoustic 15 amp and it sounds like what I had heard in the CZcams Retro reviews. I wanted an instrument I could learn scales and practice lead to backup tracks. This ax fits the bill perfectly - for not a lot of bills! I would have considered it a deal at the regular retail price of $109. At $69, ...it's unbelievable!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! So yeah, I can also include your experience along with those I spoke about in my video. Seems some are receiving the newer top loader 3 barrel bridge and some are receiving the older model 6 saddle string through version. it also seems the older string through is not routed for a bucker in the neck, and the newer models are. Regardless, like you said, it’s a bargain for whatever model you receive! Congrats on yours and thanks so much again for stopping in to the channel and sharing your experience as well!
Much appreciated! 👍🎸
Hi chief! I meant to tell you that I received the Epiphone Les Paul standard 60s in "Iced Tea" a few months ago ( Mother's day gift)and let me tell you, it's VERY comparable to the original 60s Gibson (that my dad owned). Hope you'll take a look, it's a tremendous instrument! all the best to you and yours!
Very nice!! Congrats on your new Epiphone LP! Sounds like you are enjoying it for sure!! I had a Epiphone “Black Beauty” LP back in the early 2000’s that I gave to my son. I will take a look at the newer ones…thanks for the heads up! Thanks again for stopping in and sharing your thoughts! Much appreciated! 👍🎸
I bought one - same price, same sale on 7/29. I'm not a Tele guy, necks are a bit narrow for me, but I bought a Classic Vibe just to have a T. I only bought this Indio just to see what I'd get for $75. The only other Indio I have is a Boardwalk (335) that I bought on sale for about $215. It came with flaws - enough that I gave it a bad review which I don't see on the Monoprice site. Maybe they didn't post it or I just missed it. The Boardwalk, obviously much more intricate to build, had a half inch chunk of binding missing from one f-hole and there was a crack in the finish (but not the wood) at the same f-hole. The A string saddle screw would slip before reaching intonation. One volume pot had a dead spot. The strings passed over the bridge pole pieces a little off center. If a friend had received a "new" guitar in that condition I would have told them to return it - sale price or not. So ... I wanted to see what they'd send me for $75 bucks. With the Tele my experience exactly matches yours here. No flaws. No sprout. Straight neck. A few high spots but nothing serious. I finally had that "stunned for the price" experience. I have a number of cheap guitar experiences - I should probably do some videos on them - Firefly, Indio, Xavier, HB, Grote. As most of us know, "cheap" guitars are more often than not a crap shoot. I'm keeping the Indio Tele - liked it enough to buy a Chromacast case for it that cost more than the guitar. I kept the Boardwalk as well. Replaced the bridge, cleaned the pot and live with the cosmetics because I really like the neck and the rest of the guitar. IMO, most guitars in the low price range WILL have some issue(s) - make or break depends on the buyer, their set up and repair skills etc. I can say that my Indio Tele, Grote Jazz, and Xavier 335 and Strat models have been extremely good for the price with very minor issues. Love 'em!
Hi Steve…thanks so much for watching and commenting. Really appreciate your sharing your thoughts and experiences, especially in the detail you supplied!
Happy to hear you finally had your “stunned” moment and congrats on your Tele!! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing with us! 🎸👍
Glad I got mine (2 of them on sale for $79 each) back when they were string thru and sporting a serial # on the headstock.
I tricked the 1st one out and have a 2nd one for the neck and other parts.
Thanks so much for stopping in! I have both versions. Great buys on both! Congrats on yours!! Appreciate your stopping in and sharing. Much thanks…🎸👍
Your a Legend jimmy, thanks for the review. I'm new to guutars and I was wondering if this was a decent guutar being that it's priced so low, after your revie and thoughts, I'm ok with it for a starter. It sounds great and your input is everything I needed to hear. Your a Rockstar 🍻 thank you
Hi Live and let Live…thanks so much for watching and the kind comments! The Retro Tele is a surprisingly good guitar, especially at the price they ask for it. You may have a bit of setup or small fret sprout to deal with (this was near flawless) but easy to fix and your off and running! Appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your kind thoughts! Much thanks! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 you deserve it man, I can't thank you enough, a real Rockstar. I'm grateful for your time and knowledge. I'm super excited now, and I have you to thank for that. 🍻👑 God Bless you Jimmy ❤️
@@InsideTheStadium
Truly appreciate it…enjoy and keep pickin’….🙏👍
I grabbed one of these, too, in the same sale, and imagine my surprise when one of the six saddle/string-through models showed up. It doesn't really matter to me - was already planning to add some compensated saddles - but interesting nonetheless.
Wow…so I can add you to the few that I know that has also stated they received the earlier version of the Retro! Congrats on your new Tele and enjoy! Thanks so much for stopping in to the channel and sharing with us! Much appreciated! 👍🎸
Thanks for the video. Monoprice has the "blonde" with the rosewood neck on sale for $61.60 after a 30% off coupon (BIG30), with free shipping, so I decided to give it a try. I saw your first video and didn't realize you have bought MP's "updated" model. I've been looking for a cheap guitar to learn how to do some setups so this will be my first victim, unless it's just too nice :-). One of the mods I wanted to do a string through body would have been an eyesore, so this fits the bill.
