Fender - Too many Different Tele Models !

Gav2000 · June 20th, 2008, 05:53 AM

Hi, I've just discovered this forum and have had an interesting morning reading some of the recent posts.

I started to learn the guitar about 5 months ago and, as my favourite guitar since I was in my teens was a Telecaster, I have a Tele style guitar with a burl maple top that I got off ebay. It was cheap but it works well; the neck is smooth, the frets fit well, the controls are quiet and (following a string change) it gives a nice sound. At some point I would like to reward myself with a nicer (more expensive) guitar though and a Fender Tele would be an obvious choice.

I've browsed websites and have been amazed at the number of models Fender make; Baja, Highway, American, Standard, .... How am I supposed to find my way through so many models to find one that will suit me (and my pocket)?

Can anyone point me to the model of Tele that (i) is good value for money, (ii) is well made and won't need parts changing and (iii) will allow me to play mainly classic rock music with the odd heavy metal song thrown in?

Also, are there any other manufacturers to consider who make Tele's that look like Fenders but may be better quality for the money? I have seen some Bacchus guitars on the Internet that look good but use the wrong type of 3 way pickup selector switch that just looks wrong.

Thanks for any advice you can give, I shall keep reading and practising.

Gavin.

Tele Fan · June 20th, 2008, 06:21 AM

Hi Gavin, my suggestion would be to go to local music stores and try out every tele that strikes your fancy. It takes a while to figure out what your going to dig so just try everything you can. Also you can check out Youtube for video demos of guitars. Congrats on the new guitar and welcome!

Dacious · June 20th, 2008, 07:57 AM

At this stage of your playing you probably have a good instrument. For what you want a Tele Custom with a neck humbucker or Tele Custom with two humbuckers would be good.

There are versions made in Mexico and Japan which are all good in their own way, as well as other brand takes on them. Fender markets a line of Squires made in Korea like the Custom P90 my bandmate plays and it gets some good variable tones, even if not quite traditional Tele.

Really though, the only one who can choose for you, is you. Play as many as you can through as many amps as you can. Even Teles which look the same can sound quite different.

cknowles · June 20th, 2008, 08:06 AM

Selecting the right guitar is the same as choosing a girlfriend, what's perfect for me may not be ideal for you.

+1 on the advice you've already gotten, go to music stores and find the Tele that sings to you. You won't be sorry.

FirstBassman · June 20th, 2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Fender - Too many Different Tele Models !

Agree.

purpletele · June 20th, 2008, 09:15 AM

As has already been stated, just go and play as many as you can. There will likely be one or two real stand-outs. But don't get hung up on the finality of the purchase, there WILL be more...lots more.

surfoverb · June 20th, 2008, 09:40 AM

How can there be too many of a good thing? It's like some existential kid in a candy store crying at all the choices. I wish Fender came out with a Guitar Of The Week like Gibson, but instead a 'Tele of the Week' and introduce 52 new models.

superbadj · June 20th, 2008, 09:48 AM

Play as many as you can, but plenty of the models made in Mexico are really good, at really affordable prices.

I have an mid-80's Made In Japan '62 Tele custom, and a new mexican-made '72 Tele Custom (neck 'bucker, bridge single coil). Both are really cool for different reasons.

Every tele has a place, a sound, a use. Just depends on whether that particular tele is the right fit for you. And you'll only know that by playing a bunch of 'em. Just make sure you use an amp like yours at home, so you can see how they'll sound through YOUR amp. That's a gigantic part of the tone/sound that people forget about.

IPLAYLOUD · June 20th, 2008, 09:59 AM

I remember the old days...
"Do you want Rosewood or Maple, Sunburst or a color?"

Same with a Strat, but add "Trem or no trem?" (Though that was usually not asked...it was assumed you wanted the bar!).

getbent · June 20th, 2008, 10:15 AM

too many models?

hang out for awhile.... you'll end up posting 'why doesn't fender make what I want?'

think of the old line from Devo "freedom of choice is what you've got, freedom from choice is what you want"....

it is okay to have a large bevy of beauties to choose from... if it was just Ginger or Mary Ann that would be a pretty monochromatic world.

SabuJSE · June 20th, 2008, 12:05 PM

Think of what you want in a Tele - chances are, a model close to those specs exists.

Guitar_Ninja · June 20th, 2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

Ginger or Mary Ann that would be a pretty monochromatic world.

What man would ever pick Ginger over Mary Ann???

Wardpike · June 20th, 2008, 04:06 PM

There are too many choices. But there aren't too too many, if you get my drift.

What models do we need?
Unbound body, bound body and thinline semi-holllow body
Rosewood and maple fingerboard necks. 22 or 21 frets? 7.4, 9.5 or 12" radius?
Pickup choices... etc etc...

