Theres a 650R humbucker at the neck or the rhythm position and a 700T humbucker at the bridge or the lead position. The MP allows players with broader tastes to pull more tones than ever from that timeless Tele chassis. I like the cream but I don't love it. We hope you find the right one for your needs and preferences. Unlike some of the other options out there, these guitars pay tribute to the original models, with only a handful of modernisations and updates that arent detectable to the eye. I understand (from other folks -- not personal experience) that a judicious application of brown or cordovan shoe polish -- which is then wiped off -- will leave a very convincing patina that kills the bright-white vibe That would make sense but I've tried staining plastic with brown shoe polish. Thank you for signing up to The Pick. Well, Thinlines are lame. Squier Affinity Telecaster Demo Review - One Of The Best Cheap Guitars Around! If youre currently shopping for a top-level American-made Telecaster, the American Professional IIs are certainly worth a look. Note: Those who are looking for the same high quality Tele but with a rosewood fingerboard should take a look at the Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom. The new Ensenada factory-made Vintera series offers a whole range of throwback Telecasters from the big Fs ground-breaking first three decades, but the 70s Deluxe available in three wonderfully classic finishes has definitely earned its place near the top of our best Telecasters list. . What does he do? Though these guitars go through quality control, they may not receive the same attention as those belonging to higher price brackets. I've only ever seen metric hardware on MIMs (except Classic Series). You can choose to use the bridge pickup, neck pickup or both pickups via the three-position blade. 
First, I'd suggest starting with something used--like new MIM teles come-up frequently for ~250.00. 
It really does need good technique because when I tried it, it looked horrible. Also, I'm not sure it's a good idea because it will eventually wear off and the worn part will be pasty white. Whatever is the case, our advice is to take the guitar to a technician for a proper assessment before taking action. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. 
The Fender quality is still there along with far more control over your Tele tone than with other reincarnations. Or is it something that calls for a refund or return? 
We've listed them in price order to help you find the right one for your budget. While its worth bearing in mind that there are no rules when it comes to what you use, solid-body guitars are generally considered to be more suitable for those looking for punch, thickness and sustain. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The Deep C neck sits in between a Modern C and U in terms of shape and coupled with the narrow tall frets offers extra hold and control. Like other Dinky guitars, the Jackson JS22 Dinky has a body shape similar to that of a Fender Stratocaster. You may be wondering, Okay, maple and rosewood Im familiar with, but what on Earth is paulownia?. 
The Fender Telecaster was the very first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar and has a widespread appeal that is only rivaled by a few other guitars. Press Esc to cancel. The Jackson JS22 Dinky has an arched basswood body, a bolt-on maple neck, dual high-output humbuckers, a synchronized fulcrum tremolo bridge and pearloid sharkfin inlays. His signature Telecaster features some less-usual appointments, including an ebony fingerboard, locking tuners, black hardware, no tone control, a Hardtail strings-thru-body bridge and his favorite active EMG pickup set. Because of the rising costs of traditional tonewoods as well as the restrictions on their importation, guitar manufacturers such as Dean Guitars have turned to alternatives such as paulownia. This electric guitar has a poplar body with a quilter maple art grain top. This is why some guitars arrive with some cosmetic blemishes such as stains and nicks or unfinished frets, a few loose screws, a missing strap button or whatnot. The Alnico 3 pickups give it that clean, vintage 50s sound yet the CV remains versatile enough that it positively snarls with a twist of the gain knob, retaining that mix-cuttingly deep twang. Read more about how how we test products and services and how we make our recommendations. Its an instrument that can take him from classic Fender tones for RnB/funky lines through to incredibly musical high-powered gains with effortless ease. What's the best copy out there? I recently reviewed this little honey over at FG and she's a keeper. 
