The 9 Best Mostly Inexpensive Fender Telecaster Alternatives

This is my pick for the best 9 mostly inexpensive Telecaster Alternatives!
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This is a list of the 9 Best (mostly) inexpensive USA Fender Telecaster Alternatives on the market. In this video, I discuss the pros and cons of each of the Telecaster Alternatives. Most of the guitars on this list are far less expensive than the USA-made Fender Telecaster with the exception of one or two. I hope you like this video! Let's try and get this to 1000 likes!
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[@samueljett7807]

Stratocaster ✔ Telecaster ✔ Jazzmaster? Could you do one on Jazzmaster alternatives? I know you probably aren't a jazzmaster guy, but I really like the format you use on these videos.

[@intheblues]

I'll see what I can do :-)

[@johnmonroney8614]

Jackson Charvel model 4

[@samueljett7807]

@@intheblues thanks mate! I'm contemplating purchasing one someday... when I have money lol

[@mkidd0021ify]

Squire J Mascis jazzmaster

[@ethanjonahjorge7994]

Samuel Jett les Paul’s? (Not Gibson)

[@edizzle445]

Squier bullet telecaster are very solid as well. Cheap electronics but with a few minor changes, you've got an amazing instrument

[@danseth5775]

Agreed. I bought a bullet tele with maple neck and fretboard about a year ago for $160 new . I liked the feel of the bullet over the affinity way more

[@MonkyMonk729]

Man, my brain really has a hard time with lefty Teles... more than any other lefty guitar. I see a lefty Tele and my brain just goes, "what the hell is that thing?" It's like they look backwards AND inside out and It never reconciles for me. No offense. It's my brain.

[@kevdean9967]

If I was a lefty I think I'd play a Flying V. To me it's almost like talking to a guy with a glass eye to see a lefty playing a Tele!!

[@Shaun.Stephens]

I'm exactly the same! They don't even look like flipped Teles to me. I wonder what condition it is that we both have? ;-)

[@SilentJayBird]

Same. What the hell ~IS~ that thing!?

[@thecrippledrummer]

The G&L Tributes are an amazing value. They have the US pickups and are assembled overseas. I had a Tribute and an ASAT, and actually preferred the Tribute.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

G&L Tribute guitars are great. I have a Fallout that's awesome.

[@RollerCoasterFenatic]

I love my Squier Contemporary Telecaster and my Squier Affinity Telecaster.

[@modoperandi2020]

The Schecter PT is, in my view, a good alternative to the Telecaster. The PT has nice body contours, not present in the T. Costs about half of an American T but just as good.

[@Mr94Amos]

or ESP LTD TE series

[@samian3553]

Agree , shecter makes great guitars . 🎸

[@stefanlemottee6998]

The Stagg T Series Vintage is a very cool looking guitar for $300 AU and it plays great. It comes with a P90 in the neck with a Cabronita-style scratch plate. I swapped out the bridge pickup and upgraded the saddles to compensated brass and it's now probably my favourite guitar! P90 is pretty noisy (as you'd expect), but the tone is great! Worth a look

[@BlueCollarLogic]

My SX Tele is my favorite guitar. I just love it.

[@intheblues]

Thanks mate! Your channel looks cool I’ll take a look. Thanks mate 🙏

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Yeah i bought a secondhand Sx tele thinline for 125 euro. I cant believe how good it is ! Best 125 euro you can ever spend !!

[@fullwaverecked]

Awesome seeing you over here. I was diggin the guitar in the background on some of your vids. Cool!

[@mikewatson2634]

I bought a sparkle glittery red SX tele a couple of weeks ago, dare I say I like it as much as my actual Fender Modern player! I can't put it down!

[@SnappingTurtle90]

My first EVER guitar was a red SX strat. It was pretty shite but I loved it, I didn’t know any better 😂

[@InspiretoVictory]

I have been GASing hard for a Reverend Gristlemaster. Especially the one in Kochwork Orange. Greg really knows his stuff and did a great job collaborating on a T style guitar with Reverend. Really want to hear those Fishman pickups in person.

[@danfango1333]

Not played the TE52 but my Harley Benton experience has been good 🌴

[@leeholzmann1023]

like shane said they are very HEAVY...

[@danfango1333]

@@leeholzmann1023 my Mexican tele is way heavier than my US. Both great. If I was starting over I'd get the Mex and replace pickups.

[@ReformedJon75]

Te-52 rocks, just needs a bit of setting up, but a lot of guitar (literally) for very little money,,

[@oldmantwofour5561]

Japanese Fenders get my vote. My #1 is an 85 1969/70 thinline reissue. It's amazing.

[@5amskateboards291]

Finally, a fellow lefty to watch. It's nice to know the guitars you are talking about are available to me as well. Thank you.

[@DamianS1893]

Appreciate you Brother Shane! Very informative video.