Maybe they should condense it down to 5 or 6 models, and discontinue all Japanese, Indonesian, Squire models... and just have the 2 or 3 MIM's for the inexpensive line.

What should be the line-up???
1. AMSTD
2. Vintage Reissue (changes every year)
3. Thinline
4. Fat Tele (aka Blues set-up, HB in neck)
5. Deluxe with Wide-range tone-ruiners?
6. Nashville B-bender 3 pup model

What do you think?

Dann-O · June 20th, 2008, 04:09 PM

Well I do a lot of hard rock stuff and I find the 72 thinline reissue a great guitar for that. Has more definition than most humbucker guitars a little tele snap but can lay down some chunky chords.

I do agree with try a bunch you will find one that speaks to you.
( I was shopping for a 335 style guitar and instead fell in love with the 72 thinline reissue)

jazztele · June 20th, 2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitar_Ninja

What man would ever pick Ginger over Mary Ann???

see, the nice thing with teles, is you can have ginger AND mary ann...or any of the bradley sisters...okay, i've taken the metaphor far enough.

psycho gun · June 21st, 2008, 03:00 AM

the day I picked up my Telecaster I tried :

- Peavey Generation Vintage EX
- Fender Lite Ash
- Fender Telecaster '72 Custom
- Fender Telecaster '72 Thinline
- Squier Obey Graphic
- Fender Classic '60s
- Squier Tele Affinity
- Fender US Standard

I choose the '60s, but they are all so different.............. play, visit more than one shop, try different amps, you'll find your Telecaster.

blue metalflake · June 21st, 2008, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPLAYLOUD

I remember the old days...
"Do you want Rosewood or Maple, Sunburst or a color?"

You must come from my era!

I too find the whole range of models totally confusing - I'm just glad to have what I want. If you're starting out though, the only way to do it to get "hands on" and try them out.

Slow Reflexes · June 21st, 2008, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gav2000

...Can anyone point me to the model of Tele that (i) is good value for money, (ii) is well made and won't need parts changing and (iii) will allow me to play mainly classic rock music with the odd heavy metal song thrown in?...

NEW! Squier Classic Vibe 50's Telecaster!

dangerine49 · June 21st, 2008, 10:41 AM

First thing is to determine what your budget is. Then do a little online research about which models will fit into that price point. Don't forget to look into used models as well which could fall into your price range. Then go to a few stores and play as many of these models you can find. Don't rush it. There's a reason why there are so many models, i.e. fretboard radius, C vs. V neck profile, pickup differences, ash vs. alder, maple vs. rosewood, colors, finishes, bridge differences, etc. Your preference on some of these factors could narrow your choice selection.

Trimac20 · June 21st, 2008, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gav2000

Hi, I've just discovered this forum and have had an interesting morning reading some of the recent posts.

I started to learn the guitar about 5 months ago and, as my favourite guitar since I was in my teens was a Telecaster, I have a Tele style guitar with a burl maple top that I got off ebay. It was cheap but it works well; the neck is smooth, the frets fit well, the controls are quiet and (following a string change) it gives a nice sound. At some point I would like to reward myself with a nicer (more expensive) guitar though and a Fender Tele would be an obvious choice.

I've browsed websites and have been amazed at the number of models Fender make; Baja, Highway, American, Standard, .... How am I supposed to find my way through so many models to find one that will suit me (and my pocket)?

Can anyone point me to the model of Tele that (i) is good value for money, (ii) is well made and won't need parts changing and (iii) will allow me to play mainly classic rock music with the odd heavy metal song thrown in?

Also, are there any other manufacturers to consider who make Tele's that look like Fenders but may be better quality for the money? I have seen some Bacchus guitars on the Internet that look good but use the wrong type of 3 way pickup selector switch that just looks wrong.

Thanks for any advice you can give, I shall keep reading and practising.

Gavin.

I wish I had that problem...if I were a rightie I'd be lost too!

getbent · June 21st, 2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitar_Ninja

What man would ever pick Ginger over Mary Ann???

I used to think that too. Times change... needs change.. interests change....

America didn't get settled because enough was enough.... it is in our nature to want to try something new...

nice call on the bradley sisters... lots of curves you bet!

Gav2000 · June 23rd, 2008, 06:12 AM

Well, I went completely mad at the weekend and put down a deposit on one of the numbered 60th anniversary models.

I'm due to pick it up this weekend and pay the balance. When I found it I just had to have it. I will play it but it'll be kept in it's case rather than on a stand / leant against the amp like my current one.

I could say that at the moment I have no intention of ever buying another guitar but I know that is a lie, I can't afford to buy another one this year though!!!

