New tele player and I dont know what one to get

[danloves59]

I would like a telecaster I have never had one and now I own A Gibson Les Paul what would be a good tele in the 400-1000$ range for a new tele player I like dirty blues and clean blues. I also play rock n roll

[bigjed]

ok peeps the dude's said between $400 and $1000. No one need mention a Squier CV series.

[danloves59]

No Squires please

[StratBluesRock]

American Special.

[danloves59]

Btw For looks sake I like Butterscotch, Olympic White with a white pickgaurd. Blonde

[danloves59]

Originally Posted by StratBluesRock

American Special.

Well I looked it up and it looks pretty sweet

[Seasicksailor]

Five posts in and no mention of the Baja? :-P

By the way... great thread title. Very informative! ;-)

[fugitivestrat]

+1 on the Baja

[danloves59]

Originally Posted by Seasicksailor

Five posts in and no mention of the Baja? :-P

By the way... great thread title. Very informative! ;-)

How do I change the name

[Seasicksailor]

Originally Posted by danloves59

How do I change the name

I was kidding... there's no need. Besides, many people will be curious enough to open it (like I did).

Did you check out the Baja? I think you would like it (at least visually) based on your description. Ironically enough, I've never played one myself. But I have been doing 'research' for more than a week now and it appears to me like a good candidate.

There are a lot of reviews on it here. Just put 'Baja' in the search option and read away! Good luck!

[Marcus T]

If you can squeeze $1400 outta that budget, the sky is the limit. But really, go American and you can't go wrong. Find one, play it, like it, love it.

[danloves59]

Im probably gonna sell some stuff does anybody know how the road worn 50s is?

[Seasicksailor]

Ok... here's my impression of the Baja without ever having even come close to one. This is purely from filling my head with reviews from all kinds of sources.
This should be fun! :-)

- Traditionally beautiful looking (you just need a photo for that and beauty is NOT in the eye of the beholder... it's in my eye... that's it!). In terms of looks, it is very close to a 50s proper replica... in my mind anyway.
- The poly finish is not the nicest, but there are ways to make it work (e.g. sanding the neck).
- Nice thick neck but not too thick (soft V shape)... very playable. Same verdict on the frets.
- Good pick ups. Some thought they would need to change them but eventually did not. Apparently, they are very good for clean and overdriven sound.
- Probably pairs nicely with an AC15c1
- Some extra sounds due to the electonics. Some like them, some do not. However, they are not intrusive or compulsory in any sense and a quick mod can turn it into a straight setting.
- Some fluctuation in weight (ranging from around 7lbs to around 9lbs).
- A bit of a luck of the draw when getting one. Most people seem very happy with them straight from the box but a few have provided minor horror stories.

That's all I can think of for now... how did I do guys? :-)

[BackNtheSaddle]

Step 1. Find a(nother) local store.
Step 2. Go to store.
Step 3. Find the guitar department..
Step 4. Go to guitar department.
Step 5. Play every Telecaster they have in stock.
Step 6. Go to Step 1.

At some point in the process, you will find the guitar that is right for you! Note: this process can take some time. Be patient. You have the $$$ to get a great Tele. Keep it in your pocket, until you find "the one".

I would suggest, with no disrespect to anyone, that your minimum should be an American Standard. That will put you at the top of your price range. Make sure that you audition the AVRI52's and 52HR's - even though they are slightly over your range.

As you play, pay attention to things like: fret size, neck radius, neck shape, pup's and overall build quality. Everything else is lipstick and mascara. Of course, color is an emotional quality. If you find that you have to have, say a blue one.... then go play all the blue ones you can find.

But, keep in mind, some characteristics (fret size, neck radius, neck shape, pups, etc.) that you want/don't want are not available on every model.

Play 'em all. One will choose you!

[ataylor8287]

Since it's in your budget, I say go for an American Standard. I get all the sounds you mentioned out of mine...and then a ton more.

But go play a bunch. There are a ton of variations in that price range.

[frogger]

Try and find a Highway I Texas Special. Awesome Tele for the bucks. Also +2 for the Baja.

[oramac7891]

Go to a Guitar store and play everything that is in your budget, the right one will pick you. Also try to find which options you like, such a bridge type, neck type, etc. Also, maybe look outside of Fender and see if any custom builders out there suit your preferences.

Basically I am saying, enjoy the hunt and play many guitars to find which one makes you happy!

[Lunchie]

I would try and find a nice used mij.

[soulman969]

Originally Posted by bigjed

ok peeps the dude's said between $400 and $1000. No one need mention a Squier CV series.

Squier J5 Tele = $399.99

[Lunchie]

Originally Posted by soulman969

Squier J5 Tele = $399.99

Big John 5 fan here and always wanted a J5 but no one ever caries them where I live.