The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Other Guitars: What would you pick: a Les Paul, a Strat, or a Tele?

Welcome to the Gretsch Pages

What would you pick: a Les Paul, a Strat, or a Tele?

« » Page 1 2 3 4 5 6

- Rated: 52 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 8:59 a.m. bigalthethird:

We all know that Gretsches are the best guitars money can buy. That's inarguable at this point (). But amongst the other three big 'styles' of guitar, which is your favorite? As in, if you could have all the Gretsches you want, and either a Les Paul, Strat, or Tele, which would you take?

Before I go on, I know there are a ton of other important guitar types. But when you go back 50-60 years, these three really defined the electric guitar. I could have added ES, SG, Explorer, Firebird, etc. But that takes away form the simplicity.

I think I'd take a Les Paul. It's insanely close between the Tele and the LP. I dunno. The two best non-Gretsch guitars I've ever played were both Teles (both of which I own(ed)). And the guitar I spent the most time playing on/bonded the most with (besides any Gretsches of course) was my old Les Paul Gem.

Strats are useless to me.

The Tele has the advantage with regards to Bigsby compatibility, customization, better clean sounds, and possibly how awesome they look when they get dinged up.

The Les Paul has the 24.75" scale (which I prefer), and a meatier sound in general. Easier to play on and screw around with. Also heavier though. But my main decision basically comes down to the fact that I've already got all the cleans, Bigsbies, and twang I'd ever want. I don't absolutely need another rockabilly guitar. I need a flat out rock guitar, and the LP fits the bill. So of the three, I'd take the LP.

What about you all?
- Rated: 35 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:16 a.m. crowbone:

Teles by a longshot(for versatility and just being the workhorse it is), followed by the Strat and then a distant third(mostly due to the weight of most of the Pauls I've been known to associate with), Les Pauls.
- Rated: 93 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:22 a.m. Pappy:

It's a toss up between a tele and a LP. Probably an LP. I like the clean sounds, I like the dirty sounds, they're pretty versatile guitars.
- Rated: 28 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:25 a.m. troy6120:

Telecaster, definitely.
- Rated: 15 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:31 a.m. XRAYCAT:

i played with Jack Rabbit Slim last weekend in Cambrige, the lead guitarist had the BEST sound ever, really nice old tele, and some vintage amp. Im gonna quiz him on his gear. he's inadvertantly converted me to the tele way of thinking.

and yeah they look cool when beat up.

plus I recon they'd do more damage in a bar brawl than a strat or gretsch. easy to swing around and club.

don't know why im thinking violent thoughts, just thought i'd put it out there.
- Rated: 19 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:35 a.m. Gretschadelphia:

Well I like the sounds you can get out of a Tele and I had recent ownership of a fantastic example of the breed...but I ended up trading it in as I just wasn't bonding with the 25 1/2" scale. The only Les Paul I've ever owned was an early 90's Special, but I won't count that because the guitar was a dog (had a twisted neck). I have had the opportunity to play a good, well set-up Les Paul and found it to be amazingly easy to play and of course it sounded like a good fat toned LP.. I guess if I had to choose today I'd go for a good Les Paul.
- Rated: 19 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:36 a.m. The Shetland:

it would be close, but I've never owned an Lester, though have been thinking about it for a while. for my purposes I think it would suit best...now I've never had a Strat either, but i don't really think I need one.

I love Teles though...tough choice...
- Rated: 38 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:40 a.m. bobbyrivera:

Without question, it would be a tele.
- Rated: 12 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:40 a.m. bigfoot yancy:

ta ta Teles
- Rated: 56 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:41 a.m. otterbean:

I don't care for Les Pauls much. Its a toss up for me between the Tele and Strat. I think I would have to go with the Tele if I could have one with a Bigsby.
- Rated: 13 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:44 a.m. Catdaddy1967:

It would have to be a toss up (and a very close one) between a Les Paul and a Tele - I already have a couple of Strats.

