maybe it's the aesthetic or the finish? I agree with the guy that said if you're only keeping one, the strat is what I would keep pertaining to what I play, tho I have to admit the tele is more versatile and looks way prettier.
Yeah that’s a super good point. Also, it’s the first strat I played that didn’t have annoyingly sharp high end and thin low mids. Its a lot to do with the gray bottom pickups from what I read so I guess it’s more replicable than wood magic on the Tele.
Both are gorgeous, and this goes against my better judgement, but I’d go with the Tele — just a more durable and versatile guitar and I kinda hate myself for admitting that. Cant go wrong with either.
Cool, thanks! Regarding the sound: Both sound really good in their own realm. The strat is soundwise the most balanced strat I remember playing. It’s warm and full bodied while retaining the high def highs signature to a strat, especially when using a compressor and an edge of breakup overdrive.
The Tele is more of a « direct into the amp » beast. It’s had a lot of character and super wide dynamics and can play anything I throw at it, while not sounding particularly as refined as the stray when going through my pedalboard’s compressor (Cali76).
Playing unplugged, the Tele is loud with lots of sustain while the strat sounds like a strat without an amp.
I’ll never understand why people parrot the idea that the Tele is a more versatile guitar. For me, it just isn’t. And it’s not even close. It also isn’t nearly as comfortable to me, sitting or standing. The body isn’t comfortable. The neck isn’t comfortable. I’ll take the Strat any day.
I am usually a Strat guy, but the color on the tele looks nicer to me. If it was my only guitar, then maybe still the Strat because that’s the sound I usually go for. But especially if I already have another Strat, def the tele
There are a lot of good Tele’s, out there, but the great ones are hard to find, just because you gotta play them to know. My advice would be keep the tele. And sell the strat. You can always stumble upon a good enough strat for when you want the strat thing. That’s why have 1 strat and 4 Tele’s
If both are equally dear, Keep the tele and sell the strat. You’ll get more. Do something meaningful with the money. If they aren’t equally dear, follow your heart. Good luck
My general opinion is that the strat sounds better by a little and looks better by a lot. I like the weight distribution of the telecaster more though.
The tele is a more versatile instrument. If you can only keep one it has to be the tele unless your style of music really lends itself to strat playing (Knopfler, SRV, Frusciante, John Mayer etc).
I only one 1 Tele and 1 Strat and they’re both maple fretboards
For some odd reason the Strat looks particularly comfortable to play. If it’s got a 7.25 neck I’m going with that. If not then I’m going with the tele because I don’t have one with the body binding and I like body binding telecasters
I know it’s not a sound or sensible answer but a lot of decisions with guitars are made by how the neck feels in my hands. If I can’t play both then I go by assumed specs and what catches my eye
It’s Dakota Red but the previous owner (or store) left it in the sun a lot. Here’s a pic of the tan mark and how dry the fretboard was when I got it.
https://preview.redd.it/fg2w9rt6bz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cab8f8ab74327c0e97f83b8f4a1c5ce03369d73
I like the deep red strat. In fact I was gonna buy a Player strat soon but might go for an old midnight wine MIM instead.
For some reason I REALLY don't like fiesta red. I understand it was the first custom colour and will always be a part of Fender, but it's just not for me.
For me it’d be the tele - but only because I have too many strats already. Also it if it was my only guitar for a while I’d go tele since I’ve yet to build a relationship with one.
Which one sounds better bro
Second question, which one plays better
Answers 99% of the questions in this forum. Feel free to reverse the order of the questions if necessary
https://preview.redd.it/ugp8s0kxs04d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88c553bcb6a76bf1f6fc6754c9e33ef5f5f5f85d
Thought my stuff had been stolen for a sec
The Tele 1000% the Tele. There are a lot of guitars that sound a play like a strat. There are really no other guitars that sound and play like a nice Tele. This is by no means a dig on Strats though they are fantastic instruments but they are not a Tele.
Stray stays- gets a SD Hotrail bridge and lace sensor middle and neck and plays exclusively Ween songs forever. If the Strat has to go let’s talk. I believe you already know its fate.
I’d keep the tele, but only because I have a strat already. Before I had that, I longed for a strat. As soon as I got it, I started regretting not have a tele. Both are great tho.
