Recommend a Tele like a '52 Hot Rod, but cheaper

[fuzz_factor]

I played a '52 Hot Rod Tele the other day and now I'm gassing for one. Problem is that they're a bit pricey for me, especially since I really don't need another guitar. I could sell my ES-165 or SG Classic to finance or partially finance one, but I'm not sure I want to go down that road yet...

Anything cheaper that will get me in the neighborhood? Here's what I liked about the '52 Hot Rod:

• The neck 'bucker. The mimi-hum was fine, but a full sized humbucker would work too.
• The weight. I love my Les Paul but almost never play it cause it's too damn heavy. If I buy another guitar, I want it to be a lightweight player!
• The neck. I liked the full V-ish neck. I would NOT, however, want to go any bigger. I have smallish hands, so a big fat neck can be comfy, but not if it's too fat or wider than 1 11/16".
• The color. Basically, I like your traditional natural or butterscotch teles. Black is also cool, and surprisingly for me, some pastel colors. I really don't like white or sunburst on a Tele.
• The responsiveness of the tone and volume knobs. The Hot Rod's tone knob had a lot of range, esp. when using the bridge pickup and the volume pot cleanup was excellent.

Thanks!

[OM Flyer]

American Fat Tele, $999:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-FENDER-AMER...item19b9e117d1


'72 Custom, $699:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=510475


Squier Vintage Modified, $349:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=512575

[JimmyR]

A used '52 Hotrod?

[MagicNelson]

A used partscaster with features like a hot rod

[Songman]

Got me one of these today. It's a killer axe! Sell your kidney if you have to.

[fuzz_factor]

Originally Posted by OM Flyer

American Fat Tele, $999:

'72 Custom, $699

Squier Vintage Modified, $349:

The Fat Tele's and '72's don't really do anything for me, but I hadn't noticed the Vintage Modified before. That might satisfy my Tele GAS and guitar-for-the-office GAS at the same time. Thanks!

Originally Posted by JimmyR

A used '52 Hotrod?

The obvious choice! And one that I might explore. Even at $1,200 to $1,400, a used one might still be pushing it however. Right now, the most I've ever paid for a guitar was around $1,200 for my Les Paul Standard.... 19 years ago.

Originally Posted by MagicNelson

A used partscaster with features like a hot rod

I'm keeping my eye on the Guitar Emporium.

Originally Posted by Songman

Got me one of these today. It's a killer axe! Sell your kidney if you have to.

Nice! Hope you like it!

[abearse]

peavy makes a telly style axe with several pickup configurations, according to the writeups in a couple of mags they are better ?? they look good and play great imo.