Hey you lot thanks for dropping in as usual. So apparently my version of runnin’ down a dream wasn’t all that bad and the copyright police spotted it 🤦♂️ that means I won’t receive any ad revenue for this film so if you’re thinking of buying any merch now’s a great time to help offset the losses. theguitaristas.com Cheers! Colin
The antiquity is virtually double the cost of the east coast. The TL1 non rosewood can be had for £99 which would’ve been more comparable. Great vid as always boss man. Love your vids. The Harley Benton looks dearest to me with the binding which the others don’t have. Cheers 🤘🎸
So a sub-200 dollar Tele enables you to do some copyright infringement guitar playing. It MUST be in the fingers then right? But seriously it truly is shit this will keep you from earning back a bit for all your hard work!
This was an episode I have been looking forward to, Im a Telecaster guy, player and collector of both expensive and budget models. I agree with Cols summary that they all sound slightly different but all have a good sound, and how lucky we are that we can buy such good guitars for such little money, back in the '80s when I bought my first solid body you were lucky to get a good guitar for under £400 until the Japanese Squiers upset the applecart, mine didn't even need a mini set up which was unheard of back then. What I like about Telecasters is how versatile they are and of such a simple construction, saying that I recently acquired my dream Tele, a neck through model, I had resigned myself to having to build one at Crimson Luthiary School until I found out that AIO made them, I bought the AIO TC1 Dark Walnut, they come with a bespoke set up and the guitar is perfect, it cost me $549 and $100 to ship it to the UK and a few quid in VAT and import duty, well worth the effort IMO, its a real looker!
I really enjoy your video's and love your playing style it's Amazing a big big thankyou your a very talented guy with your playing and showing us all how to make a really good video, many thanks fro Pete 🤠
I was somewhat confused when you described the prettiest girl of the bunch (in Lake Placid Blue) as being a bit hairy... You've done another great job Colin, and I'm sure that it took a few rolls of the dice to decide which was the best.
Hello, Colin. All these would do the job and none sound bad in any way. Some better than others for some things, all depends on one's own perception and taste. The low-output East Coast pickups had the quack. The neck pickup on the Antiquity stood out to me as smooth and bluesy and I like the dark look of that guitar, like a poor man's rosewood George Harrison Tele. "Faux-zewood," that's a good one Col! The bridge pickups on the HB, Antiquity and Squier had some oomph for a harder rock sound and the red paint job on the Squier is spicy. Although you didn't think so, I thought the Squier brought out your best, freest playing and you were wailing on those bends. I'd take the Squier but I'm partial already as a Squier player owning several, including a blonde/maple Affinity Tele that has not a thing wrong to me, an old hardtail Strat and a couple Mustangs. But seriously, as I said at first, any of these guitars would do well for me. This was fun man, and worth the wait. Cheers from Dallas!
I think if I had to pick one, for me it would be the Harley Benton and for a few reasons! Firstly, I’m a sucker for a double bound Tele, but on top of that, it’s the “only” one that has what looks like a “Proper” Tele bridge pickup, which is probably what gives it that extra “poke” which is what I expect from a Tele! Add to that the fact that it has a string through body with a vintage style bridge and it’s job done as far as I’m concerned!
The Tele is the perfect guitar. I play my Squier Bullet ($210) every day. If I dont bump the switch, it sounds fantastic on the old Ampeg that belonged to my buddy's late dad. Thank you, Coleman.
Thanks for making my day. Lifted my mood after a hard night in an ice cold metalwork factory. Cancelled a band practice today as too drained for driving on ice and setting up/carrying amps. Have a jet lefty sunburst tele for a year but want a humbucker for more bite/drive.
Thanks, Colin. A worthwhile comparison. Maybe we can expect them to be a bit different at this price level. Lee Anderton talked about how even a small price difference, a few pounds or so, when he was spec'ing out the East Coast range, made a significant difference to the components the maker could include.
With Telecasters, you need that "Spank and Twang.". The Harley Benton certainly has it in copious amounts. They'd all pass muster, I reckon but I was most dubious about the Squier, surprisingly. Might be TH-cam's legendary sonic shortcomings, to be honest...
Thanks for the shootout. I'm halfway through the clean sound comparison section, and glad you hear what I heard. The Harley Benton had just a bit more presence than the others. I was listening on speakers, not headphones. The Squier sounded "dark" in comparison to the others. No matter what Fazley makes, I will always think they look cheap. Like those black light posters of the 70s, or velvet tigers on walls. If they could make a guitar out of formica, they would.
I have an Antiquity Tele. String through. Cost £129 last year. I had to change the machine heads as they didn't seem to stay in tune. Replaced them with Guyker locking machine heads. Done job. Can't complain about it now.
I've been looking forward to this for a while, and I am so thoroughly happy with the result- the differences in sound was educational. I really like the HB and the Squier, Thanks for doing this; I really appreciate it.
