As guitar enthusiasts, we know the Telecaster holds a special place in our hearts. Invented in 1950, this iconic guitar became a favorite among musicians in various genres. One of the best telecaster style guitars can have a significant impact on your sound and playing experience.
Telecasters are loved for their versatility, unique tone, and timeless design. They cater to various playing styles, from country twangs to jazz and rock. Regardless of your musical preference, a Telecaster will likely suit your needs.
Our goal is to help you find the perfect Telecaster style guitar to match your taste and budget. Let us dive in and explore some top picks, keeping in mind the essential factors like playability, tone, and craftsmanship.
Fender vs. Squier Telecasters
Let's talk, Telecasters. This iconic guitar hit the scene in 1950 and has been a favorite ever since. It's no surprise, given its versatility and unique tone. Our goal here: finding the best Telecaster style guitar for you.
Fender and Squier are two big names when it comes to Telecasters. You've probably heard these brands tossed around in guitar circles. First, let's dive into Fender's offerings.
Fender
Fender's lineup features the Made-in-America and Made-in-Mexico Telecasters. Both options ooze quality and classic design.
Made-in-America | Made-in-Mexico | |
---|---|---|
Pros | Top-notch quality | Affordable |
Classic design | Great tone |
Made-in-America Telecasters offer top-notch quality and that classic design we all know and love. On the flipside, Made-in-Mexico Telecasters give you a more affordable option without sacrificing great tone.
Squier
Squier Telecasters cater to the more budget-minded musicians among us. Despite the affordable price, there's still plenty to love here.
- Classic Vibe series - great vintage vibe and feel
- Affinity series - more contemporary design
- Contemporary series - versatile and feature-packed
Depending on what you're after, you can choose from the vintage-inspired Classic Vibe series, the more contemporary-looking Affinity series, or the versatile and feature-packed Contemporary series.
There you have it! Between Fender and Squier, you've got some top-quality Telecaster options to choose from. It all comes down to what feels right for you and your goals as a guitarist.
Best Telecaster Style Guitars
We've compiled a list of the top Telecaster style guitars for you below.
Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT
You’ll love this Telecaster’s style and powerful sound, perfect for any modern musician.
Pros
- Gorgeous flame maple top
- Dual Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups
- Coil tap switch for versatility
Cons
- Non-traditional Telecaster feel
- Possible packaging issues
- May require setup out of the box
We recently got our hands on the Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT Electric Guitar. Right off the bat, this guitar is stunning. The carved flame maple top on a mahogany body, completed with an Amber finish and a matching headstock, will make heads turn for sure.
One great feature of this guitar is the dual Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups. They provide brilliant sound and adapt well to various music styles. Not to mention, the push/pull coil tap switch built into the master tone control knob offers extra tonal versatility.
However, be warned: this Telecaster isn’t quite traditional. Some feel it leans more towards a Gibson, so if you’re after that classic Telecaster experience, this might not be your first choice. Also, there have been reports of packaging issues upon arrival, and you may need to do some setup work to get it playing just right.
In the end, if you’re looking for a Telecaster with style and substance, this Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its quirks and possible setup needs, and you’ll have a powerful and stylish instrument to rock out with.
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster
We highly recommend this guitar for its vintage vibe, sound, and great value.
Pros
- Vintage-inspired design
- Fender-designed alnico pickups
- Comfortable neck and fingerboard
Cons
- Could require minor setup
- Nut angle may cause issues
- Slightly heavier than expected
As musicians, we know the importance of a good guitar. The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster truly delivers on sound and feel. Its vintage-inspired design and Fender-designed alnico pickups make it perfect for those with a love for old-school vibes.
Playing this guitar feels like a dream. The slim neck and easy-to-play fingerboard give it a comfortable feel, effortlessly gliding through chords and riffs. But do keep in mind, some users felt the need for minor setup adjustments for optimal playability.
We must mention one potential issue – the nut angle. A few users reported that it causes the first three strings to be slightly longer than they should be. However, not every guitar had this issue, and customer reviews remain predominantly positive.
All in all, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 50s Telecaster is a sturdy, well-built, and great-sounding guitar for the price. It might need a bit of tweaking here and there, but once you get it set up, you’ll be rocking that vintage Telecaster sound in no time!
