2012 Tele

[blackstrat]

So, I got my first Tele 2-3 months ago...Traded a 2010 USA Strat for a 2011 USA Maple neck Tele with an ash body.

Last week I sold the guitar because I just prefer rosewood fingerboards. And getting a 2012 had an added plus ..... It had a "Belly Cut / Contoured back". Coming off playing Strats for years it kinda felt more at home to me.

I didn't even think about this until I made a post about the guitar on my Facebook page. My buddy who is a diehard Tele guy replied "That is the reason I hate the 2012 Telecaster!" (Belly Cut)

So, I was just curious for you guys that grew up playing Telecasters, is this something that is a big change for you guys? I believe there have been a few models down the line that have had this contoured back, but I wondered like my buddy Danny, how many of you will probably not consider a 2012 Tele because of the contouring?

Here is my new baby!

[joaopazguitar]

I'm curious about the outcome (I have a countoured Tele as well) but right away there's an awsome beauty you have there!

[Controller]

If it works for you, that's great.

I don't play strats because the contour makes it sit funny on my body and puts my hand at an uncomfortable angle. I would avoid the 2012 Tele for the same reason.

But for you, you have a beautiful guitar, enjoy!

[BackNtheSaddle]

Every opinion you'd ever want to read on this subject can be found here.

Brace yourself!

[tele-bastard]

I just kind of adapt to it I guess.

[esetter]

Nice looking tele! I prefer the belly cut.

[boris bubbanov]

The Belly Cut is not in the top ten reasons why I'm done buying this American Standard model.

I've got maybe a half dozen T styles with belly cuts and sometimes belly cuts AND forearm contour. I'd rather not have it but it can be gotten used to, for me at least.

Cool color scheme, congrats!

[stnmtthw]

Thats purty. I am one of maybe three people on this forum that don't care about the belly cuts one way or another,.

[spikypaddy]

I don't understand this whole belly cut debate. I played Strats for years before buying a Tele and found no comfort issues between the two guitars... The only real difference between them, for me, is the neck shape. Never really understood how Strat players can claim to find Teles so uncomfortable.

[Tele Fan]

I prefer not to have the belly cut, but I also prefer vintage neck shapes so the AmStd's don't have a lot a appeal for me in the first place.

[jjpish68]

I have 2 Strats and 2 Teles. Strats have contour cuts and Teles don't by original design. I like them both for what they are and would not want a hybrid of the two. That's just me though nothing wrong with it if someone else likes it I just would not purchase one.

[Clinchriver]

I'll put one one my first build, round off the lower left bout also.

[blackstrat]

Originally Posted by BackNtheSaddle

Every opinion you'd ever want to read on this subject can be found here.

Brace yourself!

Wow....it's like screwing with the Holy Grail! LOL!

Funny guy on the other set of posts said... "I guess there is an obesity crisis!" … funny... I have a gut that’s probably why I like the contour!

[Darkbeer]

I happen to really like mine.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by jjpish68

I have 2 Strats and 2 Teles. Strats have contour cuts and Teles don't by original design. I like them both for what they are and would not want a hybrid of the two. That's just me though nothing wrong with it if someone else likes it I just would not purchase one.

Great answer. I love my Strats, but getting a Tele the last thing I wanted was for it to be like a Strat. Love the thick slab body (just got my first, a Road Worn MIM, incredibly cool instrument and great bargain). Just wouldn't want to mix the features of the two myself, I like the differences.

But for those who want it, why not? Glad Fender is popular enough to be able to offer a variety (and then of course there's custom builds). To each their own!

[caliban335]

A contour isn't going to change the tone of the guitar, so if you're happy with it it's all good. That's a really nice looking guitar. It reminds me of a Nashville Tele I once had, but the shade of CAR was a little darker.

Congratulations on your new guitar.

[glen smith]

That's a real beauty!

[daniel o]

awesome color combo! nice guitar!

[hemingway]

Not bothered either way. Yesterday I was playing with a friend of mine, and we were swapping guitars around for a few hours. I played a Steinberger, a tele, a telemaster, and one of those pointy BC Rich things - all very different body shapes, all comfy in their own ways.

Guitar players are an oddly conservative bunch.

[Torz Johnson]

I guess purists will have a problem with a belly cut, but that is one nice Tele regardless. I don't think it would stop me from getting one, especially a sweet looking one like that. Play it and enjoy it.