In the market for a Tele - which one??

[johnnyc]

Don't care much for the american standard. The hotrod tele is pretty cool though. Any other models to check out? $1000-1200 on the used market target price range.

[Ron Vogel]

Originally Posted by johnnyc

Don't care much for the american standard. The hotrod tele is pretty cool though. Any other models to check out? $1000-1200 on the used market target price range.

AM Standard is actually pretty great if you find the right one. As with any mass produced guitar, it pays to try out several examples.

[andyfreeman]

I highly recommend the G&L ASAT Classic. It's a little hotter than most USA Tele's I've played, so it's toward the gutsier side of the spectrum.

The one I've had for 5 years gets used on every session. I traded an American Tele for it and haven't regretted it.

-A

[DrSax]

I just got a 52 reissue in butterscotch blonde that sounds sweet...

Also just pm'ed you... I have extra 52 reissue for sale

[popmann]

Find one that plays well...put nicer PUs in it. Simple as that. I have an alder/maple AmStd I love with a Fralin Blues Special bridge and Dimarzio Twang King in the neck. Love it. But, ash body would likely be what I'd do if I bought again. I just ran into this one some years ago at a used shop...it just had the MOJO...

The 52 is consistently my fave "off the shelf"...but, for perspective, I put this one up against the 52 in he same store...and it was easily better sounding and playing. Who knows...bad 52? Magic AmStd?

[johnnyc]

Originally Posted by Ron Vogel

AM Standard is actually pretty great if you find the right one. As with any mass produced guitar, it pays to try out several examples.

Trying out a bunch certainly helps. My problem with the american standard was I never liked the feel of the maple necks, it's the finish they use on them I guess.

[JR11]

You really have to take the time and play a bunch. I walked in expecting to a buy a tele w/ a rosewood neck. Played a bunch with a wide range of results. Some wouldn't stay in tune. Others had sticky finish work on the neck. Finally walked out with a AM Standard with a maple neck that was butter. The good ones do exist.

[John1982]

+1 for the '52

[Yummerz]

If you're in the market for a Tele, you may want to speak with a Tele-marketer.

[doorknocker]

Originally Posted by johnnyc

Don't care much for the american standard. The hotrod tele is pretty cool though. Any other models to check out? $1000-1200 on the used market target price range.

I'm very happy with my Fender Japan 50s Telecaster that I got from e-bay for about $400. Changing the PUs to Seymour Duncan Antiquities and putting in vintage brass saddles made a big difference as well.

This has been my main guitar for almost 10 years and I like it better than any new USA-made Tele I played. Of course, every guitar is different.....

Some real vintage (and probably some great Custom Shop-reissues) have that deep resonance and a sound that you can't get with any other guitar. While my Japan Tele certainly is very resonant it definitely is more 'neutral' sounding. But actually I found this to be an advantage of sorts because I use the Tele for a wide variety of styles and sounds.

The problem though with a lot of newer Teles (and Strats) is that they are dead (rather than more neutral) sounding and this is very uninspiring for a player.

[stinkyfingers]

i have a custom made Wayne T-2 and it is amazing...highly recommended...

[BLUElightCory]

Originally Posted by Yummerz

If you're in the market for a Tele, you may want to speak with a Tele-marketer.

[feck]

Just got an American Deluxe ash Tele....amazing guitar.

[johnnyc]

Originally Posted by stinkyfingers

i have a custom made Wayne T-2 and it is amazing...highly recommended...

What is the pricing on them? Not much info on the website.

[Draytone]

Don't underestimate a good setup on any production guitar. Most on the sales floor play like dirt until a good setup.

[Steamy Williams]

Originally Posted by andyfreeman

I highly recommend the G&L ASAT Classic. It's a little hotter than most USA Tele's I've played, so it's toward the gutsier side of the spectrum.

The one I've had for 5 years gets used on every session. I traded an American Tele for it and haven't regretted it.

-A

I second this. I have a G&L ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow. It's very versatile, and a joy to play - a true work horse. I preferred it to any of the newer Fenders I tried when I was choosing a Tele.

[stinkyfingers]

Originally Posted by johnnyc

What is the pricing on them? Not much info on the website.

i paid about $1800...i know that's more money but they do appear on e-bay once in a while, and they are custom so you can somewhat determine the price...mine has a solid mahogany body & maple neck, gold hardware, emg's, and no paint/finish...
give them a call...they're really great guys, and they love what they do and it shows...

[doorknocker]

Originally Posted by Draytone

Don't underestimate a good setup on any production guitar. Most on the sales floor play like dirt until a good setup.

Here's a trick that Carl Verheyen mentioned in an interview talking about Strats but I guess it's the same for Teles:

Take the unplugged guitar and pick the open B string while holding the body of the guitar. The good guitars will resonate.