Never worry Colin, you survive on my Subscription List because you are a Champion. Most mornings I wake up with a guitar across my belly. This guitar thing is not about being a great player, it`s about loving the playing enough, to fall asleep while playing the damn thing. Sometimes I will root on the strings and wake myself up. I live a compressed life and been sick and dying for years. I feel compelled, to try and squeeze in as much guitar playing as possible, before I croak. What drives the whole thing is, trying to solve the puzzle of music improvisation. I`m a drummer and guitar is the compromise to not piss off the neighbors. About the only time an axe is not within arms reach, is when I`m in the shower, or leave the house. You and Guitaristas helps keep me alive, while I try to resolve improvisation, on my path to dust. I been running down the dream since the Everly Brothers and Wake Up Little Suzy... You have become a good friend because you are the real deal. Love, Peace and Best Wishes, Keep Safe.👍👍👍
Thanks mate that’s appreciated, and I sincerely hope to keep seeing you here in the comments for many years to come while you figure out this improvisation… bluesy bollocks is the key i think just get a few licks under your belt and off you go! 😎👍
The Fazley is probably closer to around 100 dollars. The Fazley Outlaw Plus with Roasted Maple neck and nubone nut is around 160-180 euros - about 140-160 Dollars. But they sadly took these out the equasion, pretty much missed an oppertunity there. And has a way better fretjob than any Squier I've encountered so far. Except for the Classic Vibes, can't compete with that.
I checked out a budget guitar Tease SBH-HD. 1) way too heavy ( if you are a Gibson guy, it would be nice for you) 2) too much vibration with the neck 3) I prefer 9.5 radius neck 4) traded in one of the guitars and paid $350 for a 2018 butterscotch Fender player telecaster and it's me ‼️ 5) for the money the budget guitar had a lot but it was not my taste
If I was choosing by looks it would be the Antiquity, sound I think it would be the Squier. But I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. Thanks for another amazing review! I can't imagine how much work goes into making one. Setup, filming, editing...thanks for all you do for us guitaroholics!!!!
I love these kind of videos, especially when you do them! I have no experience with any of the non-Squier models, but I will say I’ve never met a Squier neck that I didn’t like. It is incredible how many decent quality budget guitar brands there are now. Good video!
This was an amazing and complex demonstration of all these instruments and you really pulled it off I have really good idea what is happening with all these budget tele's and it helped me get a great perspective on my own budget telecaster. The way you made this video down is a great service to all of us who watch your show. So I want to say thank you.
Always a pleasure never a chore!……….. always entertaining and very informative. I enjoy “clicking” into your channel and am looking forward to your next one. Great honest show and the playing isn’t half bad either 👍😊…. Well done. Will check out the ‘merch’ got to help keep guys like you going. Nob mug I’d outstanding!
Thanks for this very helpful and interesting comparison. You're too hard on yourself. I think what you played in your demo of sound samples was a perfect way to compre all of these guitars! I really appreciate your videos and the way you explain the guitars you review and your honesty about them and straight talk about why you favor some over others. Your lack of pretension and your sense of humor is refreshing.
Well done Colin, a huge undertaking comparing 6 guitars, a great result & excellent content! A superb advert for budget/affordable guitars, which have improved hugely over the years!
I love your channel and your videos. It's so refreshing to hear honest unbiased and positive opinons about inexpensive guitars. I'm actually heavily considering getting an Epiphone Goldtop Les Paul now because of your reviews. I was about to get the Gibson, but I don't care for the differences - and $2k saved is $2k saved.
Hey Colin, because of your Hartwood review last week , I bought the deytona 1 and received it just after I watched you this morning!! I have a fair amount of setup to do( as expected) but I have to say that their picture doesn’t do it justice It’s just a beautiful machine. Thanx for the Hartwood review!! Cheers!!
They all sounded pretty good but for me the Harley Benton was the best of the bunch. We are our own harshest critics but I must say that I always enjoy your playing - it's your own sound!
Nice comparison line up. They'll all sound good in the right hands after a good setup and through a dialed in amp. I was amused you chose the Sonic as your favorite. I also have the Torino Red Squier Sonic. I swapped out the black for a cream pick-guard, looks much nicer to me. For the price, I really like it, doesn't feel or sound cheap. Yes, It's made by Fender, it's their lower cost brand to compete with the knock-offs (and the Squier brand was around long before Fender bought it, 1890 in fact).
Love to see you add the SX STL-50 to your T-style guitars. Picked one up a few months back and it rocks. The nut needed filing down, but the neck is lovely and draws online comparisons with Squier CVs but half the price.
I have the Harley Benton TE-52 (£134 at the time now £144) the tuners were changed for a cheap locking set (£25) the saddles changed for brass compensated (£11) and a brass nut for good measure (£7) now i have a classic looking twangy telecaster that holds tune very well. Thinking it might need some Fuzzy Duck pickups soon just because :)
Goodmorning from Texas.....I am getting ready to take my bestfriend to the eye doctor....as he recently had 2 eye surgeries....he is legally blind....thus he is not able to drive....we love you Colin !
My HB-TE62DB (same color only lefty) is meticulously made...absolute marvel of QA workmanship (neck, frets, binding, paint job) at any price!! Pups were decent...but had to replace with '51 CS Nocaster (used)...gem of a guitar thru and thru. Drop a set of upscale pups....a proper set up....and all will 'do the job'. Thanks Colin.