One of the most challenging things budget-conscious musicians go through is finding the best electric guitar under $200. By There's no guarantee that aftermarket necks will fit an off-brand copy. I think the one you pictured is the one, man. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. But musicians on a budget need not fear browsing through this price category because weve done the work and picked out the highly recommended models. The Squier Affinity Telecaster is a fantastic choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a quality instrument in this price range. Regardless of what your needs are, finding the best Telecaster for you will be a lot of fun. When choosing the best Telecaster for you, also think about whether you want/need single-coils or humbuckers. James Farmer Perhaps controversially so, the Player Series has 22 frets rather than the traditional 21 - but the Player Telecaster isnt built to stick to the rules. By 
This tonewood combination produces a bright, snappy tone with good sustain. Play any of the twangers below and you honestly won't give a rat's arse whose name is on the headstock. Great little guitar, (with the right setup) but I'm not a tele dude. No contest. A brilliant addition to our best Telecasters round-up, these DiMarzio-equipped signatures were made available globally in 2013 (having only been sold in Japan initially). Theyve also blessed us with an updated version of one of their ultimate swiss-army-knife guitars - the Nashville Telecaster. A pair of vintage-style single-coil Telecaster pickups capture the guitars sound and deliver the iconic Tele tone. Quality parts and construction and consistently well setup out of the box. The gloss-finished alder body and bolt-on maple neck is a classic combination, and provides bags of that iconic Tele twang. Its easy to doubt the build, playability and sound quality of low-cost guitars because of the use of cheaper materials or the fact that most guitars in this price range are mass-produced in a factory somewhere. This is just one of the realities of playing a guitar. Squier Standard Tele, because the nut width is 1.650" (it's also a string through, if that matters). Its got all the features musicians expect from an SG but without the price of an upscale model. Amit Sharma Slimmer neck profile and lighter Dig that a fellow Craigslist junkie! Please refresh the page and try again. Buying something new with the intent of upgrading everything is the most expensive way of going about it. I agree with 0le FUZZY on that Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Special. Its not a classic Telecaster by any means, but it is one of the best metal guitars available right now. As a tonewood, it is tonally similar to swamp ash. Retract his praise in horror or swallow his pride and admit that Squier make consistently excellent guitars? Everything else will probably get modded anyway. The individual saddles allow for a more accurate intonation for each string. These Tele favourites, all under $500, have been selected based on consistently positive user and professional reviews (which you can read for yourself) and comments. But a few tiny adjustments can make a world of difference from the Treble Bleed circuit that retains the high-end when your guitar volume is turned down to its redesigned ashtray bridge thats angled better for the picking hand. It may not display this or other websites correctly. There isn't a single piece of Fender spec gear any where on my SX Tele. If you know who Jason Isbell is, youll be more than aware of his killer guitar chops. The Ibanez GRX70QA has an HSH pickup configuration, with Ibanez Infinity R humbucking pickups at the neck and bridge positions and an Ibanez Infinity RS single-coil pickup at the middle position. A lot of guitarists get hung up on whether they have the "real deal" or not. But while its just a bit smaller than average, its scale length is at 25.5 inches, which is considered standard (not short-scale). Across the forums, comparisons have been made between the Modern Player (budget Fender) and Classic Vibe (high-end Squier) series. talk about fun! If you keep those parts the sky's the limit. Read the full Fender American Ultra Telecaster review. 
So how does the CV compare to the Standard Squier Telecasters? Appreciating the qualities of sub-$200 guitars depends heavily on knowing what to expect and managing those expectations. At the slightly higher end of the Fender Vintera range sits the 50 Modified Telecaster, which combines some of Fenders most sought-after Custom Shop colors with pickups from the actual Custom Shop. The neck heel has been tentatively carved away to enable smooth upper fret access. Its smooth satin finish helps you avoid the sticky situations that a gloss lacquer might cause, and with the option of either maple of pau ferro fingerboards, you can be sure youll find a style to suit you. Topping the neck is a smooth rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and white binding. The position markers on the fretboard are classic pearloid sharkfin inlays. For those of us with less than 200 bucks to part with, but insist on the consistently high quality of Fender backed axes, the Squier Affinity Tele is a solid choice. I think it was 140 including shipping. Picked it up for under $200 and upgraded as follows: 1) Removed the name from the headstock. Couple of initial points - the body is slimmer than your standard Tele, so the axe is lighter and the neck is narrower than usual at the nut, which some have said is good for players with shorter fingers when negotiating those open chords. While the Standard has very mixed reviews, it's difficult to find a single bad review of the CV beyond "ewww Squier" or some other pretentious nonsense. If youre a beginner looking for a great starter instrument or an intermediate player itching to upgrade your guitar, consider Squiers more affordable version of the classic Tele. One of these is the fingerboard material. Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar Review. