The Best Telecaster for Rock, Blues and Metal
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Finding the best Telecaster is a tall order. However, it is easier to search for the ideal model depending on genre. So, stay with us as we look through various models and how they lend themselves to different styles of music.
Telecaster by Genre
The Best Telecaster for Rock, Blues and Metal
Back in the 1940s, a young man called Leo Fender and his team ran a small business in California. Together, they made a handful of steel guitars and amplifiers. By the time the 1950s arrived, they were ready to show the world the first commercial solid-body electric guitar.
1950 saw the launch of what we now know as the Telecaster. The first few models were badged as Broadcaters, and featured a three-saddle bridge, two single-coil pickups and a single-cutaway body. Sound familiar? Since then, the famous model has evolved over time.
So, with over 70 years of guitars to choose from, what should you go for? Here we’ll be looking for the best Telecaster by genre. Now, of course, the tele has always been branded as one of the most versatile guitars out there. But as we’re about to see, some models favour certain styles of music.
Fender Vintera II 50s Nocaster
Our first look for the best Telecaster comes in the direction of classic rock. For all things overdriven and traditional, this *Vintera Nocaster is where to go.
The model we now know and love moved from the Broadcaster to Telecaster name in 1951. However, some models got caught in the transitional crossfire, and we refer to these as Nocasters. Again, we’ve got twin-single coil pickups. This time, we’ve got a three-saddle ashtray bridge as would have been seen on early examples.
This specific Vintera model features a synthetic bone nut for intonation, a one-ply black pickguard and vintage-style machine heads, which completes the look nicely.
Fender Hybrid II Tele
Our next instalment comes courtesy of this Hybrid model. Stepping away from tradition, we’ve got a Hybrid II custom-voiced humbucker in the neck, which could be ideal for blues.
Visually, this *Modena Red works really well with the eggshell pickguard and chrome hardware. 22 narrow tall frets sit upon a maple fretboard. Back to those pickups, and along with the hybrid spec single coil bridge, we’ve got a handy coil tap / split function for added versatility.
The string through-body also sees a large comfort cut, ideal for any modern blues players looking to rock out in comfort and style. No need to worry about big bends either, as we’ve got vintage style locking tuners.
Susan Tedeschi Tele Deal!
If we’re talking blues, then, Susan Tedeschi is one of the Queens of the style. Her effortless phrases and unique vocal accompaniments make her one of those artists that you could listen to all day.
Plus, her signature model has a *7% discount over at Thomann right now, so be quick! It may be one of Thomann’s B-Stock models, but I bet you won’t be disappointed!
Fender AM Pro II Tele
Okay, so moving on. In our quest to find the best Telecaster for you, we’re looking at the heavier stuff. Metal music has different requirements from other genres. This *AM Pro model has some of the right credentials.
With a C profile maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, you’ll be able to effortlessly glide up and down the instrument for fast phrases. Moreover, we’ve got twin V-Mod II Double Tap humbuckers. The result? High gains and fast chugs all day long!
22 vintage tall frets will allow for total control over big bends. Speaking of control, we get a three-way switch and two volume and tone controls. Nickel hardware complements the Dark Night finish.
Fender Shiflett Tele
Just to prove that these Telecasters can get heavy, Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters fame has a Telecaster for heavier playing. This time, though, we’ve got a custom oval neck profile and noiseless CS-90 Single Coils.
Fender LTD P90 Korina
Continuing with the P90 theme, this *Aged Crimson Transparent guitar could be your next jazz Telecaster. Who’s up for trying something different?
Despite looking very different from the 50s Telecasters and Broadcasters, this model actually features a reverse Nocaster bridge to accompany a hand-wound custom shop bridge pickup. Not forgetting the custom P90 neck pickup, ideal for those sweet, smooth jazz chords.
The journeyman relic finish and AAA flamed maple fingerboard also help to give this model a particular look. One single F hole aids with the whole jazz thing, too!
Fender 1950 Double Esquire
Concluding our look at the best Telecaster by style, we’re staying faithful to tradition. Although, despite being badged as Esquire, this example does have a neck pickup. However, we’ve still got that all-important hand-wound ’58 spec bridge pickup for that country twang.
Being at the higher end of the price point, but still cheaper than an original model, we’ve got some exquisite materials going on. With a selected ash body and a quartersawn maple neck, this thing will resonate superbly.
A soft V ’57 spec profile neck will feel new to most players, but will help with fast chord changes and country licks. Pair this with a Fender twin reverb unit, and you’ll have a world of fun.
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