After your review, I bought the Eastcoast. I had problems with the first one, got a replacement, in tune out of the box, and well set up. Only thing I don't like is the ill fitting pick guard.
I liked the sound of the HB/Vintage because they had the most twangy Tele sound. I also liked the sound of the Jet and the Eastcoast, but the squire sounded the least Tele-like to me. In terms of looks, the double bound HB (which also comes in red) looked the best, but I also liked the Eastcoast, which has a very vintage look, and the red of the Squire. I think if you took one of these, added brass saddles, upgraded the wiring harness and pickups, added some locking tuners and a bone nut, you could create something fantastic for not a lot of money. Maybe another one of your infamous upgrade videos :). Overall a good video that showcases how good these bargain basement guitars are. A new player, with little money, could buy one and slowly upgrade it to exactly what they wanted and it would grow with them as they become a better guitarist.
Thanks for finally doing the inexpensive Tele comparison! Not complaining, you've posted fine content in the meantime, but I was looking forward to this. The unfortunate part is that most of these brands are not readily available here in the states, but you have encouraged me that I can get a Squier if I choose and probably be happy with it. Thanks again as always.
Always a good start to the day when we get new Guitaristas. I'm about halfway through so far but I'm surprised by the wood selections for the Fazley and Jet giving rosewood and an alder body in the former. Pretty cool for the price and makes them seem like good value for the money. Definitely curious what your favorite will be. I'm guessing the Jet for some reason
Awesome video Col. I do feel like treating myself to a cheap Tele, and to me the HB stood out to me for its brightness. Although I will say you definitely seemed to like the Squier the most, you really gave it some when you were playing that!
Excellent work Col.. Six of the bloody things!! Better man than me mate, Id have a hard job talking about 2 at once! Remarkable there's differences, yet still all sound Tele-ish... CNC machines have helped the lower end of the market.. great for whoever's buying.. Gotta get through xmas before l think of spending!!
Hi Collin. Great video I just bought a Fairclough guitar, think they also do tele style for about 119.00 pounds . They also do LPs,SGs, ST, TELE styles. From SCAN computers Bolton. Under 200.00£ . Have fun ,John.
Bluesy Bollocks sounded good to me. I am a lifelong acoustic player who got an East Coast to try and learn how to play electric. I am pleased with it, set up and build quality is fine enough. Although I did re shape the neck and oiled it, and added a middle S type pick up, just because I can. The tuners are not the best, but work well enough. I should be playing it a bit more than I do, but hey ho. PS, the Squire looks lovely, that red is red hot!
This was a great video. You played just fine brother. Definitely got the job done. It’s really hard to choose one because they all have something I like looks wise. I’d probably like the Harley Benton if I had to pick my favorite.
they're just above the 200 pound mark but i think you should try the Artist Guitars AT53 telecaster its only 249 pounds (they only have the relic ones in UK) and a Levinson Sceptre Arlington (looks like some are around 300 pounds). they're probably the best tele styles you'll find for the price.
Great comparison. All seem worth buying. My fave cheap-o Tele is from Firefly. In fact, I have two, one being a thinline. I must admit, I did swap out the pickups on both, but the bodies and necks are amazing.
Looks like if you want a Tele starter guitar as a beginner or for kid starting out, there are some good choices. Personally the Squire & Eastcoast caught my eye in terms of look & value. Some of the guitars my daughter started out on even just over 10 years ago were pretty crap down at this price point. Even if you want to find out what style of guitar you want to really get into, these are a good representation. If you or the youngster packs learning guitar in, it is no real loss. These guitars at least have some pass to a friend or trade in for a couple of quid at the shop. My daughter's first strat style was only fit for landfill. I found out the expensive way that I disliked Teles & Strats by going full Fender route, but at least got lucky & flipped them for 335s & Les Paul's.
Beautiful job with the review! I greatly enjoyed it! I feel bad about the copyright claim, but you can look at it this way, that just means you and Mike Campbell are on the same level as far as playing! : ) Always look forward to your videos weekly, thank you for doing what you do!
I got a cup with your knob on it the other day (the plectrum and sweets were a nice addition) and was thinking if you were going to do a T shirt with it on I'd definitely buy one.
Great vid Colin! That is a lot of work you put into this! Funny enough in the back to back clean playing, the first 5 sounded very much the same while the Squier had a different kind of clarity to it. All great value playable guitars that will give that tele feel and sound, but yep reckon the Squier had a bit of authenticity about it if that makes sense. Don't think any of these would disappoint though.
I'm loving this one! That Antiquity is a real looker for me. I'll keep my eye open for one of those. I've been looking at some similar models by AIO/Wolf as well. They put them together out my way. As for your playing? I like it. I play way many more fecal notes than you do, and I don't mind. I like your videos because your playing sounds about like what I would try to be doing with whatever guitar you are showing.
Great comparison video and enjoyed the playing. Appreciate the effort of comparing six guitars. I'm a subscriber to the TV channel but this video is worth a proper thank you, esp. given the copyright nonsense.
