Looking For Recommendations

[FRETCOM]

As someone else suggested, I would at least consider a G&L ASAT Classic model. I received a Bluesboy custom shop model that was in mint condition in a straight trade for my ‘00 Gibson SG Classic w/P90s. I am still floored by the fit, finish, and quality of the G&L…especially their attention to detail on their fretwork.

 

[ronzhd]

Take a look at a Kirn. Ron is sometimes active on here as well. Awesome guitars and the bang for your buck goes a very long way. Plus you can get some really good deals on Reverb if you don't have him build you a custom guitar.

 

[gaddis]

I want to acquire a Telecaster, but I have seen a lot of opinions flying around about this version or that version is crap and so on. So here's what I want, maybe I can solicit some up to date recommendations. I want a high quality one (no Squires or other brands, unless high-end. I prefer USA Fender but may be open to suggestions), I want a rosewood fretboard, three brass saddles, I do not particularly want a new one but will consider it, I want single coil pickups, I want the traditional body style (no belly cut), and standard switch & knobs. Have I narrowed it down too much or too little? I didn't come to argue, but am honestly looking for suggestions, or offers if you happen to have one you want to sell.

It sounds like you want an American-made reissue based on the early 60’s. I don’t know what Fender’s current offerings are, but this is what I’d recommend. My own partscaster fits this description and it’s the best Tele I’ve played.

 

[dough]

I own and love a Pro 2, however they don't come with standard switching if that's a requirement. If you're looking for a traditional tele with a dark board, I'd look at the many flavors of 60s reissue teles available new and used and, depending what you mean by "high end", consider the custom shop as well.

 

[43mmNut]

I have Fender Pro2 & AV2's Tele's see Avatar) and I love them.
I'd suggest doing your home work, and you'll find a Tele with the right specs and price, used or new.
Good Luck and have fun, shopping!

 

[JBurton]

My suggestion is the American Performer, new or used.

 

[AKBluesDude]

Glendale, Fraser (UK), or Danocaster if your looking high end. Have it built like you want.

Guitars

glendaleguitars.com

Vintage Classic T-Style

While a traditional Closet Classic has essentially been hidden in a case for the best part of its life and generally abandoned, the Fraser Vintage Classic is a guitar you will not want to keep in a case for long. As with all Frasers, our Vintage Classic guitars are made to be played, not...

fraserguitars.co.uk

Single Cut Guitars | Danocaster Guitars

View our collection of custom-made "vintage" single cut guitars, handcrafted in-house for vintage enthusiasts like you.

danocaster.com

 

[OkieGuitar101]

I acquired a 80s Tokai Breezysound some years ago,

 

[OkieGuitar101]

I acquired a 80s Tokai Breezysound some years ago,

Been hard to find a Fender I like better

 

[robinrockus]

I want to acquire a Telecaster, but I have seen a lot of opinions flying around about this version or that version is crap and so on. So here's what I want, maybe I can solicit some up to date recommendations. I want a high quality one (no Squires or other brands, unless high-end. I prefer USA Fender but may be open to suggestions), I want a rosewood fretboard, three brass saddles, I do not particularly want a new one but will consider it, I want single coil pickups, I want the traditional body style (no belly cut), and standard switch & knobs. Have I narrowed it down too much or too little? I didn't come to argue, but am honestly looking for suggestions, or offers if you happen to have one you want to sell.

Hmm, it’s a crapshoot with some exceptions (in my experience). I’ve had crappy American made ones, and good Korean versions. I have a Godin TriplePlay Tele style that I love, but I had to replace the neck humbucker with a Seymour Duncan. I built one that I’ve changed more than once. Go to a music store and try different ones, using an amp similar to what you have. Telecaster style guitars come in a myriad of setups. Good luck.

 

[CVS54]

I have a 58 Reissue Tele. Have had it for 10 years. The only thing I changed out years ago were the saddles (now have brass). The guitar sounds great in all 3 positions - just like a classic Tele...