[@twootters7433]

Does anyone else remember when the most expensive Sqiuer was around $250.

[@carmineredd1198]

i remember wen gold was under 250 an ounce

[@gblan]

It's the same crap auto companies do. Introduce a new line that blows everyone away on price and then over the years slowly jack the price up until it is no longer cheap. i.e. Honda Civic

[@carmineredd1198]

@@gblan oh the 1971 Honda N600 hatchback

[@grove4mylife]

I remember getting affinity tele brand new at $199 six years ago. It was worth it. I loved it and was a beast throughout in highschool. Now, they're around $339, with classic vibe climbing up to $669 on the same store I bought my affinity tele.

[@twootters7433]

@@grove4mylife I got thinlines for under $250! And pretty much did nothing to them. Now, pushing, pushing $500. Squiers are starting to get a expensive as MIMs. Ridiculous for what's supposed to be an entry level guitar.

[@RobCmusic]

I just recently got a Paramount PE200 Tele copy in Thailand. It's a cheap brand I've seen around before. I bought it for a project and you know what? It's awesome, especially for the price (about $90US). The pickups are just ok, but I got it to upgrade those anyway. I actually prefer it to the SX Tele I had a couple of years ago. Oh and the SX Tele pickups are not like the Classic Vibe pickups. They are more like the Affinity pickups, although I do think they sound good.

[@ColinStuart]

Play the guitar, not the headstock!

[@lorenzo6mm]

Nah the Head Stock is everything. Your vibe has to be good. Your instrument must be a part of your mind, body & spirit. All other guitar playes must dig your vibe or your schtick/chops.riffs/melodies go straight out your 'headstock'.....into the Universe of cool space time.

[@nikolaki]

For me, the headstock shape is important but not the name on it. A tele with an ugly shaped headstock is a distraction! I need a slim elegant headstock on a tele shaped guitar. 😁

[@allstopblue5717]

You can say that all you want but nobody wants to play a guitar they think doesn’t look cool. Even by yourself at home. You want to play sow,thing that looks cool to you and inspires you. It is what it is.

[@lorenzo6mm]

@@allstopblue5717 that is the truth. and if you don't admit that your only fooling yourself. Your chops go hand in hand with your guitar and how it LOOKS !

[@garyjones7044]

I've taking a few squier parts, manly necks and some quality parts, I can make a petty decent guitar for $500 and to look down on a (small) strat headstock that says squier is a joy.

[@electroKrunch]

Got the HB TE-52 here. Works well, will excel after a good setup! Thanks for another great vid, Shane! Keep 'em coming!

[@johnladdsmusic]

Just bought a butterscotch Squier CV....what a guitar! I wanted a tele without paying $2g (Cdn $)...after playing guitar for almost 40 years, never thought I would ever own a Squier, but these CV’s are excellent

[@Dead-Eye]

True story, mate. I had the butterscotch CV50 Tele and it was killer. Unfortunately, the pine body on mine was almost as heavy as my mate's Les Paul. I couldn't carry it comfortably for a whole gig and had to sell it on. Shame - lovely axe. I now have a Fender Payer Jaguar. Another great guitar, but the MIM Fenders are no better than the Squier CVs. They're still excellent, but whereas a Squier CV will come out of the box with a perfect fret job, a lot of the Fender MIM guitars will need a dress and polish before they play as well as the Squier. Can't go wrong with Squier CV or Fender MIM/Player. Great value.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

I've been wanting one of these for a while but I think they use concrete for the body. :-(

[@johnladdsmusic]

The pine body is heavier than my MIM Blacktop, but compared to my Les Paul, the weight is not an issue for me

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

@@johnladdsmusic I'm trying to find one under 7.5 pounds. "Good luck with that". hahahaha

[@johnladdsmusic]

JohnnyG mine’s just over 8...heavy but not a boat anchor..best part is I saved $1500 bucks

[@Slovy_]

The classic vibe teles are around $400 and $150-300 used in the states. U can get a Mexican fenders for $800-900 ish and $250-400 used. But I haven’t checked the conversation rates.

[@leodanryan966]

Well Shane, I can't yet reccomend it, but we're going to review the Firefly Nashville style Tele copy next week on the channel. They're about $160 US, plus $27 shipping in our case. They look beautiful, but everything else remains to be seen.

[@caseylee12]

I'm a Tele fanatic. One of my favorites is a Squier bullet Tele (seafoam green). Maybe I'm lucky, but got a great one. The main reason I picked it over the Affinity was the string-thru body, and the neck is slightly wider. I really like the unfinished neck. I also have a Squier classic vibe 50s tele, and a Glen Burton tele (talk about obscure!). Anyway, all i did to the bullet was lower the saddles a bit and re-intonate. GREAT guitar for $129 USD, as i caught it on sale. Would love an American Standard tele, but I'm wandering is the price difference worth it, when i love the guitars i already have?

