If you are about to buy a guitar and don’t know whether to go for a Stratocaster or Telecaster, you should read this article before making a decision.
Stratocasters and Telecasters are two types of beautiful guitars. But nevertheless, there are significant differences between them. From the composition of its materials and its style to the sound. But before starting the comparison, I will briefly explain the history of these two guitars so that you have a clearer idea.
Contents
Stratocaster vs. Telecaster: HistoryStratocaster vs. Telecaster: Main differencesStratocaster vs. Telecaster guitarists TelecasterDifferences: Body and NeckStrat vs Tele: PickupsElectronics and HardwareStratocaster vs Telecaster: Difference in soundStratocaster or Telecaster: Which one is best for me?Stratocaster Guitar ModelsTelecaster Guitar Models
Stratocaster vs Telecaster: History
The Telecaster was designed by Leo Fender in the 1950s. This was the first successful model of electric guitar that was sold massively throughout the world. The Telecaster is characterized by having two pickups and a single body. Then in 1952, Gibson, the competition, released the Les Paul model with three pickups. So Fender had to respond with another type of guitar. For that, in 1954 Leo Fender and his team designed the Stratocaster with three pickups and a futuristic (for the time) body. But not only did it have three pickups, it also had more combinations and tone control. In this way, Stratocasters and Telecasters are pioneering references for electric guitars.
But even though they are from the same manufacturer, many love Telecasters deeply, and others can only see a Stratocaster.
Stratocaster vs Telecaster: Main differences
The Stratocasters and Telecasters are from the same brand, Fender… but nevertheless, they have several differences. The differences between Stratocasters and Telecasters are:
Stratocaster Telecaster Year of release19541950DesignerFenderFenderPickups32Mic position5 positions3 positionsTremolo: YesNoVolume/tone control32Cable JackFront of bodySide of body
Of course this is a brief summary of the differences. Below, I will explain in depth the differences and which one you should choose.
Stratocaster guitarists vs. Telecaster
Many times our decision is influenced by the guitarists who play this guitar. Most famous guitarists are extremely faithful to their type of guitar. It’s very rare to see someone who plays Stratocaster with a Telecaster, and someone who plays a Telecaster with a Stratocaster. So many times they are like water and oil. Notable Stratocaster guitarists include Eric Clapton, Mark Knoplfer, Jimmy Hendrix, Steve Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour and John Mayer. On the Telecaster side, the most famous guitarists are Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, country guitarist Brad Paisley, Keith Richards, Jim Root (who even has his own version), Andy Summers of The Police and Keith Urban.
Differences: Body and Neck
Stratocaster Guitar
Telecaster Guitar
As soon as we see the Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars, the most obvious difference appears, the shape of the body.
The shape of the body is a factor that does not directly influence the tone, but only the aesthetics. But what does change the sound are the components inside the body (which we will see later).
Regarding the wood of the body, both are usually made of ash or alder. Another very common wood for these models is poplar. On the other hand, the neck of both guitars is usually made of maple and the fingerboard of maple or rosewood. The necks of both models are generally made in the “C” curvature. The maple neck generates a brighter and more energetic tone. While the sound of a rosewood guitar has a soft and warm sound. However, the sound differences between a rosewood guitar and a maple guitar are very difficult to distinguish to the blind eye. But as I said, you can find both Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars with both types of fretboards.
So, with respect to the neck, you will not find big differences between Stratocasters and Telecasters.
Strat vs Tele: Pickups
Classic Stratocaster guitars have three single pickups, while classic Telecasters come with two single pickups.
A notable difference from the Telecaster guitar is that the bridge pickup is mounted inside the metal bridge. This gives it a distinctive and powerful tone. Stratocasters are often seen with dual pickups and various modifications. However, it is rare to see a Telecaster guitar with modified pickups. Another point to keep in mind is the hardware-related pickup control (next point).
Electronics and Hardware
Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars have quite different designs. That’s why each guitar is equipped with different electronics.
As you can see, the Telecaster has a 3-position selector for the pickups (bridge, bridge/neck, and neck), while the Stratocaster has a 5-position selector. Another difference is that Stratocasters have two tone pots and one volume pot, while Telecasters have one tone pot and one volume pot. Also, from the bridge of the Stratocasters you can put a tremolo. The tremolo is the lever for making vibrato. The disadvantage is that it goes out of tune very quickly when you use it (depending on the quality of the guitar). Telecasters do not have this function.
Clarification: The only Telecaster model that includes a tremolo is the Vintera 60′. This guitar includes a Bigsby with tremolo.
Therefore, the Stratocaster has more versatility of tone and control. However, just because it has more does not necessarily mean it is better.
So, regarding hardware, you can say that Stratocasters have more “versatility”, while Telecasters stick to a more minimalist idea like “less is better”.
Stratocaster vs Telecaster: Sound Difference
The sound differences are marked by the entire composition of the guitar. The question of sound is not about “which is better?”, but rather it is a matter of taste and opinion.
I would define the Stratocaster’s tone as warm and bright, while the Telecaster’s tone as clean but crunchy. Below, you can evaluate the tone of both guitars for yourself.
Stratocaster or Telecaster: Which one is best for me?
So, which one is better for me, Stratocaster or Telecaster?
The answer is that it is a matter of taste. There is no one model better than the other. Stratocasters have versatility due to their pickups and electronics, while Telecasters stick to their simplicity and distinguished tone.
Another point of reference for choosing the model is your favorite musical style. While both guitars can be used for either style, guitarists generally prefer one guitar over the other depending on the style.
Stratocasters are perfect for blues, pop, and rock. While Telecasters are ideal for country, metal, heavy rock and often jazz as well. If you can’t decide, it is best to try both models until you find your favorite.
Stratocaster Guitar Models
There are a lot of stratocaster guitars that you can choose from. Actually, in order for it to be an original stratocaster, it has to be from the manufacturer Fender or Squier by Fender. Since the others would be copies of this one. But still, there are stratocaster-type models from other brands that offer great value, that’s why I will also mention them here:
- Squier Affinity Stratocaster (See on Thomann/Reverb): Affordable option and faithful to the original.
- Fender Player Stratocaster (Thomann/Reverb): The current Fender distribution produced in Mexico.
- Squier Bullet HSS (Thomann/Reverb) ): The cheapest option with a double coil.
- Yamaha Pacifica 112J (Thomann/Reverb): Yamaha’s Stratocaster-type copy that offers great value.
See: 5 Cheap Strato Guitars That Sound Tremendous
Telecaster Guitar Models
In the case of telecasters, the same thing happens as in the previous ones, since Fender holds the patent, only it can distribute guitars as such. In any case, there are also guitars that imitate the design but do not carry its name. These These are some models:
- Squier Classic Vibe Tele (Thomann/Reverb): The top of the range Squier.
- Fender Player Telecaster (Thomann/Reverb): The standard Fender model currently distributed (made in Mexico).
- Squier Affinity Telecaster (Thomann/Reverb): An affordable original version of Squier by Fender.
- Harley Benton TE-30 (Thomann/Reverb): A copy of this model at a cheap price.
See: 7 Cheap and Good Tele Guitars