Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar Review
The Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar review focuses on the re-introduced model of a Fender classic. There are improvements that have been made, since the original version, although it still delivers some of the best original features of the classic model. Those that are familiar with the original Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar seem to think the improvements are noteworthy, overall. We will look at some of the pros and cons:
Pros of the re-introduced model of the Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar:
- Improvements include redesigned bridges, a high-tech molded case and neck and body finishes that are improved to the standards expected today. The staggered tuning machines eliminate one of the string trees and the staggered pole pieces in the pickups improve the G-string tone and give more balance to the output for the rest of the strings.
- The best features of the original model are still included. You can still enjoy the Alnico V pickups, fingerboard edges that are hand-rolled and the original ash and alder body dimensions, with maple neck, although it now features a modern C-shape.
- The American Standard TeleBridge has been improved to give a better tonal range, yet it has been narrowed to allow more room. They also improved the string slot by elongating it, which helps your strings last longer and it improves the string break angle, reducing friction.
- The bridge plate features the Fender logo, which is reminiscent of the original versions, but the resonance and body contact has been improved to eliminate squealing, which was something annoying about the original version.
- Deluxe hardware, detailed nuts, highly finished frets and a thinner undercoat improve resonance and looks. In addition, the attractive finishes include black, 3-color sunburst, candy cola and blizzard pearl in the solid alder body or the ash body versions include choices of 2-tone sunburst, natural, and crimson red transparent for a new look of popular finish colors.
- Users love the looks and tonal quality of the new Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar and the single coil sound is clear and pristine. Distortion doesn't cause any bleed-over in tone and you can get about any sound you want out this guitar.
- If you are looking to buy these guitars, they are currently on sale at Musician's Friend for 23% off through this link.
What's not to like about the Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar?
- Avid guitarists wish they would've added more pickups and they mention it goes out of tune, if you use the tremolo bar.
- There is mention that the rolled-edge fret board is a little too improved. You can run out of space during pull-offs, sometimes getting an ugly snapping noise, so some players might need to adapt their playing style a little.
- It's a little bit on the expensive side, but not as bad as competitor models, so it is affordable enough for those looking for a guitar in this class.
Conclusion:
The Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar is an improvement of the original, which was a classic. Most avid guitarists say they would choose this model over a Les Paul and comparative models because of the tonal quality and the closest replication in quality to the classic. Improvements seem to be positive, overall, rating this a "buy" for those that love the sound and looks of a Telecaster.
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Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar Review: A Definite Buy.
The Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar was first released in 1983 and since that time, guitarists have enjoyed the best benefits of the original Les Paul from 1959 at a more affordable price. You still get some of the ingredients that made the Les Paul so popular, including the humbucking pickups, the carved top and the rich tonal quality. In a review of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar, we'll look at some of the features you can expect:
- It still features the carved maple top, with the rounded Les Paul mahogany neck and back, featuring a rosewood fingerboard or ebony on the Alpine White model. You get a mahogany top on the faded models, however.
- The Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar and the Alnico 2 magnet humbucker pickups, 2 volume and 2 tone knobs, with 3-way switch are features that make playing the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar an experience that is reminiscent of the original model, except some players say it is even better. (You get BurstBucker Pro pickups on the faded finish models and along with the mahogany top).
- Chrome or gold hardware adds class to the elegant and classic styling.
- Users report that it gives you clean tones that are full and vibrant, and you get the heavy, warm tone that has made Les Paul a popular favorite over the years.
- The price is decent and not as expensive as the original models. It is also lighter in weight than the standard, making the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar a perfect choice for those that travel or play for longer periods of time, even as a second guitar.
- If you are looking to buy these guitars, they are currently on sale at Musician's Friend for 39% off through this link.
What are the downfalls of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar?
- The body is prone to dings, so the paint can scrape off easily. Users report difficulty getting touch-up paint from Gibson, however.
- There are some avid guitarists that love the guitar, but mention that they replaced the bridge and put on tuners, too. The stock version of the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar can use a little upgrading according to some, so you might want to plan to put out a little extra money to get it exactly as you want, for your playing style, although it still offers great tone.