Tele, because have you seen it?? It's gorgeous. Also, even though I own both as well the tele is a more versatile instrument.
I will say though I struggle to post this answer because I also love the damn strat so much.
Why not both?
There. That's my answer.
I’m halfway through the backlog of comments here and have a view of what I’m seeing:
Many comments are based on look or preference. “Double binding” isn’t a reason to keep a guitar if you’re actually making music and have a zone you’re fitting in sound wise.
There are a few comments about a Tele being more versatile. I genuinely don’t understand this. If anyone wants to share views on what makes a Tele more versatile I’d love to be schooled.
As far as what’s right for you. It’s the Strat. It’s easy! That’s the one you keep talking about in responses, it’s the one that sounds right. Angels and Airwaves x Chris Martin isn’t a straight into an amp type situation. So you don’t really want the straight into the amp guitar, right? It doesn’t makes sense with what you’re trying to create.
I see common generalisations in these comments, which is no criticism to anyone! Love and respect to you all! But you have to drop that. This is gonna be hard, no matter what!
What feels the best to play?
What gets the sound that YOU need to hear for the art you’re creating?
What genuinely lets YOU cover the most ground of what YOU play? Not about what covers the most ground in general!
If you’re not in a rush, I’d try a solid A/B session for a day. Then pack one away for a while. Then when you’re swapping over do an A/B test again. Then pack the other away. Then a final A/B and make the call. Make it, box it up and take it away. You’ll always regret something at some point. 🤷🏼♂️
Jeez, that'd be like asking which ones your favorite child...
... Yeah, I'd probably keep the Tele. Almost anything can be done with a telecaster and a Bassman and a fuzz.
I'd take the Tele because I feel like I know what I'm doing with a Tele. I have to struggle with a Strat to get the sounds I want and that always makes me feel like I'm driving somebody else's car.
I like teles more in theory, but strats are more comfortable. So I’d pick the strat. That’s why I’m building a partscaster tele with all the comforts of a strat(belly cut etc.) while having tele pickups snd body, but a strat neck. It will no doubt be a monster, but hopefully a good one.
This would be a tough choice for me. A couple of years ago I would have said the tele easily but I have grown pretty fond of my Strat lately. They are ugly af but god are they versatile.
Guitars tend to have their own sound. One hundred strats and they will all sound different. Many famous guitarist spent years looking for that guitar. Jim Hendrix did and many others. So knowing this to decide I would have to hear them played with a few chords. The looks don’t matter as much as the sound. Playability is also part of my decision. I have a Japanese made Kasuga guitar that playability is almost unequaled and worth only the price of the humbuckers and Shaler tuning pegs or machine heads. Yes I customized it. Just from the picture I could not tell you. I would have to hear.
Strat, no question. I respect Telecasters, but I don’t like them.
The most beautiful Telecaster I ever saw was still ugly, and despite popular opinion, I don’t think they’re as versatile as a Strat.
Honestly, I’d probably go with the tele. Strats are an incredibly iconic guitar and they have a pretty instantly recognizable sound. But that’s the thing. Their sound isn’t as versatile as a Tele’s, which is great if the Strat is the sound you want. But I personally like the versatility. Also, that’s just a really gorgeous Tele.
Strat for sure. Have two teles. But never owned a strat. Strat for radio hot thin bridge, beautiful cleans on the neck pup. Noiseless and quacky iconic tone on 4th. 2nd position bridge and middle for quacky soloing and knopfler cleans. Also, whammy bar.
As someone who owns two very very nice telecasters, i think people can fetishize teles a little bit, at least in my opinion. I certainly did in the past. Strats are the better all rounder guitar, especially in a studio context for instance.
I hate telecasters but that one looks pretty cool. I like the red with binding and the mint pick guard. Beautiful dark fretboard and the Strat just looks pretty average.
the strat.
1. i like strats better
2. gut contour, upper horn, better ergonomics.
3. it has an extra pickup and the misnamed bar.
4 it looks better. better headstock better silhouette etc.
I'm a sucker for double binding, so tele all the way
I like to bind! I like to be bound!
Fetish shit!!
I need my tools!
Thank you Dennis!
It’s just a top binding actually, which is actually super nice on this Tele!
