Crazy to spend $6k on a Tele?

[Reg18]

Changing the pickups in the Baja would comparatively be heaps cheaper, even if you bought the most expensive cork sniffer boutique things you could find.......maybe even finding the best tech you can and getting them to do their ‘Deluxe set up’ and see if it helps?
You would only be loosing a few hundred if it didn’t work and I’m guessing the gamble would be higher on a 6k guitar.

I don’t like the ‘Tone King’ but an interesting video where one of the custom shop builders compares different models

Seems like the differences are in hand selected woods and just a really great set up, fret ends etc.

[Single coil]

Can confirm a proper actual “no stone left unturned” type setup does wonders.

[Molly]

I watched that video recently. I think the guy struggled to justify the cost. As you said, nice woods and a pro set up.

When you first sit down with a guitar it's great if it feels instantly familiar, comfortable and played-in. My Baja has that new guitar stiffness, as did the new Mexi Strat I played a few days ago. Nothing a pro set up couldn't fix.

[WellyBlues]

While you're in the UK why not get Bare Knuckle to make a custom set for you? Probably less than $6k! https://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/pickup-builder

[Dharmajester]

Has a beautifully mellow tone.

Just quoting you in Steve as I'd like your thoughts on the above. Recall thinking about my Nocaster that you could play anything on it and it'd sound great. Much like Rabea's demo.

Not sure I can add anything new here. You are familiar with my Tele. Was a two tone AVRI I bought off TM. Indifferent when it arrived, brittle, clanky etc. After taking the hideous formica like finish off by way of experiment and it sprang to life. Out of my current guitar stash it is now the guitar I have had the longest. I'm sure a nice Nocaster would be superior but hell it feels like and sounds like a Tele. The same procedure applied to your Baja may produce a similar result. If it was cheap enough I'd risk it. I too can't quite get my head around what the pu wiring you described actually does but standard Nocaster pu's appear to be easily available.

[xCaptainx]

I guess personal finances and lifestyle would determine the context.

I can't justify $6k on a tele, much like I can't justify $6k on a watch or a TV.

Tele's to me are a 'workhorse' style of guitar, as a playing/gigging guitar it wouldn't be a wise choice for me. As an investment? Sure, but is it a worthwhile investment? No idea.

I can 100% understand the price point given the build process and quality, but I'd generate the same amount of 'enjoyment' from a sound MIA or heck, even a fun MIM with cool specs. Or 3 of them with that money haha.

[Mini Forklift]

...Or 3 of them with that money haha.

I went through that kind of thought process/justification recently - would I rather have 2-3 decent guitars or one top of the line 'dream' guitar. Think personally I'd opt for the latter, as I'd probably just end up selling the cheaper ones off one by one. No guarantee I wouldn't try to do that with the expensive one, but I'd be less likely to

[xCaptainx]

Yup that's fair. And hey I currently own a USA built semi-custom, so I can 100% appreciate the want and need for high quality. I love the guitar that I have, but I also have a MIM Fender on its way which I'm genuinely excited to own.

[calling card]

Dunno, wonder if it makes me more crazy cutting mine out of a pine log with a chainsaw. Definitely cheaper.

[Single coil]

That’s just man sizing it.