So many different Telecasters, so little gambling winnings.

[regularguy]

Having (finally) won in my football pool, I have money for a guitar. I really want a Telecaster, but wow there are so many. I'm looking at the American Tele's: Highway One, Regular American Tele, Deluxe Tele, Texas something or other, FS, HH , XYZ, you get the picture. Obviously I'll have to figure out what's best for me, but I'd like to hear if anyone has any opinions on one flavor of Telecaster vs another, including the non-American ones.

[XNASA]

1. I got an 8 yo Mexican Tele.

I replaced the bridge PU with a Seymour Duncan mini-bucker. Love the action and really just love Teles, period. My SG sits in it's case up in the closet.

If I had my way though, I'd get a Thinline.

[regularguy]

2. I'm leaning towards the Highway 1,

it's the cheapest of the American Tele's, and down the road I could always put a humbucker(or something hot) in it. I've got a Les Paul and an Epiphone hollow body; I can't wait to round it all out with a Tele!

[BlueEyedSon]

3. Led Zep One is a stock Tele (no 'bucker)

DON'T DO IT!

Other opinionated tips:

Try to buy used.

New US may not be the best value (check out MIJ & MIM).