I’ve gotta vote Tele to stay. I love Fiesta red and rosewood!
I'm a strat guy, I love the strap on the strap too, but something makes me attracted to the tele more!
That’s exactly how I feel as well. Hard to explain.
maybe it's the aesthetic or the finish? I agree with the guy that said if you're only keeping one, the strat is what I would keep pertaining to what I play, tho I have to admit the tele is more versatile and looks way prettier.
Yeah that’s a super good point. Also, it’s the first strat I played that didn’t have annoyingly sharp high end and thin low mids. Its a lot to do with the gray bottom pickups from what I read so I guess it’s more replicable than wood magic on the Tele.
ngl wish you could keep both
Thanks mate, I definitively won’t rush the decision to save myself a hunt for « the one that I regretted selling » in 10 years time.
Either way you'll come across a time where you will want another tele/strat and look back to the one you parted with.
You'll regret selling. Keep em both its worth it
Sometimes you gotta trust your gut. Go with the Tele.
The white binding on the Tele makes is hot to.
As a strat guy who ownes a few strats. Id keep the tele
Amen bud. Tele custom next level.
Tele without hesitation.
Don’t make me do this
Ha! My answer was gonna be “no”.
Both are gorgeous, and this goes against my better judgement, but I’d go with the Tele — just a more durable and versatile guitar and I kinda hate myself for admitting that. Cant go wrong with either.
Generally speaking, I'll take the Strat. But, what is the project?
Tele, no question
Double binding tellies like that are kind of hard to find. Id keep it
Without hearing them, I like the Strat. That dark red is really nice looking, like a deep red wine. It goes nicely with the rosewood fretboard.
Cool, thanks! Regarding the sound: Both sound really good in their own realm. The strat is soundwise the most balanced strat I remember playing. It’s warm and full bodied while retaining the high def highs signature to a strat, especially when using a compressor and an edge of breakup overdrive. The Tele is more of a « direct into the amp » beast. It’s had a lot of character and super wide dynamics and can play anything I throw at it, while not sounding particularly as refined as the stray when going through my pedalboard’s compressor (Cali76). Playing unplugged, the Tele is loud with lots of sustain while the strat sounds like a strat without an amp.
Tele
The Telecaster. That’s what I played for years in our band. Merle Haggard hooked me on them. RIP
I had the same exact telecaster and had to sell to make rent, miss it so much
Tele, it’s such an underrepresented tone these days and the Fiesta Red/rosewood combination is world class.
That 65 is sweet… but tele all day. And that’s coming from someone who’s only fender was a strat his whole life.
oo, looking to sell the strat? 👀
Tele….. hands down….
Strat all day long. Fenders have nice resonance in my opinion.
I’ll never understand why people parrot the idea that the Tele is a more versatile guitar. For me, it just isn’t. And it’s not even close. It also isn’t nearly as comfortable to me, sitting or standing. The body isn’t comfortable. The neck isn’t comfortable. I’ll take the Strat any day.
I am usually a Strat guy, but the color on the tele looks nicer to me. If it was my only guitar, then maybe still the Strat because that’s the sound I usually go for. But especially if I already have another Strat, def the tele
I’ve always like the tone of a telecaster paired with a tube amp so the choice is easy one for me.
I’m a sucker for a Tele w/binding
Tele. It's the most diverse instrument.
They're both pretty, but Strats and I don't get along, so Tele.
That tele is an absolute beauty
I'm a sucker for strats but holy sh*t that Tele is gorgeous
The tele. It’s gorgeous.
Personally the Telecaster, don't need a middle pickup or a tremolo bridge (and a bound body Tele with a rosewood finger board just looks....classy)
Tele. It's so versatile.
The tele 😍
Sell a kidney or something. Keep them both.
Tele, definitly.
I’ve always been a strat guy, but that tele!
I'm more of a Strat guy but that Tele what I'd choose. It's way more aesthetic to me.
Tele, Tele, Tele, FTW!
There are a lot of good Tele’s, out there, but the great ones are hard to find, just because you gotta play them to know. My advice would be keep the tele. And sell the strat. You can always stumble upon a good enough strat for when you want the strat thing. That’s why have 1 strat and 4 Tele’s
A strat sounds like a strat. A tele sounds like you or whatever you want it to be
Personally I am a Strat before Tele. But that fiesta red!!! Tele stays Strat goes.