You are a much better electric guitar player than I am, sir. Maybe I could give you a run for your money when it comes to making spaghetti sauce. Remains to be seen. Anyway, your playing is good in my book and more than adequate for demonstrating guitars and I enjoy your channel immensely, despite your crocs and knob. Keep doing what you're doing, man! BTW, I also love that when you show a comparison, you index everything so I can go back and agonize over which one I think I like better!
I will look forward to Fridays even more now wearing my Guitaristas T shirt and sipping from my Guitaristas knob mug. When can we expect Guitaristas nibbles? Knobby's nuts 😅
hey Colin - 'my brother from another mother' as the cool kids used to say - great one today, and I love the topic, being a Tele native - now with Squier making about ten different grades of Telecaster ranging in price from a buck and a half to around 450. it's hard to say which I'da gone with, but I prefer ashtray bridges, standard string through body, and generally a white pick guard. and I think I've discovered my niche for a you tube show, but I'll keep you posted. And no, while there's a little over lap with your show, there's not much. Wish me luck!
Usually I have Colin with my Friday morning coffee but this morning I've a doctor's appointment to help my old arthritic ridden fretting hand so I'll save this for this afternoon.
That was an informative demo. I’m not a Tele fan but I do have a Squier Bullet Tele. I wanted to try one and it’s a good inexpensive guitar 🎸 to play walking around the house because it doesn’t matter if it bangs into something. Of your group I suppose the choice would likely be based on looks. They all look good. I like the Antiquity. I bought a Squier Debut Series Strat which is now $99 on Amazon in matte black and matte sunburst. I knew I could send it back if I didn’t like it but the matte finish on the neck is really nice. It’s not a premium American 🇺🇸 Strat but it’s ok ✅. 👍☮️🌞🎸🎵💕⭐️
Had serious gas for the Harley Benton some weeks ago. Until I decided I wanted a Jaguar model so bought that. Figured you liked the Squier from your facial expression. Bought 2 Squiers this year and have nothing to complain about fretwork wise (Sonic and Affinity) I prefer the ashtray bridge. Watched a video about the Affinity FMT (?) the one with a humbucker in the neck. Apparently you can replace the modern bridge one on one with an ashtray style. Did that on an older one and it left some visible holes. The Andertons ones will be a bit more expensive after tax I guess since you guys had your Brexit. I still want to get the Benton. It has all the nice things. Cheers.
Great video Colin, and sorry for not having subtle enough ears, but in my mind your playing was awsome. Anyway, I think the Squire sounded darkish and a bit muffled BUT I STRONGLY SUSPECT that if you had playoff a true Fender for comparision, it would have sounded pretty close to the Squire. So should one choose the best sounding guitar or the most Fender-sounding one? I don’t own a tele but it’s goding to be my next purchase. My first guitar was a tele, a horrible sixties Japanese one looking just like the Eastcoast. So that would be my choice of this brunch.
Hey you lot thanks for dropping in as usual. So apparently my version of runnin’ down a dream wasn’t all that bad and the copyright police spotted it 🤦♂️ that means I won’t receive any ad revenue for this film so if you’re thinking of buying any merch now’s a great time to help offset the losses. theguitaristas.com Cheers! Colin
The antiquity is virtually double the cost of the east coast. The TL1 non rosewood can be had for £99 which would’ve been more comparable. Great vid as always boss man. Love your vids. The Harley Benton looks dearest to me with the binding which the others don’t have. Cheers 🤘🎸
Artists are great but heavy, the Gear4music stuff is decent
This makes my blood boil. Finally got my finger out and subscribed to the tv channel. Thanks as always Col!
So a sub-200 dollar Tele enables you to do some copyright infringement guitar playing. It MUST be in the fingers then right? But seriously it truly is shit this will keep you from earning back a bit for all your hard work!
Always,always buy Fazley guitars if they say PLUS in the name. Excellent guitars around £150
I'm English but live in Canada and felt quite nostalgic hearing hearing knob jokes. It's funny the things you miss!
I hear Canadian winters are so cold the knobs fall off.....
oh dear, I had to lower the tone😂.
@@johncollins5552 see the brass monkeys lined up at the welding shop in winter lol
If you can’t enjoy a good knob joke, you belong on a mug yourself!
knob. :P
Coil spilt... You can pull it out and push it back in again. 😂
This was an episode I have been looking forward to, Im a Telecaster guy, player and collector of both expensive and budget models.
I agree with Cols summary that they all sound slightly different but all have a good sound, and how lucky we are that we can buy such good guitars for such little money, back in the '80s when I bought my first solid body you were lucky to get a good guitar for under £400 until the Japanese Squiers upset the applecart, mine didn't even need a mini set up which was unheard of back then.
What I like about Telecasters is how versatile they are and of such a simple construction, saying that I recently acquired my dream Tele, a neck through model, I had resigned myself to having to build one at Crimson Luthiary School until I found out that AIO made them, I bought the AIO TC1 Dark Walnut, they come with a bespoke set up and the guitar is perfect, it cost me $549 and $100 to ship it to the UK and a few quid in VAT and import duty, well worth the effort IMO, its a real looker!