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',165,'0','0'])); Part of the RX series, the Ibanez GRX70QA was introduced in 2011 and has undergone a few changes over the years. The affinity I got for my podnah was 70.00! We can also highly recommend the Fender Richie Kotzen Telecaster (opens in new tab). If you're looking for a good player with hot looks, check out a Douglas Gravity (from Rondo). As the guitarist in one of the most successful metal bands the world has seen, Slipknot guitarist Jim Root (aka #4) knows a thing or two about high-gain tones. The S-1 switch allied to the 3-way pickup position switching makes it sound a little like the greatest hits of Tele tone. Everything else will probably get modded anyway. Like the Vintera 70s models, it features two Wide Range humbuckers to help players tap into warmer and more overdriven sounds which, coupled with the semi-hollow construction helps avoid some of the more shrill tones classic Telecasters were famous for. All in all, the Fender Vintera '70s Telecaster Deluxe is a brilliantly versatile and more wallet-friendly tribute to one of the more rock-focused models in Fender history. The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster offers incredible value for a Fender-designed instrument. Some components may feel loose. Please let others know, cheers Get Our Deals Newsletter!Huge discounts on guitar gear. The slimmer neck and flatter fretboard radius support the modern feel. Strings take time to stretch and settle, so give it time and practice patience. The most versatile Telecaster in its price range. The sound is captured seamlessly by the two open-coil Dean humbucking pickups, wired to master volume and tone controls and a three-way pickup toggle switch. The body and neck of the Player Plus Nashville Tele has had a facelift too, with a Strat-esque tummy cutaway on the back of the body aiding the otherwise un-ergonomic Tele slab body. While there have never been more aftermarket electric guitar pickups available to help players hone in on their favourite tones, it makes sense to invest in a Telecaster that can handle the sounds youre looking for. Weve carefully selected the electric guitars on this list to show you just how great budget-friendly models can be, considering their price. The dense pine body does a superb job of imitating the premium quality ash of some of the much higher priced USA Fender Standards, giving that naturally bright chime the depth it needs. Get a Squier. Here's some pictures on my Squire Tele. You may be pleasantly surprised at how good a guitar actually feels, looks and sounds in person. If you suspect this is the case, take your guitar to a guitar tech to be checked. The Squier Affinity Telecaster has a lightweight alder body with a classy polyurethane finish and a C-shaped maple neck with a smooth satin urethane finish. The reliced Chocolate sunburst finish provides a subtle twist on the iconic burst that Fender is so well known for - and isnt the only subtle twist this guitar has in store. By then, were certain you would be the one educating the latest generation of aspiring guitar players about what to look for in a beginner guitar and what to expect from guitars at different price ranges.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-leader-1','ezslot_3',169,'0','0'])); For now, lets take a look at some of the things you can expect when buying a guitar in the $200 price tier, especially if youre buying online. After an increase in higher gain players over the course of the 1960s, Fender hired former Gibson pickup guru Seth Love to help update their debut solid-body electric design. Fenders American Ultra Series was one of those event launches that we only see every few years or so. When you change the strings on your new guitar, you can expect it to go out of tune often. Fenders Player Plus series of guitars takes the already brilliant Player Series and bumps it up a notch - with new finishes, pickup configurations and more. Welcome to the world of Yamaha. 
It sees Fender revise its flagship US models, rolling out a number of contemporary features to suit todays player, with compound radius fretboards, tapered heels, newly sculpted bodies, noiseless pickups and locking tuners. It has a sculpted pauwlonia body, a bolt-on maple neck, a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard and dual humucking pickups. You have to understand that guitars bought online go through a lot before arriving at the delivery address. 
Theyre picked from the stockroom or warehouse where a cursory check would be done before theyre packed up for shipping. It's also easier to mod later on, since it's more standardized. The middle pickup on the Nashville is actually taken from a Stratocaster, in order to provide a warmer mid-range that turns the Tele from an aggressive, spiky axe into a smooth operator with increased capabilities. Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar, Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar. Guitar World is supported by its audience. Au contrairethinlines are the shiznitz! Telecaster Deluxe - non-maple fretboard, under $1000? The Classic Vibe exceeds all expecations. Whether you're a beginner electric guitar player or die-hard Fender fan, below you'll find some very tempting options in the Telecaster stable. This is not always the case, of course. Its perhaps on the higher end of the price scale for a Mexican-made Tele, but wed suggest you give it a go. All that is thanks to a single-coil Alnico 5 DiMarzio Twang King in the neck and a ceramic stacked humbucker, The Chopper T, in the bridge. Indeed, this is why the Affinity becomes a project for some experienced guitarists - with the right upgrades you can get them sounding closer to the American Standards than the Mex. The semi-hollow Thinline models that offer more of a natural acoustic resonance that shows off more low-end rumble that is absolutely unbeatable if youre a rhythm player or just want some extra fatness in your tone. This guitar also has a Tune-o-Matic bridge. Fenders typically noiseless and lower-output single-coils work wonders for those playing funk, RnB and country, though higher-gain players may be more suited to higher-output pickups like humbuckers. You get what you pay for.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',167,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-banner-1','ezslot_13',167,'0','1']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',167,'0','2'])); .banner-1-multi-167{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. 
The Epiphone SG Special also has two open-coil humbucking pickups that feature ceramic magnets. It has a compound 10-14 radius that feels right, especially atop the new Modern D profile neck. The one thing where you have problems is pickguards, since Squiers have whatever, but certainly Squier and Fender are more interchangeable than most. 
You must log in or register to reply here. More experienced players confirm the quality is very similar. Suitable for 
In this case, youre getting a Vintage-Style Single-Coil in the neck and a high output Alnico 5 Twisted Single-Coil in the bridge which, along with the four way selector and S1 switch, will be able to cover some serious tonal ground. The Nashville Tele delivers precise, clean and crisp tones thanks to its set of three noiseless Player Plus pickups, combining the versatility of a Strat with that famous Tele twang to create a guitar capable of a lot more than you think. Theres a five-way lever as well as master volume and master tone controls. Hows about an ash bodied tele, rosewood board, Grover tuners, 2 SD HB's, all for under $200? The Tele is one of the world's most iconic electric guitars and, as such, there's a huge choice within the range. 
