Q's from a Tele virgin (long) - Steve A. take note !

9/11/1999 2:34 AM

FredG

Q's from a Tele virgin (long) - Steve A. take note ! Well, after 30 years of being strictly a Gibson guy, I got my first Telecaster today - a Nashville Tele, the three-pickup Mexican model, rosewood board. I have spent the past few hours setting it up, and playing it, and here are my observations:         1) I LOVE this guitar - it plays like a Gibson, with cool Fender tone !         2) The neck pickup is too warm, the bridge pickup is too bright, the middle pickup is just right.         3) The bridge SUCKS - a TOTAL bite in the ass to set up - very loose and sloppy. A nightmare, although I can see the fine-tuning potential (if done right), compared to a Gibson tune-o-matic. One of the adjustment screws on the high E already seems to be stripped. And that damned Allen wrench !         4) The slotted tuning keys are a pain in the ass - I'm too used to Schaller/Klusons with the holes in them, I guess.         5) The grommets in the back of the body fall out when you change strings.         In spite of all the above, I have already fallen in love with the spanky brilliance and simplicity of this guitar - not too mention the price. Now it's "tweakin' time" !         Now, my questions for all you Tele-meisters: what are your recomendations for fixing the above shortcomings ? Please, I realize the obvious - new pickups, keys, bridge - but I want to hear from experienced Tele folks about their favorite SPECIFIC remedies - replacement parts, folk cures, etc.         Thanks in advance,         Fred G.