Hi Guys... as far as problems go, this is a great problem to have but never-the-less frustrating! I really want to step up from my Squier Standard Tele and buy a Fender Tele, preferably American but Mexican is not ruled out, but with so many models to choose from it's difficult to make a final decision. I know that I really want a Telecaster, I also know that I want to get as close to vintage as possible, preferably 50s, but I would be heading for a divorce if I spend a small fortune on a genuine, vintage Telecaster. So, I have been looking through all the different current models that sell for under $2000 and I've found two that appear to fit most of my wishes... an American Special Telecaster with a maple neck and Alder body, in a nice vintage blond for $1785, and a Classic Series 50s Telecaster with a maple neck and Ash body, in white blond for $1569... and I just want to ask you guys which one of these two would you choose and why? I know at the end of the day it comes down to personal choice, etc. but it would help me to decide if I could get some feedback on these two models... or any other Tele that you might recommend... cheers, Hansi
TO DO IS TO BE - Nietzsche TO BE IS TO DO - Kant DO BE DO BE DO - Sinatra
Comments
Obvs the colour is still very important though.
What I actually settled on (strat wise) was an 80s Japanese strat which I preferred to any of the mexican or american stuff I tried and is as close as I could get cost wise to a vintage guitar so might want to consider those. Tele wise the MIJ classic 62 tele is a lovely guitar and used you would pay roughly what you would new for the classic 60s type stuff.
I personally would go for the American Special though I may be slightly biased as I own one. I tried a few on the day I bought it though and it instantly felt right.
I'd definitely suggest going to a shop and trying a few out in your price range.
You might love the classic and hate the special. You might even prefer your Squier to any you play that day.
Do you use and enjoy both pickups? If so, you're probably sticking with the traditional 2 single coils.
I'm guessing you are probably just after a bit more refinement in terms of feel and sound and Fender on the headstock - no shame in that!
What's the 2nd hand market like in Australia?
If you don't like the idea of tall frets though you should stay away from the Special. It has extra jumbo frets which are massive. Width and height wise. I've heard them called railroad tracks before.
The classic 50s is the most vintage accurate of the teles you're looking at. The Special and Professional are both modernised takes on them really whilst still keeping the vintage looks.
Yes DannyP, a bit more refinement and definitely Fender on the headstock! The Squier Standard is actually a very nice guitar, no real shortcomings, I've just always dreamed of owning a Fender, the Squier is the first step towards that and I feel that it's time now to take the next step... The 2nd hand market in Australia is pretty good but the few telecasters on offer in WA are way too expensive, almost full price, so I may as well invest in a new one... if I can first decide on the model and then, more importantly, find one!
Be aware that the bridge pickup is junk, if the (2016) one I played a couple of weeks ago is typical of the current production. Not a big deal to change though - and the US ones are no better until you get to American Reissue at least.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/57632/
Also, enjoy!