[@colecovington9804]

To begin, I want to say that I am not against getting an MIA tele because I own a Fender American Special Telecaster from 2017. To answer your question, I recommend you put the $1000+ it costs to buy an MIA tele toward new pickups, bridge, pots, tone and volume knobs, tuners, nut, saddles, pickguard if you want to customize it, and maybe even a new neck. From my point of view, pickups can be upgraded and tonewood is less than 5% of the guitar sound, but an uncomfortable neck is something I cannot get over. But if you enjoy the neck you have now it would only cost about $5 to sand off the Squier logo and get a Fender decal if you are going for the name brand look (which is no shame. I think it makes the player more proud and create a stronger desire to play the instrument). And more than likely no one would question you or be able to tell the difference between your Squier with a Fender logo that sounds awesome and a stock Fender that sounds awesome without a close examination, but at that point who really cares? Moral of the story: Yes, MIA guitars are better in almost every way, but the differences are not something that cannot be achieved by upgrading a lower end guitar. I hope that helps, feel free to reply with any questions you have, I will keep an eye out for your reply!

[@jacko717]

I bought a Revelation RTE Custom in lefty, paid 180GBP, it looks and plays like it cost over 500. In homage to the man himself Keef Richards, I lost the low E string, tuned it permanently to Open G, and turned the neck humbucker around. I highly recommend Revelation.

[@intheblues]

If you have something to add to this list please let me know. :-) Edit: Thanks for all the thumbs up! You guys rock! 😎❤👌👍

[@davidstorm4015]

Vintage V62? Not sure if you can get these in Australia

[@josearjona3728]

Ibanez Talman all the way

[@tomrabbani]

Tagima made in Brazil

[@stevemiller1203]

Schecter PT Special

[@jepatawaran]

SX Teles and Strats

[@BrianSEllison]

Great video. I hadn't thought of G&L - I'm looking now.

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

Hi Shane ! Greetings from Akron , Ohio USA ! I have been a subscriber for years , love your videos . So well made and informative .I agree with all your ideas on the faux Teles . I owned a China made Classic Vibe Tele Custom . Loved it , so well made . I traded it off because the neck was a little too thin for me . I should have kept it and bought a bigger neck for it , I miss it still and it was that good ! Kudos to Tokais . I have owned a couple and am always amazed at the build quality . I even had a nylon string Tokai Classical that was out of sight ! I have been playing since 1963 ( 71 years old ) , but I still get excited about guitars , still my mouth waters and I stare at guitars at the shops that I cannot afford . All these years , and all the gigs , and all the guitars I have owned and still own , I still have a burning passion for guitars

[@leightnite3056]

Ltd make some awesome and very popular T styles. Great list!

[@dimiaraujo90]

Honorable mentions: Vintage by Wilkinson (V52, V62, V2, etc) Anda also some models from Tagima too.

[@markc2427]

DimiLeventis They are awesome. I had a V52. It was the relic one. I hated the relic job on it but it played really well. I couldn’t stand that they aged it and then covered it with a clear coat lol. Kind of regret selling it... I should have just sanded it back and refinished it.

[@Dead-Eye]

Yup. I've had a couple of Vintage electrics and a couple of Vintage acoustics. Very nice guitars - especially if you're a fan of Wilkinson hardware.

[@kibon8387]

i played v75 at the store once, it was great. just one thing, the neck profile seem to thin from what i used to. but we'll get used to if we played it enough times.

[@DrewPeabaws]

Vintage are great. My V100 is better than any epiphone I’ve ever tried. Only problem I have is with the tuners but the kluson style aren’t great on anything tbh.

[@James-eg3nf]

If you have a strat (any kind), just open up the pickup cavity and switch the neck and middle pickups. And I’m not talking about rewiring them, just unscrew them from the mounting plate and rearrange them (just make sure the wires are long enough). Bam, instant telecaster sound in the second switch position. Works especially well if the bridge pickup is a humbucker. Cost: $0. You’re welcome.

[@Daniel-ll3qp]

The Harley Benton TE-20’s a good shout as well. Crazily good guitar for the money. I liked the first one I get so much, that I bought another.

[@freedumbfree2055]

I greatly appreciate your channel being a left-handed player myself

[@stratolestele7611]

Just got a G&L Fullerton Deluxe ASAT Classic. My favorite Tele by far. I've owned a '68, '76, an MIM (2006), and a MIM Classic 50s. I rate the ASAT at the top (by a long distance) followed by the 50's classic, then the '68. For the 06 MIM, I put really nice and well known US bridge pickup, and I just can't remember which one and I no longer have the guitar. Put a Fender Fat 50s Strat pickup in the neck. Nothing helped. The ASAT is so well rounded. With regular Teles, I love the spank, but always roll back the tone for the bridge, but then have to open back up for the neck. The 50s are extra bright, which is period correct and too bright for some. I don't need to roll off the highs on the ASAT, but when I do, the neck pickup still cuts through and does not suffer from muddiness. I adjusted the polepieces per a Darrell Braun, video. Fretwork, neck, and wire size are perfect for me. Oh, I LOVE the belly contour.

