Found my G.E. Smith Tele

patl · July 3rd, 2009, 09:29 AM

For a while now I've been looking for a G.E. Smith Telecaster. A week or two ago, I found the right one for me. I sold my ESP/Edwards Tele/Gib to pay for much of this new-to-me guitar.

I'm really happy with the chunky V neck and the vintage radius. It's a medium weight Tele, sustains well, seems set up well. Thumbs up. It's similar to the Eric Johnson strat, in that it's a really well done instrument that's a bit below custom shop quality (and price) levels. It's so well put together, it makes me want to play it more - which is the whole point anyway, right?

Here are a few pictures:

If you haven't run into this model before, check out the intro video by GE himself:

YouTube - The G.E. Smith Telecaster®

Finally, here's another video that I just love - a GE Smith tele through a Tone King, noodling around in Sunday morning vibe. I love this guy's feel for the instrument.

YouTube - G.E. Smith Telecaster in to a Tone King...

thaus · July 3rd, 2009, 09:36 AM

Congrats on the new tele! I have heard so much good about them and the whole bridge pup direct in the body and the the bridge itself makes for a really unique tone I am sure. Some have complained about the neck markings but I like it! If I need another tele anytime soon, this is at the top of the list!!

patl · July 3rd, 2009, 09:52 AM

Thanks thaus!

It's hard to tell how much of the tone is just the pickup wind and how much is the body mounting, but it's a nice, hotter feel.

The neck markings are unique for sure. It's kinda hard to go stealth (ie. "to suck publicly" ;-)) when playing it, I imagine - like having an SRV strat and keeping the pickguard on.

That said, I think the neck marks are pretty cool.

jgillard · July 3rd, 2009, 09:56 AM

Fantastic. I love the colour... G.E.s mothers lipstick!!!

Love teles.. Awesome all around.. Me Jealous for sure...

thaus · July 3rd, 2009, 09:56 AM

Do you know if the neck is as thick as a Nocaster neck? I love my Nocaster neck and as the guy in the vid states, along with vintage frets and radius, it makes you play differently. I would love it if it had the same fat neck as my Nocaster!!

Giant · July 3rd, 2009, 03:49 PM

check out the tone king video at about 1:10. The cat behind his head starts licking its ass. the cat stops when the guy stops playin. then starts back when the guy starts. like he needs ass lickin music. the cat starts REALLY workin it out around 1:30. i couldnt even watch the guy. cat was crackin me up too much.

forgot to mention-nice guitar. hope you enjoy it.

Epinez · July 3rd, 2009, 04:48 PM

Really nice patl!! I've always loved the feel of the neck on that tele!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaus

Do you know if the neck is as thick as a Nocaster neck? I love my Nocaster neck and as the guy in the vid states, along with vintage frets and radius, it makes you play differently. I would love it if it had the same fat neck as my Nocaster!!

From the ones I've felt the Nocaster has a fuller rounded profile. The GE Smith felt more like a thick V or possibly U shape to me - a really nice feeling neck with a little less shoulder. Fills my hands perfectly. If I ever bought a neck - I'd get an allparts FAT neck and sand it down to approximate the V/U profile of the GE Smith neck.

patl · July 3rd, 2009, 11:55 PM

I agree with Epinez - the neck appears to be as thick, but is more of soft V than the Nocaster, from what I can tell. I do not have much time on a Nocaster though, so take that for what it's worth.