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Both great guitars. The classics are classics for a reason. I'm a Strat player, but can really appreciate the beauty of a good Tele too - I'll just never strap one on myself.

Physically/ergonomically, the Strat is a more advanced design. It's very comfortable and very forgiving of a range of playing styles and (human) body shapes. The Tele is a plank of wood with strings - a lot more unforgiving, but it forces you into more correct technique (especially the more vintage, fat necked models).

Soundwise, the Strat has more sounds to choose from, but the Tele has enough and is surprisingly flexible (once you learn how to use the controls). In keeping with the simplicity of the design, (IMO) the Tele sound is purer, with more note clarity and a more pianolike sustain.
    So I should get both u think? Lol. I do intend to get both but want to get one real soon. I think it'll be a strat cause I miss mine that I had to sell a few yrs back due to layoff. But that being said, would the American standard be the one to get u think. And u guys that have replied what amp would u pair with the guitar you'd chose? I had a blues junior tweed and liked it but would like a few more options this time for more sounds. Nice tube amp. I am into rock, eagles, classic rock, 80's, 90's and current stuff as well. No country though.


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      Go and try 'em both see which is more comfortable for you and then maybe get one second hand.
        Mayn wrote: So I should get both u think? Lol. I do intend to get both but want to get one real soon. I think it'll be a strat cause I miss mine that I had to sell a few yrs back due to layoff. But that being said, would the American standard be the one to get u think. And u guys that have replied what amp would u pair with the guitar you'd chose? I had a blues junior tweed and liked it but would like a few more options this time for more sounds. Nice tube amp. I am into rock, eagles, classic rock, 80's, 90's and current stuff as well. No country though.


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        I would suggest any of the current small valve amps from fender, Marshall, vox, orange, peavey, laney. Anything unless you're looking for a specific tone, they can all do rock. My advice is to go to a shop if you can and try a few different strats and teles through a few amps.

        However an american standard will be perfect with a blues junior or a vox ac15 or even an orange tiny terror etc..
          Used huh? Is that the way to go? I do like the tiny terror. Never tried a vox. I'll try it. Going to guitar center prob tommorow to look around.


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            Just read a thread today re the most versatile guitar on this forum. Thread was 2009/2010 I think coz I wanted to ask the same question. To my surprise a Stratocaster was listed in the top 3 choices. I would say go for the Stratocaster; something I should have done a long time ago. Apparently the right tone is just a simple pickup mod away if you're not entirely happy with the stock pickups. Keira's answer in that thread settled it for me.

            Now I'm also gassing for a Strat! ?

            Plus a tele is ugly...lol
              Ya I think a strat is what I'll get. No I just gotta decide between the new American select or just go with a American standard.


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                2 months later
                Hi Mayn, as most guys will tell you it depends on what music you want to play. I love The Shadows instrumentals, and for that I find my combination of an American Standard Strat with heavy strings (12 to 56), and a Vox AC30 played through a RFX Zoom 2200 to be unbeatable.
                  Get a Strat and a Les Paul geetar, Vox and Fender amps, and you're set for life - a Tele, nope, not with that headstock, my 2 cents worth [and then a 335 later on] then you are definitely set for this life and the next.
                    If it has to say "Fender" on the headstock then ignore the rest of this posting.

                    There are other brands that make guitars that embody the fender vision and aesthetic, and these may give you the sound and look (or very close to the look) that you want but at a better price or at the same price but better quality.

                    In particular you can look at Tokai and G&L (the latter brand has a lot of Fender DNA as Leo Fender was co-founder and was involved on the design side). You don't say where you live so it's hard to know what store to refer you to for try outs.

                      Mayn wrote: Ya I think a strat is what I'll get. No I just gotta decide between the new American select or just go with a American standard.
                      Oh, you're far from done. You'll also have to decide between maple or rosewood fretboard, SSS or HSS pickup configuration, alder wood or ash wood body. Yes, that's about it... Ha! Of course it isn't! You can decide between large or small headstock, stamped or solid saddles, standard or noiseless pickups, standard or locking tuners, a variety of neck profiles, a variety of fretboard radii and of course, a variety of finishes - ultimately the only decision that really matters ?
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