The Pros & Cons of The Telecaster

The Pros & Cons of The Telecaster
Are you considering adding a Telecaster to your guitar collection but want to weigh its pros and cons before making a decision? In this informative lesson, we'll delve into the world of the Telecaster and explore its unique attributes, as well as its potential limitations. Gain valuable insights that will help you make an informed choice about this iconic guitar.
We'll start by highlighting the undeniable strengths of the Telecaster. From its timeless design to its renowned durability, you'll discover why the Telecaster has become a favorite among guitarists across various genres. We'll explore the guitar's distinctive tonal character, including its bright, twangy sound and its ability to cut through the mix with clarity and precision.
Next, we'll examine the Telecaster's versatility and suitability for different musical styles. You'll learn about the guitar's adaptability, whether you're playing country, rock, blues, or even jazz. We'll discuss the guitar's straightforward controls, which allow for easy manipulation of tone and volume, and its comfortable playability that suits both rhythm and lead playing.
However, we'll also address some potential limitations to consider. We'll explore factors such as the guitar's single-coil pickups, which may introduce some noise and susceptibility to interference, and its relatively limited tonal options compared to guitars with multiple pickups. We'll also discuss the guitar's weight and potential ergonomic considerations.
By the end of this lesson, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons associated with the Telecaster, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your playing style, preferences, and musical goals.
Whether you're a beginner guitarist or an experienced player looking to expand your sonic palette, this lesson will provide you with valuable insights into the Telecaster's unique attributes. Join us as we explore the pros and cons of this iconic guitar, and discover if the Telecaster is the right choice for you.
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#guitar #guitarlessons #guitarlesson #guitartutorial #guitarist #guitartrick #guitartip #guitars #guitarists #shorts

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

Imagine (in 30 minutes or less) soloing all across your fretboard in any key... 121,507+ guitarists are using this daily - don't miss out! ➡ gmmlink.com/8Qan0hj3bRg

[@steveo865]

😊

[@Soundscapemind]

Pro: They're built like tanks Con: They're built like tanks

[@ninjamonkey1]

Why is that a con lol

[@TooLooze]

@@ninjamonkey1 Once you turn 70 or so, they become heavier....

[@danielcrescenzo354]

Braced like a cutting board. I named mine Beth Dutton.

[@paulceniceros5514]

It's a tank alright.... But, nothing can make my leg fall asleep any faster than. Like an old..... Les Paul!..... Lol!

[@MikeSmith-do5gu]

​@@danielcrescenzo354 LOL GREAT 👍 ONE

[@Siraj-h4t7x]

Telecaster is one of the most versatile guitars ever. In my initial career I had to play with musicians of different genres from pop to metal to math rock to bluegrass, and this guitar saved me tons of money.

[@OnwardAndEdward]

Yup! That’s why I own 6 of em haha

[@bro-do4kd]

Metal? I don’t think so

[@Siraj-h4t7x]

@@bro-do4kd it can do metal though.

[@alexjackson8841]

It’s a guitar with two single coils and a fixed bridge. I’m not saying it CANT do other genres, of course it can! But so can most other models, les Paul, Strat etc… and if anything the telecasters hardware makes it LESS versatile. I don’t get where this commentary of teles being ultra versatile has come from

[@dojyr3130]

@@bro-do4kduhhh, slipknot, to name 1?

[@will3352]

You can sling it across the yard. Stays in tune.

[@salildeshpande7]

does it really? I've heard teles have intonation problems due to the three saddles. I'm focusing mainly on tuning and intonation stability for my next guitar.

[@will3352]

@@salildeshpande7 compensated saddles perhaps?

[@TheBrianc301]

​@@salildeshpande7Yes, it does. Tuning stability & intonation are two different things. Properly set up traditional 3 saddle bridges intonate quite well with just a couple cents of compensation. There are compensated saddles available too. Also, individual factors go a long way, a lighter fretting hand, string gauge, fret & nut height. That said, every player should have a vintage tele style tool. Leo got it right the first time 😉

[@salildeshpande7]

@@TheBrianc301 thx so much. I'll consider it.

