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Post subject: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 6:41 am
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Roadie
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Joined: Sat May 28, 2011 8:17 am
Posts: 284
Location: Lost In The Woods
Hi, y'all.

I'm not new to the forums, by any means, but new to this one. I'm planning on buying my first-ever Telecaster, to compliment the Strat I already have and wanted to check in here to get a few suggestions from you Telie lovers before I make a purchase.

I plan to check out pawn shops, as well as music stores and play them, as I always do, before I make up my mind. I know my selection will probably be limited at any pawn shop and I'm going to have to drive some to get to a Fender dealer store, because the closest one to me just recently sold out all their Fender stock, except for a few amps. They are moving more and more exclusively into the live sound business, selling and renting PA systems, etc. I know a good guitar tech who still works there and I can always bring work to him that I can't do myself, so I'm still covered well, in that way.

First off, I want a conventional Telie, with the standard single-pole pups, either vintage type, or Texas Specials. My Strat already has a bridge humbucker, so I'm not interested in that on a Telie. Just want more of a traditional Fender sound (maybe a little bit hotter). I do like the Texas Specials, so I would consider those. Color is not a big thing with me, either sunburst or solid, as long as it's not black, like my Strat. I'll be playing mainly blues and country stuff on it.

I know my first question is highly subjective, but I'm just trying to get an overall idea here, so I'm open to all suggestions. What would be a good first Telie for someone like me, who's always played Strats in the past? I'd like to hear your recommendations.

Secondly, are the MIM Telies of as good quality as the MIM Strats? Or, should I go for an MIA Telie? I would like to keep the price around $500, if possible, but could go a little higher and I do have another guitar I would trade on it, if it became necessary. As I'll be looking in pawn shops, as I said earlier, buying used is a definite option for me.

Thanks for any and all help y'all can give me!

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"It's about sound and sound alone. Looks are irrelevant. You can have the best-looking guitar on earth, but if the sound isn't there it is nothing more than a beautiful piece of trash. The sound it makes is the soul of any guitar."


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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 2:21 pm
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Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:19 pm
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Stratfreak51 wrote:
Hi, y'all.

I'm not new to the forums, by any means, but new to this one. I'm planning on buying my first-ever Telecaster, to compliment the Strat I already have and wanted to check in here to get a few suggestions from you Telie lovers before I make a purchase.

I plan to check out pawn shops, as well as music stores and play them, as I always do, before I make up my mind. I know my selection will probably be limited at any pawn shop and I'm going to have to drive some to get to a Fender dealer store, because the closest one to me just recently sold out all their Fender stock, except for a few amps. They are moving more and more exclusively into the live sound business, selling and renting PA systems, etc. I know a good guitar tech who still works there and I can always bring work to him that I can't do myself, so I'm still covered well, in that way.

First off, I want a conventional Telie, with the standard single-pole pups, either vintage type, or Texas Specials. My Strat already has a bridge humbucker, so I'm not interested in that on a Telie. Just want more of a traditional Fender sound (maybe a little bit hotter). I do like the Texas Specials, so I would consider those. Color is not a big thing with me, either sunburst or solid, as long as it's not black, like my Strat. I'll be playing mainly blues and country stuff on it.

I know my first question is highly subjective, but I'm just trying to get an overall idea here, so I'm open to all suggestions. What would be a good first Telie for someone like me, who's always played Strats in the past? I'd like to hear your recommendations.

Secondly, are the MIM Telies of as good quality as the MIM Strats? Or, should I go for an MIA Telie? I would like to keep the price around $500, if possible, but could go a little higher and I do have another guitar I would trade on it, if it became necessary. As I'll be looking in pawn shops, as I said earlier, buying used is a definite option for me.

Thanks for any and all help y'all can give me!


