Pearl is now offering a FREE 8" or 10" tom with the purchase of any Vision Series drumkit!

This is a great deal, and we're very very excited to offer it to you, the consumer!

Come check out all of the other awesome Pearl kits we've got here at Midwest Drum!

We're proud to announce that we here at Midwest Drum & Percussion are now offering a $100 dollar mail-in rebate on any and all Fender American Standard Guitars and Basses!

Any American Standard Strat, Tele, J-Bass or P-Bass is now eligible for a $100 dollar mail-in rebate!!!

Come in and see our selection! If you've got any questions, feel free to call us at 1-800-DRUMKIT!

A few months ago, Fender came out with their new Roadworn series. Although, you'd be hard pressed to tell it was a new line. The Roadworn guitars are very carefully reliced to appear used. Fender employees work at each guitar individually until it reaches their standards of appearing to be 'roadworn'. They give a very classic feel to a brand new instrument. Its a nice way to get some character on your guitar without playing it out in clubs every weekend for thirty years!

Aesthetics: Definitely ten out of ten! The guitars are just great. They are very eye-catching. Each one is reliced individually, so they are all unique. Fender has reliced guitars for years in their Custom Shop, but that would cost you upwards of $3000 dollars! They have tried their hand at inexpensive relics before (check out the Joe Strummer tele) but it didn't turn out as good as it could have. These guitars give you the 100% custom reliced look at an affordable price.

Playability: Probably somewhere around a 7. These guitars feel like they've been played for years; very worn in. Thats a good thing, to some people. There is always something to be said for having a brand new guitar and the way that feels too though. Considering they are designed to feel played and worn, they hit that goal without a doubt. If you want a brand new, shiny, polished neck, these guitars are probably not for you.

Sound: Again, a 7. The Strats & Teles come with the Fender Tex-Mex pickups. While livlier than the pickups that come with the regular standard lines, they aren't the best. Really though, this has a lot to do with personal preference.

Price: I'd say about a 6. The guitars retail for $1200, and we sell them here in the store for $949.99. Some people may have a problem paying nearly a thousand dollars for a Mexican made Fender, but when you take into consideration the amount of hands-on, one of a kind worksmanship goes into each one, it seems a bit more reasonable. Also, it does have some upgraded components from the Standard series.

BOTTOM LINE: Overall Score - 7.5 The Roadworn Strats & Teles are a great new product. It puts the availability of a totally individual, hand reliced piece in your hands for just under a thousand dollars. The vintage vibe is very much alive and well with these instruments. All things considered, a very good buy for someone wanting a unique, eye-catching instrument, without wanting to spend a Fender Custom Shop price!

IN STOCK AT THE TIME OF THIS POST (call for availability): 1 50s Tele in Burst, 1 60s Strat in Burst.

Thats all for now. You'll notice I didn't write anything about the Roadworn P or J Basses...its because I haven't had a chance to play either of them yet! I wouldn't wanna write about something I don't know about!

Matt B - MDP