[@paulsmith380]

Great job. Just stumbled across your channel. You have some Teles I have not even heard of before. Makes me want to expand my horizons. Best wishes!

[@trig3017]

Some Tele alternatives for the metal player: • Michael Kelly 7/8 string • Agile Texan 7 string • ESP LTD TE-200 • Dean Nashvegas • Fender Esquire Celtic • Squire John 5 Signature • Fender FMT • Schecter PT series • Peavey Generation • Squire Jim Root Signature

[@GeorgePercic]

I really like FGN J-Standard Iljad 664

[@paulfuchs3661]

❤ my Schecter PT

[@248.n_n]

Did I saw Jim Root? Well that's obvious.

[@JNMorgen11]

I was wondering about the Squire Telecaster after I saw a left-handed one in my local (Indiana) music store. I don't know which model it was, but the price was $229.00 US dollars. I'll have to go back and check it out now.

[@nickkemp2334]

Vintage! The Vintage brand is the best value for money I’ve seen. I have the V75. Alder body, brass saddles, vintage style tuners and Wilkinson pick ups. I paid 200 uk pounds! Great tele!

[@WibblyWobblyBob]

Vintage guitars are brilliant

[@davidwahl3136]

You might not be able to find them in Australia but Revelation guitars (UK brand made in Asia) using Alan Entwisle pickups are great to and an excellent quality price experience. Being left handed like you they offer a lot of models for us poor leftys. Thanks for your good videos and hello from France!

[@hutchfromba]

I have a 1953 version of a Michael Kelly T style guitar. It has a silky satin smooth neck. The original pups weren't bad but over time, I put in Joe Barden pups. Great tele.

[@metalliholic]

Affinty's are great but also remember they are thinner than your standard Fender. Classic Vibes are full thickness though.

[@sentforth5]

I've played quite a few SXs...very good "for the money".

[@ToddTheJoker]

It was a good list..I plan on getting a Player Series Tele one day but for now I have a MonoPrice Indio t-style that I paid $100 Canadian for and I love it..the only draw back is that it is really heavy..but it has lots of tone and I can't stop playing it.

[@cuanstretch6726]

I’m such a big SX fan! Nice to see other people giving them some love

[@caseylee12]

I just ordered one of their 3-single -coil ''Nashville Tele'' type guitars, mostly because Dr. Groovey(scott grove) did a review on one, and liked it. If it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me. I'm a big fan of his, because he's not a guitar snob, though he owns some of the best guitars around,, and he could play a mop handle with a string on it and still sound great. Plus, he's funny as hell!

[@darphbobo55]

The classic vibes are getting up there in price in Canada too around 550 bucks

[@Apollwn]

One guitar missing from the list is the Vintage V52. Probably not easy to find in the USA or Australia, but here in the UK it is one of the best value tele style guitars you can get.

[@calvinevans6347]

I have one!!!

[@JoelWetzel]

My TE-52 is awesome but weighs a full ten pounds. I'd snatch up a Squier Bullet Tele over their Affinity Tele for the lower price and the strings-thru-body design. My G&L ASAT Deluxe Tribute Series is a carved top HH, relatively light-weight tele and I love it; it's my number one, for sure, but the TE-52 has more twang so I'm playing it more lately.

[@sreckojevtic1092]

Hello Shane, I own a Vintage V52 tele and it sounds great, good quality Wilkinson parts and not much money for all of that... I would like to see your demo of it, if you can get it there, cuz i appreciate your honest opinion about guitars in your videos... I think you gonna like this one :) Cheers

[@spincity4049]

Yes I agree. I have a V52 and I love it. Sounds good, feels great and holds tune well with the compensated bridge saddles.

[@pisiprkl7913]

Harley Benton TE-40 Deluxe Series (with Humbuckers) is my choice. Btw it´s left handed. :)

[@MrGavinspoppop]

Agile ( a Les Paul tribute guitar ) would be a good one if you did a LP top 10 ... for those of us who can't buy a Gibson !

[@43dukedog]

I have one with a Marshall dsl 40c great combo

[@byronofcalgary6985]

Used is always best... unless frets are worn - used PV was a great buy but the good ones are worn - look for Used Jay Turser Vintage or 300 series for ... 1 3/4" thick bodies or real ash, alder and maple - Classic Vibe used to be alder, ash etc - now poplar - old CVs are now worn - agree on Squiers but a used JT is totally underrated and sellers get no offers - plus flamed tops + gold hardware

[@BladeReynolds]

As all Squier guitars are, it's really about the quality control. The reason I say this is because I have a 2018 Squier Affinity Tele and it plays and sounds wonderful. The amount of compliments I've received from it are far more than I expected. I may have got the luck of the draw with smooth frets, but with a final setup, it was ready to go and is my go to guitar.