20+ years ago I started my guitar collecting with entry level guitars. I wanted to buy the cheap ones and upgrade them to sound and play like the expensive ones. I had mixed results with that strategy. At that time made in Korea Samicks were the ones to get if you wanted to mod and a lot of the other import stuff was to be avoided. I still have a few of them, but most of them are long gone after I started buying more expensive guitars. I'm now coming full circle it appears. Now most of the imports appear to quite well made.
While I'd love to buy nice American made guitars I just can't afford them any longer. Made in Mexico Fenders were $429 the last time I was in the market to buy a guitar. I can buy one of these MP guitars, drop another $200-$250 in upgrades, and still be well under the going rate for a Chinese made Fender. I'll have all the features I want in a guitar without breaking the bank. I know I won't recoup my sunk costs in the guitar, but I'll learn a lot and I won't feel bad for modding a valuable guitar.
Thanks again for the video. I subscribed and look forward to more content in the future!
Hi red58impala…thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. I also have the “blonde” version of this guitar as well. That has the six saddle bridge, and string through. No humbucker routing in the neck position. Monoprice made some changes on these models, and it’s been awhile since I was on their web site so sometimes it’s hard to tell what version you may be getting. Regardless, it’s hard to beat for the price! Good luck in your “mod quest” and enjoy your new Retro Tele once you get it! Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel and the sub! Much thanks, and “welcome to the good side”…🎸👍
As I type this, Monoprice has the red version of this guitar for $70 with a 15% off coupon. After coupon, the total is $59.50. What a fantastic deal. You need another one, Jimmy!
Ha!!! 🤣
The coupon wouldn’t work on the sale I bought this one on!! That’s a great price, but I have around 10 or so Tele’s now….😎
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Greg!! Much appreciated! 👍🎸
Where are you finding the coupon code?
@@dalerhodes985
It was only good through the weekend Dale…check again this weekend and see if they are running anything!! 👍
Another great review Jimmy,I'm hoping you can answer a question I have about why the control plate on telecaster is all ways slanted?
Thanks so much TJ…not sure what you mean about the control plate being “slanted”? Are you referring to its location and design?
I mean how the control plate for the controls isn't parrallell with the neck or bridge,it's all ways somewhat slanted.
Chief, I think your guitar room should be called The Lumber Yard! 😆
Hmm…that’s actually great stuff…🤣
Truly appreciate your stopping in as always mjvicc1952 👍🎸
Some of the old toploader Affinity Squiers were Factory second Fender bodies. I have one. You can tell by the body thickness. Those are the holy grail cheap Tele.
Hi Xero…thanks for watching and commenting! Lot’s of good “budget” Tele’s out there for sure!! These Monoprice Retro Tele’s however are very hard to beat at $76 new with gig bag….😎
Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts….🎸👍
Just got the blue one for $68! thanks!
Hey pastormarisacal1561…thanks for stopping in and congrats on your new Indio Retro! Enjoy!! 🎸👍
I just got the same exact guitar. Same color. But mine has a top loader 6 barrel bridge. I had to file down the fret ends, but it plays really good.
Hi Ron! Yeah, seems Monoprice will switch back and forth between 3 barrel/six saddle top loading and string through on these production runs. I have one of each and they both play equally nice! Congrats on yours and enjoy! One of my Monoprice Cali Classics came with some “barbed wire” frets, but it’s an easy fix.
Thanks so much for stopping into the channel and sharing….🎸👍
I bought this same one in july 2020 off ebay, from monoprice. $99. It was about $165 cdn dollars, still a great deal bcause a new tele bullet here is close to $300, and I think this is better. This one has the string through, it sounds superb!
Jim does your blonde one have a different bridge pickup angle then your blue one? Compared to my fender, mine has a flatter pickup angle, ie; more towards parallel to the bridge. I think that is why its a little less twangy, but the pickups do sound great for ceramics!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting traileater…I got my 1st Monoprice in 2020 as well and it was the Cali Classic. I then got the blonde Retro Tele in Feb of 2021. I didn’t notice a difference in the angle of the bridge pickups in them. I can double check…😎
Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸
Thanks for a great review! Just got the red one. Would love to have a peek at your pedal board…
My pleasure Eric…thanks for stopping in to the channel! Great price on these for the sale!! Congrats on your new “Red”
My pedal board is here on the channel.
It’s actually two boards consisting of my “live rig” and my “studio” rig. Dual HoTone Ampero, assorted budget EQ, SoniCake Twiggy Blues, Rock Stage and Acoustic Sonic Bars…compression and RC-5 loop station and A/B switching is about it
@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks! Some sweet tones for sure.
@@ericrowell8863
Thanks…appreciate that! 👍
Hey Jimmy, how does the neck profile of the tele compare to the cali strat (thickness and shape"? I love my hss cali strat neck, but have heard that the neck on the tele is not a "c" shape like the strat.
