Thinkin' of getting me a Telecaster...

[Sporky_McGuffin]

i think they're Japanese-made...

So they are - Japanese made with (some) American components. The "cheapos" are apparently Korean.

[guitargeek62]

I reckon in the current climate you could pick up a decent ASAT for £550 with a bit of haggling.

Hes working in euros

[Niall]

Well, I've heard a lot of people say that the G&L is the better guitar, but the Fender name is synonymous with great instruments too. The list of players that choose Teles is amazing, and then a lot of Strat players have a Tele for the more trebly songs

[Sporky_McGuffin]

Hes working in euros

Naff-all difference these days though.

Niall - the point I was making is that if you want a guitar that Leo Fender thought was "right" you should be looking at a G&L, not a Fender. The former was the company he set up after selling Fender.

As I said, I'm sure there are some very good Fenders out there - I am not brand-bashing - but saying you want a Fender and then dismissing G&L is a bit illogical. Depends whether you're more interested in the logo on the headstock or the man who did the designs.

[Niall]

Naff-all difference these days though.

Niall - the point I was making is that if you want a guitar that Leo Fender thought was "right" you should be looking at a G&L, not a Fender. The former was the company he set up after selling Fender.

As I said, I'm sure there are some very good Fenders out there - I am not brand-bashing - but saying you want a Fender and then dismissing G&L is a bit illogical. Depends whether you're more interested in the logo on the headstock or the man who did the designs.

I'm not dismissing G&L. I'm considering it deeply, and at the moment, I'm leaning more towards the G&L than the Fender...

[andrewrg]

Highway 1 gets my vote; US made and the best value Tele out there. Nice big frets, flatter radius board and good pickups. Also it has a proper three-saddle ashtray bridge. Mine is black with a rosewood board.

[Dave_Mc]

So they are - Japanese made with (some) American components. The "cheapos" are apparently Korean.

yeah, i think so.

[Jamieh]

The newer Squier Vintage Moified and most especially the Classic Vibe ones are simply excellent for the money. I'd have a Classic Vibe Tele for myself if I hadn't just made one!

Next recommendation would be the Baja Tele... or the NEW 2009 Mex Standards which are far better than the old ones, BUT... until prices settle the new Stds are the same price or more than the Baja... although the Baja has gone up in price, some people are still selling them at the old price... ALTHOUGH I am pretty sure no one actually has them in stock at the moment so call first and check pricing!

Fairly equal to the Baja tele are the G&l Tribute ASATS... but again, there has been a price rise here which is quite annoying! I'd check out both the Special and the Classic as the pickups are very different, the Classic much more old-school traditinal Tele and the Special a bit pokier with almost, but not quite a bit of a P-90 effect to the tone. Also, check the semi-hollows out as they seem to come through a little nicer than the solid bodys in the main for some reason...

Next you're looking at USA Fender or the Highways... personally, I wouldnt bother with the Highway, but others seem to disagree!

The 2008 US Fender standards are very good, the best being the more expensive ash ones. This is going over-budget though.

[guitargeek62]

Have some GAS;