Better than expected by far!
The Vintage V52 is exactly what all the Youtube videos say; A great telecaster with polarising aesthetics, good hardware, and a neck that more often than not needs a bit of love out the factory. The fit and finish is generally good, the hardware quality and ageing of the metal work is very well done, better than my own prior attempts at relics. The finish is a matt thin lacquer and is applied over a template so for a more legitimate relic needs work but its certainly has the vibe across a room.
I changed the pickguard for one from a Baja to get the right screw count for a "52" and to replace what was the worst quality individual item on the guitar - rough poorly cut. I also changed the switch and pots out including a push/pull tone for series/parellel. The electronics were fine and worked well but from experience those PCB switches and small pots fail. Still, was well shielded and no buzz.
My example weights just under 8lbs which is acceptable (7lb15oz) and has a nice flame to the back of the neck. It seems like an off-centre two peice body and is hardwood of some sort for sure. Nice grain too. The finish on the neck gives a nice relic vibe but is for sure a bit yellow. The frets I havent checked for level but no dead spots so far and no choking etc. Could do with some minor attention and has had a polish so far. Nut seems well cut for height but needs lubricating. Intonation fine.
For the money these are really fun, look cool, sound nice and with limited work can be totally dependable.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New