I dunno, I'm enjoying play a $100 Strat with $250 pickups in it. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. It also has a tremolo bridge! Because of the import restrictions on rosewood, the Ibanez GRX70QA guitars produced from 2017 now have treated New Zealand pine for their fingerboard. Going out of tune is not the fault of the guitar, unless of course the tuners are loose or theres something wrong with the bridge. ", LP! While the original American Professional series had this same configuration, the V-Mod IIs on this updated model have been tweaked, culling some of that harsh high-end. In this list weve picked out some electric guitar models that look, sound, feel and overall perform well above their price point. 
I once bought an amp on CL in Santa Rosa, posted when I stopped for coffee in Berkeley and dropped it off in San Jose and netted 75.00. all during a regular business day! You can get it from a retail store with free shipping. Few other guitars have become so deeply ingrained in music history. The satin poly on Affinity might not look like much, but they play beautifully. Don't miss out Classic Tele through and through There are, however, a couple of vintage features, such astop-thread vintage tuners anda pine body (like the CV 50s), harking back to Leo Fender's proto-Telecaster Esquire models. Been thinking about one too. Why is something that looks like it can kill someone called Dinky? I am most concerned with the quality of the body, neck, and. Powered by Invision Community. Contributions from Our top picks for the best Telecaster guitar starts with the Fender American Professional II Telecaster (opens in new tab), a seriously beautiful and versatile electric guitar that pays homage to the originals while bringing them right up to date. with vintage tuners and bridge. 
Is the issue a functional defect or the result of careless handling? Semi-hollow guitars are renowned for their openness and clarity, often favored by more chordal players. Luckily for you, Telecasters come in many forms. Sweet, sweet music - thats what. These ceramic pickups are proven to deliver a higher output than pickups with traditional Alnico magnets. I just bought a Squier CV tele custom for $200 and don't need to upgrade anything. Looks and feels like a more expensive guitar, Tremolo arm can feel a bit loose and would need adjustment, Stock strings not the best, replacement recommended, eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-box-4','ezslot_0',166,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-box-4','ezslot_1',166,'0','1'])); .box-4-multi-166{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. When you take these points into consideration and manage your expectations, you may even realize that the guitar you get is worth a lot more. Even new strings can break unexpectedly. Well, the Jackson Dinky is called such because it has a 7/8 body size, making it an ideal instrument for players looking for a smaller-than-normal guitar. What's the best copy out there? 
Its all of these tiny extras and adjustments which without affecting the visual aesthetics of such a classic guitar make the American Professional series a very dominant presence in our best Telecasters round-up. And I've never had a problem fitting a Squier neck to a Fender, or a Fender neck to a Squier. 
The solid-body models will often show off more of that traditional Tele twang that youve heard so much about. Coil tap. There are also master tone and volume knobs for tone tweaking. The Affinity Series Telecaster is available in a number of finishes, including Butterscotch Blonde, Arctic White, Black and Slick Silver. The JS22 Dinky is designed and built not only for speed but also for aggressive music and playing styles. 2nd, if you buy a MIM and want to upgrade the neck, you can at least sell the old for something (mainly because of the logo) and its not a total write-off. 
Would you say the affinity butterscotch is better than the squiar standard? I also hate the gross orange finishes they often come with. These combine to enable smooth playability, easier thumb-over-the-top ability and that vintage vibe that makes you feel like youre playing a living, breathing instrument. $199 delivered from most any vendor. So what's the best tele or tele copy you can get on a budget? The Jason Isbell signature Telecaster is gorgeous. 180 bucks After doing a little research, I'm thinking about the Affinity but leaning towards this: http://www.guitarfetish.com/NEW-XV-820-Solid-Poplar-Vintage-Cream-Rosewood-Fingerboard_p_1133.html. Look no further than the Epiphone SG Special, the most budget-friendly SG you can buy today. I want to do with a Tele what I'm already doing with a Squier Bullet Strat. Its not uncommon for guitars under $200 to be built in a factory or big manufacturing facility, as guitars in this price range are usually mass-produced. I'll bet you can pick up a MIM tele for 225 used. 
A T106 tremolo bridge gives you more control over your pitch and allows for a more diverse sonic output. Next up is the Ibanez GRX70QA, a budget-priced electric guitar that doesnt look and sound cheap. The skills probably arent the same either.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',168,'0','0'])); We hope you avoid making the mistake of making unrealistic expectations of an inexpensive electric guitar. However, it does deliver that unmistakable "Tele sound" out of the box. Of course it doesnt the materials and components are different. Agathis is just dandy for guitar wood, a little heavy maybe, but you are young and strapping! Ultimately, if youre looking for a mid-priced guitar that screams class and can cover pretty much any kind of gig, this might be the best Telecaster for you. Xavieres get pretty mixed reviews. Guitars that are ordered online do not always arrive at your doorstep completely set up, in tune and ready to play. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you receive a guitar with issues such as these, take a moment to think about the extent of the problem. He's interviewed everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Slash and Jimmy Page, and once even traded solos with a member of Slayer on a track released internationally. Generally, most MIM stuff drops right into Squiers. The Squier Affinity series is Fenders answer to offering their unique designs and historic tones to the beginner electric guitar market. 
