Kotzen tele alternatives

Kvaksalver

I find myself wanting to own a Telecaster. More specifically the Kotzen variety or something close to - and for financial reasons it has to be something cheaper than the real thing. I also don't care much about the gold hardware, so...

What are my options if I'd like to have a Tele with a maple fretboard, 12" (ish) radius neck and preferably 22 frets? It doesn't have to say Fender on the headstock either...

Kent747

I have a G&L ASAT Classic coming in with a 12” radius in maple. 22 frets as well. 12” isn’t standard but can be ordered. 

Funkfingers

Pre-owned Levinson Blade, perhaps?

DrBob

Is the “beef” of the neck profile important ? 

skullfunkerry

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2

jeztone2

I was gonna say if you want the beefy neck. Perhaps buy a used Mex vintage Tele and add a humbucker at the bridge and have it refretted with jumbo fretwire. 

Kvaksalver

I'd like to have the beefy neck. I'm actually comfortable on pretty much anything, as long as it doesn't get too thin. Looking at the Asats now. The Charvel isn't a bad suggestion, but it just might be too little "Tele" to scratch the itch... 

Loobs

Roll your own. 

Kvaksalver

Loobs said:

Roll your own. 

Yeah, I considered that too. Should be able to get pretty close. MIM Tele, aftermarket neck, Dimarzio bridge PU...

RedFalcon

I know it’s another signature. What about one of the Reverend Pete Anderson eastsider t. 

Roasted maple neck - compound radius 10 to 14 
22 frets 

https://www.guitar.co.uk/reverend-pete-anderson-eastsider-t-satin-deep-sea-blue-roasted-maple

Stevepage

Warmoth maybe? Could probably do a basic Tele with a fat neck etc for a little under £1000

DrBob

If you could live with a 9.5” rather than 12” you could snare a a Squier CV 60’s S/H and stick an Allparts TRO FAT neck on it along with a set of Dimarzios

EricTheWeary

RedFalcon said:

I know it’s another signature. What about one of the Reverend Pete Anderson eastsider t. 

Roasted maple neck - compound radius 10 to 14 
22 frets 

http://https//www.guitar.co.uk/reverend-pete-anderson-eastsider-t-satin-deep-sea-blue-roasted-maple

Link not working? 

Going up in price Reverend also do the Gristlemaster: 10-14” compound board, 22 frets, fancy ass pickups. 

Aaaanndd back down in price - Cort Classic TC with compound radius, 22 frets. Also a tummy tuck like I think the Kotzen has? 

And there are various T shaped Fretkings, sometimes a used bargain to be had. 

RedFalcon

EricTheWeary said:

RedFalcon said:

I know it’s another signature. What about one of the Reverend Pete Anderson eastsider t. 

Roasted maple neck - compound radius 10 to 14 
22 frets 

http://https//www.guitar.co.uk/reverend-pete-anderson-eastsider-t-satin-deep-sea-blue-roasted-maple

Link not working? 

Going up in price Reverend also do the Gristlemaster: 10-14” compound board, 22 frets, fancy ass pickups. 

Aaaanndd back down in price - Cort Classic TC with compound radius, 22 frets. Also a tummy tuck like I think the Kotzen has? 

And there are various T shaped Fretkings, sometimes a used bargain to be had. 

Fixed 

Those Corts are a bit more Manson Mattocaster than Telecaster. 

Just came across PureSalem guitars. They have a t-type too 

Kvaksalver

The Reverend is nice and has a lot of cool features.

But I think I’ll get something used, change the neck for a Warmoth or the like and drop a Chopper T in the bridge...

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

Kvaksalver

Oh yeah: Locking tuners, hi pass filter and a coil tap too...

Joe123

Schecter PT special! Extra jumbo frets, bigger neck than ibanez or squiers, bevel cut, serial/parallel switch, three compensated tele saddles.

However, the placement of the switch is a bit odd and it has a P-90 for the neck pickup. Overall, not an exact Kotzen's but close.

I have one and it is a fantastic instrument..great built quality too..from S.Korea.

Kvaksalver

Joe123 said:

Schecter PT special! Extra jumbo frets, bigger neck than ibanez or squiers, bevel cut, serial/parallel switch, three compensated tele saddles.

However, the placement of the switch is a bit odd and it has a P-90 for the neck pickup. Overall, not an exact Kotzen's but close.

I have one and it is a fantastic instrument..great built quality too..from S.Korea.

The Schecter is really close to what I'm looking for! And the P90 is just an added bonus, it's one of my favourite pickups in the neck position. Should go well with a Chopper T in the bridge...

I've looked at pics and videos for the last half hour and the fretwork looks exceptionally clean - how's the real life, store bought version?