Best Tele under $500 - Noob Question

[go49ners]

Ok, so hear me out. I don't own a Telecaster... yet. I have a Strat and an LP copy. I need a Tele! I'm leaning towards a MIM Standard because it falls into my sub-$500 category, but I want to make sure I can get the best bang-for-buck with my purchase. I'm open to buying used (I prefer it in most cases), and I really just want the traditional features - nothing too fancy.

I prefer necks that have a maple fretboard, C-shape, and 9.5" radius. In an ideal world it would be great to have one that doesn't have the thick poly finish on the body, but that REALLY starts to limit my choices at this price range to basically a Highway 1 and Road Worn series, am I right?

I'm one of the few who actually REALLY like the Road Worn Teles, but I really don't like the 7.5" neck radius. Why oh why don't they make a butterscotch Road Worn with the modern radius... I would be all over it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gearhead1972]

I got my 60th anniversary MIM FSR tele brand new yet in early 2012 for under $500 try to find an FSR mine is one of my best playing guitars.

 

[whiteop]

I know you are going to think I'm crazy when I say this but I think the current MIMs are crap. I actually think the Squier models are better build and quality. I bought a Squier Tele Affinity a few years ago and it's a great guitar. Stays in perfect tune, plays great, and sounds better than any MIM I ever played after I dropped in some new Dimarzio Area T's, a new toggle switch, and put in Graphtech saddles. Actually better than the Nashville and any other Tele unil you hit the MIA Deluxes IMHO of course.

Almost forgot:
Affinity Tele - $179
Dimarzio pickups - about $150
Gaphtech saddles - $55
Switch - $12

 

[go49ners]

I know you are going to think I'm crazy when I say this but I think the current MIMs are crap. I actually think the Squier models are better build and quality. I bought a Squier Tele Affinity a few years ago and it's a great guitar. Stays in perfect tune, plays great, and sounds better than any MIM I ever played after I dropped in some new Dimarzio Area T's, a new toggle switch, and put in graphtech saddles. Actually better than the Nashville and any other Tele unil you hit the MIA Deluxes IMHO of course.

You're crazy! haha, sorry I had to. I hear you, but I actually really like the MIM these days. Like any guitar, they can be hit or miss, but if you find a good one I think they can be great! Especially with a pup swap. I've just never played a Squier that wasn't a Classic Vibe that felt like a quality guitar...

 

[whiteop]

You're crazy! haha, sorry I had to. I hear you, but I actually really like the MIM these days. Like any guitar, they can be hit or miss, but if you find a good one I think they can be great! Especially with a pup swap. I've just never played a Squier that wasn't a Classic Vibe that felt like a quality guitar...

Guess I found a good one. It's on par with my Gibson LP and MIA Strat on a tone basis. Been playing for 38 years...

 

[teleforumnoob]

I found no stock new off the shelf Teles I was really happy with for less than around a grand, so I did a partscaster for a little under $500. All secondary market parts. I coulda probably just upgraded a Squire for less, but probably not by the time I changed the neck out.

I'll probably never buy a higher end Telecaster. They are so easy to put together yourself and get something unique and personal. Strats are pretty much the same way. But that's just me. Jazzmasters and Jags are a little more complicated if you want the traditional trem and wiring, and most likely more than Id want to attempt given my current level of skill. Plus parts are less common and a little more expensive.
So if I wanted that Id probably just buy the real thing.

 

[gwjensen]

Tons of used MIMs well under $500 in GC's used gear and you get the 30-day return policy.

 

[superbadj]

Tele's I've bought for under $500:

MIJ TL72-80....$295 used
MIJ TL52 (blonde)....$350 used with gig bag
MIJ TL62 (sunburst)....$425 used with 70's USA fender case
MIM 72 Custom Reissue....$380 used with case
Squier Tele Custom II....$185 brand new

GIve me to about $550, and I can include:
Esquire build: MJT body, Fender Classic 50's neck, Fralin stock pickup, Callaham hardware throughout

I have two other teles I paid a little bit more for, a custom MJT Esquire (w/binding) build, and another TL52 featuring a pretty awesome amber finish.

I've never paid close to $1000 for a tele. I just cannot fathom doing that given the quality of the guitars I have at these prices.

Tip: buy used, not new. Do that, and you have a lot of options.