Hi Bruce…thanks for watching and commenting. They are both “C” shaped necks and feel quite similar to me. Both around 42ish at the nut. Monoprice claims the fretboard radius as 9.5 on both models, but I question that. They “feel” more flat and as I recall on my radius gauge, I believe they are closer to 12” radius than 9.5
The Tele neck “may” be slightly thicker, but again, in my hands they feel very similar.
I love the fact that you're focusing on these more affordable guitars. It would be perfect if you would measure the neck depths and talk about the thickness of them. No one does that. I can't tell if they're a "baseball bat" or not just from the quick glimpses we get of them. I think it would be helpful if you could do something like that during your descriptions. Anyway, keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I will certainly consider doing “depth” measurements in the future. I can tell you they are not “baseball bat” necks.
Typical modern “C” shape…light satin finish, very Tele like. Giving a “measurement” doesn’t really describe the “feel” of the neck, but I can see how it could be helpful to some.
Appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
I have the same one string through and a blond one. I'm living abroad but couldn't pass up such a deal so FedEx will be taking one to my house. If I could have learned on such a playable guitar as a teen I might have been a much better player. Thanks for so many interesting videos. Out of curiosity Jimmy have you played professionally?
Thanks so much for watching and commenting fleetfoot…much appreciated and congrats on yours as well! We are certainly in a new world of affordable, decent playing/sounding budget instruments for sure!! Nothing like this back when I started either….quite incredible gear these days! Yes…I played with a number of bands in my early years, recorded some albums, produced and written a number of things and have provided a lot of guitar work in the studio for a number of different artists throughout the past 45 plus years or so…😎
Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and so happy to hear you are enjoying it…👍🎸
Awesome JS🎸《☆》I hear Ya Brother👍😁I got same one in Black.$89 from Amazon 4 months ago. Great value. I like my Blonde 1 better but the Black 1 may get a humbucker just to be different🖖😎☮
Thanks for stopping in BDOG JR…I like my blonde better too, but that’s because it’s been setup…I am seriously thinking of swapping necks…you could too with a blonde and black…👍
Thanks again for watching and commenting….much appreciated! 👍🎸
I just ordered one of these after watching your review. ...
Is Jimmy a good influence on me?
Why yes, I bought the guitar.
Is Jimmy a good influence on me?
Wife says no, you bought another guitar.
Just kidding Jimmy, you have become my favorite guitar channel. Great job!
I got it for $92 free shipping 🙂 on ebay
Congrats Ray!! Enjoy it!! Give the wife a “hug” for me…😎
So glad you are enjoying the channel, and I am honored! 🙏👍
Hey Jimmy my Indio retro classic guitar arrived yesterday. It sounds pretty good.
But boy some QC issues. One missing screw in the pick guard and four stripped screws.. Control plate screw, bridge screw, string tree screw and strap button screw. I contacted Monoprice waiting to hear back. It sounds good and plays good but maybe I got a Friday afternoon guitar. Lol.
Holy Cow!! Sorry to hear that Ray! Monoprice should take care of you!!
Thanks for sharing your experience! 🎸👍
Jimmy, this guitar went on sale again and I got it delivered today for $70. I started learning guitar ages ago on my Gibson Epiphone acoustic and gave it up. I pulled the guitar out maybe a year ago, but couldn't get enthused. I figured out the action is way too high on the Gibson. The new one doesn't have the strings through the body, and it doesn't have the three paired adjusters on the saddle - it has six individual ones, which is nice. I've never played an electric guitar before. Maybe in 50 years I'll be as good as you. Too bad I'll be dead long before then!
Hi Kevin…thanks so much for watching and commenting. Congrats on your new Tele!! Bravo for getting back into it…nice that you got one of the string through and six saddle bridge. Looks like Monoprice is back to the original style now! The electric will be a bit easier for you to play compared to the acoustic. Have fun and enjoy it!! Just keep pickin’… you will be surprised in your progress!! Thanks again for stopping in to the channel and sharing!
All the best…🎸👍
How long ago did they run that color? I live royal blue and have their white guitar. I saw it on a Walmart ad recently but it was out of stock. I want one!
Hi Carlos…thanks for watching and commenting! They had them off and on for quite awhile, but I think they have since closed this color out. Have not seen it on Monoprice. Perhaps Amazon or other outlets may still have a few around? Appreciate your stopping in to the channel, and good luck in your quest to find one! 🎸👍
Do you know if their is room routed out under the bridge to fit a humbucker?
Hi Chris…yes this is routed for a humbucker in the neck position, but I do not believe it is routed at the bridge. I have not pulled it to be positive, but I believe I am correct. Thanks for stopping in…🎸👍
Fast forward if you have no time for overkill chatter. Guitar sounded great, im going to check out monoprice
Hi Joseph…appreciate your stopping into the channel…much thanks! 🎸👍
Just got my "red" $53 telecaster from Monoprice. Cosmetically the thing is superb. The neck is amazing. Better than the 2 squires I already have. There are some issues with it that I will need to address. The tuners are pretty bad. I put hipshot lockers on my other 2 and was planning on doing the same here, so no biggie. Also, it looks like the nut is way too high. Lastly, I have a grounding issue. Should be an easy fix though.... I may just replace the nut alltogether with a graphtech and address the grounding issue then when I pull all the strings and such.
