Are you curious about the best Telecaster model for jazz?
You’ve probably noticed that finding the best Telecaster model for jazz can be a bit of a chore.
Between all the different models and all the different options, it’s difficult to know which Telecaster is the best model for you.
Does it have the right features and tonewoods? Does it matter as much as the design of the pickups?
Plus, comparing all of the different features can take the pleasure out of buying a new Telecaster.
That’s why we’ve done the hard work and reviewed the best Telecaster models for playing jazz.
We’ve done the hard work and compared all of the options to find the best Telecaster for you.
Check it out!
The Best Telecaster Model for Jazz: Best Overall
Fender Player Telecaster
Are you interested in the best Telecaster model for jazz that has vintage styling, versatile tones, and is perfect for playing jazz? Then check out the Fender Player Telecaster.
It features an alder body that has been hand-shaped to have more traditional body radii as well as a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish. As a result, it delivers versatile tones, vintage styling, and easy playability.
The maple neck is in a modern “C” shape and has a radius of 9.5″ so it adds a very traditional tone to your sound, has a contemporary shape, and provides a vintage playing feel.
With 22 medium jumbo-sized frets and black dot inlays, the maple fretboard has the vintage Telecaster look and feel as well as enhanced playability. Plus, it adds a classic tone to your sound.
The two Player Series Alnico 5 Tele single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver well-balanced and authentic Fender tones that are higher output and more versatile which makes them perfect for achieving that jazzy tone.
Finally, the 6-saddle bridge features a string-through-body design as well as individual steel saddles which ensures better tuning stability, more accurate intonation, and enhances both resonance and sustain.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Left-Hand Model Available
Cons
- Synthetic Bone Nut
As you can see, the Fender Player Telecaster delivers the classic Telecaster design as well as modern improvements and contemporary features.
We think you’ll find its easy playability and classic sound make it the best Telecaster model for jazz.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Model for Jazz: Best Budget
LyxPro 39” Electric Telecaster Guitar
Are you looking for the best Telecaster model for jazz that is well made, has a classic design, and is very easy on your budget? Then check out the LyxPro 39″ Electric Telecaster Guitar.
It features a body made of Paulownia with a bolt-on neck and a 3-ply pickguard so it’s lightweight and sturdy, with a snappy tone and a time-tested design.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a radius of 12″ so it’s easy to play, has a comfortable feel, and adds a classic tone to your sound.
With 22 frets and small dot inlays, the Canadian maple fretboard has the timeless Tele look and ensures a fuller more balanced sound.
The two single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions offer up versatile tones that are perfect for a wide range of styles of music, including jazz.
Plus, the 3-way pickup switch, master volume knob, and master tone knob ensure you can always dial in your preferred sound.
Finally, the ashtray bridge design features barrel saddles which means it delivers a more vintage tone and classic sustain.
Pros
- Left-Hand Model Available
- Includes 2 Guitar Picks
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the LyxPro 39” Electric Telecaster Guitar delivers a quality Tele-style electric guitar at a very reasonable price.
We think you’ll find its classic design and playability make it the best Telecaster model for jazz for anyone on a tight budget.
Act now! Click here and get yours today.
The Best Telecaster Model for Jazz: Best Runner-Up
Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster
Are you looking for the best Telecaster model for jazz that has a vintage design, classic tones, and modern enhancements? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster.
It features a pine body in the vintage Telecaster shape with a bolt-on neck and nickel-plated hardware so it delivers the classic Telecaster looks and tones.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a radius of 9.5″ as well as a Vintage-tint gloss finish which gives it a modern feel, a vintage look, and an old-school playing feel.
With 21 narrow-tall frets, small dot inlays, and a genuine bone nut, the maple fretboard has the vintage Telecaster looks, delivers enhanced playability, and has an enhanced and fuller tone.
The Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions are designed to deliver the classic Fender tones that have made Telecasters famous. As a result, it’s perfect for playing old-school jazz tones as well as twangy, spanky sounds.
Finally, the vintage-style bridge features 3 barrel saddles and a string-through-body design which enhances your sustain and produces the classic Telecaster tone.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
- Genuine Bone Nut Enhances Your Sound
Cons
- 3-Saddle Style Bridge Delivers a Vintage Tone but can be Tricky to Intonate
As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster delivers a vintage Telecaster playing experience enhanced with modern improvements.
We think you’ll find its ’50s inspired looks, easy playability, and versatile pickups make it the best Telecaster model for jazz.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Model for Jazz: Best Under $300
Squier Affinity Series Telecaster
Are you interested in the best Telecaster model for jazz that delivers classic styling, versatile tones, and is very affordable? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster.
It features a body made of alder with a 3-ply pickguard and a bolt-on neck which means it’s lightweight, has warm and resonant tones, and timeless Telecaster style.
The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a satin finish as well as a radius of 9.5″ so it has the classic Tele tone, a shape that’s easy to play, and a vintage playing feel.
With 21 medium jumbo frets and small dot inlays, the maple fretboard has the classic look and sound of a Telecaster while delivering a more modern playing experience thanks to the modern frets.
The Standard Single-Coil Tele pickups at the bridge and neck positions produce classic Telecaster tones that are crisp, articulate, and perfect for playing jazz.
Plus, controlling your sound is very straightforward thanks to the 3-way pickup selector switch, master volume knob, and master tone knob.
Finally, the top-loading bridge features individual saddles so it delivers superior intonation as well as a classic tone.
Pros
- Available in Multiple Colors
Cons
- Some Colors Only Available with an Indian Laurel Fretboard
As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster delivers classic looks, versatile tones, and easy playability at an affordable price.
We think you’ll find it’s the best Telecaster model for jazz under $300.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Model for Jazz: Best Under $200
Squier Bullet Telecaster
Are you looking for the best Telecaster model for jazz that has stylish looks, is easy to play, and is very easy on your budget? Then check out the Squier Bullet Telecaster.
It features a poplar body in the classic Telecaster shape with a bolt-on neck and classic Telecaster design so it’s thin, lightweight, and comfortable with well-balanced and snappy tones.
The maple neck has a “C” shape as well as a radius of 9.5″ which means it’s durable, has a vintage feel in your hand, and adds a classic tone to your sound.
With 21 narrow-tall frets and white dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has an updated look, provides a balanced tone, makes slides and bends easier to perform.
The two standard single-coil Tele pickups are controlled by a master volume knob, a master tone knob, and a 3-way selector switch and they deliver a variety of classic tones that are dynamically responsive with a crisp, and rich sound.
Finally, the 6-saddle bridge features individual saddles and a string-through-body design which improves resonance and sustain as well as ensures accurate intonation.
Pros
- Available in 2 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Squier Bullet Telecaster delivers classic Telecaster tones, features, and modern playability at a very modest price.
We think you’ll find it’s perfect for the guitarist who’s after the best Telecaster model for jazz at a fabulous bargain.
Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours today.
The Best Telecaster Model for Jazz: FAQ
- Which Tele is best for jazz?
- The best Telecaster for playing jazz depends on your budget and what kind of tone you’re looking to get. Please see our Best Overall and Best Budget recommendations.
- How do I get jazz tone on my Telecaster?
- To get a jazz tone on a Telecaster flatwound strings can help with finger squeak. Before that though, try using the neck pickup and dialing back on the tone knob a bit.
- Which is better for jazz Strat or Tele?
- While both the Telecaster and the Stratocaster are versatile guitars that are well suited to playing jazz, Telecasters seem to be the guitar jazz guitarists choose more often. At the end of the day, it’s a personal preference and can only be decided by you. Please see this post for some Telecaster recommendations and this post for some more jazz guitar recommendations
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.