The only other Les Paul I'd consider is one of the 2008 Standards with the chambered body (I already have a Special). But thereagain, I already have the PowerJet to cover the whole chambered mahogany body thing.

Which boils it down to a Tele - the only one I ever had was a '73 Deluxe, so a nice butterscotch '52 RI would be nice. Thing is, I wouldn't have as much use for it, considering the band I'm in at the moment.
- Rated: 31 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:45 a.m. Danman:

Definitely not a stratocaster!
And I don't like normal Les Pauls but:

I love tele's and I also love Les Paul jr's and Les Paul tv specials with P90's. I own a 71 tele and I own a 55 Les Paul jr and I really love them both and there is no way I am ever going to be forced to choose between them.
- Rated: 1 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 9:49 a.m. boobie:

TELE HaNDS DOWN
- Rated: 25 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 10:03 a.m. billydlight:

Best to have them ALL really. 2 or 3 of each if you can swing it!
- Rated: 59 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 10:10 a.m. Bear:

If I had to choose between Tele and Strat, it would be very close but the Tele would win by a nose. The LP would not even be on my list. I just never cared for them, but I'm not a rock player and Gibson humbuckers just aren't country enough for me plus they're just so darned heavy.
- Rated: 20 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 10:12 a.m. TwangOmatic:

My first guitar was a tele so i guess i did choose it. If i had to choose again i would make the same decision. A strat would be my second choice and though i have recently decided i kinda like the feel of a les paul it would definitely be last.
- Rated: 47 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 10:28 a.m. Timthom62:

I've owned the same '62 Strat for thirty years now and the Strat is the most familiar to me, so I'd have to say Strat.
- Rated: 9 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 10:54 a.m. GoDogGo:

Strat - with beefy pickups, such as the 57/62's or 69's.
- Rated: 54 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 11:10 a.m. tartan phantom:

Tele Tele Tele!
- Rated: 77 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 11:41 a.m. sassy:

Tele
- Rated: 0 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 11:44 a.m. silverjetstaff:

Tele!
- Rated: 45 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 12:06 p.m. Tsar Nicholas :

Tele?
- Rated: 8 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 12:12 p.m. wpgjazzman:

Telecaster
- Rated: 11 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 12:20 p.m. Buffalosix:

Wow, tough question. I've had one of each. I've then gotten rid of one of each.

Les Paul: I had a '73 LP Custom. Sweet guitar, was capable of a mellow jazz sound, which is what I was looking for. Had a great neck, and I do like Gibson necks. Unfortunately in the end, it was also a boat anchor, incredibly heavy.

Tele: I had an AV '52 Tele RI. Great guitar. Just didn't bond with it for some reason. I think in the end, I'm not sure I liked the bridge and the way my picking hand sat on it, just wasn't comfortable.

Strat: I had an AV '62 Strat RI. Another great guitar. Another one I'm not sure I bonded with. Might have been the middle pickup. I love the look of 3 pickup guitars, but in the end, that middle pickup affects my picking and makes it a bit awkward. And I guess the sounds I was getting (or I was making) didn't make the trade-off worth it for me.

My only non-Gretsch electric for the past 2-3 years has been an AV '62 Jazzmaster. Seems to have most of what I like and lets me cop the sounds I'm looking for. So far, anyway. That said, I still look at nice Strats, Pauls, and Teles and drool. THAT said - if forced to take one now, it would probably be a '54 Les Paul Custom reissue - the one with the Alnico and the P-90. Just remember it requires a two-man lift.
- Rated: 10 ↑
Oct 29, 2008 12:23 p.m. Zol:

All 3 are unique sounding in their own way. If I HAD to choose just 1 of the 3. For me it would have to be the Telecaster. Glad I don't have to choose because I like playing all 3!! Peace - Z

« »

Page 1 2 3 4 5 6

You'll need to log in to post.