Telecaster: am I crazy for not loving them?

[Jim S]

They get so much love and are so ubiquitous in rock and blues, even some jazz, yet when I'm playing my Tele I always think I'd be happier with my strat. I love the simple layout of it's controls. And it's not like I'm asking "I don't love my pointy guitar with a monkey grip, on board echo, and three necks with 27 frets".

I really enjoy my Strats, Les Pauls, and 335...even my Classic Player Jazzmaster* with Lollars. The Tele always seems to inspire me less. And I've had three decent Teles in my life and my current sole Tele is a nice respectable one.

I dunno. Am I wacked? (OK, I know I'm looney but I mean in this context.)

:dunno

* I know some purist will say it's not a Jazzmaster

[Rock Johnson]

I'm a LP guy. I can't connect with the bridge position of a Strat at all, no matter how much I try. So, my current Stratoid has a humbucker in the bridge, which creates its own issues.

Enter the CV Tele. HOLY CRAP. It sounds good clean, but through a distorted amp it just flat out snarls. That bridge pup is a WHOLE different animal.

So, try a CV Tele and see if your mind doesn't change.

[Deacon]

Not crazy at all. That's why there are different guitar designs!

I love the utter simplicity and straight-forwardness of a Tele.

When I gig with my Gibsons, I'm always worried they'll get hurt. I don't ever worry about my Tele.

[Doug]

Just a personal preference, you're not crazy.

FWIW, I'm not a fan of a Strat's bridge pickup either. But the neck pickup tone of a good Strat? Forgetaboutit! And the "quack" positions? Pure bliss for me. :D

Now the Tele bridge pickup tone is another thing. Loud and powerful. Good stuff for country pickin or good old nasty rock 'n roll. :rockin
There's room for both for me.

[mad dog]

If tele worked for everybody, there'd be nothing else to play. So it's a good thing. Way too many cool guitars, not enough money or time.

[joeybsyc]

Its hard to say "i don't like a strat bridge pickup" when virtually every one sounds different... same with Teles.. I thought I didn't like teles either, until i got a good one. Whats even crazier is that my Esquire with its one bridge pickup makes a range of sounds that no tele or strat I've ever played can make. I agree a strat is more of my preference than a tele, but its more just the shape of the body and feel of the big bridge plate that bothers me more than sounds... every guitar sounds different, so its hard to like or dislike an entire line of instruments based solely on how one or 2 of them sounds.

[buddastrat]

I never liked teles either, they're ugly, especially the yellow ones. But it's what I mostly play because it's so dang versatile for any music, like you said. It's not a jack of all trade, it actually sounds perfect for so many styles.

A strat is the ultimate comfy guitar tho' and the bridge pickup, even a vintage one can be real crunchy and mean when you dig in and make that scream uncle.

[TravisE]

You're about as crazy for not loving teles as I am for my strat hatred. I hear many tones (and voices) in my head but a strat is NEVER one of them. Different strokes, my man.

[ohmslaw]

They get so much love and are so ubiquitous in rock and blues, even some jazz, yet when I'm playing my Tele I always think I'd be happier with my strat. I love the simple layout of it's controls. And it's not like I'm asking "I don't love my pointy guitar with a monkey grip, on board echo, and three necks with 27 frets".

I really enjoy my Strats, Les Pauls, and 335...even my Classic Player Jazzmaster* with Lollars. The Tele always seems to inspire me less. And I've had three decent Teles in my life and my current sole Tele is a nice respectable one.

I dunno. Am I wacked? (OK, I know I'm looney but I mean in this context.)

:dunno

* I know some purist will say it's not a Jazzmaster

Some of us just don't find any use for a Tele, me included. I had two, never found what I needed. Strats just seem to get the job done a little better overall but the Tele is a great rhythm guitar and has a very distinctive lead tone. Problem is, in stock form, they are just a little restricted, you are locked into that Fender tone. I saw a video of Steely Dan with Jeff Baxter playing a Tele into which he had stuffed a couple of Rickenbacker toaster pickups, for example.

