Fender American Deluxe Telecaster

[Stringswinger]

I think that when Leo designed the Tele, 12's are what he had in mind. I run 12 flats on mine....and love it. YMMV

[neatomic]

nos (pre d'addario) fender ss flats on my tele..sound great...pickup height tweaking is crucial

cheers

[Alder Statesman]

Disclaimer: every guitar and player are different.

I'm going through process of getting a recently acquired Tele setup. I've done my mandatory put a Joe Barton compensated bridge plate on, those things are the mojo for Tele's in my opinion. But in trying to trying different strings I keep coming back to 12's roundwounds on all my Tele's. Anything else feel way too light and 12's set really seems to make the Tele wake up.

I personally like the feel of 12's. I try to have a light left hand touch, but those 9's slide all of the place for me.

Feel aside, I think the 12's give it a bit more "backbone", not that it sounded wimpy in any way, but now it has more presence.