New to the Tele world and TDPRI

Hi all!

I am an active member on the Acoustic Guitar Forum, and have recently been wanting an electric, namely a Telecaster. I am a New Yorker, but a country boy at heart, and feel that the Telecaster is the instrument for me (if it's good enough for Brad Paisely...). What I didn't know until recently is that there are many flavors of this guitar, and I am quite confused. On paper, I think I would like a Nashville Power Tele that would also give me the occasional Strat sound (although I like maple necks over the Rosewood), but don't know if I am making too big a deal over that. I was hoping to keep my spending under $1000 including a hard case, and the Nashville Power runs about that.

So, thank you in advance, for all of your assistance, but what else should I know or consider given the above? I don't mind going used, if it is in good condition (my acoustics are pristine), but have no idea at all as to what would be a good value.

Again, many thanks,
Mike

Welcome to the TDPRI . Try to play as many Telecasters as possible to find out what you like .

Mike, Welcome!

Thanks guys. My plan is to play and try a few out, although I have been cruising the classifieds and have already sent a couple of e-mails for guitars in my price range. My question is, if it can be answered, where do I start? There are American Standards, Nashvilles, Bajas, etc. Are there any models that have a bad rep for fit and finish, or perhaps the pickups are not as good? Alternatively, are there "best bang for the buck" models? I speak acoustic well, but electric not as much.

Thanks again!!

Welcome to a great spot on the web!

Welcome!

Mike, I am a Flatpicker and I do many bluegrass festivals. I also do a lot of Country with the Telecaster. Let me say this, if you have a decent amp, you can get any voice out of the Telecaster that you want to from soft rhythm to twanging lead. Just sit and adjust you amp setting until you get the tone you want. The Tele will not fail you. Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to TDPRI !!

Thanks guys. Still looking for a suggestions on specific models that you love or avoid in the $1000 or less price range. Or, is it simply "walk in, play a bunch, and pick out the one you like." I just figure with electronic parts, there are some that are better than others, and certain models that are a great buy for the money.

Welcome aboard Mike. Like everyone has stated, best bet is to try different models out and let your ears and hands decide. Everyone's opinion will differ. Some like the feel of one neck and not another or the sound of a certain pickup...just play 'em all. The Nashville Power Tele is great because of the piezo pickups and the strat sounds. However, if I recall, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, you cannot get a tele neck and bridge sound, as it's set up like a 5 position strat switch
Good luck in your search.

Welcome aboard Mike. Like everyone has stated, best bet is to try different models out and let your ears and hands decide. Everyone's opinion will differ. Some like the feel of one neck and not another or the sound of a certain pickup...just play 'em all. The Nashville Power Tele is great because of the piezo pickups and the strat sounds. However, if I recall, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, you cannot get a tele neck and bridge sound, as it's set up like a 5 position strat switch
Good luck in your search.

Thanks for that info. I will definitely check that out. I have also found two here in the classifieds that seem to be nice guitars. Both American Standards, with one being Deluxe. I'm hoping to test out the Deluxe sometime this week. We'll see how it goes.

Greetings Mike..welcome to the forum!!

. However, if I recall, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, you cannot get a tele neck and bridge sound, as it's set up like a 5 position strat switch
Good luck in your search.

While it is true that "out of the box" you can't get neck/bridge this is also one of the cheapest and easiest mods there are. Requires a push/pull pot (replace the tone pot on this guitar) and solder two short wires. Will cost about $20 and 10 minutes of your time.

I did it to my strat. Love it.