Im saying this in a friendly way Ill let you know its Tele and not Telie :) and youll be getting a lot or posts saying we cant tell you want feels right for you and you have to go and try the guitars out yourself until you find the one that is right for you be it a Strat,Tele,MIM,MIA whatever its all up to what sounds best to you and what feels best in your hands :D


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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 3:50 pm
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Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2010 12:45 am
Posts: 2244
Location: Pittsburg, CA
First...I think MIM Teles are just as nice as MIM Strats I have played, so I don't think you have anything to worry about there. Second, for 500 bucks you should be able to find something from one of the higher MIM lines used, but lightly. Or even something like a few year old Highway One Tele. Which at that price point is probably what I personally would be looking for. Or you could even pick up a brand new MIM Standard Tele and the swap in some Texas Specials or similar pickups. And still be right around your $500 limit. That might be a great option and then you have exactly what you were looking for without having to break the bank. Whatever you end up getting, good luck on the search. And be careful, once you play a Tele, you may forget you own any other guitars at all... :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 3:57 pm
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TimDrakeMusic wrote:
First...I think MIM Teles are just as nice as MIM Strats I have played, so I don't think you have anything to worry about there. Second, for 500 bucks you should be able to find something from one of the higher MIM lines used, but lightly. Or even something like a few year old Highway One Tele. Which at that price point is probably what I personally would be looking for. Or you could even pick up a brand new MIM Standard Tele and the swap in some Texas Specials or similar pickups. And still be right around your $500 limit. That might be a great option and then you have exactly what you were looking for without having to break the bank. Whatever you end up getting, good luck on the search. And be careful, once you play a Tele, you may forget you own any other guitars at all... :wink:


That last line is very nicely said and so very true Tim xD


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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 11:07 pm
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:25 am
Posts: 16
I just want to say that I did have experience playing a MIM tele back in the day but as soon as I picked up an american tele, I knew I needed one. What caught my attention was the smooth feel of the glossed neck and not to mention the stunning looks. Basically what I am trying to say is to try out different teles before making your decision. I went with an American tele and it has been my only electric guitar for many years. So try out different teles around your range of price. I tried a squier classic vibe and it felt and sounded like a very solid guitar.

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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:13 am
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Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:51 pm
Posts: 331
Location: Liverpool, England
Hi Stratfreak51

I have both a MIM Tele and MIM Strat and they are both very well made guitars. The play and sound great. A MIM Tele will not disappoint you. I also have MIA Tele's and you can tell the difference in qualirty but for everyday playing a MIM would do you just fine.

With your budget have a look at the MIM Standards, I have a very nice midnight wine tele wiht the 60th anniversary neck plate, the 2011 limited edition copper mertallic burst finish is stunning. There are also the Classic Series (approx $699) and Classic Players Series (approx $799).

If you can find one a Highway 1 Telecaster is American made and may be just what your looking for. They are being discontiunued so what stock is in the dealers is probably the last ($729).

be warned.......one tele will lead to another......then another.......then another....you get the picture!!

let us know how you get onand which model you finally go for.

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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:36 pm
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Roadie
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Joined: Sat May 28, 2011 8:17 am
Posts: 284
Location: Lost In The Woods
Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. I got my Tele today, after looking for half afternoon. Found nothing used that I'd have, so went to a music store that's a little way out, but offers some pretty decent discounts. 2010 model, by the serial #, MIM, and the feel of the neck was perfect for me. They had a Highway 1 Tele there, but it was just a little bit too pricy for me, and the neck didn't feel nearly as good in my hands. I played both of them and really couldn't tell that much difference in the sound. Both sounded great, but the MIM felt better to me and in the end, that's what I had to go with. Been playing it all I can today and it sounds wonderful. I look forward to enjoying my new Tele as time goes on.

I'll post again as soon as I get it "broken in," and take some pics of it to show it off a little.

Again, thanks to all!!!

_________________
"It's about sound and sound alone. Looks are irrelevant. You can have the best-looking guitar on earth, but if the sound isn't there it is nothing more than a beautiful piece of trash. The sound it makes is the soul of any guitar."


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Post subject: Re: Shopping for my first Telie
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:06 pm
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Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2011 1:19 pm
Posts: 106
Stratfreak51 wrote:
Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. I got my Tele today, after looking for half afternoon. Found nothing used that I'd have, so went to a music store that's a little way out, but offers some pretty decent discounts. 2010 model, by the serial #, MIM, and the feel of the neck was perfect for me. They had a Highway 1 Tele there, but it was just a little bit too pricy for me, and the neck didn't feel nearly as good in my hands. I played both of them and really couldn't tell that much difference in the sound. Both sounded great, but the MIM felt better to me and in the end, that's what I had to go with. Been playing it all I can today and it sounds wonderful. I look forward to enjoying my new Tele as time goes on.

I'll post again as soon as I get it "broken in," and take some pics of it to show it off a little.

Again, thanks to all!!!


No problem Im just glad you found the Tele for you :)


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