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In 1990 my parents bought me the first guitar in my life for the first time. I was then a 16-year-old boy. The seller presented us with two quality guitars: an American Fender Stratocaster, an Eric Clapton (Deluxe Plus) model, and an American original Fender Telecaster.
I had not known Fender company before, but he explained that this is a winning brand. My parents wanted to buy me the best and most expensive instrument, but could not choose for me and decided to let me choose for myself. The choice was difficult. The Stratocaster model looked “sexy” and particularly attractive. Black and white color, more buttons and electronics than the Telecaster who seemed pretty straightforward and kind of old fashioned.
I ended up choosing the black Stratocaster (Eric Clapton model). The choice was due to appear and not from professional weighting. I did not know how to distinguish between the types of sounds, that is, to diagnose the sound quality between the Telecaster and the Stratocaster.
I believed that all-electric guitars operated on an amplifier have the same metallic sound, and they all sound the same. I had to rub a lot of my fingers to learn to distinguish between the different types.
In this article, I decided to explain the differences, let you understand the different sounds, and present in-depth about these two unique instruments, whether you are a professional guitarist, music lover, know someone who knows how to play, are thinking of learning to play or decide to buy a professional guitar for a child.
There really should be no specific reason to be interested in it, and it’s just the kind of thing that is always good to know just because we all love music, and these guitars play in almost every possible genre.
Let’s go!
Fender American Telecaster Vs. Fender American Stratocaster
Suppose you’re in the market for a new electric guitar. In that case, you may be wondering between a Fender American Telecaster versus a Fender American Stratocaster. You must know that both guitars are equally high quality, and the two guitars offer many features in common. However, each guitar has its unique attributes and advantages, so we’ll go over the pros and cons of each model and its strengths and weaknesses.
Beginner guitarists might prefer the Telecaster over the Stratocaster, as it is easier to tune. The Stratocaster’s synchronized tremolo system can be more challenging to maintain, but a proper setup will ensure that your guitar stays in tune. Beginners can choose between the two based on the genre of music they play. However, if you already play an instrument and are considering buying a new guitar, you should consider the pros and cons of each model before you will purchase.
Although those guitars share many similarities, the Stratocaster is superior in terms of tone for many guitarists all over the world. A lot of famous guitarists preferred to play on Stratocaster. Fender’s emphasis on quality workmanship of Stratocaster has been a hallmark for over half a century, and it has the versatility to play any genre of music. A Fender American Stratocaster can also be used for acoustic, jazz, or classical concerts.
The Stratocaster was introduced in 1954 and has become one of the most popular electric guitars in the world. Its single-coil pickups make it the perfect instrument for beginners and boast an impressive list of features.
Both guitars (Telecaster and Stratocaster) are equipped with pickups that are carefully configured for each position for a mellow, responsive tone.
Aside from their sound and look, the Fender American Stratocaster has a better balance between acoustic and electric guitars. The American Telecaster features a solid body and a pair of patented V-Mod pickups with a balanced sound. This allows the guitar to sound great with either single-coil or humbuckers.
The most prominent and famous guitarists who play or have played Stratocaster are:
David Gilmore
Eric Clapton
Joe Walsh
John Mayer
Jimi Hendrix
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Jeff Beck
George Harrison
Eddie Van Helen
Mark Knopfler
Eric Johnson
Hank Marvin
The list is long, but it can certainly provide you with perspective.
Below is a video showing the Stratocaster model and its sound style for your judgment
Fender American Telecaster
The Telecaster is the most popular electric guitar of all time. It is Fender’s flagship model. There are many other great models of this instrument, but the Fender American original is the best.
The American Telecaster has a history that dates back over seventy years. Its neck profile is optimized to offer easy access to the upper fretboard. This guitar is ideal for beginning players and professional musicians alike.
The most prominent and famous guitarists who play or have played Telecaster are:
Keith Richards
Bruce Springsteen
James Burton
Billy Gibbons
John 5
Jim Root
Andy Summers
Brad Paisley
Tom Morello
Price
Buddy Guy
And more
Some technic details
Its treble circuit helps retain a high-end tone even when the volume is turned down. Its ashtray bridge provides an increased angle for the picking hand, while the Deep C neck offers extra hold. Its fretboard edges are beautifully rolled for a smooth feel. Its Super Natural finish adds a touch of class to this traditional Telecaster.
Below is a video showing the Telecaster model and its sound style for your judgment
As the years went by and I improved my playing skill, I decided to “switch sides” and switch to Telecaster, even without understanding or knowing anything professional. It happened for the same reason I chose Stratocaster – the external form.
Although the shape of the Telecaster is quite simple, I realized that I do not need all the electronics and features available in the legendary Stratocaster guitar. After I purchased my first Telecaster in the summer of 2017, I started to check for the type of sound and started looking for the difference between it and the Stratocaster.
This guitar has accompanied me on all the shows, videos, and the many albums and songs I have played and recorded for myself and others. This is my favorite electric guitar.
In the following video, you can watch the differences between the sounds of the guitars and learn to distinguish in advance between the sounds and the tones.
I hope you understood the differences between the different sounds between the Stratocaster and the Telecaster. Luckily, you can always watch this article repeatedly if you fail to understand the meaning of the first reading. What is certain is that you will constantly enrich yourself with new added value.
Have a fun