[@Mick8393]

Ofc it does, just ask the guy who Keith Richards axed down with his Tele

[@popaoomowmow]

I'm 234. Still enjoy playing my tele to this day. Your never too old guys

[@daviddorrian5349]

I use my tele for everything, the residents blues/ funk band I play in, in the city, Led zeppelin tribute band, 70s & 80s party band, duet and my orginal band. It does it all, always just take the one guitar and a spare set of strings.

[@CodyMudrack]

Honestly the reason I got a telecaster was because the tone and volume knobs are so far away. I hate having them jam up my hand.

[@iiCrimson-]

You could’ve just redrilled a Strat pickguard if that’s the problem

[@salatieljyrustumanan4929]

​@@iiCrimson-i mean, that would be a waste of time for people busy with travel or work, but that works, too

[@vatnikmcgopnik4928]

@@salatieljyrustumanan4929 wow they must be really really busy and super important to not have a spare hour for years at a time

[@dale8809]

Im a gibson player but a tele is a must own. There are many companies that sell mods for them including an improved plate cover for the volume tone and pickup selector. Changes the angle of the selector for easier access.

[@matthewotremba9230]

That 60 cycle HUMM Cancels out the Tinnitus

[@TheDukeEsquire]

🤣👍🏼

[@flouisbailey]

My tinnitus is much higher pitch.

[@coppertopv365]

Switch the pick-ups to p90.. might help ya

[@telecatsermaster]

Ha ha ha. Great quote

[@matthewotremba9230]

@@telecatsermaster and visa versa

[@casesoutherland4175]

You got to flip the control plate around! Bill Kirchen does this. You flip the control, exchange the volume and tone so that the volume is farthest forward, and then also switch the pickup selector around so it's still in sync. On top of that, you can do volume swells and tone swells! I just bought my first tele and did exactly that.

[@dublev78]

Came here to say this. It’s a must in my opinion. I won’t go back to the old way on my teles.

[@juliusmillermusic]

I worked in a guitar store a while back, and the guitar that were always great out of the box were the tele’s!

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

They really are great guitars

[@JamesThomas-zl9er]

I bought a late 90s Deluxe, with belly cut, single coils and strat switching … loved it until I bought a store damaged JA90 and then - wow!!

[@buttkrusher]

I've been playing for over 45 years, and always hated telecasters. Then a few years ago, right before Covid-19 that I started to get into the tele, mainly because my band mate at the time had one, let me play it, and BAM! I fell in love with them. I just completed a project build of a tele, and it turned out fantastic. Sea Foam green body, black pickguard, maple neck & all new custom copper hardware. Nice neck,, sanded through the sticky poly finish so it's fast & smooth.Nicely done aggressive relic job, it was modeled after the Jeff Beck tele, even though that was an Esquire, it still has the same shape, just no neck pickup. And whoever had the body before me, thanks for doing a belly cut and a arm roll for my picking/strumming arm. Long story short, I love my tele!

[@damienalvarez2957]

I actually wanna build a parts Tele or Esquire and paint it shell pink, or maybe butterscotch so I can have two black guard butterscotch Teles. Only thing is, if I go Esquire, do I use a Tele bridge, or route it for a P90? 🤔

[@juanespinosa8064]

My favoorite electric guitar of all time.I love the twangy sound.The weight of it is perfect.I own an older used one, stays in tune after a few songs.

[@stonefly69]

I love the teles with the belly cut and arm cut!

[@samstewart9249]

I own an American Deluxe tele. It has a belly cut and you feel the vibe right through your gut. Just was down at Gruhns in Nashville, played both new and vintage and came away more satisfied with mine than ever.

[@raffaguitars]

funny, when i was younger i never liked teles, now as i'm 50 I love em more and more and might be my favourite go to instrument...

[@randomdds]

Interesting thoughts. I am thinking of building a telecaster...but with a belly cut, strat horn, and Wilde Bill pickups

[@wilsonjames299]

I've got a 71 model I bought it in 84 I play Les Paul's mostly but I keep coming back to the tele it looks rough but sure sounds great... Great video 2thumbs up...thanks.

