first tele question

i am saving money for a first tele which one you recomend ?

squire affinity? or small store clone brand?

For a budget tele you can't get better than a Squier Classic Vibe (it beats my Mexican Fender Tele in all areas) but if you can't stretch to that much, the Squier Vintage Modified's are cheaper but also excellent and are a similar quality to the CV's. Both are a big step up from an Affinity and both will take genuine Fender parts if you ever wanted to upgrade.

Say no to small store clone brands!!

USA Peavey Reactor. I just got a really nice red one through CL for $150. I've seen them go for less and for more. You have to look for them but they are out there.

For a budget tele you can't get better than a Squier Classic Vibe (it beats my Mexican Fender Tele in all areas) but if you can't stretch to that much, the Squier Vintage Modified's are cheaper but also excellent and are a similar quality to the CV's. Both are a big step up from an Affinity and both will take genuine Fender parts if you ever wanted to upgrade.

I agree completely! I got my basically brand new CVC Tele for $200 off Craigslist. You might have to search and be patient but it will be worth it.

i also like my Raven West (RWG) tele, it looks awesome and the neck through design is definitely a cool difference. I don't really like the factory bridge PU, its seems too nasal to me, I've changed around tone caps but it sounds so much different from my PRS Tremonti SE that there is virtually no change of using the same amp settings, so there is a pain when changing guitars for me.
Also I wish the hardware was chrome instead of satin silver to match the neck PU cover but the hardware is pretty quality stuff, I love the tuners, it stays in tune very well and they don't feel sloppy at all like with a lot of cheap guitars.

Yes I have a few complaints about it but that's picking pretty hard, overall its decent build quality and it plays nicely after a little set up work I paid a little over $200 for mine new with a slight cosmetic defect, for that I can put whatever PUs I want in it and change hardware and be happy.

I would say go to GC or another music store and play a few. Find out what you like before plunking down your cash. Lots of people like the CV 50's guitars, but many say the necks are too thin. You may find you like fatter necks, or the CV (or Affinity) neck may be just the ticket.

Once I found out what I liked, I would watch for one on Craig's list unless you are in a hurry and don't mind buying new. I personally would rather buy used, and then use the money I saved to have a set-up done, replace pickups if necessary, etc. Good luck!

I'd only get an Affinity if you are a guy who can work on his own guitar. You'll need to dress the fret ends, and replace the junk electronics, you'll probably end up ditching the pickups too and swapping out the tuners... not much left is there... Really a step up to the nicer Squiers is what you want, I agree with el cheapo, go to Guitar Center or a local dealer and play a few. With $225.00 in your pocket you should be able to get a nice Tele.

agree on the Squier Classic Vibe series. I think they're better on average than the current (Mexican) Tele Standard.

For me, my MIM fatter neck is just perfect for my hands. I'm a big man and love the feel of my neck. Like someone else said, go play a few and get the perfect fit for your body size.

I like the necks on the MiM's better (personal preference) and the tuning keys on the CV's look cheaper. Outside of that, they are a steal. I'd buy one.

Plenty good ideas here. Be patient, play as many models as you can in the store, decide on what you want, save up and buy used.

classic vibe. 4 to choose from-- Pick one.

http://www.rondomusic.com/furrianrnbsb.html

http://www.rondomusic.com/furrianrnbsb.html

+1

I agree with this one. SX tele's are cheap and good for a first tele on a budget and good for custom modifications. Its not completely your bang for the buck guitar. But for some cool mods it can still be cheaper than most squiers and fenders. Its body finish and neck has a vintage feel and look. The down side of SX tele's are the stock tuners, neck pickup and pots. The Bridge pickup is ok, has some twang but not completely perfect and still needs to be replaced in the long run. I've got mine without any problems (lucky me) has a good intonation. My only complaint is the pickups nothing more nothing else.