They are real funky, classic sound but if you are looking for more, the Strat is a big difference.

[EricatWillcutts]

Yes, Jim, you are indeed crazy.

[Shark Sandwich]

yes

[mojocaster.com]

I dunno. Am I wacked? (OK, I know I'm looney but I mean in this context.)


Yes. Yes, you are. But we still love you :)

[musicofanatic5]

"I didn't like teles either, until i got a good one."

Maybe the op hadn't found a good one yet?

Mostly it's an LP and a tele goes to a gig with me. I am in that extreme minority that does not own a strat.

[Jim S]

Thanks for the affirmation.
I've had/have

ESP Tele '52 copy
Trussart with bucker in neck
Fender Baja
Nash T 62/63 (rosewood board)
,

[Polynitro]

Nocaster

[VanR]

No. You're not crazy. I have an obsession about Tele's. I have bought 4 Tele's in the last 5 years. I want to love them, but they just aren't me at all. I buy them, keep them 6 months and sell them. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[BarneyFife]

Is it that you do not like the sound you get from the tele? The feel?

Do you like the sound some others get with a Tele?

I love the sound of a strat with somebody who can play the heck out of one. But, when I play one, I just don't sound good. I've bought and sold some great strats over the years, but have concluded it's just not for me.

Sounds like you may be the same way with the Tele. I'm not sure trying to find the right one is going to change that.

[Jim S]

Is it that you do not like the sound you get from the tele? The feel?

Do you like the sound some others get with a Tele?

I love the sound of a strat with somebody who can play the heck out of one. But, when I play one, I just don't sound good. I've bought and sold some great strats over the years, but have concluded it's just not for me.

Sounds like you may be the same way with the Tele. I'm not sure trying to find the right one is going to change that.
Good point. The feel is fine.
I love Springsteen, Keith Richards, Andy Summers, Jim Campilongo, Steve Howe (esp Pennants and Relayer), Pretenders tones.

I'm not a country music fan (albeit many of those guys burn down the house for sure).

[blueshawk1]

No, not crazy if you don't love teles, it doesn't matter how many others do, you gotta play what feels right in your hands. I'm someone who does love teles, they are my number one favorite electric, but that's me. Guitars are definitely a "to each their own" thing, whether it be style of guitar, brand, components, etc., etc. Can't let others or what's "popular" influence you, all that matters is if the guitars you choose inspire you to play and give you the sound you want.

[WordMan]

Jim - as a fellow lover of Les Pauls with P-90's - we both have Black Beautys and you have that gorgeous relic'd R4 Goldtop - I have to ask a stupid question: have you tried playing your Tele through a non-Master Volume tube amp dialed into its sweet spot (so a bit of hair, and an overdrive or distortion in your chain), picked the bridge pickup, and rolled the on-board Tone down to maybe 4 - 5 and the Volume down to about 6 - 7? I get a big, thick P-90-ish tone with a character all its own coming out of my Tele-Tweed Deluxe-Rat set up this way.

As others have stated, you gotta operate a Tele. But given some of your preferences, I bet you could dial in a Tele tone that works for you. Once you dial in something that works for you, the basic playability takes over and you are lost for sure!!

[gill]

Some guitars just suit us better than others. I think it's like what flavors we prefer-they kind of pick us. I always loved 335's -owned a Gibson, have a nice copy now, but seem to gravitate towards my strat & p90 solidbody. Maybe I just prefer the looks/image of the 335

[stratbred]

Nah, nothing wrong with ya. They just don't feel right for me and I don't own one.

[Thwap]

Don't like em...never have...never will.

[A-Bone]

I am a big fan of the Telecaster, but this does not mean that I would think that anyone who is not also a fan is crazy.

