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Post subject: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 2:57 am
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This is an odd one! I have been playing Stratocasters for years and the weight distribution of the body is such that when I'm playing standing up the angle of the neck against the horizontal is naturally about 45 degrees. I have recently bought a Telecaster, which is a lovely instrument, but when I play standing up, the weight distribution of the body naturally causes the next to 'fall down' to more or less the horizontal which is not a comfortable position for me to play at. I hope I have explained this intelligibly.

Has anyone come across this and found a solution? Currently, I have a boot lace tied to the lower strap button and then tied around my left leg, to keep the instrument at 45 degrees: not ideal! Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Nigel Curry


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 3:08 am
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Well that's why the Strats have that longer upper horn. Tele's can be quite neck heavy, this is even more true with very lightweight ash bodies. I guess you have to get used to it, or look for a Tele which is more balanced.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 4:58 am
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Shortening the strap can help. For Jimmy Page style, a Tele isn't well suited.

Or get a suede backed strap without a pad. They slide less.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 6:31 am
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Jimmy Page style.
I hope you're talking about a look/image/fashion statement.

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 7:50 am
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BMW-KTM wrote:
Jimmy Page style.
I hope you're talking about a look/image/fashion statement.

How he slung his guitar low, almost at knee height.

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The Tele is not well suited for hanging that low (scale length, weight distribution, neck angle). It's better played a bit higher up, like e.g. Tom Morello does:

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 11, 2016 2:31 pm
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Here's how you do it mate!!
Just stand on one leg!!

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Thu May 12, 2016 9:02 am
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Keef is not human, he doesn't count. :lol:


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 5:50 am
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I've played both Stratocasters and Telecasters for years and never noticed this phenomenon...

I use a strap with rough-grain leather backing (not quite suede, but not smooth, either) and the body of my main Telecaster is somewhat on the heavy side.

However, it doesn't happen with my (significantly lighter) Thinline Deluxe Telecaster, either, so it may be the friction of the strap that saving me a headache...or would that be "headstock ache"? :P

One other thing--I don't adjust my strap to the "Jimmy Page" setting. I don't set it nearly as high as Morello, but definitely not as far south as Mr. Zoso, either.

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 12:25 pm
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With his Tele down and the volume up
Will the real Bruce Springsteen please stand up?
Please stand up...
Please stand up...

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 9:59 am
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No big deal...

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 9:44 am
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The only thing I ever notice when switching from Strat to Tele is a second or two of adjustment to the visual cues I use to locate myself on the fretboard. The longer upper horn of the Strat changes how I see the side of the neck, looking down at it. It's no biggie; it just takes me a few seconds to re-orient myself. As far as the angle of the neck relative to my body, I play which ever guitar I pick up the same way as any other guitar. I put both of my hands where I want them and it goes where my hands are. Guitars are obedient that way. Grasp one by the neck and sling it over your shoulder and it obeys you. It's doesn't fight back and try to get back to the case or the stand or wherever it was when you grasped it.


I've never known one yet to punch me hard and say "Eff you, jerk! I ain't goin' wit choo!"
Ya just gotta be tougher than the guitar.
Show 'im who's boss.

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 7:01 pm
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Nigel Curry wrote:
Has anyone come across this and found a solution?
Currently, I have a boot lace tied to the lower strap button and then tied around my left leg, to keep the instrument at 45 degrees: not ideal!
Any ideas would be much appreciated.

BMW-KTM wrote:
Guitars are obedient....
Grasp one by the neck and sling it over your shoulder and it obeys you.
It's doesn't fight back and try to get back to the case or the stand or wherever it was when you grasped it.
I've never known one yet to punch me hard and say "Eff you, jerk! I ain't goin' wit choo!"

Apparently, it's the "Guitar Strap" that can be disobedient, causing the guitar to jump off your shoulder, to try to get back into the case...... :shock:


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Tue May 17, 2016 9:00 pm
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Sometimes showing him who's boss means installing strap locks.

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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 18, 2016 7:57 am
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what kind of strap do you use?

if it's "NOT" one that has a suede or brushed leather back, get one and try it.

the "Seatbelt" (nylon fabric) straps are going to not keep things from moving around.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster playing position whilst standing
Posted: Wed May 18, 2016 8:22 am
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Many thanks indeed for all of your replies - the suede strap idea works well so I'm now happy!


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