Who else wants to find the best telecaster under $500?
It’s no secret that finding the best Telecaster under $500 can be a frustrating experience.
It’s difficult to know which model is the best, and all of the features and options can be confusing.
Plus, there’s nothing worse than purchasing a guitar only to discover that it’s the wrong one for you.
All of this can take the joy and excitement out of buying a new guitar.
Fortunately, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!
We’ve looked at the different models, weighed the various options, and chosen the best Telecasters available for you!
Check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
The Best Telecaster Under $500: Best Overall
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
Are you looking for a Telecaster that has a classic design and player-friendly features? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster.
It has the classic Telecaster design with a body made out of pine and a bolt-on neck. As a result, it has a classic look, and is very resonant, and has a timeless tone.
The maple neck has a “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″ so it’s comfortable in your hand and has a vintage playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, small dot inlays, and a bone nut, the maple fretboard ensures superior resonance and sustain, as well as adding a classic tone to your sound.
Plus, the Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge deliver the classic Fender tone that Telecasters are famous for. It’s all controlled by a 3-way switch, a master volume knob, and a master tone knob.
Lastly, the vintage-style string-through-body bridge optimizes resonance and sustain and delivers the classic Telecaster sound.
Pros
Available in 2 Colors
Genuine Bone Nut
Cons
- 3-Saddle Style Bridge Delivers a Vintage Tone but can be Tricky to Intonate
All in all, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster delivers the vintage Telecaster playing experience at an affordable price.
We think you’ll agree that its ’50s inspired look and features ensure unmatched performance.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Under $500: Best Budget
Sawtooth ET Series
Are you looking for a Telecaster-style guitar that’s very budget-friendly and perfect for beginners? Then check out the Sawtooth ET Series.
It’s got a Telecaster style body made out of sycamore, and a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonant, and has a classic look.
The maple neck is very stable, adds a classic tone to your sound, and has a comfortable shape that feels great in your hand.
Plus, with 21 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays, the maple fretboard is easy to play and adds warmth to your sound.
The 2 single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions provide the classic Telecaster style tones you’re after.
Additionally, you can craft your sound using the master volume and master tone controls, and the 3-way switch.
Lastly, the barrel saddle bridge produces a very classic sound that’s perfectly matched to the vibe of the guitar.
Pros
Available in Left-Handed Models
Available in Multiple Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Sawtooth ET Series electric guitar is a versatile instrument with a vintage vibe and classic tones.
We think you’ll find it’s an affordable Telecaster style guitar that’s got tried and true style, and features.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Under $500: Best Runner-Up
Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Custom
Are you looking for a faithful reproduction of a classic Telecaster from the 1970s? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Telecaster Custom.
It has a poplar body with a large 3-ply pickguard and a bolt-on neck so it has a warm and full sound as well as classic looks.
The maple neck is in Fender’s “C” shape, with a skunk stripe, and a fretboard radius of 9.5″ so it’s very stable, has a wonderful feel in your hand, and delivers a vintage playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall frets and a bone nut, the maple fretboard ensures a fuller, more resonant tone as well as a vintage playing experience.
Unlike a traditional Telecaster, the neck pickup is a Fender-designed Wide Range Humbucker and the bridge pickup is a Fender-designed Alnico single-coil pickup.
As a result, the neck pickup has a fuller sound while the bridge pickup produces the Telecaster spank and bite that you’re looking for. Additionally, separate volume and tone controls for each pickup complete the throwback look and give you total control of your sound.
Lastly, the 3-Saddle Vintage-Style bridge features a String-Through-Body design and chrome barrel saddles so it has a very vintage Tele sound and the enhanced resonance of a vintage guitar.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
Cons
- No Split Coil
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe 70’s Telecaster Custom delivers a dynamite guitar with vintage looks and sounds.
We think you’ll agree that it delivers some gorgeous sound as well as an up-to-date playing experience.
See for yourself! Click here and get yours today.
The Best Telecaster Under $500: Best Under $300
Squier Affinity Series Telecaster
Are you looking for an affordably priced Telecaster to start your guitar journey with? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster.
It has an alder body in the classic Telecaster shape with a bolt-on neck and 3-play pickguard so it’s lightweight with a resonant and full tone.
The maple neck has a “C” shape, with a satin finish, and a radius of 9.5″ so it feels comfortable in your hand, has a vintage playing feel, and lets you effortlessly slide up and down the neck.
Additionally, the maple fretboard has 21 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays, so it adds the classic Telecaster look, tone, and playability you’re after.
The two Standard Single-Coil Tele pickups deliver all of the sought-after Telecaster sounds you could ask for. You can dial in your preferred sound using the 3-way switch, master volume knob, and master tone knobs.
Finally, the top-loading bridge features individual saddles ensuring proper intonation and easier string changes.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
- Also Comes in a Package with an Amp and Accessories
Cons
- Some Colors Come with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster balances quality construction, classic tones, and updated features.
We think you’ll agree that it’s a no-nonsense Telecaster that will give you a lifetime of satisfaction for a very affordable price.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Under $500: Best Under $200
Squier Bullet Telecaster
Are you looking for a Telecaster that has all the tones and features you need and is friendly to your budget? Then check out the Squier Bullet Telecaster.
It has a poplar body with a bolt-on neck so it delivers the well-balanced and smooth tone that Teles are known for.
The maple neck has a “C” shape with a 9.5″ radius so it produces a very vintage playing feel while still being stable, and comfortable for your hand.
With 21 narrow-tall frets and white dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has a timeless look and ensures the classic Telecaster playing experience.
The two standard single-coil Tele pickups produce all of the classic Telecaster tones you’re looking for and they’re controlled by a master volume knob, a master tone knob, and a 3-way switch ensuring you have complete control of your sound.
Lastly, the 6-saddle bridge features a string-through-body design which improves resonance and sustain and allows for more accurate intonation.
Pros
- Comes in 2 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
All in all, the Squier Bullet Telecaster delivers the features, looks, and tones to please any Telecaster enthusiast.
We think you’ll agree that it’s an excellent choice for anyone who’s looking for a Telecaster that fits their budget.
Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours today.
The Best Telecaster Under $500: FAQ
- What is the best Telecaster for the money?
- Please see our Best Overall and Best Budget recommendations, as well as this post and this post on more expensive Telecasters.
- Also, see this post with Squier Telecaster recommendations.
- What is the best guitar under 500?
- Why are Telecasters better than Stratocasters?
- This is a hotly debated topic, but an argument can be made that the Telecaster’s simpler design and simpler features make for an easier-to-play guitar. We recommend you try both and see which you like best.
- Are Fender Telecasters good?
- Yes! Telecasters have helped shape modern music and are played by professionals and beginners alike.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
