[Tele295]

My Barden-equipped Esquire (otherwise stock MIM circuit) is a different beast than my 2-pup Barden-equipped Telecasters. The easiest way to understand is to have both at hand and go back and forth. I would venture to say the difference is more in response than actual tone. There is no doubt when playing either that you are hearing the best tone Fender has to offer.

CAVEAT: The aformentioned Esquire and Teles tend to sound more similar to each other when I'm playing alone at home, but there is a much larger difference when playing with a band. I found it very frustrating to use a Tele as a backup to an Esquire when I bust a string. The Tele doesn't have the same punch, despite the same pickup, bridge, strings, and type of wood. Go figure.