So, let’ s dive into this“ one of five” Teles. The Vintera Road Worn is made just a bit south of Southern California in Ensenada, Mexico. In the old days that would have been a serious demerit but now production processes and quality have vastly improved. In fact, more than one major brand of guitars is made in Mexican factories now. Another bonus is that these guitars can be driven across the border instead of sitting in a metal container for a month crossing the ocean in a cargo ship.
Let’ s break this Vintera Road Worn down …
Body and Neck: Features a swamp ash body and maple neck. First of all, swamp ash as a tonewood is getting harder and harder to find and you will notice the weight of the swamp ash that is still available is getting a bit heavier. This guitar in my hands is not too heavy, but it isn’ t light either. The maple neck and maple fretboard is my favorite combination.
Looks: This guitars look is on track. The Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer finish captures decades of aging and character. My blonde 54’ had more wear and tear of course and was lighter in color, but this finish on the Vintera looks fine. The aged look on the maple fretboard is well done. It isn’ t fair to compare my 54’ as it had 70 years of actual playing. I think it would be fun to break in this maple fretboard with a few years of your own playing and it would look even more authentic.
Feel: The“ baseball bat” chatter of the 50’ s neck is a real thing. The Early-’ 50s“ U”-shape neck has thick shoulders for an authentic feel. My 54’ was not as thick in the shoulders and if you have a 60’ s or 70’ s Tele the 51’ style neck here will feel thicker to you. However, I adjusted quickly to it.
The 7.25” radius maple fingerboard was comfortable. I liked the vintage era taller frets. Guitar Tech Alert: Plan on taking any new highend guitar to your guitar set up person and have them set it up to your liking. If I bought this fine guitar, I would have the strings lowered
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