|
Post by charliemacon on Feb 12, 2020 19:02:12 GMT -5
Dangnabbit, I just had to see a photo of one in the new Fender ads. I knew I had to have one immediately, and have gone as far as ordering one from Strait Music here in Austin. This means I get to try it first. They are within a week or two of receiving their first ones from Fender. I'm goin' for the black one, with maple neck-fretboard. This is my attempt to at least momentarily go back to age 19, when I bought a brand-spanking new one.....a 1982. My first professional-quality guitar. It was ripped off within 30 days, alongside my little Pignose amplifier. I've never fully recovered from that.
Full 25.5" scale, 2 single coil beauties, a three-way pickup switch, and reverse phase switch. Oh baby!
|
|
Peppy
Wholenote
Guitar gear guru at Milano Music Center
Posts: 180
|
Post by Peppy on Feb 12, 2020 21:44:44 GMT -5
I had a brand-new Lead I in 1982. The wine color with a maple board. Played good, sounded good, and the paint remained as new when I traded it about eight years later. It was a touch heavy.
Fast forward to last Friday and yesterday. I played the new wine-colored Lead II at the guitar store where my friend is a guitar salesman. Very light guitar. Doubt it weighs 7 lbs. Pau ferro is not for me. Pickups sound a touch hotter than standard Strat pickups. A bit 'punchier'. Phase switch *really* takes it out-of-phase. Control area is cramped for my right hand. Paint, board, tuners, etc. were all satisfactory.
I will get the maple board/Neon Green Lead II. A funky complement to my new maple board/Electron Green Tele I just bought about three months ago. I like green. I even have an olive green Mustang. Well, I apparently also like Mexican Fenders. 😁
|
|
|
Post by archiestone on Feb 15, 2020 15:38:23 GMT -5
I sincerely hope the new Lead II brings you enough joy to fill the void of a 38 year guitar absence, Charlie.
*sniff*
|
|
|
Post by Vibroluxer on Feb 15, 2020 23:37:13 GMT -5
I have 2 of the originals. From what I read the biggest difference is the neck. 5he older guys have a fast thin C neck. The beer guys have a chunkier one.
Hope ya like it!!
|
|
|
Post by charliemacon on Feb 16, 2020 17:23:24 GMT -5
I remember mine was a nice C-shape. It took me a few years to prefer my '83 Telecaster with the the wide 12-ich radius neck, over what I remembered the Lead II neck to feel like.
|
|
|
Post by charliemacon on Mar 17, 2020 11:31:31 GMT -5
Reporting back on this one: I indeed purchased the brand-spanking new Fender Lead II. It has been the only guitar I've played over the past month, it is THAT fun! I raised the bridge saddles on G, B, and high-E just a bit, and still probably should address just a hair of perceived sticking in the nut-slot affecting tuning stability. Otherwise, I'm smitten by this. I feel more skilled on THIS guitar than I do even on the Stratocaster. The '83 Telecaster with its 12-inch radius and 1.700-inch neck at nut, is a lead guitar playin' dream, but there's compromise in the ability to comfortably master extended playing rhythm guitar. I still bumble around on the Les Paul with its shorter scale. The Lead II's string response....action....or something....has me feeling like I'm better on it than on the Strat. As such, I'm STILL on Lead II honeymoon. I love its pickups....the only thing I miss is the slicing bite of the Telecaster's bridge pickup. The reverse phase switch (when both pickups are active) sounds better than I remember it.
Praise be to the Lead II.
|
|