[@benallmark9671]

I have a couple that are gems too.

[@henrikcroan]

I can also recommend the Harley Benton TE-20. I've used it for my Status Quo tribute band, and it really really rocks. My only critique is the frets which seems a bit too narrow and small. How are the frets on the TE-52?

[@LorSTApunk07]

I like my Schecter PT special. Had it modded with Fishman Gristletones. Fantastic guitar for the money. Original configuration had a P90 in the neck.

[@jakebaldwin9713]

I’d recommend looking at some used Japanese fender telecasters from the 90s, I managed to pick up a 1997 mahogany thin line tele for £399

[@Steven_SK]

Fender Player Tele on the way. BB of course. I do have a Player Strat I love so I know the quality is there. Thanks for my final confirmation and this will most likely be my final post when my wife finds out! Be Well!

[@paulharris9309]

Great video shane

[@Mauitaoist]

I didn't hear you mention the fact that the Affinity guitar has a much narrower nut makes it hard for people with larger hands to play

[@bullrambler]

Yea I find it's a tad narrower (and wish it wasn't) and I like it for the non string through bridge, and modern saddles.

[@intheblues]

Interesting! I have never noticed that before. I will take a look next time I pick one up. Thanks for the heads up.

[@thecrippledrummer]

The Affinity bodies are also thinner, are they not?

[@starfire5656]

Thanks Shane, great comparison, Have you tried the Guitar Fetish Xavier, I would be interested in hearing how they compare to some of the other economically priced teles.

[@carmineredd1198]

i bought a chinese guitar, it had qc issues, called the factory, next day they had a new qc agent and free chili

[@chefbarona3052]

I had a Tokai tele in the 70's!

[@acidbran]

I'm in the states and about 30 minutes from Rondo Music. Grabbed a beautiful SX VTG Tele ,one piece ash body ,maple neck and it's a great guitar. My cost was around $189 US dollars. Frets are medium jumbo ? I love it.

[@DevInvest]

G&L > fender. They are bright, clean, well made, cool & twangy. Save your money

[@charliesoandso]

God, I sold a G&L ASAT Classic Semi-Hollow that had some of the clearest sounding pickups I've ever personally owned like 10 years ago and this video just reminded me of how much I still regret that decision. Pretty sure I sold it for around $250 or so back then, probably have to spend around $400-500 to get that version again since it doesn't seem to have been in production for very long. Sill might pick it up again though, it's definitely worth the (slightly inflated) price of admission.

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Shane great video and i agree with you 100%....

[@antonyivanov9024]

My only Strat is a G&L S-500 Tribute. It's my cheapest guitar but I love playing it. It feels good, stays in tune and the last set up was done 4 years ago. I just don't feel the need to "upgrade" to the American version of it. Never played a bad G&L so far.

[@jrockofages5413]

Got the Deluxe S-500. For a guy that didn't play, Leo sure had it figured out

[@-thirteen]

Xpg body Allparts neck Joe Barton bridge Gotoh locking tuners Fender pure vintage 64 pickups 920 pre wired 4 pos switch plate -various odds & ends $490 US. Quality equal to Japan

[@tatialo37]

Sounds cool!!!

[@-thirteen]

@@tatialo37 plays and looks great. Close to my favorite guitar to play. Double binding makes it extra

[@-thirteen]

Special

[@mark64tanner]

Hey Shane, Noticed Artist guitars now have US and UK web stores. Where would you rate their TC59 in this list? Figuring it would be similar to the Harley Benton but not sure. cheers

[@intheblues]

The Artist TC-59 is a great guitar. I would have added it to the top 10 list had I remembered to put it in! It's about the same quality and standard as the Harley Benton but it's much heavier!

[@jimmyjimmy951]

intheblues I have one and it is definitely a work out. Sounds nothing like a Tele though given it has a set of mad rocking “humbuckers”..👍🇦🇺

[@patrickbuster3475]

@@intheblues I have the Artist TC-59 and I appreciate the locking tuners, bone nut, chromed brass saddles, push/pull pot and general fit and finish, but this thing weighs more than my wife's ass and that's really saying something. I don't know any luthiers, but I know carpenters who frame houses and build cabinets and furniture. Would they be able to chamber the body (not of my wife, of the guitar) and take a significant amount of the weight off? Though I'm untrained, could the average person do this with simple tools? I don't want to have to play this thing only sitting down. I'd rather do this chambering myself. Any advice? Thanks. Great videos by the way. Cheers.