Fender makes a set neck tele in Indonesia that everyone who has one seem to love. Probably my next guitar. Used around $600, new at $999.00
I really enjoy your video's and love your playing style it's Amazing a big big thankyou your a very talented guy with your playing and showing us all how to make a really good video, many thanks fro Pete 🤠
I was somewhat confused when you described the prettiest girl of the bunch (in Lake Placid Blue) as being a bit hairy... You've done another great job Colin, and I'm sure that it took a few rolls of the dice to decide which was the best.
If it wasnt so bastard cold I'd be wearing the T-shirt thatarrived today! Cheers Col, well worth the dosh.
The weekend is officially here
Hello, Colin. All these would do the job and none sound bad in any way. Some better than others for some things, all depends on one's own perception and taste. The low-output East Coast pickups had the quack. The neck pickup on the Antiquity stood out to me as smooth and bluesy and I like the dark look of that guitar, like a poor man's rosewood George Harrison Tele. "Faux-zewood," that's a good one Col! The bridge pickups on the HB, Antiquity and Squier had some oomph for a harder rock sound and the red paint job on the Squier is spicy. Although you didn't think so, I thought the Squier brought out your best, freest playing and you were wailing on those bends. I'd take the Squier but I'm partial already as a Squier player owning several, including a blonde/maple Affinity Tele that has not a thing wrong to me, an old hardtail Strat and a couple Mustangs. But seriously, as I said at first, any of these guitars would do well for me. This was fun man, and worth the wait. Cheers from Dallas!
I think if I had to pick one, for me it would be the Harley Benton and for a few reasons!
Firstly, I’m a sucker for a double bound Tele, but on top of that, it’s the “only” one that has what looks like a “Proper” Tele bridge pickup, which is probably what gives it that extra “poke” which is what I expect from a Tele!
Add to that the fact that it has a string through body with a vintage style bridge and it’s job done as far as I’m concerned!
Thank heavens for competition, long may it continue!
The Tele is the perfect guitar. I play my Squier Bullet ($210) every day. If I dont bump the switch, it sounds fantastic on the old Ampeg that belonged to my buddy's late dad. Thank you, Coleman.
Thanks for making my day. Lifted my mood after a hard night in an ice cold metalwork factory. Cancelled a band practice today as too drained for driving on ice and setting up/carrying amps. Have a jet lefty sunburst tele for a year but want a humbucker for more bite/drive.
Thanks, Colin. A worthwhile comparison. Maybe we can expect them to be a bit different at this price level. Lee Anderton talked about how even a small price difference, a few pounds or so, when he was spec'ing out the East Coast range, made a significant difference to the components the maker could include.
Go and put the kettle on.... Invitation to relax and listen to some great picking ❤
With Telecasters, you need that "Spank and Twang.". The Harley Benton certainly has it in copious amounts. They'd all pass muster, I reckon but I was most dubious about the Squier, surprisingly. Might be TH-cam's legendary sonic shortcomings, to be honest...
T time !! C'mon y'all let's get Colin to 100 k subs.. before the years end !!!!
😁🙏
"Bluesy Bollocks." Sounds like a great name for a band.
Thanks for the shootout. I'm halfway through the clean sound comparison section, and glad you hear what I heard. The Harley Benton had just a bit more presence than the others. I was listening on speakers, not headphones. The Squier sounded "dark" in comparison to the others.
No matter what Fazley makes, I will always think they look cheap. Like those black light posters of the 70s, or velvet tigers on walls. If they could make a guitar out of formica, they would.
I have an Antiquity Tele. String through. Cost £129 last year. I had to change the machine heads as they didn't seem to stay in tune. Replaced them with Guyker locking machine heads. Done job. Can't complain about it now.
I've been looking forward to this for a while, and I am so thoroughly happy with the result- the differences in sound was educational. I really like the HB and the Squier, Thanks for doing this; I really appreciate it.
Never worry Colin, you survive on my Subscription List because you are a Champion. Most mornings I wake up with a guitar across my belly. This guitar thing is not about being a great player, it`s about loving the playing enough, to fall asleep while playing the damn thing. Sometimes I will root on the strings and wake myself up. I live a compressed life and been sick and dying for years. I feel compelled, to try and squeeze in as much guitar playing as possible, before I croak. What drives the whole thing is, trying to solve the puzzle of music improvisation. I`m a drummer and guitar is the compromise to not piss off the neighbors. About the only time an axe is not within arms reach, is when I`m in the shower, or leave the house. You and Guitaristas helps keep me alive, while I try to resolve improvisation, on my path to dust. I been running down the dream since the Everly Brothers and Wake Up Little Suzy... You have become a good friend because you are the real deal. Love, Peace and Best Wishes, Keep Safe.👍👍👍
Thanks mate that’s appreciated, and I sincerely hope to keep seeing you here in the comments for many years to come while you figure out this improvisation… bluesy bollocks is the key i think just get a few licks under your belt and off you go! 😎👍
Quite surprised to see your knob merch didn’t go to 11. Also you could swap out ‘VOL’ for ‘COL’
These days, you are hard pressed to find a crap guitar at around $200US. And that's a really good thing.
