Stratocaster vs Telecaster

[Arthur Sweeney]

Hi all.

I have been playing acoustic guitar for years,

and now would like to try some electric.

I have a cheap Strat copy that is OK at best,

but I would like to buy a decent electric,

but am torn between a Stratocaster and

Telecaster. In your opinion, which is

better, Strat or Tele..?

 

[Paul Verticchio]

There is no "better one". They are both good instruments.

In acoustic terms, that's like asking "Which is better: a Dreadnought or a Grand Auditorium?" The answer to that is; whichever best suits your wants & needs.

They both have their attributes and niggles.

Try each and make your decision based upon your personal preference.

[Mike Kolb]

What Paul said. I'd add, however, that a Strat is probably capable of more different tones than a Tele, but neither one could replicate the other.

[Rick Gentry]

It might be weird, but the only Strat I ever liked was a 74 I owned a long time ago. Since then, several forms of the Telecaster have come my way, and I have never owned another Strat.

You can wire anything any way with the right pickguard and routing, so make one the way you want. I prefer the weight and feel of a Tele body.

There are also no regulations against owning one or more of each.

[Russell Vance]

Buy the one that sounds and plays like you want it to. Spend the same amount of money on your amp. Rusty.

[Mark Pollock]

My two cents - keep it simple. I have never liked either guitar when there is a humbucker added - it just doesn't fit in really well for me.

I have a late 80's Japanese tele that is the bee's knees - very tight, easy on the hand, good pickups, sounds great. I've played a couple of decent Strats, but never been really blown away - at least, blown away from one I could actually afford.

I do like the V-neck s-1 switching American strats, they have some real neato options, though sometimes having more options is really limiting to good playing.

[Tom Krebs]

Both have provided me with hours of entertainment over the years, and I still grab the Tele first for Fender style stuff. I love the sounds, the basic feel, and the control layout. Play a stack of them before you pick one out.

[Ted Kritikos]

Starcaster, hands down ;)

[Arthur Sweeney]

Starcaster? Did you mean Stratocaster, or is Starcaster something different?

[Ted Kritikos]

I was making a little joke. You can read about Starcasters here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Starcaster

It's not exactly Fender's most popular model, but some people like them.

[Pierre-Antoine Roiron]

I've been checking and cleaning and setting up one for a customer. Heavy as hell and not that great sounding in my opinion. But it's a quite intersting sound and look!

[Donald A. Fortune]

HI Art, I can only speak for my self here,However I happen to own more than one of each, (some with "hot rod electronics)
But here's my own personal choice of Fender guitars.. I have a custom made clone of a 1965 Jazzmaster that will do any
thing I ask it to from way back rock and roll to country to blues to jazz and old style classic music from the 20's-50's
Just my two cents worth but like it has been said here already-- "its a matter of personal choice and what kind of music you wish to play".
Peace- Donald

[Arthur Sweeney]

Thanks Donald. Seems like I have some research to do to find the right guitar for me.
Money may well be the determining factor, as I cannot afford too much at this time.
My Cort Special Series SP-3 guitar I have now sounds pretty good, and it is a close
copy of a Stratocaster, so I may end-up with a real Strat someday.