Thanks for watching and commenting Javier! Congrats on your new Retro!
Sorry to hear about the couple issues you seem to have. Funny the tuners on mine seem fine! Nut and ground should be pretty easy fix as you stated! Hopefully you will get her into shape with minimal effort!! Truly appreciate your stopping in and sharing your thoughts with yours!
Much appreciated! 👍🎸
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I just saw something absolutely BRILLIANT: IYV now seems to be offering the IJGAP model in kit form on their eBay page, resulting in a package with almost HALF the shipping cost!!! THANK YOU, IYV!!! I’m somewhat surprised, because I wouldn’t think the weight would be all that different, but in any case, I’m now wondering why nobody thought of this idea sooner! Too bad they probably can’t do the same thing with set-neck designs like that unique and handsome looking ILAP model! It’s still not as good a deal as the free shipping on Amazon, but the value proposition is now starting to reach the point where I’m now seriously debating whether to get one just for kicks.
Yes, I saw this the other day and commented back to IYV that I thought it was a good idea as long as they BE SURE to advertise it as requiring assembly and doing prior neck fitting before shipping. This is the way StewMac ships their kits, and I think a couple others do the same. It’s not just the weigh, but the package dimensions that FedEx and UPS/USPS go by in determining shipping costs. This would be tough to do with a set-neck guitar…😎
@@JimmyStewart1 That makes PERFECT sense! As I say, I’m surprised nobody thought of this sooner-myself included! I now wish they’d do the same with some of their other Fender clones, like the ISLT, the ITA-450 Cabronita Tele clone, and ESPECIALLY their Peanut Butter and Jamm bass clones, which I imagine could REALLY benefit from this! Even if one had to take those things to a luthier to get them professionally assembled here in the US, I bet it would still be cheaper than $236+ for shipping them as complete units from Vietnam.
@@zuperdee
From what I am understanding, they are considering doing this with ALL their bolt on neck models…we shall see how this works out! 👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Indeed! I really hope it works for them, and that it helps increase their sales. I also wonder what this new IHB-200 model is… It looks ALMOST like a copy of the Gibson EB-2, but not quite… I can’t quite tell what it is supposed to be, can you?
@@zuperdee
It sure does look like a Gibby EB style bass!!
Thank you, sir
My pleasure…thanks so much for stopping in the channel! 🎸👍
I purchased at a pawnshop a hanah Montana $26.00 guitar, it plays great.
Hi Joseph…ha…nice! Miley thanks you! 👍
My nephew got an email from monoprice with the blue & yellow for 52$ I told him to get me the yellow one. It’s a bridge where the strings run the top of the bridge. Hardly playable. The nut was really bad and they had a back bow in the neck trying to compensate for it and the saddles too. I replaced the nut with a tusq nut replaced the pickups with the Wilkinson vintage type. Got the neck straightened out and put half round 10’s on it along with Hipshot tuners. Now it’s very playable and sounds great too still not a fan of the bridge. I ordered a Wilkinson compensated three saddle bridge but was way off size wise. So still have the original bridge. I also replaced the switch with a fender 4way with noload tone pot and now can put the two pickups in series. What a difference that made. Did some fret work mostly on the ends. One side wasn’t too bad the others terrible. Only a few high frets once I got the neck straightened and after stringing up took a few adjustments on the truss rod to get the relief I was looking for. The nut was the most work and my first time but worth the effort. Thanks for the videos
Hi Mike..thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah, so for the past year(?) there has been a “mix” of top loaders and string throughs coming out from Monoprice. Apparently they changed plants making these to keep inventory coming, and I am seeing a mix of both 3 saddle barrel bridges along with six saddle. Seems you did a lot of work on yours to get it where you wanted it…congrats!! For $52 and a bit of work on your end, your good to go! Glad it worked out for you, and I appreciate you sharing your experience and thoughts. Thanks again for stopping in to the channel and sharing! Keep pickin’…🎸👍
Like your videos. Looks to me you’re going to to start stacking your guitars vertically 😂. Keep on keeping on.
@@Mike_S_Swift
Glad you are enjoying them Mike….much appreciated. Much thanks! 🎸👍
Just bought a Monoprice Cali classic Strat...the fatest neck i have ever played on!, how is the neck on the Tele? I didnt hear you mention the neck thickness, so I assume its the regular C style.. I bought a LyxPro Tele...very nice! I own both a Fender Strat and Tele, cant beat those, but I love these $100 guitars..buy them for the color!!
Hi David..thanks for watching and commenting. The neck is a modern C profile on the Tele. Very similar to your LyxPro Tele but with a light satin finish.
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
Again great job thanks what is that backing track
Thanks so much for stopping in MrAaron…appreciate the kind comments!
