Can I be controversial and say I really don’t like Teles and can’t understand why anyone would want one when the Strat is a better and more versatile guitar? I am saying this as a keen singlespeed rider so I can see the irony but I really can’t see what a Tele offers and over 50 odd years never have.
Fiiiiiiight!
1. Strats resonate, it’s the trem. They add that glassy sheen which comes from all those symathetic resonances of the trem and springs.
A Jag or Jazzmaster even more so.
It’s not wrong or right, it’s just different.
2. The control layout.
The Tele controls are pretty much perfectly placed. Strat knobs get in the way, depending how you play.
And no tone control on the bridge? Please…..
Which leads me to….
3 The pickups.
Strat bridge pickups are usually bloody awful. An annoying, high pitched itch in the middle of your head.
Tele bridge pickups are the voice of a sane god.
Yes, Strat neck pickups are heavenly. So put one in a Tele and have the best of both worlds.
In between positions? Fine, stick a Strat middle pickup in there too, if you must.
4. Body shape.
Cats and dogs.
Strats are trying too hard to please. Slippery horrible things – fall off your knee.
Teles are honest. You know where you are with a Tele.
Be honest – if you were fighting off zombies, a Tele would be so much better.
5. Versatility.
Teles have a mellower neck pick up and a more comple and a simply classier bridge pick up.
No contest.
For me, a Tele with a Strat neck pickup, or a Strat with a Tele bridge pickup would be just peachy.
Lowell George had it right…….
Off tomorrow, so me and Mrs S are just about to go and murder some easy Stones and Chuck Berry.
I’ll use the Ibanez RG.
It’s so much better than either. 😃