Gavin.

octatonic · June 23rd, 2008, 06:21 AM

You kids, get off my lawn.

63dot · June 23rd, 2008, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gav2000

Hi, I've just discovered this forum and have had an interesting morning reading some of the recent posts.

I started to learn the guitar about 5 months ago and, as my favourite guitar since I was in my teens was a Telecaster, I have a Tele style guitar with a burl maple top that I got off ebay. It was cheap but it works well; the neck is smooth, the frets fit well, the controls are quiet and (following a string change) it gives a nice sound. At some point I would like to reward myself with a nicer (more expensive) guitar though and a Fender Tele would be an obvious choice.

I've browsed websites and have been amazed at the number of models Fender make; Baja, Highway, American, Standard, .... How am I supposed to find my way through so many models to find one that will suit me (and my pocket)?

Can anyone point me to the model of Tele that (i) is good value for money, (ii) is well made and won't need parts changing and (iii) will allow me to play mainly classic rock music with the odd heavy metal song thrown in?

Also, are there any other manufacturers to consider who make Tele's that look like Fenders but may be better quality for th

June 20th, 2008, 05:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Gav2000 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northampton, UK Posts: 11	Fender - Too many Different Tele Models ! Hi, I've just discovered this forum and have had an interesting morning reading some of the recent posts. I started to learn the guitar about 5 months ago and, as my favourite guitar since I was in my teens was a Telecaster, I have a Tele style guitar with a burl maple top that I got off ebay. It was cheap but it works well; the neck is smooth, the frets fit well, the controls are quiet and (following a string change) it gives a nice sound. At some point I would like to reward myself with a nicer (more expensive) guitar though and a Fender Tele would be an obvious choice. I've browsed websites and have been amazed at the number of models Fender make; Baja, Highway, American, Standard, .... How am I supposed to find my way through so many models to find one that will suit me (and my pocket)? Can anyone point me to the model of Tele that (i) is good value for money, (ii) is well made and won't need parts changing and (iii) will allow me to play mainly classic rock music with the odd heavy metal song thrown in? Also, are there any other manufacturers to consider who make Tele's that look like Fenders but may be better quality for the money? I have seen some Bacchus guitars on the Internet that look good but use the wrong type of 3 way pickup selector switch that just looks wrong. Thanks for any advice you can give, I shall keep reading and practising. Gavin.

June 20th, 2008, 06:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tele Fan Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Louisville, Ky Age: 29 Posts: 1,330	Hi Gavin, my suggestion would be to go to local music stores and try out every tele that strikes your fancy. It takes a while to figure out what your going to dig so just try everything you can. Also you can check out Youtube for video demos of guitars. Congrats on the new guitar and welcome! __________________ Life is better when you just make it up as you go along.

June 20th, 2008, 07:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dacious Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Godzone Posts: 2,611 35 Photos	At this stage of your playing you probably have a good instrument. For what you want a Tele Custom with a neck humbucker or Tele Custom with two humbuckers would be good. There are versions made in Mexico and Japan which are all good in their own way, as well as other brand takes on them. Fender markets a line of Squires made in Korea like the Custom P90 my bandmate plays and it gets some good variable tones, even if not quite traditional Tele. Really though, the only one who can choose for you, is you. Play as many as you can through as many amps as you can. Even Teles which look the same can sound quite different. __________________ My other Telecaster is a Thinline The Tele Bible, Ch 1, v 10 Love thy Telecaster, covet not thy neighbour's Strat!

June 20th, 2008, 08:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
cknowles Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada Age: 45 Posts: 120	Selecting the right guitar is the same as choosing a girlfriend, what's perfect for me may not be ideal for you. +1 on the advice you've already gotten, go to music stores and find the Tele that sings to you. You won't be sorry. __________________ My cutting off tools are much better than my putting back on tools

June 20th, 2008, 09:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
surfoverb Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,767	How can there be too many of a good thing? It's like some existential kid in a candy store crying at all the choices. I wish Fender came out with a Guitar Of The Week like Gibson, but instead a 'Tele of the Week' and introduce 52 new models. __________________ "You released the ****** fury!"*

June 20th, 2008, 09:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
purpletele Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Morgantown,WV Posts: 657 10 Photos	As has already been stated, just go and play as many as you can. There will likely be one or two real stand-outs. But don't get hung up on the finality of the purchase, there WILL be more...lots more.

June 20th, 2008, 09:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
superbadj Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: roanoke, va Age: 34 Posts: 353	Play as many as you can, but plenty of the models made in Mexico are really good, at really affordable prices. I have an mid-80's Made In Japan '62 Tele custom, and a new mexican-made '72 Tele Custom (neck 'bucker, bridge single coil). Both are really cool for different reasons. Every tele has a place, a sound, a use. Just depends on whether that particular tele is the right fit for you. And you'll only know that by playing a bunch of 'em. Just make sure you use an amp like yours at home, so you can see how they'll sound through YOUR amp. That's a gigantic part of the tone/sound that people forget about.

