Custom shop Telecaster

[charleyrich99]

Another alternative might be to check out a G&L ASAT USA, Leo's last words on the Tele. While not a bespoke instrument, they do offer quite a lot of options with in my opinion the same level of quality as the Fender CS, but at half the price.

I have had two ASAT's and was very impressed with the quality and sound.

[73Fender]

I’m an ex Tele addict. Had a few Custom Shops both bought used and both sold on. If money is no object go for a CS I guess but really there are great cheaper alternatives.

The MIM Bajas and Road Worns can be great. Both had newer versions that have some differences.

For US made, the old AVRI and the newer Pure Vintage models are excellent. The old American Standard is nice but with that Strat type bridge not a classic Tele type but still cool. Their replacement the Pro has a traditional Tele bridge and look nice but I have never tried one.

[johny_gtr]

CS guitar is more about visual features than sound quality like being relicted, color-over-color painting, roasted necks. I have both CS strat and '52 tele both sounds great like they should. Only one minor for tele are its tuners. Pickups are top-notch, playability is excellent. With slightly turned down volume and tone pot both guitars sound jazzy in neck pickup position.