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Post subject: Telecaster or Stratocaster
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2017 4:22 am
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I'm currently saving up for a new guitar but I can't decide between a Stratocaster and a Telecaster. I play a Squier Bullet Strat at the moment but I've never actually played a Telecaster (I'm planning to try one out soon). Can someone briefly explain what the actual differences between the two models are please?


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster or Stratocaster
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 7:32 pm
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Hi, JosieST. Strat or Tele? That's a tough call. The Telecaster was the world's first successful solid body guitar commercially sold (1950). Think of the Strat (first available in 1954) as a Tele on steroids. That's somewhat true as the Tele has many of the same qualities, but that's where the similarity ends.

It has been said that a Gibson can not sound like a Stratcoaster, but under certain configurations the Strat can emulate a Gibson.

The Strat can also sound and work like a Tele to some extent. The Tele has a little more Country quack as a rule, and although, in the right hands, can do the job of a Strat pretty well. It just doesn't have all the flavours (an S1 switch can give a Strat ten pickup tone positions for example, and other switching and pickup arrangements can give you an almost endless choice).

The Telecaster is simpler when it comes to maintenance and/or retrofitting. The Stratocaster needs to have the pickguard (scratch plate) removed to access the switches and electronics



whereas the Telecaster:
.
My thinking is that techies and performers would prefer the Telecaster for maintenance and the satisfaction that there's less messing around when gigging.

Some like the Tele's simplicity and knob positioning, while others prefer the Strat, or both.

When it comes to the Swiss knife of a guitar look no further IMHO than the Strat. If you want a workhorse that can rock with the best I'd say go with the Tele.

Your choice of music idols and your preferred genre will often point you in the right direction. Your colour and pickup choice will be a personal thing (although pickups will be somewhat related to your choice of music and sometimes your choice of model will help you to get you in the right direction).

Oh, and let's not forget the whammy (tremelo) bar. Strat is the best choice here. You can choose to have it, not have it, use it, or not use it. That'll give you even more string bending options for that pitch up or down bling. But, since you have the Squire, you know that already. The Tele is less likely to have such a feature unless you add it, which is less common. You can palm or bend the strings to simulate somewhat ; but, the Strat is the real thing.

One last thing. Watch out for the neck choice as they may both be different (even amongst Strat and Tele choices). You may find that Tele is preferred for chording and vocals, and Strat for instrumentals and solos. Again, not written in stone depending on your playing style. Bonnie Raitt and Eric Clapton have no problem.

I'm sure others will chime in here.

Good luck and enjoy the journey, JosieST. I'm sure you'll appreciate either one. I would. :wink:
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Post subject: Re: Telecaster or Stratocaster
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 8:42 pm
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slotcsx wrote:
what pick up configuration do you have..?

Not sure if you're asking JosieST or me, slotcsx.

I'm using 3 single coils. N3s (N4s are said to be an improvement, but I haven't tried them to find out yet) Alnico 5 in bridge, Alnico 2 in middle, and Alnico 3 in the neck, all with the S1. That's similar to the original '62 Strat configuration that I first played, but in no way the same as they were all Alnico 5s of yesteryear quality, not noiseless, and subtle electronic and wiring differences and no 5 way switch or S1. Still both are Alnico and single coil. Single coil combinations can give the humbucker playback, but, mixing singular humbuckers with single coil can work well or they can be messy. Single coil configuration, at least for me and a lot of others, will be more consistent with volume when pairing, and they will give plenty of options as they are. Single coils give you plenty of models and makes to choose from.

I'm in favour of other configurations when they work. These work for me, and are feedback free (as others can be) which helps in recording.

There are traditionalists and non- traditionalists. I'm a little of both, so best is whatever works for the job or gives you the most mojo. IMHO.

On that note slotcsx -
Welcome to the Forums.

FSB

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster or Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:10 am
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The Strat and Tele have a different sound and they behave differently in your hands.
Their necks also look different when you're standing with them slung over your shoulder on the strap.

You are accustomed to the Strat so I will address the Tele compared to the Strat.

The Tele has a honkier sound which is related to the neck pickup.
The bridge pickup has a brighter and angrier tone.
More in-your-face but not in dark way like how a humbucker can seem angry.
People generally refer to it as bite, which I realize is sort of a vague description.
Once you play one you will begin to understand what the bite is.
They are not the same guitar.
In my opinion, the most important difference is how they respond to the player.
The Tele is more touch sensitive than the Strat.
The Tele reveals your hands.
If you play sloppily the Tele will point that out to you.
It is more unforgiving than the Strat.
It's not a bad thing, though.
Once you clean up your playing, the Tele rewards you with a greater dynamic range which makes it seem more expressive.
Some people describe it as being like having more horsepower which you have to work harder to keep under control when navigating a slow, bumpy path.

The Tele also looks a bit different when you are standing with the guitar on a strap.
The upper horn of the Strat is a little longer so when you're playing the Tele, the strap button is a little further up neck when you are looking down at the neck.
From that position it seems the Tele has a shorter body and a longer neck but it's just an illusion from the fact you can see an extra bit of the side of the neck.
They both fit the same exact case.

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster or Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:24 am
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Thanks, for chiming in, Matt. There ya go, JosieST. Couldn't be better. A Tele aficionado from Alberta, and a beach boy formerly from the coast with a Strat. :lol:
FSB

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster or Stratocaster
Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2017 4:13 pm
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Welcome to the Forum JosieST. Cool first post. 8)

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