[@slooob23]

@@patrickbuster3475 you could put a belly cut and forearm cut like a strat, that would shave a bit of weight off and make it more comfortable too.

[@cmja09]

Well i already brought Affinity for 235$, good video.

[@1Rockstok]

Try the Indio Classic $95.

[@victorycrosby4896]

G & l hands down

[@jamalabdul2009]

The Telecaster is a guitar that is almost a must in any collection. It’s so versatile and simple! Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, all of the guitars you listed here would be a great alternative to a Fender. Personally I would lean towards the Classic Vibe mainly because I’m a fan of that vintage style mainly the tuners!! Cheers!!🎸🎸🎸🎵🎼

[@daneallan1320]

Yeah, it sucks being a brand chaser. Your paying for the name, not a higher level of quality, I think. I mean, there are some things that are better, but it still doesn't make up for the high prices. Just my opinion. Thanks

[@anth1225]

I've found the Mexican Tele not to have that twang I'm looking for. The Fenders didn't until I got up into the American Series and it was good plus the action is to die for. Totally easy to play. For a fourth of the cost the G&L captures the expensive Fender sound which makes sense because Leo Fender built the G&L company. Great informative video!

[@MikeSadlerAU]

I think one of the best 'tele' or 'strat' guitars I've ever played were the Ibanez Talmans... there's a Tele type bridge and a tremolo (Strat) version, depending on the year/model (some years they made both) and they're around on the 2nd hand market occasionally and pop up as NOS in little guitar shops around the globe it seems. The necks are sublimely good, with a great 'C' depth but isn't too wide... they kinda feel like playing a 50's Les Paul, but with the full 25.5" scale. They sound very much like their inspiration, but have (especially the Tele one) clever upgrades in body carve, weight, balance, etc that make them both unique and 'better' IMHO. I've played a few, but missed the opportunity to buy one a while back, which I've regretted since. There's the posh MIJ ones and a cheaper series, but both are very good. Like the G&L's (which would be equal favourite Strat or Tele - I already have one each American Professional Fenders so need not go there again) their resale isn't great here, but that makes them hard to buy because they seem to come on the market at the 'right price' and probably get snapped up by the first unsuspecting person who plays them; but if you can find one (and like the neck) they're sensational value for a 'keeper' axe :-)

[@thomaspick4123]

I play a sea foam green Talman. I love it. The neck feels great and the tone is what I like. I play clean tones, no distortion. I did not mention it for two reasons. It can be in the $300-800 dollar price range, depending on where it was made. Also, they are heavier than I like, but, as an old fart, I play mostly sitting down now. So, weight is not an issue compared with a person standing and playing for hours with a guitar strap digging into your shoulder. Talman, a wonderful guitar. That is what I play.

[@abraxas511]

How could you show a guitar, talk about it and then NOT show how to spell it or even the headstock markings? Should I search for Indi-t? indie-t? indy-t? indi-tee? or just guess? What a mean person, talks up a small guitar company but doesnt show the name, spelling or anything on the headstock. Comparison fail.

[@odelljl]

Fair criticism, although it took me 10 seconds to find it on Google...

[@burtsgurt]

The Squier Classic Vibe is the best bang for the buck you can get!

[@Dead-Eye]

They're certainly up there. I had a CV50 Strat and a CV50 Tele. Both were flawless and easy to love. I sold both and still miss them.

[@TheChristafershawn]

Monoprice Indio Classic, just as good a guitar with a gig bag for $100. No lie.

[@garyjones7044]

@@TheChristafershawn LIE!

[@_charwyn]

When it doesn’t cost u a grand

[@edharris6884]

Elijah Charwyn ,

[@johnschutt9088]

I would replace the Squier Affinity with Xaviere

[@petevan]

Artist Tc 59 good value

[@kevinhill7864]

Just ordered one , can't wait

[@MikeSadlerAU]

I'd love one of those, but the weight is just too much for me.

[@bobbyberetta4206]

Great info Shane!🤘

[@andrewguttry6886]

Don't know if they're available in Oz, but I'd give the Cort/MansonClassic TC an honourable mention. Simply awesome guitars designed by UK luthier Hugh Manson; a very affordable and welcome addition to my American Original 50s and G&L Classic Bluesboy.

[@Moveplaylift]

agreed. was surprised not to see it in the list

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Should Sire T3/7 be on this list as well? Never seen one but seem to get positive reviews.

[@johnmonroney8614]

My old girlfriend had that dry feel

[@SPayne-vn5od]

thats why you should always check their pulse.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Did she have a prominent Adam's apple and a deep voice too?

[@justanotherinternetmusicia1248]

SRV was a huge tokai fan, the strat on the front of Texas flood is a tokai

[@peteandpuy]

I play a Vintage V-52 Tele as my main ax. I was a Strat player forever and one day I picked up a V-52 and after some tweaking from a luthier it became my favorite guitar. I’ve got a video on here discussing it if you’re interested.