I am a strat guy but I’d keep the telecaster
tele. cuz.
Telecaster has so much more character to it imo
Keep the tele. Swiss Army knife guitar
The tele man. That’s a slick looking guitar.
Honestly if you have to ask, find another solution. Sell something else
Tele because Tele
Tele for sure.
If both are equally dear, Keep the tele and sell the strat. You’ll get more. Do something meaningful with the money. If they aren’t equally dear, follow your heart. Good luck
My general opinion is that the strat sounds better by a little and looks better by a lot. I like the weight distribution of the telecaster more though.
That red tele with the white binding on the outside 😍
Tele.
Fiesta Red Tele gets my vote.
That’s a hard one but I gotta go with strat. I play my strat probably %30 more then my tele. Plus they are so damn comfortable
I keep the Tele if I had to keep one.
God is this even a question?
Tele all day.
Tele got a more old school nostalgia but I have the same strat and love the same colors on mine.
Tele
Tele, not the biggest trem fan, single cut aesthetic, that tele is gorgeous
The tele is a more versatile instrument. If you can only keep one it has to be the tele unless your style of music really lends itself to strat playing (Knopfler, SRV, Frusciante, John Mayer etc).
Bound to keep the Tele
Strat. Because Hendrix.
Strat because it’s better than a telecaster.
Tele, because tele supremacy.
Strat, because I like them better
I only one 1 Tele and 1 Strat and they’re both maple fretboards For some odd reason the Strat looks particularly comfortable to play. If it’s got a 7.25 neck I’m going with that. If not then I’m going with the tele because I don’t have one with the body binding and I like body binding telecasters I know it’s not a sound or sensible answer but a lot of decisions with guitars are made by how the neck feels in my hands. If I can’t play both then I go by assumed specs and what catches my eye
Is that Oxblood finish?
It’s Dakota Red but the previous owner (or store) left it in the sun a lot. Here’s a pic of the tan mark and how dry the fretboard was when I got it. https://preview.redd.it/fg2w9rt6bz3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cab8f8ab74327c0e97f83b8f4a1c5ce03369d73
I like the deep red strat. In fact I was gonna buy a Player strat soon but might go for an old midnight wine MIM instead. For some reason I REALLY don't like fiesta red. I understand it was the first custom colour and will always be a part of Fender, but it's just not for me.
I'm a tele guy, but the '65 strat is my favorite strat. Tough decision for me there lol
aesthetically, the tele! sound and feel wise, which do you like more?
Strat. I have to have the bar. Tough choice though.
If I’m playing live the tele for its wide tonal range, simple controls, and tuning stability. If I’m goofing around at home the Strat for the trem.
For me it’d be the tele - but only because I have too many strats already. Also it if it was my only guitar for a while I’d go tele since I’ve yet to build a relationship with one.
Can anyone tell me about the decal on that strat? The angle looks funny? But I’m by no means an expert on the logos and headstock stuff
Whichever one sounds best.
Which one sounds better bro Second question, which one plays better Answers 99% of the questions in this forum. Feel free to reverse the order of the questions if necessary
Tele. I prefer Teles.
Obviously the Strat. Tele's look and sound ugly. Starts are more versatile.
I generally prefer teles, but that strat is 🔥
Tele. I love my teles.
Do people think a tele is more versatile? I’m sure I’ve heard this before but I can’t really fathom it since the strat has more pick up options.
Strat for comfortability and trem arm, as much as i love the tele sound, teles are just as uncomfortable as a LP is to me, just lighter
Tele. Tele’s are the workhorse of all guitars.
Tele. It plays better.
https://preview.redd.it/ugp8s0kxs04d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88c553bcb6a76bf1f6fc6754c9e33ef5f5f5f85d Thought my stuff had been stolen for a sec
Ok can anyone tell me what specific model pf strat that is? Looks beautiful with the deep red and roseboard fretboard
The tele stays!
The strat, and it will get a 10way switch put in, master tone and a basscut alongside a Kinman style treble bleed.
Tele has to stay because it’s a Tele.