The general consensus is, for the price, "incredible". 
Was this helpful? Jackson JS Series Dinky Archtop JS22 DKA Review, Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Often the guitar would arrive out of tune, the action too high or with some string buzz. I am most concerned with the quality of the body, neck, and looks. The result of this collaboration with Fender is a high-powered workhorse that will be able to cut through the mix and have no problem voicing the kind of lower tunings bands like Slipknot were responsible for popularizing. Its highly resonant with a tight low end. The Butterscotch Blonde / black pickguard combo (pictured) is an especially sweet option for such a cheap Telecaster.
First, I'd suggest starting with something used--like new MIM teles come-up frequently for ~250.00. It really does need good technique because when I tried it, it looked horrible. Also, I'm not sure it's a good idea because it will eventually wear off and the worn part will be pasty white. Whatever is the case, our advice is to take the guitar to a technician for a proper assessment before taking action. (Neck Pickup), Tone 2. The Fender quality is still there along with far more control over your Tele tone than with other reincarnations. Or is it something that calls for a refund or return? We've listed them in price order to help you find the right one for your budget. While its worth bearing in mind that there are no rules when it comes to what you use, solid-body guitars are generally considered to be more suitable for those looking for punch, thickness and sustain. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The Deep C neck sits in between a Modern C and U in terms of shape and coupled with the narrow tall frets offers extra hold and control. Like other Dinky guitars, the Jackson JS22 Dinky has a body shape similar to that of a Fender Stratocaster. You may be wondering, Okay, maple and rosewood Im familiar with, but what on Earth is paulownia?. The Fender Telecaster was the very first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar and has a widespread appeal that is only rivaled by a few other guitars. Press Esc to cancel. The Jackson JS22 Dinky has an arched basswood body, a bolt-on maple neck, dual high-output humbuckers, a synchronized fulcrum tremolo bridge and pearloid sharkfin inlays. His signature Telecaster features some less-usual appointments, including an ebony fingerboard, locking tuners, black hardware, no tone control, a Hardtail strings-thru-body bridge and his favorite active EMG pickup set. Because of the rising costs of traditional tonewoods as well as the restrictions on their importation, guitar manufacturers such as Dean Guitars have turned to alternatives such as paulownia. This electric guitar has a poplar body with a quilter maple art grain top. This is why some guitars arrive with some cosmetic blemishes such as stains and nicks or unfinished frets, a few loose screws, a missing strap button or whatnot. The Alnico 3 pickups give it that clean, vintage 50s sound yet the CV remains versatile enough that it positively snarls with a twist of the gain knob, retaining that mix-cuttingly deep twang. Read more about how how we test products and services and how we make our recommendations. Its an instrument that can take him from classic Fender tones for RnB/funky lines through to incredibly musical high-powered gains with effortless ease. What's the best copy out there? I recently reviewed this little honey over at FG and she's a keeper. One of the most challenging things budget-conscious musicians go through is finding the best electric guitar under $200. By There's no guarantee that aftermarket necks will fit an off-brand copy. I think the one you pictured is the one, man. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. But musicians on a budget need not fear browsing through this price category because weve done the work and picked out the highly recommended models. The Squier Affinity Telecaster is a fantastic choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a quality instrument in this price range. Regardless of what your needs are, finding the best Telecaster for you will be a lot of fun. When choosing the best Telecaster for you, also think about whether you want/need single-coils or humbuckers. James Farmer Perhaps controversially so, the Player Series has 22 frets rather than the traditional 21 - but the Player Telecaster isnt built to stick to the rules. By This tonewood combination produces a bright, snappy tone with good sustain. Play any of the twangers below and you honestly won't give a rat's arse whose name is on the headstock. Great little guitar, (with the right setup) but I'm not a tele dude. No contest. A brilliant addition to our best Telecasters round-up, these DiMarzio-equipped signatures were made available globally in 2013 (having only been sold in Japan initially). Theyve also blessed us with an updated version of one of their ultimate swiss-army-knife guitars - the Nashville Telecaster. A pair of vintage-style single-coil Telecaster pickups capture the guitars sound and deliver the iconic Tele tone. Quality parts and construction and consistently well setup out of the box. The gloss-finished alder body and bolt-on maple neck is a classic combination, and provides bags of that iconic Tele twang. Its easy to doubt the build, playability and sound quality of low-cost guitars because of the use of cheaper materials or the fact that most guitars in this price range are mass-produced in a factory somewhere. This is just one of the realities of playing a guitar. Squier Standard Tele, because the nut width is 1.650" (it's also a string through, if that matters). Its got all the features musicians expect from an SG but without the price of an upscale model. Amit Sharma Slimmer neck profile and lighter Dig that a fellow Craigslist junkie! Please refresh the page and try again. Buying something new with the intent of upgrading everything is the most expensive way of going about it. I agree with 0le FUZZY on that Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Special. Its