 

[editorjuno]

Ok, so hear me out. I don't own a Telecaster... yet. I have a Strat and an LP copy. I need a Tele! I'm leaning towards a MIM Standard because it falls into my sub-$500 category, but I want to make sure I can get the best bang-for-buck with my purchase. I'm open to buying used (I prefer it in most cases), and I really just want the traditional features - nothing too fancy.

I prefer necks that have a maple fretboard, C-shape, and 9.5" radius. In an ideal world it would be great to have one that doesn't have the thick poly finish on the body, but that REALLY starts to limit my choices at this price range to basically a Highway 1 and Road Worn series, am I right?

I'm one of the few who actually REALLY like the Road Worn Teles, but I really don't like the 7.5" neck radius. Why oh why don't they make a butterscotch Road Worn with the modern radius... I would be all over it.

Thanks in advance.

Try one of the Asian-made "Tribute" G&L ASAT Classics. They're often offered at less than $500 new and you can often find a good used one around the $300 mark. All the aftermarket Tele upgrades (other than a neck swap) will fit and IMO you'll be starting out with a better all-round foundation than a typical MIM or Squier Tele at a similar price point.

 

[superfuzz03]

For my first tele, I scoured Ebay until I found what I was looking for at a decent price. I scored an '06 MIM Standard for $280. Figured if I didn't like it I could re-list it and get my money back pretty easily. Luckily, I got a good one on the first try.

 

[scriptor]

I got my 60th anniversary MIM FSR tele brand new yet in early 2012 for under $500 try to find an FSR mine is one of my best playing guitars.

Very happy MIM Deluxe Blackout Tele owner here ... plays great, sounds great, and has become my most played electric ... I am going to buy another MIM Tele soon; a Blacktop with humbuckers ... check 'em out w/o prejudice and go with what feels/sounds good to you ... BTW, both the Blacktop and Blackout have the C shape neck ... great feel ...

 

[Fresh]

Under $500 the MIM is the way to go, I would look at CL EBay and local pawn shops. you will be happy and if you go the used route you will never lose $$

 

[go49ners]

I will most likely go MIM at this point... I might even grab a Road Worn...

 

[dented]

I have two MIM's.

2005 MIM 50's Classic Blond Tele no case 320.00
2008 MIM Standard FSR Natural with HS case 280.00

Bought both on Cl with not one mark on either one. Both wonderful to play.

 

[xtrajerry]

Road Worn 50's are hard to come buy used. When they do show up they usually go north of $600. Don't be put off by the vintage radius, the tall 6105 frets make the neck very playable. Any used classic series should be right around the top end of your price range.

MIM standards can be had for about $275.. Guitar Centers used gear often has a few at that price. Keep in mind GCs prices on used gear are very dynamic. They are priced to sell in the stores where they are located. Used gear in upscale areas usually are in better shape and sell for less. Guessing people with money prefer to buy new so used gear doesn't move as fast in these stores. 30 day no questions asked returns eliminate most of the risk of buying used.

 

[Burlington Dave]

Look at the MIM FSRs. They are wonderfully built, come in a wide variety of configurations, and are often eventually on sale. My brand new MIM FSR Copperburst Tele was on sale at $399 in October of 2011. GC and other retailers have FSR runs of guitars that aren't readily available through Fender's regular lines, so keep your eyes open for one that grabs you.

Here's a couple: THere's several more at the $600 point.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-FSR-Standard-Ash-Telecaster-Electric-Guitar-H72859-i1858007.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Stor...-3TSB-MIM--226-04-09-13-108777666-i3077142.gc

 

[Bigsnaketex]

Modern Player Tele Plus - best guitar under $500 period. (I like the honey-burst one!)

 

[sir humphrey]

Classic vibes get a lot of love on here - and quite rightly. That would be my recommendation.

 

[Magic Bus]

I know you are going to think I'm crazy when I say this but I think the current MIMs are crap.

I agree with you, but then my Baja, which I love, is one of the rare MIA examples

 

[dogfootblues]

Fender FSR Standard Tele

You like butterscotch blonde and a maple neck with 9,5 radius for under $500? Go to Musicians Friend or Guitar Center and check out the MIM Standard FSR Ash Tele.........,,Thats what ur lookin for