Fender American Professional II Telecaster
You won’t regret buying this Telecaster with its top-notch sound and amazing features.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Comfortable neck profile
- Comes with a hardshell case
Cons
- Pricey for some
- May need minor adjustments
- Limited color options
We highly recommend the Fender American Professional II Telecaster to any pro guitarist or serious hobbyist. This Telecaster’s sound is simply unbeatable. Thanks to Tim Shaw’s latest V-Mod Tele single-coils, you’ll enjoy that familiar Tele twang, but with enhanced clarity and focus.
Playing the American Professional II Telecaster is an absolute dream. It features a Deep “C” profile neck with a satin finish, ensuring maximum comfort. The contoured heel joint also adds to its playability. Moreover, it arrives with a hardshell case, giving you extra ease in storing and transporting this beauty.
Although it is an investment, its superior sound and ultimate comfort make it well worth the price. You may need to make minor adjustments to suit your preference, but that’s the case with any high-quality guitar. The color choices are limited, but the stunning Butterscotch Blonde finish with a Maple Fingerboard is hard to resist. Overall, the Fender American Professional II Telecaster is a must-have for any serious musician.
Fender Player Telecaster SS Electric Guitar
Ready for a versatile and dependable Telecaster experience? Try the Fender Player Telecaster SS!
Pros
- Alder body with a gloss finish
- Two Player Series single-coil pickups
- Modern C-shaped neck profile
Cons
- May need a setup
- Plastic nut (upgrade recommended)
- Heavier compared to others
We picked up the Fender Player Telecaster, and let’s just say we’re impressed. The alder body and gloss finish make this guitar a stunner on stage. No doubt, it’s a classic Telecaster through and through.
What sets this guitar apart are the two Player Series single-coil pickups. They deliver that iconic Tele twang, perfect for genres like country, rock, or even jazz. The versatility of this guitar is truly unbeatable.
The Player Telecaster comes with a Modern C-shaped neck profile, making it comfortable and easy to play. You’ll find yourself breezing through chords and solos, as the guitar fits effortlessly in your hands.
However, it’s important to mention that you might need a professional setup when it arrives. But, that’s a small trade-off for such a performance-ready guitar. We also suggest upgrading the plastic nut to a Tusq one for enhanced tone and stability.
Now, when it comes to weight, this Telecaster is on the heavier side. But honestly, it’s nothing that can’t be managed with a comfortable strap. Plus, the added weight equals more sustain, which is always a bonus.
All in all, we think the Fender Player Telecaster SS Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for any aspiring musician. Grab yours today, and see its magic for yourself!
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster
The Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster is a top choice for those seeking versatile and high-quality sound at a great value.
Pros
- Fender-designed alnico pickups
- Comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile
- Vintage-inspired aesthetic
Cons
- Might need some fret work
- Glossy neck finish may not suit all
- Tuning stability could be better
We have to say, the design of this Stratocaster model caught our eye right away. Its vintage-inspired aesthetics, including the large headstock and nickel-plated hardware, give it a nostalgic vibe that many guitarists will appreciate. Plus, the Walnut finish looks fantastic, lending a unique touch to this already eye-catching guitar.
As for the playability of the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster, the slim, comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile makes playing this guitar a breeze. The 9.5″-radius fingerboard and narrow-tall frets further enhance the experience of playing this instrument. However, some players mention that the frets might need a bit of work, and the glossy neck finish may not appeal to everyone.
Sound-wise, this guitar truly delivers, thanks to the Fender-designed alnico pickups. These pickups offer an incredible tone that captures the essence of the 1970s Stratocaster models. The guitar also features a vintage-style tremolo system, allowing for expressive string bending effects.
Our only concern regarding the performance of this guitar is its tuning stability. Some players mention that it may not stay in tune as well as they would like. However, considering the fantastic sound, design, and playability value this guitar offers, we believe the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 70s Stratocaster is worth the investment.
Fender Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
This Telecaster delivers both nostalgia and impressive tones, perfect for aspiring musicians.