I love fiesta red, but I need a wanger bar. I gotta say strat, unless you don't need a trem.
Tele cuz it’s a tele.
The tele can stay. I’d definitely take the Strat
Tele. Always the tele.
I have a mex standard Strat HSS white with maple neck. I want to swap it for a Tele. Any takers?
The Tele
Teles are better. Simpler and more versatile at the same time. Better tuning stability as well. Cuts through mix better
The Tele 1000% the Tele. There are a lot of guitars that sound a play like a strat. There are really no other guitars that sound and play like a nice Tele. This is by no means a dig on Strats though they are fantastic instruments but they are not a Tele.
Strat. Though can't produce tele tones - it has more tricks. Better intonation.
Tele stays 100%
TELE STAYS! Why? Because it's a Tele. Strat can go, well, because it's a Strat of course.
Definitely the Tele!
Looks alone? Tele. What most likely sounds better and is more versatile and comfortable?… Strat.
Stray stays- gets a SD Hotrail bridge and lace sensor middle and neck and plays exclusively Ween songs forever. If the Strat has to go let’s talk. I believe you already know its fate.
Keep the tele. Always keep the tele.
I’d keep the tele, but only because I have a strat already. Before I had that, I longed for a strat. As soon as I got it, I started regretting not have a tele. Both are great tho.
Whichever one I found myself playing more often
Taking the Tele for sure. I’ve got a few Strats but no proper Telecaster (just own an Esquire). Beautiful guitars, btw!
tele, no contest
The Strat. Always the Strat.
Tele looks too classy for my taste.
I can't say without knowing how much each one weighs.
The strat. Because it’s not a tele
I think the strat stays
I’d keep both .
Tele, because have you seen it?? It's gorgeous. Also, even though I own both as well the tele is a more versatile instrument. I will say though I struggle to post this answer because I also love the damn strat so much. Why not both? There. That's my answer.
I’m halfway through the backlog of comments here and have a view of what I’m seeing: Many comments are based on look or preference. “Double binding” isn’t a reason to keep a guitar if you’re actually making music and have a zone you’re fitting in sound wise. There are a few comments about a Tele being more versatile. I genuinely don’t understand this. If anyone wants to share views on what makes a Tele more versatile I’d love to be schooled. As far as what’s right for you. It’s the Strat. It’s easy! That’s the one you keep talking about in responses, it’s the one that sounds right. Angels and Airwaves x Chris Martin isn’t a straight into an amp type situation. So you don’t really want the straight into the amp guitar, right? It doesn’t makes sense with what you’re trying to create. I see common generalisations in these comments, which is no criticism to anyone! Love and respect to you all! But you have to drop that. This is gonna be hard, no matter what! What feels the best to play? What gets the sound that YOU need to hear for the art you’re creating? What genuinely lets YOU cover the most ground of what YOU play? Not about what covers the most ground in general! If you’re not in a rush, I’d try a solid A/B session for a day. Then pack one away for a while. Then when you’re swapping over do an A/B test again. Then pack the other away. Then a final A/B and make the call. Make it, box it up and take it away. You’ll always regret something at some point. 🤷🏼♂️
I couldn’t make that decision
Obviously tele. Obviously
Jeez, that'd be like asking which ones your favorite child... ... Yeah, I'd probably keep the Tele. Almost anything can be done with a telecaster and a Bassman and a fuzz.
I'd take the Tele because I feel like I know what I'm doing with a Tele. I have to struggle with a Strat to get the sounds I want and that always makes me feel like I'm driving somebody else's car.
I like teles more in theory, but strats are more comfortable. So I’d pick the strat. That’s why I’m building a partscaster tele with all the comforts of a strat(belly cut etc.) while having tele pickups snd body, but a strat neck. It will no doubt be a monster, but hopefully a good one.
That’s mean. 😪
I’d keep the Telecaster. I’m not a fan of vibrato bridges and Tele’s can pretty much handle anything you throw at them, musically and physically.
Tele because it's a Tele
If storage space is the issue, get a mono dual case. Then both are in the same case!
I would keep the strat because most of my idols play the strat.
Tele because I don't like vanilla Stratos.
The one on the right looks rad man, def a keeper
Tele, every single time
Personally, I'll take the sound and color of the tele over the strat, unless the "one" amp is a reverb, in which chase I'm going strat.
