|
Post by willtato on Jan 11, 2020 18:41:59 GMT
Hi, I'm a uni student so I don't really have much of an allowance for anything expensive (not that I need to spend much). I Just basically want some twang. I've narrowed the selection to the Te-52 and the Te-80. I truly prefer the looks of the 52 style more (not much a fan of the binding on the 80, the little guard/cover at the neck), but the 80 has a FM veneer and the bridge which looks like it will provide better tuning.
I would choose the 52 model, but what's attractive about the 80 is the "Deluxe" naming (and the options make it better value imo). Generally, is the quality really better for the Te-80? ( I understand that the mileage may vary). I see the reviews on Thomann to be suprisingly comparable.
(I don't mind a few compromises - I have a Schecter and that'll remain as my main guitar).
Thanks
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 11, 2020 19:25:35 GMT
I have a ST-62 and a ST-62 DLX ("deluxe"). The improvements on the DLX are minor: shielding paint in the cavity and an anodised pickguard offer isolation, otherwise it's golden hardware and a slightly different neck profile. That's it.
All these "quality upgrades" praised by people who sell stuff or those who make a living out of reviewing it are mostly fluff offered as differentiating factors to the gullible. Get the one you like, not the one you think has maybe something special others want to believe in.
|
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 6:37:39 GMT
Both TE-52 and TE-80 are ash. They have the same body shape without contours so will be the same weight. It is my impression that the Harley Benton "Deluxe" series are mostly differentiated by visual particularities. In this case, the TE-80 has a flame top, an additional tortoise plate under the bridge, a stripe on front and back and a binding around the body. The same thing applies to Strats like mine with anodised golden pickguard and hardware. The price difference is justified by lesser quantities. A similar case can be made for the Rosewood and Black Paisley TE-70 and ST-70 models, except that the TE has brass saddles (it does affect tone as demonstrated in this video) and the ST has a Wilkinson bridge (does that make a difference?). I'm not sure what "deluxe hardware" means. It looks like the standard cheap stuff to me and I would see the split-post Klusen-style tuners of the ST-52 as an advantage over the regular die-cast ones on the TE-80 (because I like split posts for their smart simplicity). The bridge of the TE-80 is ordinary too but has individual saddles. Perfect intonation cannot exist so this should remain a minor advantage. I doubt anyone recognises a three saddle bridge by ear.
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 10:01:41 GMT
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by Djangle on Jan 12, 2020 13:32:29 GMT
It's also worth noting the TE80 is equipped with Strat pickups which will give more of a hybrid Tele/Strat tone than a traditional telecaster configuration like the TE52 although these differences may be negligible as both instruments are capable of the twang you're after. As Leo mentions the "deluxe" probably refers to the aesthetics of the instrument more than anything else. This is just my two cents but as you are a student on a budget I'd be steering clear of any EBay deals and order from Thomann as any problems with the guitar can be rectified with Thomanns great returns policy. On a side note buying the "upgraded" TE80 from eBay would place you in the gullible category according to Leo anyway. Good luck
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 13:43:30 GMT
On a side note buying the "upgraded" TE80 from eBay would place you in the gullible category according to Leo anyway. Not quite. It's a hot rail humbucker, so we know that sounds different and that listing could go for half the new price of the guitar alone. Good point about the Strat' pick-ups (Roswell STA) on the original. I never noticed that.
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by Djangle on Jan 12, 2020 14:28:42 GMT
The eBay guitar may sell cheaper Leo but the hassle of returning it if there are issues outweigh peace of mind with Thomanns policy. Bear in mind this is only my opinion.
|
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 15:05:01 GMT
Oh, you don't return an ebay purchase, you just sell it further. I usually make money when I do I like to think that Thomann's policy makes sure only good stuff goes on ebay but this assumes the first buyer would have been able to see flaws, on which I would not count too much.
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 15:24:57 GMT
Hate the little slices of corned beef scratch plates though. I'd have to come up with something more aesthetically pleasing there! The HB Tortoise appears to have been improved recently. This TE-80 is an older model with the old logo (2018 latest) and this ST-90 is recent with the new logo. The new one has a different colour (after level corrections). I think it's better.
|
|
572 posts
|
Post by Djangle on Jan 12, 2020 15:38:46 GMT
Oh, you don't return an ebay purchase, you just sell it further. I usually make money when I do Then kindly send me your seller name so I can add you to my scammer list.
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 15:46:05 GMT
Oh, you don't return an ebay purchase, you just sell it further. I usually make money when I do Then kindly send me your seller name so I can add you to my scammer list. No scam involved. Free market.
|
|
DefJef
THBC Moderator
Due to musical differences I've decided I can't work with myself any more.
|
Post by DefJef on Jan 12, 2020 16:16:29 GMT
That ST-90 looks great in every way LeoThunder. Very 'me'. It would definitely help if the same stuff was used on the TE-80. I still would fancy altering having that separate little cover for the tail pickup. I'd be tempted to try and design some kind of one-piece that I didn't find offensive but my few imaginary concepts involving a sort of raised centre section haven't looked good at all. If the TE-80 came with some nice tort I very much might be happy to stick with it.
|
|
3,457 posts
|
Post by LeoThunder on Jan 12, 2020 16:30:50 GMT
That ST-90 has nice wood figurations but the owner felt compelled to install pick-ups in two different colours. Now he's throwing it away by trying to sell it all together instead of restoring the guitar to its original state and selling the upgrade on its own. He'll probably get even less out of it. At least he hasn't lost the vibrato bar.
That flamed Telecaster with P90's looks good. I might prefer a slightly narrower middle section.That on my neck-through guitars is barely wider than the base of the neck and I think it looks better.
|
|