[@flouisbailey]

You didn’t have to pay extra for that road worn look.

[@johnnycarrillo2538]

The guitar center edition I had actually had the knobs in the opposite orientation and it was awesome!

[@icu469]

My tele has a belly cut. it's the modern player plus, pine body, hss, 5 way switch, coil split switch for humbucker. oh yea, they don't have the greatest sustain but yes they sound great. I mainly use the humbucker with volume and tone controls (no hum, killer tones)

[@douglasschlesser320]

Link to your model? I'm looking to get into my first Tele

[@Villainous_Bounty]

Literally gave you all the details. Go search

[@aako-dd1ly]

​@@Villainous_Bountyno you do it

[@sirhandelno3]

My tele is currently tuned to drop A#. It’s a red glitter squire with the standard pickups. It’s probably my favorite guitar for low tuned metal.

[@1ListerofSmeg]

Everyone needs a Tele👍, Them rock solid planks are almost magically useful & they only get more beautiful as they accumulate MOJO.❤😎

[@iainholmes2735]

That's a lovely Tele. I never used to like them. Now I can't get enough.

[@williamdalton860]

They sound great with a slide. There great for country, blues, rock, metal, an even rap. They have great tone. An stay in tune for a very long time. Love them

[@officialWWM]

I want THAT Telecaster! It’s one of the coolest I’ve ever seen!

[@WilliamJohnston]

Insane tone! Other than your fingers, what tele, amp, pedals, mics etc did you use to get this tone?

[@tmelitta51]

What year is yours? Looks well worn and loved!

[@OnwardAndEdward]

I wish that was honest wear! It’s been relic’d, but definitely is well loved!

[@hernsg144]

Best guitar ever, I love my 52 reissue. 60 cycle hum is just it's character. Nobody's perfect. Leo got it right first time.

[@JohnsFrusciante]

My dads friend owns a 1958 tele. I was only 14 when I first got to play it so I don’t feel I appreciated it as much in the moment as I maybe should have. I’d love to take it for a spin now, my goodness

[@deemdoubleu]

That's a beauty, love the sound and the colour wow

[@marycanote7627]

I started learning lead guitar 6 months ago. I bought a hundred dollar squire tele from Marketplace. I liked it so much I bought another telecaster. This time, a classic 60's vibe thinline. I love the telecaster!

[@10bunks12]

Love the Tele. I Guitar that I never looked at before. Became my favorite after playing one. It just does everything. For me.

[@wewin03]

Amazing Leo Fender got it so right on first try.

[@hoythendrix]

Getting a tele soon, this was super helpful. In my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons. I personally like the body style of a tele to a strat.

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

Glad it was helpful!

[@63stratoman]

You can flip the controls around to make the volume more accessible, Teles are available with a belly cut if you want it or it is easy to add one if you are handy with wood tools, and there are things you can do to mitigate the 60-cycle hum.

[@screamoemo2860]

After owning many ‘metal’ guitars and 7 strings, I just want to buy a telecaster. Are the MIM ones decent or should I spend the extra on the American made ones?

[@real_fjcalabrese]

I have a FGN Iliad (T-type). The one thing I don't need is its belly cut. For me, a flat back makes fingerpicking a bit easier.

[@toneloc2552]

Tele's always been my favorite guitar in the affordable range!

[@birdybutch]

Best guitar ever.

[@jroobz]

Pro: after the gig you can prepare dinner on it

[@mhw6160]

My Fender player plus tele defeats all of these cons and it’s a beauty 😁🎸

[@myplan8166]

I like their minimalistic look. Actually, they are real beautiful. And of course, they sound great. Robben Ford comes to my mind when it is about Tele.

[@cheeser5458]

I use a tele for jazz and with some amps it turns out better than most hollow bodys.

[@cherrysmoke33]

How do you get your jazz tone?

[@randall9000]

@@cherrysmoke33neck pickup, volume and tone knobs rolled back some, crank the amp

[@cherrysmoke33]

@@randall9000 is it like a muffled, kinda distorted low pass?