June 20th, 2008, 09:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
IPLAYLOUD Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Posts: 391 1 Photos	I remember the old days... "Do you want Rosewood or Maple, Sunburst or a color?" Same with a Strat, but add "Trem or no trem?" (Though that was usually not asked...it was assumed you wanted the bar!). __________________ I play an Esquire because I can only afford ONE pickup.

June 20th, 2008, 10:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 9,143 37 Photos	too many models? hang out for awhile.... you'll end up posting 'why doesn't fender make what I want?' think of the old line from Devo "freedom of choice is what you've got, freedom from choice is what you want".... it is okay to have a large bevy of beauties to choose from... if it was just Ginger or Mary Ann that would be a pretty monochromatic world. __________________ Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length.

June 20th, 2008, 12:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
SabuJSE Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Massachusetts Age: 42 Posts: 299	Think of what you want in a Tele - chances are, a model close to those specs exists. __________________ Fender 2007 Custom Shop Custom Classic Telecaster \| Gibson 2004 Les Paul Standard Gibson 2005 SG Std / Fender 2004 AmDlx Ash Strat \| Mesa '05 Lonestar Special Gibson 2006 CJ-165 Maple \| Martin 2004 DC Aura "Playing is not practice. Practice is taking something you can't do, and trying it until you can." - Ben Harper

June 20th, 2008, 04:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
Wardpike Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland Age: 43 Posts: 591	There are too many choices. But there aren't too too many, if you get my drift. What models do we need? Unbound body, bound body and thinline semi-holllow body Rosewood and maple fingerboard necks. 22 or 21 frets? 7.4, 9.5 or 12" radius? Pickup choices... etc etc... Maybe they should condense it down to 5 or 6 models, and discontinue all Japanese, Indonesian, Squire models... and just have the 2 or 3 MIM's for the inexpensive line. What should be the line-up??? 1. AMSTD 2. Vintage Reissue (changes every year) 3. Thinline 4. Fat Tele (aka Blues set-up, HB in neck) 5. Deluxe with Wide-range tone-ruiners? 6. Nashville B-bender 3 pup model What do you think? __________________ Proverbs 3:6 Matthew 5:44

June 20th, 2008, 04:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
Dann-O TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Erie PA Posts: 41	Well I do a lot of hard rock stuff and I find the 72 thinline reissue a great guitar for that. Has more definition than most humbucker guitars a little tele snap but can lay down some chunky chords. I do agree with try a bunch you will find one that speaks to you. ( I was shopping for a 335 style guitar and instead fell in love with the 72 thinline reissue)

June 21st, 2008, 03:00 AM	#16 (permalink)
psycho gun TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Caen (France) Age: 35 Posts: 65 3 Photos	the day I picked up my Telecaster I tried : - Peavey Generation Vintage EX - Fender Lite Ash - Fender Telecaster '72 Custom - Fender Telecaster '72 Thinline - Squier Obey Graphic - Fender Classic '60s - Squier Tele Affinity - Fender US Standard I choose the '60s, but they are all so different.............. play, visit more than one shop, try different amps, you'll find your Telecaster. __________________ "What is your guitar ? - A Telecaster..." http://www.myspace.com/psychogun

June 21st, 2008, 10:41 AM	#19 (permalink)
dangerine49 Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 344	First thing is to determine what your budget is. Then do a little online research about which models will fit into that price point. Don't forget to look into used models as well which could fall into your price range. Then go to a few stores and play as many of these models you can find. Don't rush it. There's a reason why there are so many models, i.e. fretboard radius, C vs. V neck profile, pickup differences, ash vs. alder, maple vs. rosewood, colors, finishes, bridge differences, etc. Your preference on some of these factors could narrow your choice selection.

June 23rd, 2008, 06:12 AM	#22 (permalink)
Gav2000 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northampton, UK Posts: 11	Well, I went completely mad at the weekend and put down a deposit on one of the numbered 60th anniversary models. I'm due to pick it up this weekend and pay the balance. When I found it I just had to have it. I will play it but it'll be kept in it's case rather than on a stand / leant against the amp like my current one. I could say that at the moment I have no intention of ever buying another guitar but I know that is a lie, I can't afford to buy another one this year though!!! Gavin.

June 23rd, 2008, 06:21 AM	#23 (permalink)
octatonic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: An Australian in London. Posts: 1,443	You kids, get off my lawn. __________________ “Music is perpetual, and only the hearing is intermittent.” - Henry David Thoreau.