I've always wanted a 60s Telecaster in Lake Placid Blue, then Fender had to go and make something close that's affordable. So, I pulled the trigger.I haven't bought a new guitar in over a decade and I already have a 2003 American with a Rosewood board. Honestly, the Vintera isn't as good as my USA made Fender, but it's in the ballpark.The neck is awesome. It feels like a satin finish on the back and the woodgrain is beautiful in the maple. I am not in love with Pau Ferro fretboards and I wish it was Rosewood. It does feel rougher and harder. But, I've been playing the guitar so much that it's stopped being a factor.The pickups are good. I don't know what to compare them with in regards to the 60s pickups in other Fenders. Maybe they're hotter, but I don't find them brittle at all. Normally, I always rock out on the bridge because I play rock. But, with this one I really like the 4th selection that plays both pickups in series. I didn't think I'd have use for the S1 switch, but I like it in the 4th selection. I don't really care for it in the middle selection. It's meh.The body is beautiful and it's very comfortable to this Telecaster lover. The neck, as I said before, is awesome. The neck IS just as good as the neck on my USA made which is very important. It does not feel cheap. The frets are level and if they were going to cut my hand they would have done so by now. I've been playing it a lot.I have not played this into my tube amp yet (just my Orange Crush. I have housemates),… read more or in a band situation. It's in band situations where you really figure out how it fits in a mix.I love it. I'm keeping it.

Musical Background:
Song writer, band leader, recorded album. Altie/punk stuff with melodies. I play guitar, guitar, guitar.

Musical Style:
90s style rock. Lots of originals. I love a Telecaster through a distortion/OD into a loud tube amp. read less