[@ankurbanerjee4332]

Which telecaster is this? Sounds 🔥

[@StuPedassol]

That 60 cycle hum is a pro!

[@matthewprosansky6829]

Is that riff with the heavy distortion a real song or did he improvise? Either way great vid man

[@frpax]

That’s a real song and it’s driving me nuts that I can’t think of the name of it!

[@ml2054]

Any ideas what it is? It’s driving me nuts too

[@voguefn5582]

@@ml2054same! Please update me if you find it!

[@zroegaming8153]

Roy Buchanon did the volume control just fine 👌

[@kennethlippertshauser3376]

Thanks for sharing young fella

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

No worries!

[@sean68mtown]

All true. I have a Player Series Tele and it’s a lot of fun.

[@parlamedia]

As a teenager I loathed the look and sound of a light blonde telecaster and only dreamed of some shredmachines. Currently a vintage blonde tele is the only guitar I need for any style I play. Sounds great and always works.

[@deeman524]

The 60 cycle hum made my decision, Thanks

[@AlYeah73]

I have a mij telecaster with apparently ceramic pickups and it's REALLY QUIET.

[@jimtoohey7242]

They sound great!

[@Christopher50now]

I’m a PRS guy. Was a strat player for many years.✌️

[@ehsanhaq155]

The 60 cycle hum is the main reason I never got a traditional Tele. I always opt for humbucker in the bridge or a railes style single coil pickup. Still....one of the most iconic guitars in existence

[@Ottophil]

I’m a humbucker guy. Hands down. I mostly play SG’s and strats I put a humbucker in. But once in a while, I bust out my tele, or my p90 tele. Those are great tones I can’t get on my buckers

[@chrisstratton987]

Bro. That things sounds so good!!!!

[@achimneugebauer1097]

Greatest of all

[@freddegeus5484]

The Nashville Player Plus fixes 2 of those cons! And I prefer the controls to be away from my strumming hand, I've got a jaguar I constantly hit the switches on

[@stephenwoodring7839]

Great for pedal steel licks🎸

[@skooparoonie3202]

that thing has been very well loved

[@perrydror]

Two things that can really help with the 60 cycle hum.1) Get the cavity shielded. 2) Get an ElectroHarmonix HumDebugger. And for a bonus, 3) the Telecaster Ultra uses noiseless single coils, AND has a belly cut.

[@tomotrop]

Too easy. No cut humdinger Tele has its charm!

[@perrydror]

@@tomotrop My MIM Tele doesn't have a belly cut. I just mentioned that such a thing exists.

[@SpookyPp]

someone pls tell me the name of pro 2 the first song i cant find it ive been looking for days

[@jacksonrich6398]

Great pros & cons👌 I’m a LP guy but LOVE Telecasters too🙌

[@MrMick50]

One of the greatest tele players is Roy Buchanan great inspiration

[@jamesdavis5167]

I love the feedback

[@eocha24]

Yeah, Player Plus Tele solves two of these problems: it has belly cut and noiseless pickups. Its awesome

[@aaronlalli3730]

Fantastic playing...love it...

[@liorodriguez7998]

Do you know what kind of single coils are in that guitar sound great

[@FrozenHero2010]

Built like tanks: Francis Rossi (Status Quo) was using his green telecaster full time and lasted him 50 years. Rick Parfitt (Quo) also had one, hammered it night after night - and it outlived him.

[@SergeiVlassov]

Volume and Tone placement is Pros for me :)

[@guitarciaaleon5900]

Great playing

[@DanielSReina]

I’m borrowing a Nashville tele from a friend. It’s been great fun and I already relate to all of those 😂

[@GuitarBailey]

What was the 80s style song being played it's bugging me I can't think of it

[@richsherman3673]

That Hum is 120Hz rectifier Hum. 60 Hz Hum is waayyy deeper. Lovely video.

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

Thanks for the info!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day ❤😊

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

Same to you

[@DrDespicable]

Y'know, you can solve that belly cut problem by having (ahem!) a little less belly... ;) Seriously, though, you can't beat 'em for versatility. And can we talk about how they hold a tuning?!