The Fazley is probably closer to around 100 dollars. The Fazley Outlaw Plus with Roasted Maple neck and nubone nut is around 160-180 euros - about 140-160 Dollars. But they sadly took these out the equasion, pretty much missed an oppertunity there. And has a way better fretjob than any Squier I've encountered so far. Except for the Classic Vibes, can't compete with that.
Coffee and nibbles on the go…this is a really good review . Thanks
I checked out a budget guitar Tease SBH-HD.
1) way too heavy ( if you are a Gibson guy, it would be nice for you)
2) too much vibration with the neck
3) I prefer 9.5 radius neck
4) traded in one of the guitars and paid $350 for a 2018 butterscotch Fender player telecaster and it's me ‼️
5) for the money the budget guitar had a lot but it was not my taste
Mate it was great as always. Running down a dream is one of my favourite songs 👍👍🇦🇺🍺
If I was choosing by looks it would be the Antiquity, sound I think it would be the Squier. But I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. Thanks for another amazing review! I can't imagine how much work goes into making one. Setup, filming, editing...thanks for all you do for us guitaroholics!!!!
I love these kind of videos, especially when you do them! I have no experience with any of the non-Squier models, but I will say I’ve never met a Squier neck that I didn’t like. It is incredible how many decent quality budget guitar brands there are now. Good video!
This was an amazing and complex demonstration of all these instruments and you really pulled it off I have really good idea what is happening with all these budget tele's and it helped me get a great perspective on my own budget telecaster. The way you made this video down is a great service to all of us who watch your show. So I want to say thank you.
Edit;
*laid*.. "this video down.."
Always a pleasure never a chore!……….. always entertaining and very informative. I enjoy “clicking” into your channel and am looking forward to your next one. Great honest show and the playing isn’t half bad either 👍😊…. Well done. Will check out the ‘merch’ got to help keep guys like you going. Nob mug I’d outstanding!
I love a budget guitar. It's where I started and still gravitate back from time to time. Cheers Col. Much appreciated
I get happy fingers too, good to know I'm not the only one. Another great video. You have the best guitar channel on TH-cam.
I am a squier and Fender fanboy. been collecting them since the 80s
Thanks for this very helpful and interesting comparison. You're too hard on yourself. I think what you played in your demo of sound samples was a perfect way to compre all of these guitars! I really appreciate your videos and the way you explain the guitars you review and your honesty about them and straight talk about why you favor some over others. Your lack of pretension and your sense of humor is refreshing.
I bought a Jet JT350 after your review, awesome guitar, worth more than it costs. Neck and fretwork are brilliant.
Well done Colin, a huge undertaking comparing 6 guitars, a great result & excellent content! A superb advert for budget/affordable guitars, which have improved hugely over the years!
I love your St Vitus fingers, Colin! I wish I could play like that :)
Your reviews are the most helpful for me. Thanks for valuable knowledge and not some salesmanship.
The Harley Benton is gorgeous!
I enjoy hearing you play and describe the instruments.
Settling in with coffee in my Guitaristas coffee mug. Let's go!
I love your channel and your videos. It's so refreshing to hear honest unbiased and positive opinons about inexpensive guitars. I'm actually heavily considering getting an Epiphone Goldtop Les Paul now because of your reviews. I was about to get the Gibson, but I don't care for the differences - and $2k saved is $2k saved.
Hey Colin, because of your Hartwood review last week , I bought the deytona 1 and received it just after I watched you this morning!! I have a fair amount of setup to do( as expected) but I have to say that their picture doesn’t do it justice It’s just a beautiful machine. Thanx for the Hartwood review!! Cheers!!
Thanks for the tele reviews! I love the color on the antiquity, reminds me of my 74 tele deluxe 😊
They all sounded pretty good but for me the Harley Benton was the best of the bunch. We are our own harshest critics but I must say that I always enjoy your playing - it's your own sound!
I´ve got 2x Fender and 2x Squier Telecaster, all over 300€. Optically the "Rosewood" one atracts me most. I´m more into the 400 - 1000€ guitars, Col !
Nice comparison line up. They'll all sound good in the right hands after a good setup and through a dialed in amp. I was amused you chose the Sonic as your favorite. I also have the Torino Red Squier Sonic. I swapped out the black for a cream pick-guard, looks much nicer to me. For the price, I really like it, doesn't feel or sound cheap. Yes, It's made by Fender, it's their lower cost brand to compete with the knock-offs (and the Squier brand was around long before Fender bought it, 1890 in fact).
Love to see you add the SX STL-50 to your T-style guitars. Picked one up a few months back and it rocks. The nut needed filing down, but the neck is lovely and draws online comparisons with Squier CVs but half the price.
I have the Harley Benton TE-52 (£134 at the time now £144) the tuners were changed for a cheap locking set (£25) the saddles changed for brass compensated (£11) and a brass nut for good measure (£7) now i have a classic looking twangy telecaster that holds tune very well. Thinking it might need some Fuzzy Duck pickups soon just because :)
Goodmorning from Texas.....I am getting ready to take my bestfriend to the eye doctor....as he recently had 2 eye surgeries....he is legally blind....thus he is not able to drive....we love you Colin !