 

[Lankytwang]

Go to a large-ish guitar shop and play as many as you can. Your desired specs are featured in many Teles except many Teles have a 6-saddle bridge which can easily be swapped over to a 3-saddle bridge….I’ve done this bridge plate & saddle swap about a dozen times

Playing as many as you can is good advice. If possible take your amp with you ,That way you`ll know exactly what you are getting

 

[The Lisbon Plane]

If you want high end, then why not a Fender Custom Shop Telecaster. Many are based on a historic year of manufacture, so you will want one that is a 1959 or 196x as they will usually have a rosewood fretboard. They will probably not have brass saddles, but they will be very easy to change over in a matter of minutes from the steel ones.

There will be lots of variety on the used market for those.

Do you have any other preferences such as neck shape, fretboard radius, finish color etc?

I can't believe anyone would suggest a CS as they are way overpriced for what they are giving you unless you think it's worth 2500. to "age" your guitar...

 

[sk8g0at]

You could just buy the exact parts you want and screw them all together yourself. Nice thing about a Tele, it’s pretty modular.

 

[TheIdiot]

IMHO I would look at the Vintera series Telecasters. They play and sound great. Can be purchased used for a good price.

 

[gaddis]

(deleted post)

 

[gaddis]

You could just buy the exact parts you want and screw them all together yourself. Nice thing about a Tele, it’s pretty modular.

This is essentially what I did and I love the result, but this approach is not for everybody.

 

[cousinpaul]

The neck and frets are a big deal for me. In general, a 7.25" radius is great for chordal work while a 12" radius may be easier for bending or shredding. A lot of players like Fender's 9.5 radius for the best of both. The back of the neck contour has a lot to do the player's comfort. Some like a thicker carve while for others the more common C shape works fine. There are also exceptions like compound radius. I agree with playing as many guitars as possible before making your move. One man's opinion...

 

[Stratocast]

I want to acquire a Telecaster, but I have seen a lot of opinions flying around about this version or that version is crap and so on. So here's what I want, maybe I can solicit some up to date recommendations. I want a high quality one (no Squires or other brands, unless high-end. I prefer USA Fender but may be open to suggestions), I want a rosewood fretboard, three brass saddles, I do not particularly want a new one but will consider it, I want single coil pickups, I want the traditional body style (no belly cut), and standard switch & knobs. Have I narrowed it down too much or too little? I didn't come to argue, but am honestly looking for suggestions, or offers if you happen to have one you want to sell.

I have 3 USA Made Fendes that have sat in their cases since I purchased them brand new years ago. One is a 2011 3 tone Tele. Another is a sienna burst Strat HSS. AND the third is a 60th anniversary Strat purchased in 2014. With all gold plated hardware. An SSS.

My point is American or Foreign. When they are in their cases unplayed and never see the light of day.

THEY ARE ALL EQUAL.

 

[Matthias]

I been playing the Fender American Performers and Professionals since 2020. I believe those will give you the best bang for the buck. Those 2 have traditional bodies with no belly cut, 3 brass saddles, great sounding pickups that are slightly hotter than vintage but not high gain by any means. The Pro and Performer have slightly larger frets than the Vintage Fender models, which have smaller frets and IMO don't play as smoothly as the Performer and Professional.

The Fender Ultra models have a belly cut, stainless frets and "noiseless" pickups, which I don't like the sound of. The Performer and Pro have either maple or real rosewood fretboards with rounded fingerboard edges and IMO the necks are really fast. My Performer came with a humbucker in the neck position, however Fender makes that model with 2 single coils also.

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I’ve really liked all the Performer parts I’ve had. The Tele neck I had (bought boxed and new) was improved by a little fret work and some Montypresso to make the rosewood a little richer. But overall they’ve had me GASsing for a factory-assembled one. I don’t really see them as a cheaper option, just a different spec.