[@OnwardAndEdward]

I gotta stay cuddly!

[@DrDespicable]

@@OnwardAndEdward Don't we all, mate...

[@str8shooter159]

They do sound great

[@1m2a3t4t5]

wow that thing is 🔥

[@Kur0y4m4]

You can GREATLY reduce that 60cyl hum by cleaning up the wiring and shielding the cavities. My luthier did that to a noisy Thinline I had. Made it quieter than a Tele with noiseless pickups.

[@Junkysnake]

I Had That Same Tele. Was Awesome But I dont do the Rock n Roll, I Like Meshuggah and Tool and NIN but it was all I Had. Dad Was Always A Strat Cat. Im still Dreaming of getting an Ibanez. We had a paul reed smith for a whiile but dad hated the spacing of the strings. ( he's got the fat hands lol) very toney and High note friendly. awesome to play if you are a solo guy

[@aarons9259]

still an amazing guitar, leo Fender doesn't get nearly enough credit for how much of an impact he had on modern music.

[@M5guitar1]

I have a belly cut on my Squire Tele.....love it!

[@schaffelaer1902]

I have no belly... So no belly cut on my guitar as well...

[@dagnabbit6187]

Well you know that even the Gibson guys like them . I was stunned to learn in a trivia question I lost that Jimmy Page used a tele for the first Led Zeppelin Album !

[@nickspann89]

Beautiful guitar, everybody needs a tele or 3.

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

Agreed!

[@maeyer]

Seconded!

[@powbobs]

Five

[@bradleyolinger1691]

60 Cycle Hum assumes using a standard Tele setup. Plenty of options for HH, HSH, and Noiseless Pickups out there. I myself am building a variant with a P90 in the Neck and Tele sized humbucker in the bridge. Will get a standard variant later, putting some Alnico 2s in(don’t like 5s at all).

[@Guitar89]

Love the tele 🎸

[@twigthecheese6462]

What electric guitar should I get for a beginner?

[@dudeomondo]

I just got the appropriate tool And Voila Belly cut!

[@aguynamedatidade]

What’s the name of the song with the pinch harmonic? 😭

[@aguynamedatidade]

Or is it a riff you came up with?

[@spookysucc8339]

Have you found it I need to listen to it or play it 😭

[@da33ie]

Whats the rock tune at Pro#2 '33secs' please....its awsome!

[@spookysucc8339]

Yo have u found the name of the song I need it too 😭😭😭😭

[@spookysucc8339]

So I can play ot

[@raffifroundjian6620]

That’s more Pro than con for me, looks like I need to get one!

[@jamestelgarez5967]

Still my favorite!!

[@arnie2455]

what amp/overdrive are you using?

[@GuitarMasteryMethod]

Eddie uses a Kemper to demonstrate this :)

[@arnie2455]

@@GuitarMasteryMethod what model amp?

[@Skullnaught]

love the necklace, Christos Anesti brother

[@EricMakingWaves]

Sir, I demand to know what amp that was plugged into.

[@brianwells4507]

Con 1#, well I see your point on the volume and tone location. Or you can do what Roy Buchanan did? Disassemble the toggle and pots and reverse the plate! Now you got close access to the pots without having the pickup toggle in the way!😅

[@generationalmolehill7674]

you are preaching to the choir 😂 subscribed!

[@Guitarheroww]

Muito bom

[@chicklets4ever51]

Telecasters are great. Fantastic tone, playability, twang. I played one for a while, and so I know one con that you failed to mention: they're too heavy! I don't think it's coincident that many famous guitarists who started out with Telecasters moved onto lighter axes like the Gibson SG. You have to be young and strong to wield that big slab of wood around while standing!

[@DylanWayne662]

Mine weighs 7 pounds. They aren’t all heavy

[@chicklets4ever51]

@@DylanWayne662 True, they say, but the one I played back in the day was heavy, and another very cool-looking black Tele I'd borrowed for a while was even heavier. Not as heavy as a Les Paul, but close.

[@unit259]

Got to have my teles... ✌😎