As Splatt and others have suggested on this forum: just dig what you dig, and don't worry about what other people dig. If the guitars you prefer get the job done for you, then you are well set.

[russ]

I grew up (long time ago) playing Teles.I fall in and out with them. Lately it's all I been playing. Played my 335 most of last year along with my LP.
Anyway ya gotta work the Tone control w/ the Tele bridge PU.

Haven't touched a Strat in about 3 years, but I'll be back!

[stratmosphere]

I personally am glad everyone has different tastes. That would suck if EVERYONE was running around with the same guitar!

[Boris Bubbanov]

There's a reason the average shop has 6-7 Strats for every Telecaster.

Some people just can't connect - if it were real easy to play or get used to, everyone would've flocked to them long ago.

No disrespect, but I kinda like having and enjoying my Teles, and knowing many others will never understand. Not that long ago, Teles were in the darkness, so to speak. I don't know how much klieg lights I want to see coming this way.

[supersonic1414]

Funny..I'm the opposite. I can't enjoy playing a strat....So many beauties out there and I have owned a couple, but they just aren't for me...Give me a jazzmaster or tele anyday...even a Jaguar or LP...Just not a strat...

[Tone_Terrific]

Take a Tele.
Choose a neck of your preference.
Contour the body.
Install a Strat neck pup. (choose from a gazillion)
Now you just have to figure out if you can deal with the bridge assembly and pup.
There are enough of those that you can come up with something, surely.
If you still don't like it, you are rejecting the basic, bolt on, hardtail, 2 pup solid body electric.
Based on your preferred list it looks like you have. Not crazy, just eccentric.

[diego]

No... tele... love? Oh... it's got the best nekkid electric guitar tone...

[K-Line]

I get what you are saying totally. I am the same way with a strat. I have been trying to fall in love with one for about 15 years with no luck. I have one and use it on a rare occassion. If it does not feel right then skip it! I just think Tele's punch better than a strat.

[rob2001]

I don't know if I could use one for my #1, but in my bands original music I can't imagine not having one. Tunes I recorded with a Tele wouldn't feel the same done with any other guitar.

[Rick51]

Like Bonnie Raitt said: "You can't make your heart feel what it won't."

I hope you find peace.

Strats look great, and they are the most comfortable to play. I want to love mine...and I don't.

Tele's...not so comfortable. Have that gnarly look. And they sound like the sounds in my head at 4 AM. That's it for me.

[WordMan]

Jim S - any thoughts on my stupid question or other posts that have come later in this thread or have you already confirmed your thoughts?

[TNJ]

When I pick up a Tele, I want to play certain music a certain way.
It just urges me to chicken pick or get my Jim Messina on.

Either way, tonally a good Tele can be as good as it gets to me.

That said, I have a great one that doesnt get played near enough:

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w186/jato07/ElmwoodModenaAmpPics012.jpg?t=1245089897



Aint gettin' rid of her, though. :)

S.
j

[dlguitar64]

Whenever i have a tele i gravitate towards it while a strat is always bumped down the line when i get something else-i feel comfortable playing jazz on a tele but with a strat it feels very unnatural.

[rogwerks]

yes...

[tdarian]

Love the right tele, which for me is a Ron Kirn. He will build what you want and his work is superb. www.ronkirn.com (http://www.ronkirn.com)

[paul1122]

I love my Tele, but I love my SG more. I am glad they're not kids.

[Jim S]

That's not stupid. It's darn good!Jim - as a fellow lover of Les Pauls with P-90's - we both have Black Beautys and you have that gorgeous relic'd R4 Goldtop - I have to ask a stupid question: have you tried playing your Tele through a non-Master Volume tube amp dialed into its sweet spot (so a bit of hair, and an overdrive or distortion in your chain), picked the bridge pickup, and rolled the on-board Tone down to maybe 4 - 5 and the Volume down to about 6 - 7? I get a big, thick P-90-ish tone with a character all its own coming out of my Tele-Tweed Deluxe-Rat set up this way.