I have no idea what the backing track is…I just asked Alexia to play me a blues backing track and this was it 😎
Hi Jimmy, did you put the backing track together?
Hi Ed…thanks for stopping in. No…in this video I just used a random track from CZcams as I recall. I just asked Alexa to play me a blues backing track and used whatever came up…😎👍
Could you tell me It's a back pick up the bridge. Microphonic. I bought a glarry I got rid of it just because I didn't want to change it. And it was so microphonic it would feedback. It was just terrible. I want to buy one of those but I don't want to buy another Tell a type guitar if it's gonna be the same problems
Hi Edward…thanks for watching and commenting. These are standard ceramic single coil Tele pickups, so like all single coils, you will get a bit of 60 cycle hum when they are cranked up, however, honestly I think they sound great for inexpensive stock pickups and have not found them “microphonic”. Some of the better sounding stock single coils I have found in any “budget” guitar. Hope that helps, and thanks again for stopping into the channel. 🎸👍
Jimmy ... Is maple preferred to rosewood on this for a rythym player?
Personal preference honestly Floyd…
Some say rosewood gives a more rounded sound, while maple has more attack…wives tales as far as I am concerned…🎸👍
What drive pedal are you using in this video? Or is that the drive from the amp?
Hey Dale…thanks for watching and commenting! On the “outtro” I was using my HoTone Ampero out to the effect’s loop of the Monoprice 15. Just a bit of blues overdrive and a bit of compression and delay mixed to taste!!
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
sweet tele bro!
yaa this model blows away the squier affy tele...in every way as far as tone goes!
looked like a humbucker cutout there! mine had a wayy smaller cutout for the neck pup(the blue twin monoprice tele)....
howd you get that neck pup back on the guard?? thats worth a seperate vid haha!!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting birdman…I was a bit surprised on the routing, as I was sure that they were NOT routed for humbuckers. Looks like some are, some are not!! 👍🎸
Hey Jimmy Stewart I jus heard u 2dayu were in the Navy!!! I was in 1976 til 1980 Boatswain's mate 2 Med Cruises Norfolk & Charleston on ships band s a drummer but u know comb from our generation u gotta play guitar I have ylw n black tele & the black HSS strat from Monoprices also the 15 & 5watt tube amps also Jimmy I been a customer of Monoprices since Feb 2019 my 1st purchase was 5 watt tube amp I still play it any shipmate hit me up sometime I live in Ft.Lauderdale smooth sailing sir
Hi Larry!! Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, old “sea dog” here…retired Navy Chief….plank owner of the USS Nimitz…nice you have the Retro Tele and the HSS along with both 5 & 15W amps!! Good to hear from a fellow shipmate!! I will look you up next time I make it down to Lauderdale….😎
Take care Boat’s and keep pickin’ 🎸👍
The first one I bought arrived severely damaged. The replacement one required a LOT of work. Neck was pretty messed up and All the tuners were loose. When I took the neck off, one of the holes for the mounting screws was cracked a require gluing and clamping. It's a nice guitar now, but required work and was unplayable out of the box. The nut slots were WAY to high as well. Good deal at $89.00, but buyer beware if you're not experienced at basic setup and repair work. Monoprice was Very Co operative at dealing with issues.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting John! Sorry to hear you got a bummer! It can certainly happen and with any brand really! Really do appreciate your stopping in and sharing your thoughts with us! Good to hear that Monoprice worked with you as well! 👍🎸
@@JimmyStewart1 I didn't want to come across negatively, but wanted to honestly report my experience. I've worked on my own guitars since the '60s and operated a repair shop back in the '70s. I should add that it needed fret leveling, not just trimming on the ends. The first one I returned wasn't Monopricre's responsibilty FedEX Really beat it up!! It's a very nice little guitar now and I leave my Fender AVRI '52 at home. Especially since its a top loader, I'm going to add a Bigsby clone from Amazon. I'll have to shim the neck for that.
@@johnsieff2921
Oh no…I didn’t take your post as negative in any way. Your just stating your experience, and for that I thank you! Like I said, getting a “bad apple” is always a possibility when buying any guitar online. I really do appreciate your stopping in and taking the time to share! Good luck on that Bigsby mod and thanks again! 👍🎸
Those pickups are absurdly good for the price of the guitar.
Hi Ragged Rascal….thanks so much for watching and commenting! Couldn’t agree with you more…I have found the Monoprice Indio line stock pickups to be very, VERY good for a really inexpensive “budget” guitar. Some of the best sounding pups for a budget stock Guitar you will find…this includes their single coils, P90 and humbuckers. Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! Keep pickin’….🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1, here in the UK we seem to get different brands advertised on Amazon but likely from the same factory. I've just taken delivery of a delightful Tele style in baby blue for the equivalent of around $75 delivered. That included spare strings, strap, digital tuner, capo, picks and a great quality gig bag. It's labelled Ammoon and an astonishing bargain. Perfect intonation and action out of the box. Great pickups and even a bone nut. All it needs is a little fret end dressing and some quality strings. My plan was to use it for parts but it's way too good for that.
