Tele Copy?

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Hi guys,
Looking for a 3rd guitar, already have an LP and and Explorer. Thinking about adding a Tele to the mix, but don't want to spend a whole lot, probably $300-400. I'm not really into the idea of buying a MIM Fender because it's Fender, I guess I'm looking for a guitar that plays much better than the price suggests. I'm willing to upgrade the guitar too. Anybody know of great Tele copies? I'm also open to suggestions for other guitars too, but I play strictly rhythm, so no shred guitars. Thanks!

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Also, even for a little more money, I'm willing to go the custom-made route, if anybody on here likes building guitars or knows people who do, feel free to let me know!

[Sifu Ben]

How Tele do you want your Tele?
Fender Baja Tele is pretty well liked round here.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I'd like a Tele with a little more kick to it than usual.

[Sifu Ben]

Pretty much any tele you get at that price point will probably have pretty vintage-y pickups (unless you get an HH type, which was why I asked).

[Toe-Knee]

For that kinda money and the simple fact that you are in the US i would go with agile. Theyre excellent quality and punch well above the price tag.

I would actually take a Agile LP over a gibson anyday.

Also note i have only played their LPs but i imagine the quality is equal along the various types.

[JacksonRR]

The Guitarfetish Xaviere line seems to get really good reviews for the price, though upgrades in hardware and a proper setup is common. I haven't had any experience with them, but the locking tuners I got from them are great.....(wow, that hammer thread comes to mind now.  :lol:) The Agile line is also something I might look at. They have some tele copies and a really great looking PRS-alike on there for pennies as well.

I'd probably just buy a used Squire or Fender Tele though for that kind of money. Less QC issues and easier to sell on if it's just not something you end up loving.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

When researching Les Paul's I came upon lots of Agile reviews, many positive. Does anyone have experience with Agile Teles?

[Sifu Ben]

No, I've only got an LP and a 7. Both are spectacularly good though. As Toe-knee said, I would happily stack my (modded) Al 3100 against a Gibson. Indeed, I was looking at a review of one of the new Gibsons with the baked maple board and thought "for a quarter of that money I could have an Agile and it would have an ebony board".

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Wow this is great to know. I'm BIG on playability and resonance, and if a guitar sounds good unplugged then you can always make it sound great no matter what brand it is. How's the playability, resonance, feel, unplugged sound, etc. on the Agiles?

[Telerocker]

London City makes decent cheap telecopies. Get some used BKP's (like the Boss or Piledriver) and you won't go over your limit.

[Sifu Ben]

Playability, feel and unplugged sound are all great. They're made in the same factory as Schecter, and are of similar quality.

[Ian Price]

I can vouch for the Baja. I have one and whilst it is not up there with Custom Shop Fenders it is good value for money. I don't think you could get a custom made guitar for "a little more money" although I'm happy to be corrected!

[TheyCallMeVolume]

And do you really think that the Agile would fend well in an H2H with a Gibson? If so, I think that just about sold me on them lol.

[Sifu Ben]

I've changed the bridge and the pickups, I would happily put it against any of the sub-standard (fnah) models, and it'd hold it's own against a Standard. At the end of the day it's a mahogany body and neck, and while it may only have a thin maple top it does have an ebony board and real MOP inlays. Fit and finish is very good, and the range of finishes is about 4 times what you can get from Gibson. There's nothing actually wrong with the pickups either, they're just too vintage PAF for my tastes.