[@spiceweasel945]

My main guitar is currently a Vintage v100 I got in London. I knew nothing about them and after setup it plays amazingly. Better than my very expensive Gibson. It’s just what I reach for. Now I’m seriously thinking about a Vintage V75. Came here looking for a view on one.

[@TheChristafershawn]

Monoprice Indio Classic..... incredible Tele style guitar with gig bag.for $100 ( may have gone up a few bucks as of late). You must pick up! Incredible steal, sound and plays awesome!!!!! I don't know how they do it.

[@ToddTheJoker]

I have one..love it...is yours heavy too?

[@TheChristafershawn]

@@ToddTheJoker Yes, very.

[@TheChristafershawn]

@Cam Nice!

[@TheChristafershawn]

@Cam Cool, the stock pickups are actually pretty nice and warm sounding but why not customize to make it your own. I haven't had any sprout but I'm sure at this price point some would. I own a PRS, Gibson, Reverend, Music Man, a higher end Epi semi hollow....all awesome guitars but I find myself grabbing the Indio the most these days but it is my only Tele guitar so that's probably why.. Take care.

[@seanhershey3390]

I bought a Red Sparkle Squier 129.00 US...I gutted the electronics..(US/ texas specials)...its pretty great

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

Great to see some love for the G&L ASAT. I just ordered a black and white one from GC on sale for only $399 that I tried in the store and loved it. It’s funny, I never liked Teles much in the past and now I think they’re great!

[@camkeily5758]

G'day What and where is GC?

[@budokaiboy]

@@camkeily5758 Guitar Center in the US

[@stephanedurand7713]

They are certainly very good guitars, but, even if they look like, they haven't got the telecaster sound.

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

@@stephanedurand7713 yes they do. They were designed by Leo Fender himself lol

[@stephanedurand7713]

@@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84 no they don't, have you played one ? They don't sound like telecaster, the fact that G&L was created by Leo Fender doesn't change that fact.

[@SnowdriftBoy]

Great video mate!👏

[@willistaylor4077]

I've actually just bought a Squier Bullet Tele for $289 here in Australia. $50 cheaper than the Affinity, and lighter in body.

[@72dodge340]

Yep, I have a Bullet and an Affinity. The Bullet is the better of the two by far.

[@MikeSadlerAU]

Is the Bullet as light as I think (hope) it is @Willis Taylor (and @72dodge340)? I bought a Bullet Mustang HH as a short-scale HH alternative to my LP Jnr (P90) but probably play it as much, because it is so light and therefore easy to play. I figure a Bullet with a switch and pickup upgrade (the Yosemite's from the Fender guitars are *only* about $200 AUD set) would be excellent, but I have never seen one to pick it up and check the weight.

[@matttaylor4467]

I bought one a few years back in surf or sea foam (never can remember which) for $140 USD on sale and I love it. Only made a few minor changes, but it was a very playable and enjoyable guitar out of the box. The only change I would recommend to anyone would be changing tuners. Everything else was preferential.

[@Maashauu]

I bought Bullet Tele in red sparkle for 175€ and it has been great!

[@chrisnguyen1186]

Any reason why the cheaper version is better? I was looking to buy one for myself. Either a squier or a mexican if I can find one used for cheap.

[@piggyroo100]

Got a bunch of SX’s. Can’t go wrong.

[@cheesey712]

Godin makes Great guitars and they have T-style as well. Truly great guitars, Canada & US made.

[@Bliggick]

You got that right. Just got a Stadium '59 after playing Fenders for decades. The quality and workmanship of the Godin is incredible. Perfectly set up, nothing to mod or upgrade.TEN different tone switching options.

[@benallmark9671]

They are but are far from inexpensive

[@kurtphipps7823]

I love my Mexican, does what it says on the tin,

[@guitarocd9984]

The weight of a Telecaster is my bottom line. I don't care who made it. If it's 7lbs and under it's good. They are not that inexpensive but I think the best value out there is the fender Vintera series. It's a real guitar.

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

Guitar Ocd sorry, but to me it’s odd to put that much stock in the weight. If it plays great and is a great value, that’s more important than the weight imo.

[@guitarocd9984]

I don't want a heavy Telecaster. The lighter ones just feel right. To me of course. A lightweight beat up Telecaster is my Kryptonite.

[@chrishyde1216]

I agree, weight matters to me too. I deeply regret not buying a Road Worn Tele at about 7lbs weight.

[@guitarocd9984]

Sweetwater shows the weights. It's interesting to go through all the telecasters. Even some of the custom shops are heavy. Most people will not show the weight. I give credit to Sweetwater for doing that. I saw a player series MIM one that was under 7 lbs. I almost pulled the trigger $650.