@@raggedrascal5463
Nice!! Congrats mate! I think I saw that brand on Amazon here as well…sounds familiar. I will have to go take another look now…😎
Anyway…congrats and enjoy it! All the best for a wonderful New Year! Keep pickin’ 🎸👍
Just like there 15 Watt Tube amps one of the best sounding apps I've ever heard for the money
Totally agree with you on that Allen!!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
Would a p90 fit in the front pickup cavity ? Hmmmmm cool...
Hi Mr. Monster1313…thanks for watching and commenting. It is routed for a humbucker (tight) but a P90 would most certainly require more routing as they are larger pups than humbuckers. A lot of the work would be in “widening” the cavity but obviously doable. Then pickguard trimming…hope that helps!
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
Great review but would you gig with it?
Hi Terrance…thanks for watching and commenting. I have a number of Tele’s (including Fender) and would certainly have no issues gigging with any of them, including this Indio Retro. Appreciate your stopping into the channel and glad to hear you enjoyed! Much thanks…🎸👍
Have you reviewed any Bad Cat instruments?
Hey bluwng….thanks for watching and commenting! I have not reviewed any of the Bad Cat guitars (yet). I came very close to picking up their Tele model from Amazon @$150 but decided to grab this at 1/2 the price. The contour body, multi-radius neck does look interesting on their model. I hear good things mostly….
Really appreciate your stopping in to the channel…👍🎸
What is the fingerboard radius?
Hi Carl..thanks for watching and commenting. These are 12” radius fingerboards. I think Monoprice has stated in the past that they are 9.5 but they are not. Thanks again for stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
I have a DLX, it weighs 8.8 pounds. I modded the guitar and I also reshaped the neck and the headstock. But it is is too heavy for me..Are placement body would cost me more than a Classic. So I'm thinking about buying another Classic to swap out the body of my heavy DLX. Are all Classics with the bass wood bodys around 7.5 pounds? What is the range?
Yeah, I have the DLX Plus Cali and it comes in at about 9 1/2 pounds in that all ash body…the Retro Tele’s range around 7.5 lbs on the basswood bodies on both of mine. Thanks for stopping into the channel gimmeagig! Appreciate it! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks. I have an e-mail out to Monoprice so see if they might be able to pick one for me that is especially light. I don't know what kind of customer service they have.
@@gimmeagig
Don’t know if they have the capability or willingness to do that, but hey…worth a shot I suppose. Another option, (though more $$) is the LyxPro Tele on Amazon. Considerably lighter (body is Paulownia wood) and a nice maple neck/maple fretboard on them along with nice finish. Good tuners, 3ply guard. No gig bag and around $120 right now.
I have a full review here on the channel of that guitar as well. Weight on that was around six pounds and some change as I recall. The video it titled “I Bought Another Cheap Guitar” if you are interested! 🎸👍
I did buy a Lyx pro and put on the DLX neck Nice guitar now. BTW I reshaped the headstocks on the Mono price teles. I didn't like that beak.
I got it to look just like a regular tele. @@JimmyStewart1
@@gimmeagig
Nice!! Congrats on your “mods”…🎸👍
Great to hear your review. I'm shocked how decent it was for $70. My initial review of mine was the same as yours.
The tuners and the pickups are definitely better than say .... a Firefly Tele, and at half the price.
Thanks so very much Stan…truly appreciate your stopping in! So glad you enjoyed it! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 At $69, it's ideal to leave around as an alternate tuning guitar.
@@frankfarklesberry
Absolutely…I currently use my LYXPRO Tele for open tunings, but may include one of my Retro’s in that job description as well! 👍🎸
Do you know of a pickgaurd vendor that for sure fits the Monoprice Tele? On Amazon reviews warn of holes not lining up with some vendors.
Not sure Joseph, as I have not replaced one on mine. I would think that any replacement would probably have to be “tweaked” as far as holes lining up, and usually around the neck area, bridge. I think no mater what, a Dremel and at least some new holes are going to be required. What you could do if you really want to replace, is buy your own pickguard material and use the stock pickguard as your template to cut/drill holes for the new one. This would assure proper size and hole placement. A bit more work of course…
@JimmyStewart1 I thought of making my own as well to avoid drilling. Thank you.
@@annex6
My pleasure…wish I could tell you of something that would just drop in, but….you could always just cover the stock guard too…or just leave it alone like I did! 😎
@JimmyStewart1 I may leave it alone until after the newness fades.
I'm getting the natural finish DLX and want to go purple pearl/tortoise shell. I'm actually more worried about the shipping. After I watched your black hss strat review I ordered it. It came cracked halfway up the body, chipped by the jack, and scuffed as all get out. Turned me off from ordering from them. But I have to have that tele. Thanks again.
