Best Tele options

A_T_W

Starting saving up with the aim to getting a really good Tele as soon as I can (trying not to get distracted by other shiny things in the meantime ...) and just need some advice as to what models people think would be the best value, or which are the most consistently good. Looking for something pretty traditional, though a more modern neck and interesting colours would be ideal.

I've owned both a Baja and a Lite Ash and while very good, neither grabbed me as a must have or The One. I'm currently considering a Custom Shop, an AVRI 52 or a well-specced Partscaster put together with things like GuitarBuild/MJT, Mojo etc. I also tried and enjoyed LSL Teles in the past if anyone has much opinion on them.

Are there any other stand out models I'm missing or good value custom builders who are really worth the investment? And for people who've tried the options I've covered so far, any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated

Deadman

Google 8502 Telecaster. Fender only built them for a few years but the purists love them. The pickups were exclusive to that model apparently. I had one for a short period, regretted getting rid ever since.

Funkfingers

A_T_W said:

Looking for something pretty traditional, though a more modern neck and interesting colours would be ideal.

I'm currently considering a Custom Shop, an AVRI 52 or a well-specced Partscaster put together with things like GuitarBuild/MJT, Mojo etc.

In my opinion, for your stated requirements, you should rule out the AVRI '52 immediately. Its 7.25" fingerboard radius and skinny frets will frustrate you. The stock pickups can be a bit raspy too. 

The C.S. stuff with flatter (or compound) radii and big fret wire will do the business for you. On a slight tangent, so might the 2011 Tele-bration Brown's Canyon / Old Growth Redwood short run model. 

xpia98jf

I would try a CS Nocaster.

Funkfingers

Fabulous guitar but the neck proportions on the NOS/Relic/Closet Classic versions could hardly be described as modern.

A_T_W

By modern I mostly mean not vintage frets or 7.25 - happy to have a baseball bat neck like a Baja, that part of it was great.

xpia98jf

Funkfingers said:

Fabulous guitar but the neck proportions on the NOS/Relic/Closet Classic versions could hardly be described as modern.

Well I did say try not buy.

Funkfingers

The regular Nocaster neck is considerably deeper than the Baja. Some of the Fender C.S. Journeyman stuff should strike a nice balance between vintage looks and modern playability. 

xpia98jf

Also try a Nash Tele if you don't mind relic'ing - fantastic guitars.

I've never been one for deciding on guitars based on specs. I couldn't tell you what the neck radius is on a single guitar of mine. I just play 'em and if I like it and can afford it I buy it. Makes things pretty simple.

stratman3142

It's worth trying a new Telecaster Professional. I love mine and prefer it to other models I've tried, but I haven't tried the specific models you've listed.

GoldenEraGuitars

Hard to go wrong with Guitarbuild. This is a body that I may build into a tele but an Esquire with a Bakelite guard and fat maple neck is seriously tempting.

https://i.imgur.com/6lCcOwR.jpg

You can spec a good build for about £500-600 less than a Fender Pro but each to their own obviously

rico

Another vote for the American Pro. I tried the Baja and American Special and the Pro was in a different league. Nice neck, beautiful rosewood board and the cutaway bridge is a nice modern touch. Bone nut too. 

A_T_W

@lonestar Ooh that's stunning, where did you get that finish done? As much as I said I like interesting colours and finishes, it's hard to resist good ole butterscotch with a Tele...

GoldenEraGuitars

A_T_W said:

@lonestar Ooh that's stunning, where did you get that finish done? As much as I said I like interesting colours and finishes, it's hard to resist good ole butterscotch with a Tele...

Thank you. Some guy at SC Relics Guitars did it  

Arktik83

You shouldn't rule out G&L or maybe another manufacturer like LsL.  G&L make superb sounding instruments, I had one of their tribute tele's and a full on USA strat and they were both wonderful.  

If it were me and if I had to go Fender I'd probably go for an AVRI 52 Tele.  I have an 59 AVRI strat and the finish is pretty thin which I like, it dings up very easily but that doesn't bother me, would rather it dings up to bare wood than have that starring effect when poly finishes get dinged.

thebreeze

Funkfingers said:

The regular Nocaster neck is considerably deeper than the Baja. Some of the Fender C.S. Journeyman stuff should strike a nice balance between vintage looks and modern playability. 

They make a few Nocasters with slimmer necks, 4-way switches etc.  Whether you consider them Nocasters is another matter.  Amazing guitars though.

StuartMac290

If you can find one, the best teles I've ever played are K Line Truxtons. I have two, one of which replaced a really good Nocaster in my collection. They are incredibly resonant guitars with great necks. 

HandwrittenHero

Would suggest at least trying an AVRI 52. The neck is unlike others...I was surprised how much I love mine, so much so I bought it and sold my 9.5 mj c neck tele. I don't have large hands and it still feels great.

Failing that, the other teles in the line are worth a demo...the 64 is a slimmer neck but a vintage radius and frets. Pros are also supposed to be good and Suhr do a range of tele if you can try them.

CountryDave

Deadman said:

Google 8502 Telecaster. Fender only built them for a few years but the purists love them. The pickups were exclusive to that model apparently. I had one for a short period, regretted getting rid ever since.

+1 on the 8502.  It's like a mix of American Standard and 52 Reissue.  All the good bits of the 52ri with flatter board and bigger frets.  Had one and foolishly let it go.     Although I still love my no1 - 52RI.

Another good one was the Highway One Texas Telecaster - along the similar lines of the 8502 but with the 3 saddle bridge.  Only ever seen a couple of them in the flesh and wish I'd bought one.

p90fool

I'd go partscaster every time, there's no reason you couldn't build your ideal Telecaster for 600 quid, probably a fair bit less. 

Evilmags

The Dealer select CS ones in CODA.