Conclusion:
The Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar gets high marks from the majority of users, with most of them citing the awesome sound and great tonal quality. The pickups are described as "chunky" and perfect for all types of music. The neck offers fast play and the choice of finish colors include favorites like the Satin Ebony, Black-faded and Faded Cherry, just to name a few. Most users think the Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar is a definite buy and wouldn't hesitate to buy it again. The affordable price makes it a great alternative for those that love the classic look and feel of a Les Paul, in a lighter version that still offers the great tonal quality you would expect.
If you want to buy these guitars, you can get them cheapest on Musician's Friend through this link.
Epiphone Les Paul Standard Review
If you are searching for the unmistakable sound of a Gibson Les Paul at a fraction of the cost, you might be searching for an electric guitar that is the next closest thing. In the review of the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar, we will compare the features and see how they stack up against the real thing.
Features of the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar include a mahogany body with a maple veneer over carved top, a set mahogany slim-profile neck and rosewood fretboard, so appearances are similar. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic Bridge and stopbar tailpiece, along with 24 ¾" scale and Alnico Classic humbuckers and chrome hardware are other features included on the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar.
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Pros:
- Aesthetically, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar is a beautiful guitar, with good looks, a great choice of finishes and it looks more expensive than it is.
- The affordable price of this electric guitar can make it a great choice for beginners or those that need a second guitar that is a step above beginning guitars, but it is perfect for those not quite ready for the higher end models.
- It offers good tone and a warm sound that can make starter amps sound better and you can get a good tonal range that makes it great for all types of musical genres, from Blues to Metal.
- Available in an ebony version or a cherry sunburst, and more, there is a choice of beautiful finishes, which offer nice, shiny and reflective surfaces that look like quality craftsmanship.
- If you are yearning for a Gibson Les Paul, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar is about the closest thing to it in looks and tonal quality, yet the price is much cheaper. There isn't really much difference between the lower end Gibson guitars and the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar and some people actually preferred the feel of the Epiphone.
Cons:
- Pickups might seem sub-par to some, especially those that have played higher end electric guitars.
- The factory provided strings aren't very high quality and you will want to plan on replacing them for the best sounds and to get better tonal quality.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the action in the higher frets, but this isn't a common user complaint.
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Conclusion:
Overall, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar has the looks and tonal qualities of a Les Paul, without the price tag. It offers the classic look you expect of a Gibson Les Paul and this isn't a knock-off of the original-it is actually a Les Paul that has the beautiful aesthetics and warm tonal qualities, along with the fast action that electric guitar players are looking for, especially those that are searching for a Les Paul. With the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar, you get all the benefits of the original Les Paul, but at a price that is so affordable, you can fool other guitar aficionados, that might not be familiar with the great features of the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar.
What to Look for When Buying Electric Guitars
If you want to really enjoy the search for an electric guitar
If you are looking to upgrade your current axe then larger guitar stores have all types of models available so you can play the range and see which one fits you best. Visit an authorized dealer so when you want to stay with your guitar brand you can have a place to trade and play for years to come.
Depending on the current guitar brand stamped on your headstock you can always see what other brand names are available for sale. It's important to know what style of guitar you want, albeit they mostly have six strings and tuning keys the body style can tell others what type of music you like. The color wheel can spin for a long time when it comes to picking a color that suits your taste. A lot of guitars have custom finishes so their color scheme is a signature.
It's also good to know if you can play the instruments hanging on the wall. Some guitar shops are labors of love and unless you get the head nod when entering its best to ask if you can strum a few before making a musical connection with the owner or sales staff. Most guitar stores are very welcoming and if you show your face a few times you'll become a regular in no time. Searching and looking to buy are two different things; know what you want and how much you are willing to spend before putting your key in the ignition.
Another thing to take in mind is how long to do you want to shop. Sometimes you can spend all day in one guitar store and never hit the rest on your list. Technically you should only have a couple on your list, your fingers need to rest so you can enjoy the hunt as well as the capture. The beauty of playing an electric guitar
If you are just starting your search its best to play a lot of different guitars since each one has a unique sound when pick meets pick up. You can tell the more expensive guitars by price but also by feel, even though a guitar might cost a lot more than another its still in the hands of the player that makes it worth its price. Starting out with an expensive guitar won't elevate your playing, start with what you can afford and work your way up the scale.