@@annex6
Well, stuff happens from time to time Joseph…it’s a bummer. Hopefully all will be good this time…we have to move forward!! 🎸👍
Good luck and congrats again! 🤞👍
Jimmy wanted to get your opinion on shimming the neck on my Monoprice Tele. I have the bridge as low as it can go and have 175 mm on the low E string. Want to get some breathing room to adjust as I would like possibly low action as I prefer. What shim would you use out of the kit provided by stew? .25, .5, or 1 mm. Thanks. Gary
Thanks for watching and commenting Jeanne…before you shim, have you checked neck relief and straightness? You probably have, but I prefer a slight bow and sometimes that gives you enough play for the correct bridge height, without the need to shim. If you have already done this and you are still looking at 1.75 and you would like 1.50 or a little lower, I would go with the 1mm shim
Thanks Jimmy will try this. Yes I did check the relief. Had quite a gap. Tightened to straighten, still needs the shim in my opinion so I can get the three barrow bridge off the deck to give room for adjustments.
@@Cassandrea007
Excellent!! Good luck with it and let me know how you make out! 🎸👍
I really like the blonde tele with the rosewood fretboard. I don’t like the maple necks as far as looks. Wife would kill me if I bought one. Just bought a Ibanez Talman Acoustic couple weeks go. Cheaper version of Fender telecaster acoustic sonic .
Bob
Thanks so much for stopping in Bob…they have the blond with rosewood @ 15% off…😎
Enjoy that Ibanez….👍🎸
a mini HB shoud fit without routing, right?
Hi!! Thanks for stopping in to the channel. Yes, in this particular Retro I would think it would fit just fine. Monoprice has in the past, released slightly different versions of this model (different plants?) with some having the neck H route, and some not. I have both…my blonde Retro is not routed, has a six saddle bridge and string through, while this blue Retro has the humbucker cavity, 3 saddle bridge and top loader. I would double check with Monoprice to see which version they are currently offering. Appreciate your watching and commenting. 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks did you ever hear something about them using at some point the Samick aka 'Greg Benet Design' Factories or was that just an unconfirmed rumor?
@@g.sferrazza10-13
Nope…haven’t heard that one. I know they did change factories there last year for awhile. Probably “best bid” or who had room to produce their run. Samick’s are done in Korea as far as I know. Monoprice utilizes Chinese manufacturing plants.
@@JimmyStewart1 Oh well thanks again those Samicks were a hidden gem back in early 2000's
czcams.com/video/KZuW5EMzQZk/video.html&ab_channel=JeongJoonKim
Hi,have you tried the Harvey Benton double barrel Tele?
Hi Matthew…thanks so much for watching and commenting. I have a couple HB guitars, but have not tried any of their Tele’s….as I said in this video, I need another Tele like a hole in the head…😎 but that has never stopped me in the past…🤣
I may have to give them a look in the future…appreciate you stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸
@@JimmyStewart1 thanks for replying,I am in the market for a budget Tele
Well, I think right now you can not do better than the Monoprice. Considering the shipping cost from Thomann, you could buy the Monoprice and completely gut it and replace everything if you wanted to and still be ahead of the game.
@@JimmyStewart1 I totally agree,they want 70 bucks to ship it,I will take your advice and get the Monoprice,thanks for replying
@@matthewstearle7395
My pleasure and hope you enjoy it! I think it’s the best “budget” Tele for the $$ out there…👍🎸
Damn why couldn't they make the yellow colored one with the maple fretboard
Hey William…thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah, it’s a good question and one I have brought up to Monoprice CS a couple of times. Of course they had no answer but said perhaps they will eventually. We shall see…I did try to swap necks (part of the reason I grabbed the Blue as well) but that didn’t go to plan..I videoed the attempt and it’s here on the channel as well! Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel! Keep pickin’…🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 yeah I watched your video when you swapped necks lol that was almost heartbreaking when it didn't work. I might just pull the trigger on one anyway, sounds great for the price. I was also checking out the sx because they do have that classic color combo......then you get to the headstock and the guitar looks like something off of an old star trek episode lol
@@williamsherman1089
I was hoping it would just “drop in” as same guitar/manufacturer but…
I think they made the “newer” models in a different plant..they changed from through the body to top load 3 barrel bridge and the neck pup routing is different also. Anyway, I could get it done, but I decided it’s more work than it’s worth in my opinion, and yes after setup both are actually fine with the necks they have so…😎
@@williamsherman1089
P.S..if you decide to pick one up, tell them “Jimmy sent ya”…😎
Good luck and thanks again for stopping in to the channel. Much appreciated! 🎸👍
Bags with the kits are thinner
I figured they were using a different bag with the “kits”…thanks so much for stopping in and sharing Mike…much appreciated! 🎸👍
Monoprice 6 String Electric Guitar Pack, Right, Blonde (610019) $171.53 on Amazon today Nov 8, 2022.
Thanks so much for stopping in to the channel and sharing Paul! 🎸👍
1) Yes, I’d swap those necks if it were me! I think the maple neck would look better with the blonde body and vice versa, plus it would make the blonde one look closer to a real classic Tele.