My HB-TE62DB (same color only lefty) is meticulously made...absolute marvel of QA workmanship (neck, frets, binding, paint job) at any price!! Pups were decent...but had to replace with '51 CS Nocaster (used)...gem of a guitar thru and thru. Drop a set of upscale pups....a proper set up....and all will 'do the job'. Thanks Colin.
Great video Collin, always look forward to them.
After your review, I bought the Eastcoast. I had problems with the first one, got a replacement, in tune out of the box, and well set up. Only thing I don't like is the ill fitting pick guard.
I liked the sound of the HB/Vintage because they had the most twangy Tele sound. I also liked the sound of the Jet and the Eastcoast, but the squire sounded the least Tele-like to me. In terms of looks, the double bound HB (which also comes in red) looked the best, but I also liked the Eastcoast, which has a very vintage look, and the red of the Squire. I think if you took one of these, added brass saddles, upgraded the wiring harness and pickups, added some locking tuners and a bone nut, you could create something fantastic for not a lot of money. Maybe another one of your infamous upgrade videos :). Overall a good video that showcases how good these bargain basement guitars are. A new player, with little money, could buy one and slowly upgrade it to exactly what they wanted and it would grow with them as they become a better guitarist.
Thanks for finally doing the inexpensive Tele comparison! Not complaining, you've posted fine content in the meantime, but I was looking forward to this. The unfortunate part is that most of these brands are not readily available here in the states, but you have encouraged me that I can get a Squier if I choose and probably be happy with it. Thanks again as always.
I think the Fasley looks like faded mahogany? Which I think sounds quite good. I love the nob action again!!!😮😊
I appreciate your channel, your laid back style, and your content. Rock on!
Cheers Ted! 😁👍
Always a good start to the day when we get new Guitaristas.
I'm about halfway through so far but I'm surprised by the wood selections for the Fazley and Jet giving rosewood and an alder body in the former. Pretty cool for the price and makes them seem like good value for the money.
Definitely curious what your favorite will be. I'm guessing the Jet for some reason
Nothing but love for well put together low cost guitars. ✌🎸
Awesome video Col. I do feel like treating myself to a cheap Tele, and to me the HB stood out to me for its brightness. Although I will say you definitely seemed to like the Squier the most, you really gave it some when you were playing that!
I love the blink and change guitar on the same riff play, well done! by the way I picked up a Hartman, Excellent suggestion! Thank You!
Excellent work Col.. Six of the bloody things!!
Better man than me mate, Id have a hard job talking about 2 at once!
Remarkable there's differences, yet still all sound Tele-ish...
CNC machines have helped the lower end of the market.. great for whoever's buying..
Gotta get through xmas before l think of spending!!
Hi Collin. Great video I just bought a Fairclough guitar, think they also do tele style for about 119.00 pounds . They also do LPs,SGs, ST, TELE styles. From SCAN computers Bolton. Under 200.00£ . Have fun ,John.
Thanks for the Tele shootout. It gives me the information I was looking for before purchasing. Season's Greetings!
Nice tear through Running Down a Dream!
Bluesy Bollocks sounded good to me. I am a lifelong acoustic player who got an East Coast to try and learn how to play electric. I am pleased with it, set up and build quality is fine enough. Although I did re shape the neck and oiled it, and added a middle S type pick up, just because I can. The tuners are not the best, but work well enough. I should be playing it a bit more than I do, but hey ho. PS, the Squire looks lovely, that red is red hot!
Glad you finally put this video out! What’s up next for the channel? Take it easy mate 👍
This was a great video. You played just fine brother. Definitely got the job done. It’s really hard to choose one because they all have something I like looks wise. I’d probably like the Harley Benton if I had to pick my favorite.
they're just above the 200 pound mark but i think you should try the Artist Guitars AT53 telecaster its only 249 pounds (they only have the relic ones in UK) and a Levinson Sceptre Arlington (looks like some are around 300 pounds). they're probably the best tele styles you'll find for the price.
Great comparison. All seem worth buying. My fave cheap-o Tele is from Firefly. In fact, I have two, one being a thinline. I must admit, I did swap out the pickups on both, but the bodies and necks are amazing.
I’ve been too chicken to play on my channel. You’ve got balls Carl. It sounds great.
I just baked some oatmeal scones to have with my tea. Looking forward to this one.
Looks like if you want a Tele starter guitar as a beginner or for kid starting out, there are some good choices. Personally the Squire & Eastcoast caught my eye in terms of look & value. Some of the guitars my daughter started out on even just over 10 years ago were pretty crap down at this price point. Even if you want to find out what style of guitar you want to really get into, these are a good representation. If you or the youngster packs learning guitar in, it is no real loss. These guitars at least have some pass to a friend or trade in for a couple of quid at the shop. My daughter's first strat style was only fit for landfill. I found out the expensive way that I disliked Teles & Strats by going full Fender route, but at least got lucky & flipped them for 335s & Les Paul's.
In terms of appearance, i'd choose the HB, love the sparkled colour. Soundwise for me, there is no big difference between the five.
Thanks for the review, great playing!
Beautiful job with the review! I greatly enjoyed it! I feel bad about the copyright claim, but you can look at it this way, that just means you and Mike Campbell are on the same level as far as playing! : ) Always look forward to your videos weekly, thank you for doing what you do!
