Guide to Telecasters

[Evan]

Im looking for a detailed guide to the different telecaster models (particularly the American models). I know this should be google-able, but I've only found simplistic overviews or sites that usually just link to shops.

I want to be able to qualify the differences and begin to get an understanding about what's what. Fender's site is good, but i want something that does a better job of showing the differences between models, while also explaining what those differences mean to a prospective buyer.

[Steve Z]

Originally Posted by Evan

Im looking for a detailed guide to the different telecaster models (particularly the American models)...

That is a big request as there as so many different models over the years with many of them being very similar in specs. I don't know of any single source that will provide a snapshot comparison. Your best bet probably be to check the sources below...

Great source of information specifically for the telecaster:
Telecaster Guitar Forum - guitars, gear, amps and strings

Check out the Emporium for sale section to start getting an idea of what different models are being sold for these days:
The Gear Page - Powered by vBulletin


Also, don't rule out G&L ASAT Classic and other ASAT models... great guitars made be Leo's company after Fender. I really dig my mid '90s ASAT Classic.

[Donelson]

Originally Posted by Steve Z

Great source of information specifically for the telecaster:
Telecaster Guitar Forum - guitars, gear, amps and strings

Join TDPRI and post queries or at least search the forum. Maybe you'll find what you are looking for.

Mainly, there's American Standard; and the various "vintage" models. Many parts are not interchangeable between these two styles.

[Evan]

Originally Posted by Steve Z

Also, don't rule out G&L ASAT Classic and other ASAT models... great guitars made be Leo's company after Fender. I really dig my mid '90s ASAT Classic.

If only there were some in a shop near by.

[Evan]

Originally Posted by Donelson

Mainly, there's American Standard; and the various "vintage" models. Many parts are not interchangeable between these two styles.

That's a little surprising. I was under the impression that all tele parts We're pretty interchangeable. That's good to know though.

[Anandbhat]

I like this book:

Amazon.com: The Fender Telecaster Handbook: How To Buy, Maintain, Set Up, Troubleshoot, and Modify Your Tele (9780760336465): Paul Balmer, Andy Summers: Books