Q & A
Electric Guitar Questions & Answers
Question
I’ve been saving my cash for the past few months and I'm thinking of getting myself a Fender guitar. I can’t decide whether I should buy a Telecaster or a Stratocaster. I prefer the looks of the Telecaster, but some people told me that the Strat is better than the Tele. Could you give me a brief explanation why some people prefer Telecasters and why some prefer Strats? - Husin
Answer
The Stratocaster is by far the more popular model. The Strat is a little more versatile thanks to its three pickups and vibrato bar, allowing more tonal possibilities. You will see players in every style of music using Strats.
Telecasters have a more twangy sound that is quite popular with country player and some blues players. It is not commonly found in pop or rock bands, but that doesnt mean it couldn’t be used for it. Bruce Springsteen and Keith Richards have used Telecasters for many years.
The best advice I can give you is to go to a music store and play a few Strats and a few Teles. Then let your ears and hands help you make your decision. They are both "classic" guitar designs for good reason — they have stood the test of time and proved their worth.
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