Cheers man, I’ll try and convince myself of that… 🤣👍
I must admit I went for the Squier as well, very sexy. Thanks for the video Colin
I got a cup with your knob on it the other day (the plectrum and sweets were a nice addition) and was thinking if you were going to do a T shirt with it on I'd definitely buy one.
Working I some… do you think it should be big knob across front or small knob on breast? .
Watched earlier on the TV channel, terrific shootout of fantastic bargain T type guitars, fun video and cool playing Colin 👍🎸😄
Thats how every shredder were born. Started pushing boundaries with the fingers
Would love to see you go to the other end of the price spectrum....and look at the Brent Mason Tele!
Great vid Colin! That is a lot of work you put into this! Funny enough in the back to back clean playing, the first 5 sounded very much the same while the Squier had a different kind of clarity to it. All great value playable guitars that will give that tele feel and sound, but yep reckon the Squier had a bit of authenticity about it if that makes sense. Don't think any of these would disappoint though.
I'm loving this one! That Antiquity is a real looker for me. I'll keep my eye open for one of those. I've been looking at some similar models by AIO/Wolf as well. They put them together out my way. As for your playing? I like it. I play way many more fecal notes than you do, and I don't mind. I like your videos because your playing sounds about like what I would try to be doing with whatever guitar you are showing.
Fun review. Great job 🎉
Good morning Colin, good to see you. This is a fun one. Busy you are
Brilliant video! Harley Benton for me
That was a great film Colin. Well done.
Great comparison video and enjoyed the playing. Appreciate the effort of comparing six guitars. I'm a subscriber to the TV channel but this video is worth a proper thank you, esp. given the copyright nonsense.
⭐️ Hey thanks Chris that’s really appreciated! 😁👍🙏
My mate just bought an Artist Goldtop with P-90s. Well worth a look. Only £249.
You are a much better electric guitar player than I am, sir. Maybe I could give you a run for your money when it comes to making spaghetti sauce. Remains to be seen. Anyway, your playing is good in my book and more than adequate for demonstrating guitars and I enjoy your channel immensely, despite your crocs and knob. Keep doing what you're doing, man! BTW, I also love that when you show a comparison, you index everything so I can go back and agonize over which one I think I like better!
Great as always col. Good job. 👍
I will look forward to Fridays even more now wearing my Guitaristas T shirt and sipping from my Guitaristas knob mug. When can we expect Guitaristas nibbles? Knobby's nuts 😅
😆👍 Cheers Jeff!
I thought this was family channel and then Colin goes ahead and puts his knob on a coffee cup hahahahahaha
hey Colin - 'my brother from another mother' as the cool kids used to say - great one today, and I love the topic, being a Tele native - now with Squier making about ten different grades of Telecaster ranging in price from a buck and a half to around 450. it's hard to say which I'da gone with, but I prefer ashtray bridges, standard string through body, and generally a white pick guard. and I think I've discovered my niche for a you tube show, but I'll keep you posted. And no, while there's a little over lap with your show, there's not much. Wish me luck!
Go for it mate! 😁🤞
Usually I have Colin with my Friday morning coffee but this morning I've a doctor's appointment to help my old arthritic ridden fretting hand so I'll save this for this afternoon.
Good morning from Paducah Kentucky. It's coffee and guitars for me
That was an informative demo. I’m not a Tele fan but I do have a Squier Bullet Tele. I wanted to try one and it’s a good inexpensive guitar 🎸 to play walking around the house because it doesn’t matter if it bangs into something. Of your group I suppose the choice would likely be based on looks. They all look good. I like the Antiquity. I bought a Squier Debut Series Strat which is now $99 on Amazon in matte black and matte sunburst. I knew I could send it back if I didn’t like it but the matte finish on the neck is really nice. It’s not a premium American 🇺🇸 Strat but it’s ok ✅.
👍☮️🌞🎸🎵💕⭐️
Had serious gas for the Harley Benton some weeks ago. Until I decided I wanted a Jaguar model so bought that.
Figured you liked the Squier from your facial expression. Bought 2 Squiers this year and have nothing to complain about fretwork wise (Sonic and Affinity)
I prefer the ashtray bridge.
Watched a video about the Affinity FMT (?) the one with a humbucker in the neck. Apparently you can replace the modern bridge one on one with an ashtray style. Did that on an older one and it left some visible holes.
The Andertons ones will be a bit more expensive after tax I guess since you guys had your Brexit.
I still want to get the Benton. It has all the nice things.
Cheers.
Great video Colin, and sorry for not having subtle enough ears, but in my mind your playing was awsome.
Anyway, I think the Squire sounded darkish and a bit muffled BUT I STRONGLY SUSPECT that if you had playoff a true Fender for comparision, it would have sounded pretty close to the Squire. So should one choose the best sounding guitar or the most Fender-sounding one?
I don’t own a tele but it’s goding to be my next purchase. My first guitar was a tele, a horrible sixties Japanese one looking just like the Eastcoast. So that would be my choice of this brunch.
Good job Colin .
Basswood is pronounced the same as the fish. Great review🙂