So, I just sold off a bunch of pedals, cause I was hot for that new Tele bass. And then I thought, "shit, man. I have a real nice bass. But you know what I don't have? A fuckin baritone that was built to be a baritone."
It's true. A good 7+ years into playing tuned down to B or A on 25.5" scale guitars, or using awkward conversion necks, and never a proper baritone. BEFORE I GO ON, let me defend those options. Because they do WORK. I still rate my tele custom II, 25.5" scale with giant strings as my best B-B baritone experience overall. This is largely because I got used to it really quickly, and stuck with it for yeeeeears, but it certainly is a good option for B-B.
On the other hand, the strings are a kinda floppy, makes playing clean and accurate on the low string tricky.
Conversion necks are also a good option, because you get more tension, and sometimes better intonation. The downsides are: HUGE LONG neck on a normal body. The only body I've found that it really works well with is a Jazzmaster. But then your intonation and action can be a real nightmare. I mostly play DIRTY so, it sounds fine for me. Still, your intonation can be piss with whatever body you put it on. Neck pockets argue with neck heels and all that shit. Factor in the cost (around $300 for a finished neck, without tuners) and you're spending a pretty good chunk of change regardless of what body/pickups you're using.
LETS TALK ABOUT THIS FUCKIN BLACKTOP BARITONE!
Just got it on Friday. Feels GREAT. You know the difference between a jury rigged low tuned guitar, a project, and a purpose built guitar.
Sounds COOL AS FUCK. It's got those good ole tele neck tones, sometimes more on the middle pickup. Obviously the "good ole tele bridge" tones are not there. But put some distortion on that humbucker, and hear some FUCKING METAL.
I've only had it through little baby amps so far, so I don't have a full review.
It came almost set up, as a Fender usually does. A couple minutes with a screw driver and the intonation was ON.
So, how do they sell a full-on tele with a unique body and neck for $550? (or less depending on your sale/rebate/luck)
Well, they cut corners, I gotta be honest. These tuners are pretty piss. They look normal, but they don't hold a tune for long. I haven't cracked it open, but I've read online that the pots/switch and jack are also bottom of the barrell. I knew that going in, but I didn't give no fuck, cause I can replace that stuff easy peasy.
Here's the great part.
I've just been playing around this weekend. Mostly unplugged in my living room. And I'm writing new shit! If a guitar inspires me unplugged, I know it's gonna be a good one.
RATING: B.
Can't beat it for that price, provided you can do your own setup, replace electronics and tuners.
The next best bet would probably be a Schecter. they're more like $800, and shorter scale (26.5?) BUT the tuners are killer, in my experience.
