Blade Guitars Tele Copy

I've no idea when this line was introduced but I believe it's part of the original batch that came from Switzerland rather than the models from the Far East that have recently come on sale here. All 22 of the frets are still in good nick; you might describe the finish as "honeyburst" (it's chipped off in a couple of places but who gives a damn). It's got the usual Tele-like pickups and controls, with the addition of a 3-way switch between the pots - this is currently set to boost bass and treble in the up position, boost mids in the down position and bypass the actives in the middle. This adds up to one versatile muthaf... sorry, instrument. I wouldn't usually choose gold plated hardware simply because it looks bad when it stars to wear off, but hey, it came as standard so who's complaining? It loioks good with the honeyburst finish, anyway.

Hands up - I'm actually a strat fan, and Teles are a diversion for me, but this Tele replica seems to make noises I like. I can make it fit in with what I ordinarily do on solo gigs. As with all my other guitars, it goes through a Boss GT3 pedalboard and I tend to use the same settings as I do with my Squier Silver Series strat (see review). I can't detect any great noise from the pickups, neither can I really compare the sounds to genuine Teles as I've never used one in anger (the heavily customised copy I owned years ago doesn't count). I take this guitar on its merits rathger than in comparison to Leo's baby.

Factory?! I was lucky enough to find this second-hand. I've never had it set up as the previous owner also obviously likes his guitars set up with a low action and 10-46 strings. One of these days I'll get it looked at...

I've used it live on a good few gigs and, apart from developing a loud buzz once (which, inexplicably, has never returned), hasn't let me down at all. Obviously the usual straplocks have been installed but on the whole it's stayed together well. It's main asset is that it's my most photogenic guitar but that's for another category... I don't doubt it's reliability - I always take a spare guitar on gigs but, touch wood, that loud buzz has never returned...

Never had to contact the company as I bought it second-hand.

Not enough space to list all my gear, but I've just bought a Fender Roc-Pro 700 combo and I reckon the two will go well together. I was lucky to get this guitar as it had been in the shop for nine months; I happened to be there on the day they reduced it by #150 to get it sold. Let's just say that was a good day indeed. Obviously I compare to other axes (not telecasters, funnily enough) but I reckon this will stand the test. I blow hot-and-cold about selling it, but every so often I put down my main Squier strat and pick this up - I usually shelve the idea after a few minutes' playing

I bought my Blade Tele about 1994. Has fantastic neck solid as a rock.
The colour is sunburst and you can see the grain of the wood. Hardware is gold in colour. Pickups to me, are great I can make it rock or twang. The frets are jumbo and you can really dig in when bending, just the way I like it. The only problem is the weight, virtually impossible to play 1 or 2 hours standing up. The only other guitar I've played that as heavy is a Framus (model unknown, also an amazing guitar). Great idea the active switch, never adjusted it sounds great from shop.

Sounds great have no complaints, quite as a mouse at the right times.

When I got it from the shop the frets were abit sharp even though the shop "cleaned" it up. Had to get the frets refiled, no problems since.
Finish was outstanding. The toggle switch was scratchy and was replaced. The string tree fell apart, lost screw that held it together never replaced it have had no problems since (I think they're pointless anyway).

This guitar will never fall apart. Since it has been setup I've had no problems with it. I use it nearly everyday and hardly scratched it. Some of the gold has tarnished but who cares. Apart from the string tree problem you could risk your musical career on it. The only thing that lets it down is the weight.

NA

I would never get rid of this guitar, I have a Fender Strat, a Godin Radiator and a couple of Ibanez's (Proline & Les Paul). I use the Godin the most (light weight) then the Blade. Live I would use the Blade just for the sound and when my back gives out then swap to the Godin. I'm not sure if I would replace it if it were stolen/lost as I like their Strat version also. I don't think they are available in Australia anymore, as I haven't seen one for sale in years.

I purchased the Blade approx; 1990, it is timber finish, the action & quality has been spot, the bridge pickup banana'd so i replaced it with a 60 strat pick up, wasn't happy so threw the banana back in , no regrets, still feels great, the quality between the finish between fender tele & blade tele is all blades way, we shall never part.

i use it through Boogie, active switch is great

spot

gold plate has tarnished

parts unavailable on the Gold Coast Australia

had Fenders, my series was made of real timber, especially the neck, part of me , tell me where i can buy parts