2) I sure wish my Firefly FFTL Nashville-style Tele was as playable as your Monoprice Teles! Out of the box, the FFTL, while truly gorgeous looking, had a number of high frets-in fact, the fretwork was so poor, and the action set so high (presumably to compensate for the poor fretwork) that it was almost unplayable. So I finally took it to a shop to have the frets leveled, which made it MUCH better, but I’m now thinking that for what I paid to get the frets leveled, I could have gotten one of these and maybe swapped the neck!!!! 😠😠😠
Part of my rationale (if there was any) was to swap the necks for exactly these reasons. Not sure if I am going to do it or not, but will probably give it a go regardless. The blonde plays great currently, but as long as the necks are drilled close, it should work with minimal issues I would think. Sorry to hear about your FF…their thin lines I like…
As always, truly appreciate your stopping in and sharing! 👍🎸
I have their "nashville"- it's not a Nashville. The Indio is a much better guitar for a LOT less. Plus, Indios are usually playable out of the box. FF pickups for the most part are the worst.
@@popsfereal I’m not sure I’d go that far. While Firefly does clearly have QA issues, that is NOT unusual at this price point, and to be perfectly fair, there ARE positives about the FFTL-the body seems solid, the finish is absolutely lovely, the neck is very comfortable, the modern Tele-style Wilkinson-branded bridge is excellent, it has full size pots, and once I had the frets leveled, it plays SUPERBLY. On the downside: The frets seem to be made of a softer than average Ni/Ag mix (so they’ll wear out faster), the pickups are not great, and the Strat-style wiring on the 5 way switch doesn’t allow the use of the bridge/neck pickups together to get one of the classic Tele sounds. That is indeed a bummer, because a Nashville Telecaster should ideally allow all the traditional Tele tones first and foremost, and THEN some Strat-style tones. Again, to be perfectly fair though, Fender itself has the same 5-way switch wiring on their official Nashville Player Plus Tele. I am considering replacing it with a 6 way switch to allow the Tele neck/bridge combination in addition to the Strat-style combinations.
@@popsfereal
Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing your thoughts! Truly appreciate it! 👍🎸
I don’t own one so thanks for sharing your thoughts PG…👍🎸
Can't get enough of your content, Jimmy. There's too much elitism when it comes to gear. Watching you pull a $70 guitar straight from the box and shred on it is a breath of fresh air.
A note about the "kits" you mention that include an amp - I advise to stay away from them. The "gig bag" isn't padded as you mention, so it's functionally a dust cover, but more importantly they seem to package the "scratch and dent" guitars in those. Mine came with patched fretboard holes, wood splinters still embedded in the truss rod hole, etc. I returned it for the "Cali Classic w/ Gig Bag" instead, and it arrived in pristine condition.
Check out a bass from them when you get the chance - equally impressive value. I'm surprised these Indio's aren't universally recommended to beginners.
Thanks so very much Matthew….glad you are enjoying the channel…truly appreciate your watching and commenting. I don’t buy any of the “package deals” but was just explaining to a subscriber what I believe the situation was when he stated the gig bag was different. This is my 8th Monoprice and all have been much more than anyone would expect at this price point. Truly amazing values on their guitars and their amps! I have a couple Fender P basses (76 and 77) which I have used in the studio since the 80’s…I may take a look at the Monoprice models. Also looking at a couple of the IYV models as well! Thanks again for stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! Greatly appreciated! 👍🎸
@@JimmyStewart1 I have not seen any IYV basses on Amazon lately-at least, not any Peanut Butter basses or Jam basses that are clones of those made by a company whose name starts with the first letter of an automobile part. 🤔 I have seen their Hofner violin or insect bass clone, which I’ve sometimes thought might be fun just for kicks, but NOT practical as a daily driver. 😠
@@zuperdee
Not lately for me either…new models should be hitting Amazon inventory fairly soon (hopefully). No rush on any bass at this point so I can see what may or may not be out there.
@@JimmyStewart1 I’ve read on IYV’s Instagram channel somewhere that Amazon is the one who places orders with IYV for the stuff listed on Amazon, and IYV thus has no real control over what Amazon decides to stock and sell. It’s kind of a shame that they don’t sell some of the other models IYV makes, like their Acoustasonic-style models, their faux leather-covered Tele, or their Mosrite or Rickenbacker clones-those models would sure be different for many people, I think!
@@zuperdee
Yep…the whole arrangement between IYV and Amazon is a bit convoluted and unfortunately doesn’t look like it is going to get much better any time soon. Of course you can buy these different models direct from IYV but the shipping costs are quite high. Just hoping some of the newer models make it into Amazons purchase orders.
🎯
Thanks so much for stopping in Major…much appreciated! 👍🎸
WOWSER....
Thanks so much for stopping into the channel! Much appreciated! 🎸👍
That ugly hooked beaky headstock seems to be recurring thing with cheap guitars...Toploader's pain in the butt to string ✌️💙🏴...
Well you can thank Fender for the proliferation of ugly headstocks…😎
Thanks for stopping in…🎸👍
Why did they stop the string through body?
Hi J-Capz… Not sure exactly, but most assume change of manufacturing plant along with costs, parts, and other changes in keeping with it’s “Retro” name tag. They did finally change the pics and description specs on its website. Thanks so much for stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