Source
r/telecaster•
sotech

Buying a Tele this weekend, looking for any last advice!

So I've been researching a lot and I've played several different guitars and the Tele is just the one that speaks to me. I've mostly played on acoustic and classical style guitars, though I did own an Ibanez Artcore back in the day.

I've settled on finding a used, Mexican Standard Tele based on price and tone (I like how it's a bit warmer than the American, frankly). I know to watch out for the difference between the standard and the HH/Deluxe model, which although it sounds interesting, isn't really what I want. Beyond that I don't know what other gotchas there might be. So if anyone has any advice for buying a used Mexican Tele Standard, I'd love to hear it. Even just basic used guitar buying tips would be appreciated.

Also, if anyone has any great Guitar store recommendations in the Phoenix area, I'll gladly take those as well.

Thanks!

Bonus Round: Anyone have a strong opinion either way on the Nashville Tele? I've heard it's pretty good but that the noiseless pups are a bit meh.

Posted Aug 16, 2018, 3:35 AM UTC

415
reid-o•

My advice, do it! Tele = good!

Seriously, though, just try before you buy if it all possible. With any instrument, play it for 10 minutes or so and you will know rather quickly if something isn't right.

6
BuckyDuster•

Try a bunch and pick the one that plays and sounds the best

3
dennisSTL•

I have a blonde/maple neck MIM special factory run-2013, the one with reversed controls, mfer was perfect! This is my fav guitar...other is a 2014 Clapton signature strat. Owned Gibsons, several other Fenders in past but Teles seem to be "my" guitar. If at all possible, play the guitar b4 buying it...also try to play it both unplugged and through an amp.

2
RiffFantastic•

I have the same guitar and it's my favorite. Every day I come home I can't wait to pick it up. Even though I own much more expensive guitars. The neck feels great and it sounds amazing.

The only things I don't like about it is how heavy it is. It also didn't come with a bone nut, and the neck plate over the heel was installed a little crooked. But that doesn't affect how it plays.

3
Mothra67•

Just get one that really feels great and worry about the details later. I would always upgrade to a 3 saddle bridge if it didn't have one, and likely some better tuners.

2
DeathByPianos•

Just bear in mind that if the tele has a modern-style 3 screw bridge (like the Mexican standard tele), that changing to a traditional 4-screw bridge is pretty difficult and while there are 3-saddles conversion bridges, they're expensive.

3
sotechOP•

I thought the fender locking tuners were supposed to be pretty excellent? I'm definitely not averse to mods down the road, though.

1
Mothra67•

Depending on what you get, some don't have locking tuners. If they work well and lock leave them alone. I like MIM stuff, but I prefer a good 3 saddle bridge and the tuners have to be good. Aside from that I am pretty easy about pickups and stuff, I have never had a problem or cared, I think its more about the player in that case.

2
sotechOP•

Right on, I definitely plan on playing whatever it is and seeing how it sounds/feels. If, later on, I decide something on it can be better then I'll look into modding/upgrading. So fricking stoked. I might just take Friday off and spend the day checking out shops.

1
Mothra67•

Good for you! Have fun! As someone in here mentioned, those special edition mexican reissues with the reversed control plate are true gems and right now totally under the radar. I see them for 400 bucks they should be like 800. Cheers.

2
Liamonreddit12•

I have the player series, which is the newest mim, and I love it. Tone blows me away. I’d highly recommend it.

2
djbrickhouse•

I would advise away from the American Special. I like the fretboard radius but not those jumbo frets.

0
Rayf_Brogan•

I love those jumbo frets. Not sure why, I don't have huge hands, but I find it incredibly easy to play.

4