not a classic Telecaster by any means, but it is one of the best metal guitars available right now. As a tonewood, it is tonally similar to swamp ash. Retract his praise in horror or swallow his pride and admit that Squier make consistently excellent guitars? Everything else will probably get modded anyway. The individual saddles allow for a more accurate intonation for each string. These Tele favourites, all under $500, have been selected based on consistently positive user and professional reviews (which you can read for yourself) and comments. But a few tiny adjustments can make a world of difference from the Treble Bleed circuit that retains the high-end when your guitar volume is turned down to its redesigned ashtray bridge thats angled better for the picking hand. It may not display this or other websites correctly. There isn't a single piece of Fender spec gear any where on my SX Tele. If you know who Jason Isbell is, youll be more than aware of his killer guitar chops. The Ibanez GRX70QA has an HSH pickup configuration, with Ibanez Infinity R humbucking pickups at the neck and bridge positions and an Ibanez Infinity RS single-coil pickup at the middle position. A lot of guitarists get hung up on whether they have the "real deal" or not. But while its just a bit smaller than average, its scale length is at 25.5 inches, which is considered standard (not short-scale). Across the forums, comparisons have been made between the Modern Player (budget Fender) and Classic Vibe (high-end Squier) series. talk about fun! If you keep those parts the sky's the limit. Read the full Fender American Ultra Telecaster review. So how does the CV compare to the Standard Squier Telecasters? Appreciating the qualities of sub-$200 guitars depends heavily on knowing what to expect and managing those expectations. At the slightly higher end of the Fender Vintera range sits the 50 Modified Telecaster, which combines some of Fenders most sought-after Custom Shop colors with pickups from the actual Custom Shop. The neck heel has been tentatively carved away to enable smooth upper fret access. Its smooth satin finish helps you avoid the sticky situations that a gloss lacquer might cause, and with the option of either maple of pau ferro fingerboards, you can be sure youll find a style to suit you. Topping the neck is a smooth rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and white binding. The position markers on the fretboard are classic pearloid sharkfin inlays. For those of us with less than 200 bucks to part with, but insist on the consistently high quality of Fender backed axes, the Squier Affinity Tele is a solid choice. I think it was 140 including shipping. Picked it up for under $200 and upgraded as follows: 1) Removed the name from the headstock. Couple of initial points - the body is slimmer than your standard Tele, so the axe is lighter and the neck is narrower than usual at the nut, which some have said is good for players with shorter fingers when negotiating those open chords. While the Standard has very mixed reviews, it's difficult to find a single bad review of the CV beyond "ewww Squier" or some other pretentious nonsense. If youre a beginner looking for a great starter instrument or an intermediate player itching to upgrade your guitar, consider Squiers more affordable version of the classic Tele. One of these is the fingerboard material. Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar Review. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',165,'0','0'])); Part of the RX series, the Ibanez GRX70QA was introduced in 2011 and has undergone a few changes over the years. The affinity I got for my podnah was 70.00! We can also highly recommend the Fender Richie Kotzen Telecaster (opens in new tab). If you're looking for a good player with hot looks, check out a Douglas Gravity (from Rondo). As the guitarist in one of the most successful metal bands the world has seen, Slipknot guitarist Jim Root (aka #4) knows a thing or two about high-gain tones. The S-1 switch allied to the 3-way pickup position switching makes it sound a little like the greatest hits of Tele tone. Everything else will probably get modded anyway. Like the Vintera 70s models, it features two Wide Range humbuckers to help players tap into warmer and more overdriven sounds which, coupled with the semi-hollow construction helps avoid some of the more shrill tones classic Telecasters were famous for. All in all, the Fender Vintera '70s Telecaster Deluxe is a brilliantly versatile and more wallet-friendly tribute to one of the more rock-focused models in Fender history. The Squier Affinity Series Telecaster offers incredible value for a Fender-designed instrument. Some components may feel loose. Please let others know, cheers Get Our Deals Newsletter!Huge discounts on guitar gear. The slimmer neck and flatter fretboard radius support the modern feel. Strings take time to stretch and settle, so give it time and practice patience. The most versatile Telecaster in its price range. The sound is captured seamlessly by the two open-coil Dean humbucking pickups, wired to master volume and tone controls and a three-way pickup toggle switch. The body and neck of the Player Plus Nashville Tele has had a facelift too, with a Strat-esque tummy cutaway on the back of the body aiding the otherwise un-ergonomic Tele slab body. While there have never been more aftermarket electric guitar pickups available to help players hone in on their favourite tones, it makes sense to invest in a Telecaster that can handle the sounds youre looking for. Weve carefully selected the electric guitars on this list to show you just how great budget-friendly models can be, considering their price. The dense pine body does a superb job of imitating the premium quality ash of some of the much higher priced USA Fender Standards, giving that naturally bright chime the depth it needs. Get a Squier. Here's some pictures on my Squire Tele. You may be pleasantly surprised at how good a guitar actually feels, looks and sounds in person. If you suspect this is the case, take your guitar to a guitar tech to be checked. The Squier Affinity Telecaster has a lightweight alder body with a classy polyurethane finish and a C-shaped maple neck with a smooth satin urethane finish. The reliced Chocolate sunburst finish provides a subtle twist on the iconic burst that Fender is so well known for - and isnt the only subtle twist this guitar has in store. By then, were certain you would be the one educating the latest generation of aspiring guitar players about what to look for in a beginner guitar and what to expect from guitars at different price ranges.