Pros
- Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups
- Player-friendly “C”-shaped neck
- Eye-catching butterscotch blonde finish
Cons
- Weight may not suit everyone
- May require fret adjustments
- Nut set at an angle
We tried this Fender Squier Classic Vibe ‘50s Telecaster and found it to be a fantastic blend of looks and tone. The butterscotch blonde finish definitely stands out, and the Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups deliver exceptional tones.
The “C”-shaped neck profile and 9.5″ radius fingerboard make it comfortable and easy to play for all musicians. Plus, the vintage-style Telecaster bridge with barrel saddles and string-through-body design brings optimal resonance, giving it that classic vibe.
However, some may find the weight (11.85lbs) slightly heavy. And, a few players mentioned issues with fret and nut adjustments. But at this price point, minor adjustments and personal preference aside, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster is a steal!
Fender Affinity Deluxe Telecaster
You’ll love this guitar for its quality, playability, and versatile tone.
Pros
- Lightweight and thin body
- Impressive Squier pickups
- Solid string-through-body bridge
Cons
- Slightly bright tone due to ceramic magnets
- Cosmetic blemishes in some cases
- Occasional issues with jack cable
When playing the Fender Affinity Deluxe Telecaster, we noticed its lightweight design, which makes it easy to handle during long practice sessions. The thin body feels comfortable in your lap, allowing you to focus on your music.
The two Squier humbucking pickups are great for various styles, providing crisp and clear sounds. Admittedly, they produce a slightly bright tone, but it works well with clean tones. With the string-through-body bridge, you’ll experience increased string tension and improved resonance, perfect for rocking out.
Lastly, we found the “C”-shaped neck profile super comfortable, and the sealed die-cast tuning machines with split shafts make string changes hassle-free. While some users reported cosmetic issues or occasional jack cable problems, overall, the Fender Affinity Deluxe Telecaster offers excellent value and performance for aspiring musicians.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Telecaster Style Guitar
Body Wood
We all know that the body wood affects tone. There are various wood types like ash, alder, and basswood. Each has its unique tonal qualities and weight. Try checking out a few guitars with different woods to find what suits you best.
Pickups
Pickups play a huge role in your sound. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone beloved by many. However, humbuckers offer a fatter, warmer sound. Don’t forget to consider the pickup type when choosing your Telecaster style guitar.
- Single-Coil Pickups: Classic Tele twang, clear and bright
- Humbucker Pickups: Warm, full-bodied sound, great for heavier styles
Neck Profile and Fretboard
Your playing comfort comes from the neck profile and fretboard. Besides the standard “C”-shape neck, you can also find “U” and “V”-shapes. Furthermore, fretboards usually come in either maple or rosewood. Ultimately, comfort depends on your personal preferences, so play different neck profiles and fretboard materials to find your perfect match.
Bridge
Lastly, the bridge affects both tone and tuning stability. There are mainly two types:
- Vintage-style Bridges: 3-saddle design, classic Tele vibe, some find it harder to intonate
- Modern-style Bridges: 6-saddle design, better intonation, retains most of the classic Tele characteristics
In the end, it’s essential to consider these significant factors when selecting your perfect Telecaster style guitar. Happy playing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the telecaster the most versatile guitar?
Some may argue yes, while others disagree. In our opinion, the Telecaster is certainly versatile, excelling in genres like rock, country, and blues. However, versatility can be subjective depending on personal preference.
What makes a Telecaster-style guitar unique compared to other electric guitars?
Telecaster-style guitars have distinctive features such as a single-cutaway body shape, bolt-on neck, and two single-coil pickups. These characteristics contribute to a bright and twangy tone, making them stand out from other electric guitars.
Are Telecaster-style guitars suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Telecaster-style guitars are perfect for beginners due to their simple and user-friendly design. The slim neck and uncomplicated controls provide an excellent starting point for those learning to play.
What are some reputable brands other than Fender that make Telecaster-style guitars?
We recommend checking out brands like G&L, Squier, Chapman, and ESP. These companies produce quality Telecaster-style guitars at various price points, giving you a range of options to consider.
Why the telecaster is the best guitar?
Claiming the Telecaster is the best guitar might be a strong statement, but it certainly has its merits. Its iconic design, unique tone, and versatility make it a popular choice among countless musicians. In the end, the “best” guitar comes down to personal preference and intended use.