I Don't Know What I'm Doing

i've been playing my gibson sonex 180 for 20 years and i think the telecaster has won me over. but being new to the tele world, i just feel i am not informed enough to make a purchase yet.

first off, i understand that american models come with better hardware and pickups, and that i should spend the extra dough on a american made. i also would love to get one in butterscotch color, or better yet, that color white turns to after aging for a while. i dont know if fender makes this color, i guess they do, i see vintage series that color, but thats not for me (not in my price range). would i have to buy an olympic white tele and let it age? how long would this take approximately?

also, im a little confused about jumbo frets. i understand they are made for bending enthusiasts. i like this, but are there any other reasons to go jumbo frets? what are their drawbacks?

i'm also looking at the highway one series but notice they are a bit cheaper than the american standard. i like the sound of the pickups on this model, they sound to be kind of in the middle to me. but why are they like $300 less?

anyways, i'm pretty clueless about telecasters as you can see and this is why i joined this forum.

i cant wait to get one and a mxr dyna comp, ad a little gain/volume and go!

If you can't swing the American Vintage 52 reissue, get yourself a Roadworn 50's Tele.
They are MIM but they look and feel great. Play the stock pickups for awile and if you don't dig them put in a set of Original Vintage pups like come in the 52 ri.

i saw them, but for some strange reason, it feels weird buying a new guitar that's made to look used. i would even feel better buying a used tele that looks used. i just dont know why the american standard colors offered on musicians friend and zzounds right now just dont hit the spot...

when i call these guys to buy stuff they always give me a deal. i bought a $400 5 watt tube amp for $350.00 once, had to return it because of rattle.

how much of a deal do you think they would give me on a $999.99 american standard tele?

Welcome!

Welcome to TDPRI !!

Welcome, it's a great forum full of good advice.

Have you considered a Squier Classic Vibe? Don't be put off of the brand or price, they are fantastic guitars. I have one thanks to advice from this forum and my other guitars are going up for sale. I've tried lots of guitar's but nothing has sounded, or played, as nice as my Classic Vibe. Every time I play it I smile, and even when it's in it's stand I still pass it adoring glances!

I would never have considered Squier before joining this forum and fully expected to pay £700/£800 (that was my top end budget) for the perfect tele. In the end I think it cost £250 all in and I couldn't be happier with it.

there's one on craigslist, how do i tell if it's a classic vibe? nevermind, it's a affinity series.

Welcome TexasTwang. I see you live in Austin(home of Austin City Limits right?). Seems like there ought to be plenty of various used Tele varieties hanging in the music stores down there, so maybe hit the road and sample some. I think that when you play the right one you'll just know. Welcome and good hunting!

Welcome.