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-leader-1','ezslot_3',169,'0','0'])); For now, lets take a look at some of the things you can expect when buying a guitar in the $200 price tier, especially if youre buying online. After an increase in higher gain players over the course of the 1960s, Fender hired former Gibson pickup guru Seth Love to help update their debut solid-body electric design. Fenders American Ultra Series was one of those event launches that we only see every few years or so. When you change the strings on your new guitar, you can expect it to go out of tune often. Fenders Player Plus series of guitars takes the already brilliant Player Series and bumps it up a notch - with new finishes, pickup configurations and more. Welcome to the world of Yamaha. It sees Fender revise its flagship US models, rolling out a number of contemporary features to suit todays player, with compound radius fretboards, tapered heels, newly sculpted bodies, noiseless pickups and locking tuners. It has a sculpted pauwlonia body, a bolt-on maple neck, a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard and dual humucking pickups. You have to understand that guitars bought online go through a lot before arriving at the delivery address. Theyre picked from the stockroom or warehouse where a cursory check would be done before theyre packed up for shipping. It's also easier to mod later on, since it's more standardized. The middle pickup on the Nashville is actually taken from a Stratocaster, in order to provide a warmer mid-range that turns the Tele from an aggressive, spiky axe into a smooth operator with increased capabilities. Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar, Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar. Guitar World is supported by its audience. Au contrairethinlines are the shiznitz! Telecaster Deluxe - non-maple fretboard, under $1000? The Classic Vibe exceeds all expecations. Whether you're a beginner electric guitar player or die-hard Fender fan, below you'll find some very tempting options in the Telecaster stable. This is not always the case, of course. Its perhaps on the higher end of the price scale for a Mexican-made Tele, but wed suggest you give it a go. All that is thanks to a single-coil Alnico 5 DiMarzio Twang King in the neck and a ceramic stacked humbucker, The Chopper T, in the bridge. Indeed, this is why the Affinity becomes a project for some experienced guitarists - with the right upgrades you can get them sounding closer to the American Standards than the Mex. The semi-hollow Thinline models that offer more of a natural acoustic resonance that shows off more low-end rumble that is absolutely unbeatable if youre a rhythm player or just want some extra fatness in your tone. This guitar also has a Tune-o-Matic bridge. Fenders typically noiseless and lower-output single-coils work wonders for those playing funk, RnB and country, though higher-gain players may be more suited to higher-output pickups like humbuckers. You get what you pay for.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',167,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-banner-1','ezslot_13',167,'0','1']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',167,'0','2'])); .banner-1-multi-167{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. The Epiphone SG Special also has two open-coil humbucking pickups that feature ceramic magnets. It has a compound 10-14 radius that feels right, especially atop the new Modern D profile neck. The one thing where you have problems is pickguards, since Squiers have whatever, but certainly Squier and Fender are more interchangeable than most. In this case, youre getting a Vintage-Style Single-Coil in the neck and a high output Alnico 5 Twisted Single-Coil in the bridge which, along with the four way selector and S1 switch, will be able to cover some serious tonal ground. The Nashville Tele delivers precise, clean and crisp tones thanks to its set of three noiseless Player Plus pickups, combining the versatility of a Strat with that famous Tele twang to create a guitar capable of a lot more than you think. Theres a five-way lever as well as master volume and master tone controls. Hows about an ash bodied tele, rosewood board, Grover tuners, 2 SD HB's, all for under $200? The Tele is one of the world's most iconic electric guitars and, as such, there's a huge choice within the range. I dunno, I'm enjoying play a $100 Strat with $250 pickups in it. The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. It also has a tremolo bridge! Because of the import restrictions on rosewood, the Ibanez GRX70QA guitars produced from 2017 now have treated New Zealand pine for their fingerboard. Going out of tune is not the fault of the guitar, unless of course the tuners are loose or theres something wrong with the bridge. ", LP! While the original American Professional series had this same configuration, the V-Mod IIs on this updated model have been tweaked, culling some of that harsh high-end. In this list weve picked out some electric guitar models that look, sound, feel and overall perform well above their price point. I once bought an amp on CL in Santa Rosa, posted when I stopped for coffee in Berkeley and dropped it off in San Jose and netted 75.00. all during a regular business day! You can get it from a retail store with free shipping. Few other guitars have become so deeply ingrained in music history. The satin poly on Affinity might not look like much, but they play