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

@@guitarocd9984 So just to be clear...you can't deal with a guitar that weighs between 7-8 lbs??

[@infoscholar5221]

I have a Harley Benton T-70E that is now one of my favorite guitars. It's a solid, beautiful instrument, with that classic Tele tone. Guitar Max's video convinced me to give it a try, I thought I'd probably end up returning it, expecting crap, and was dumbfounded my the quality when it arrived. For under $299 USD. I don't understand how they sell such quality at such a low price point. Or is really, the guitar industry has been screwing us blind all these years?

[@lomoholga]

I recently got a Harley Benton te 80 and I live in Canada. It is about the same price as a squire classic vibe but I think it has better workmanship.

[@troyspencer712]

Did you have to pay a bunch of duties, its the thing that has steadied my hand from ordering one. Also in Canada, Im ok with the shipping but if I have to shell out a bunch more for duties, the deal seems to dry up quickly.

[@lomoholga]

DMT Tabletop Gaming Hi, I paid 150 euros for the guitar, 50 euros to ship, and just $38.12 Canadian in duties. So I think the total was $338 or so Canadian. Exchange rates change daily. $300 Canadian for a similar squire. Plus 15% tax, and the Harley Benton was a better deal in my opinion- the te 80 looks better and the workmanship is a little better as well.

[@neonlights_12]

@@lomoholga Sorry to hijack, I'm in the US and I've been thinking about getting a HB but could never find straight answers about the whole import process. Did you just pay the duties when it got delivered, or did you have to go somewhere to pick it up?

[@lomoholga]

Nick S. Hi. The guitar went from Germany to Montreal and with my Canada post app I paid the duty fee online before it even arrived at my door. I could have paid the $38.12 duty in person but it was way easier through the app. Maybe the USPS tracking app has a similar duty-paying function? Point is even with the conversion from euro to CAN $ and the $38 duty, the entire total was something like $338 and I am incredibly happy with the guitar for that price. I don’t think I would be as happy with a $338 squire.

[@neonlights_12]

@@lomoholga good to know, thanks for the response!

[@oldguyjammin9732]

WHAT!?!? The Artist TC59 for $179 is outrageously good. More Tele twang than my MIM or Wolf Tele. Locking tuners and Ballbucker pups that go from spank to snarle with just a pull on the tone knob. 9.6 lb of heavy though. I’d take G&L over Fender any day just because of horrible experiences with Fender... never again.

[@waltberger7885]

G&L hands down.

[@dkwallis]

Hey!? I watched the video to find out who makes the blue metal flake Tele as pictured in the title card... And? It's not in the video!

[@alexmueller6496]

Very surprised that the Michael Kelly teles weren’t mentioned here. Absolutely phenomenal guitars

[@rdrake316]

I got mine with a flamed maple veneer and coil splitting. It's a beast and has more to offer than Squier.

[@tylerstellwagen9324]

I love my blue jean mk tele with the quad mod!

[@justanotherguitarplayer9767]

Gotta love the cheap Fender Squier models.. I got my lefty affinity Tele for $127 shipped, b-stock. I replaced pretty much everything except the bridge/saddles. CTS pots, Switchcraft output jack and 3 way switch, orange drop caps, Fender Tex Mex pickups in the bridge and neck, Tusq nut, replaced the plastic output jack plate with a metal one, and last but not least, I added Gotoh ivory locking tuners. Oh and I also sanded the sticky finish off the back of the neck and did the frets a bit. The guitar is still cheap, but it plays the best out of all my guitars, and sounds great. My favorite upgrade was honestly either the pickups or the Tusq nut. Both most important and recommended IMO.. The factory tuners actually kept in tune pretty good, and the electronics weren't that bad from the factory.

[@mikepj1025]

LOVED MY G&L. REGRET ALL THE TIME GETTING RID OF IT.

[@anthonygrandenitti9387]

Ibanez talman Tele is excellent....its offset but I pick It up alot and I have many more high priced ones

[@anthonygrandenitti9387]

Also hey Shane. The talman is one of those cult following guitars they have 90s ones stopped making them and now back from 2018 they are everywhere. You get locking tuners Duncan pups great switches and the flamed maple neck is amazing....i mean jaw dropping maybe I got agood one but I prefer it to my 90s one. I got mine at a big box guitar store new for about500us

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Started my Tele journey with an $100 Aldi job. After a set up it played ok and sounded fine for what it was. Next was a 2005 Tele Squire Standard which is a great guitar and comparable to the Classic Vibe. Next up was the Artist TC59 with “humbuckers” which sounds nothing like a Tele and weighs a “metric Tonee”. Finally I bought a US Tele Standard. Still have all of them but no doubt the US Tele is the way to go if you have the money..👍🇦🇺