As others have stated, you gotta operate a Tele. But given some of your preferences, I bet you could dial in a Tele tone that works for you. Once you dial in something that works for you, the basic playability takes over and you are lost for sure!!

That kind of helped. I have a '66 BF SR that I crank up ever so often. The Tele was nice but I when I plug in my Sadowsky strat it's more than nice; it's divine.


No guitar is going to make every player swoon. I think the Telecaster is a very sexy looking guitar and its history is undeniable: I would like to become smitten the way others are.

But c'est la vie. And who called me crazy?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v170/IntenseJim/Ski/Squaw%20Cushing%20Last%20Day%20%205%2010%2009/20090509_Cushing_Crossing_131.jpg

[DrumBob]

I'm a LP guy. I can't connect with the bridge position of a Strat at all, no matter how much I try. So, my current Stratoid has a humbucker in the bridge, which creates its own issues.

Enter the CV Tele. HOLY CRAP. It sounds good clean, but through a distorted amp it just flat out snarls. That bridge pup is a WHOLE different animal.

So, try a CV Tele and see if your mind doesn't change.

Right on, brother! Good advice, and you're right aout the sounds. It sounded clean on "Dead Flowers," and kicked ass on "Train Kept A-Rollin'."

I bought a Classic Vibe Tele a couple weeks ago after announcing publicly that I wouldn't buy another Tele, ever. It cost me $305 and it plays amazingly well, stays in tune, and sounds great. I took it to the gig Friday night, and when we were done, my drummer commented that I sounded better playing the Tele than I did playing my Les Pauls. I was happy and perplexed at the same time, because I love my Gibsons.

Just try the CV. I think you'll be amazed and converted.

[Don A]

I used to be that way until I bought a really good 5E3 clone. I even assembled a USACG T-Style and was happy with it but not as much as I had hoped. It turned out that, the way I like to use my Vibrolux Reverb- played clean- a Tele was less than inspiring. I preferred a Strat with it.

Then I bought the 5E3 clone and later, a Mesa/Boogie and that all changed. I play a Tele and a Les Paul most of the time now.

[Maruuk]

My boss sat me down with this exact Tele (because he used to produce Roy and he gave it to him)...

http://cfs5.tistory.com/image/13/tistory/2008/04/01/15/38/47f1d8577de7b
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tWm-tESq5HE/SCbETCp-FYI/AAAAAAAABOc/uRH3pJlTVOQ/s1600/Roy%2BBuchanan%2B-%2BBlues%2BIn%2BE%2B-%2BFront.jpg
...and plugged me into a Soldano Twin, and I played it for like two hours. And I still hate Teles.

Thin, nasty, hard, nasal tone, no tonal flexibility. Worked for Roy tho, I grant him that. But clean and hard and steely thin ain't my thing.

[sonvolt]

It's all about how a guitar feels for you. Personally, I'm a tele guy. To me it is the perfect survival tool.....like a shovel !

[sinner]

Crazy for not loving Teles?

Crazy, no, but missing lots of fun--yes!

[Jim S]

Thanks TGP!
:beer

[Jon Silberman]

These days, I play my Tele 90%+ of the time. It just does everything so well.

[Coach]

I hated my first Tele (American Standard) and so I sold it to buy another guitar which ended up being another tele ('52ri) which I have to this day. I'm not sure why I chose another tele after having the reaction I had with the first one, an act of serrendipity I guess, but it was like night and day. Turns out it wasn't telecasters in general that I didn't like, but rather telecasters with modern specs. I am currently looking for another guitar, something with a mohagany body and p90s, but nothing will ever knock my tele from the #1 spot.

It's not crazy of you to dislike teles, but you very well may have just not found the right one for you yet.

[Blue4Now]

crazy like a fox I say

[Eagle1]

Looks like a bread board,sound like an icepick. But I love them (as long as it's not me playing one.)