beautifully. Don't miss out Classic Tele through and through There are, however, a couple of vintage features, such astop-thread vintage tuners anda pine body (like the CV 50s), harking back to Leo Fender's proto-Telecaster Esquire models. Been thinking about one too. Why is something that looks like it can kill someone called Dinky? I am most concerned with the quality of the body, neck, and. Powered by Invision Community. Contributions from Our top picks for the best Telecaster guitar starts with the Fender American Professional II Telecaster (opens in new tab), a seriously beautiful and versatile electric guitar that pays homage to the originals while bringing them right up to date. with vintage tuners and bridge. Is the issue a functional defect or the result of careless handling? Semi-hollow guitars are renowned for their openness and clarity, often favored by more chordal players. Luckily for you, Telecasters come in many forms. Sweet, sweet music - thats what. These ceramic pickups are proven to deliver a higher output than pickups with traditional Alnico magnets. I just bought a Squier CV tele custom for $200 and don't need to upgrade anything. Looks and feels like a more expensive guitar, Tremolo arm can feel a bit loose and would need adjustment, Stock strings not the best, replacement recommended, eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-box-4','ezslot_0',166,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-box-4','ezslot_1',166,'0','1'])); .box-4-multi-166{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. When you take these points into consideration and manage your expectations, you may even realize that the guitar you get is worth a lot more. Even new strings can break unexpectedly. Well, the Jackson Dinky is called such because it has a 7/8 body size, making it an ideal instrument for players looking for a smaller-than-normal guitar. What's the best copy out there? Its all of these tiny extras and adjustments which without affecting the visual aesthetics of such a classic guitar make the American Professional series a very dominant presence in our best Telecasters round-up. And I've never had a problem fitting a Squier neck to a Fender, or a Fender neck to a Squier. The solid-body models will often show off more of that traditional Tele twang that youve heard so much about. Coil tap. There are also master tone and volume knobs for tone tweaking. The Affinity Series Telecaster is available in a number of finishes, including Butterscotch Blonde, Arctic White, Black and Slick Silver. The JS22 Dinky is designed and built not only for speed but also for aggressive music and playing styles. 2nd, if you buy a MIM and want to upgrade the neck, you can at least sell the old for something (mainly because of the logo) and its not a total write-off. Would you say the affinity butterscotch is better than the squiar standard? I also hate the gross orange finishes they often come with. These combine to enable smooth playability, easier thumb-over-the-top ability and that vintage vibe that makes you feel like youre playing a living, breathing instrument. $199 delivered from most any vendor. So what's the best tele or tele copy you can get on a budget? The Jason Isbell signature Telecaster is gorgeous. 180 bucks After doing a little research, I'm thinking about the Affinity but leaning towards this: http://www.guitarfetish.com/NEW-XV-820-Solid-Poplar-Vintage-Cream-Rosewood-Fingerboard_p_1133.html. Look no further than the Epiphone SG Special, the most budget-friendly SG you can buy today. I want to do with a Tele what I'm already doing with a Squier Bullet Strat. Its not uncommon for guitars under $200 to be built in a factory or big manufacturing facility, as guitars in this price range are usually mass-produced. I'll bet you can pick up a MIM tele for 225 used. A T106 tremolo bridge gives you more control over your pitch and allows for a more diverse sonic output. Next up is the Ibanez GRX70QA, a budget-priced electric guitar that doesnt look and sound cheap. The skills probably arent the same either.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'knowyourinstrument_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_15',168,'0','0'])); We hope you avoid making the mistake of making unrealistic expectations of an inexpensive electric guitar. However, it does deliver that unmistakable "Tele sound" out of the box. Of course it doesnt the materials and components are different. Agathis is just dandy for guitar wood, a little heavy maybe, but you are young and strapping! Ultimately, if youre looking for a mid-priced guitar that screams class and can cover pretty much any kind of gig, this might be the best Telecaster for you. Xavieres get pretty mixed reviews. Guitars that are ordered online do not always arrive at your doorstep completely set up, in tune and ready to play. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you receive a guitar with issues such as these, take a moment to think about the extent of the problem. He's interviewed everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Slash and Jimmy Page, and once even traded solos with a member of Slayer on a track released internationally. Generally, most MIM stuff drops right into Squiers. The Squier Affinity series is Fenders answer to offering their unique designs and historic tones to the beginner electric guitar market. The general consensus is, for the price, "incredible". Was this helpful? Jackson JS Series Dinky Archtop JS22 DKA Review, Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Often the guitar would arrive out of tune, the action too high or with some string buzz. I am most concerned with the quality of the body, neck, and looks. The result of this collaboration with Fender is a high-powered workhorse that will be able to cut through the mix and have no problem voicing the kind of lower tunings bands like Slipknot were responsible for popularizing. Its highly resonant with a tight low end. The Butterscotch Blonde / black pickguard combo (pictured) is an especially sweet option for such a cheap Telecaster.