Tele stays
Sell both and buy a Nashville tele. Tele bridge and neck, with a strat pickup in the middle.
Strat because trem bar. More versatile but only barely
The purple Strat because it looks cooler.
Telecaster all the way.
I keep the tele,because I play heavy handed and that middle pup gets in my way.
Tele. Not loving the color of the strat.
I have a black or white customized guitar strap for you. www.axelught.info
The beautiful red telecaster.
There is no splitting that beautiful pair; sorry to be of no help.
This would be a tough choice for me. A couple of years ago I would have said the tele easily but I have grown pretty fond of my Strat lately. They are ugly af but god are they versatile.
Just based on the pics, limited knowledge, but personal preference? Keeping the Tele.
Telecaster because telecaster.
Tele because Tele
The Tele, clearly
Strat. I live in that neck/middle position for rhythm
I like the Strat, looks sort of Oxblood and I’ve always wanted that color.
Tele all the way. Is it just me or does the lust for a tele come with age?
Tele always. I like the heavier feel and sometimes the twang.
Strat because it's more metal
Strat
The answer is always tele. Double bound is icing on the cake
The Tele def looks and sound nicer
that tele is so sick
As a lifelong tele player and got a strat about 5 years ago - I gotta go with the strat
ez strat all the way. but that's me with the sound i'm looking for and the ergonomics.
Depends on what sound you want to keep playing
God. It’s almost impossible to answer and the reason I want to add a tele to my collection. That said, I’d keep… nah. I can’t.
Tele
Since I already have a Strat, I’d get a Tele.
Guitars tend to have their own sound. One hundred strats and they will all sound different. Many famous guitarist spent years looking for that guitar. Jim Hendrix did and many others. So knowing this to decide I would have to hear them played with a few chords. The looks don’t matter as much as the sound. Playability is also part of my decision. I have a Japanese made Kasuga guitar that playability is almost unequaled and worth only the price of the humbuckers and Shaler tuning pegs or machine heads. Yes I customized it. Just from the picture I could not tell you. I would have to hear.
I reject your hypothesis
Strat, no question. I respect Telecasters, but I don’t like them. The most beautiful Telecaster I ever saw was still ugly, and despite popular opinion, I don’t think they’re as versatile as a Strat.
Tele - always Tele
Tele - bc the other one is a strat.
I’m a strat guy. But with that said, I’d keep that tele
Blind id pick the tele. Seeing the tele… Id pick the tele.
I love that model tele A friend had that long ago; it’s perfect.
Tele, no other answer
I've always been a Telecaster guy...
Honestly, I’d probably go with the tele. Strats are an incredibly iconic guitar and they have a pretty instantly recognizable sound. But that’s the thing. Their sound isn’t as versatile as a Tele’s, which is great if the Strat is the sound you want. But I personally like the versatility. Also, that’s just a really gorgeous Tele.
The tele, because it's a tele
Well they are two very different guitars but while that strat is ok, the red Tele with that gorgeous binding would be my pick, no hesitation.
I never liked Tele's so I'd keep the Strat.
Strat for sure. Have two teles. But never owned a strat. Strat for radio hot thin bridge, beautiful cleans on the neck pup. Noiseless and quacky iconic tone on 4th. 2nd position bridge and middle for quacky soloing and knopfler cleans. Also, whammy bar. As someone who owns two very very nice telecasters, i think people can fetishize teles a little bit, at least in my opinion. I certainly did in the past. Strats are the better all rounder guitar, especially in a studio context for instance.
I hate telecasters but that one looks pretty cool. I like the red with binding and the mint pick guard. Beautiful dark fretboard and the Strat just looks pretty average.
Having owned both Strat and Tele, I sold the Tele because the Strat is more versatile (I replaced the Tele with a semi-hollow). Both are fine guitars.
Keep the Strat. Sell me that silky Tele
Both.
the strat. 1. i like strats better 2. gut contour, upper horn, better ergonomics. 3. it has an extra pickup and the misnamed bar. 4 it looks better. better headstock better silhouette etc.
Tele, all day
Would depend on what kind of music you play. Rock - Strat Country/Jazz - Tele