Are you ready to find the best Telecaster under 2000 dollars?
Finding the best Telecaster for under $200 can be a confusing and frustrating experience.
Deciding which options you need, and which models are the best can take the joy out of buying a guitar.
Plus, you don’t want to make the wrong decision, and end up with a Telecaster that you don’t love.
Don’t worry! We’ve done all the research, and weighed the options. We’ve looked at the different models, and features, and chosen the best Telecasters available under $2000 that are available today.
Check it out!
The Best Telecaster Under 2000 Dollars: Best Overall
Fender American Ultra Telecaster
Are you looking for a modern Telecaster that has sophisticated performance and vintage-inspired features? Then check out the Fender American Ultra Telecaster.
It has the classic Telecaster-shaped body made of alder with a tapered neck heel and a sculpted rear body contour. As a result, it’s very comfortable and very easy to play at the higher frets.
The modern “D” shaped neck has rolled fretboard edges and a compound radius of 10″-14″. As a result, playing leads is effortless, and playing chords at the nut is comfortable.
The Rosewood fretboard adds a classic, resonant tone to your sound and has 22 medium jumbo frets, black Pearloid dot inlays, and a bone nut.
The Ultra Noiseless Vintage Tele pickups at the neck and bridge positions deliver classic Fender tones without any hum.
Additionally, the volume knob has an S-1 switch so you can select between parallel and series wiring expanding your tonal range.
Plus, the treble bleed circuit maintains your highs no matter what your volume.
Finally, the locking tuners and 6-Saddle American Tele bridge ensure high-performance tuning stability. Plus, the bridge has Chromed Brass Saddles for an authentic Fender tone.
Pros
- Available in 5 Finishes
- Some Finishes Available with a Maple Fretboard
- Includes Hardshell Case
- Some Finishes Come With an Ash Body
Cons
All in all, the Fender American Ultra Telecaster is the most advanced Telecaster that Fender has produced to date.
We think you’ll agree that its features and contemporary playability will please the most discerning players.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours today.
The Best Telecaster Under 2000 Dollars: Best Budget
Fender Player Telecaster
Are you looking for an affordable Telecaster with classic sounds and modern improvements? Then check out the Fender Player Telecaster.
It has an alder body in the classic Telecaster shape with a bolt-on neck and a gloss finish. As a result, it has the classic Telecaster look and playing feel.
The neck is in a modern “C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. So it adds a classic tone to your sound and a vintage playing feel.
The maple fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets and black dot inlays. This means it has the timeless look and tone that Telecasters are famous for.
The two Player Series Alnico 5 Tele single-coil pickups at the neck and the bridge are designed to deliver a well-balanced and authentic Fender tone.
Finally, the 6-saddle string-through-body bridge features block steel saddles for easy intonation, high-performance tuning stability, and increased sustain.
Pros
- Available in 6 Finishes
- Some Finishes Come With Pau Ferro Fretboard
- Also Available in a HH Configuration
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Fender Player Telecaster offers timeless Telecaster features and tones with modern features and classic playability.
We think you’ll agree that it’s a versatile Tele that’s available at an affordable price.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Under 2000 Dollars: Best Runner-Up
Fender American Professional II Telecaster
Are you looking for a Telecaster that has unmatched performance and features with a classic feel? Then check the Fender American Professional II Telecaster.
Depending on your color choice, it has an alder or roasted pine body with a bolt-on neck. As a result, it has a classic sound.
Plus, the sculpted heel and beveled neck-plat ensure effortless access to the higher frets.
It has a maple neck in a “Deep C” shape with rolled edges and a radius of 9.5″. These features serve to make it very comfortable and easy to play, while still having a very vintage playing feel.
It’s available with a maple or rosewood fretboard and has 22 narrow-tall frets, dot inlays, and a bone nut. Consequently, it has a high-performance tone and easy playing feel.
The pickups at the neck and the bridge are V-Mod II single-coils that have been specifically voiced for each position. This ensures a balanced tone with vintage warmth and a crisp tone.
Additionally, a push/push switch in the tone knob changes the wiring from parallel to series resulting in a fatter tone.
Finally, the bridge allows you to choose between anchoring your strings using a top-loading, or a string-through-bridge design. This allows you to choose your preferred sound and level of sustain.
Plus, the bridge has compensated brass “bullet” saddles which add a vintage tone to your sound.
Pros
- Available in 10 Colors
- Genuine Bone Nut
- Includes Deluxe Case
Cons
- Barrel Saddles can be Tricky to Intonate Properly
All in all, the Fender American Professional II Telecaster is meant for the guitarist who wants a Telecaster with modern features.
We think you’ll agree that Fender has updated the Telecaster while still maintaining the features that make Telecasters timeless.
Don’t hesitate! Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Under 2000 Dollars: Best Under $1500
Fender American Performer Telecaster
Are you looking for an American-made Telecaster that features player-oriented features and modern improvements? Then check out the Fender American Performer Telecaster.
It has an alder body with a bolt-on neck in the classic Telecaster shape. As a result, it’s lightweight and has a very balanced sound.
The maple neck has a “Modern C” shape with a radius of 9.5″. These features give it a vintage playing feel and unsurpassed comfort.
The rosewood fretboard has 22 jumbo frets, and white dot inlays. This adds a classic tone to your sound and a classic look.
It also features two Yosemite Single-Coil Telecaster pickups at the neck and bridge positions. These pickups are specially voiced for each position for a balance between vintage and modern tones.
Plus, the Greasebucket tone system lets you cut your highs without losing gain, and preserves your sound.
Lastly, the 3-Saddle Vintage-Style String-through-body Tele bridge features brass barrel saddles for a more classic tone and enhanced sustain.
Pros
- Crafted in California
- Comes in 3 Colors
- Fender ClassicGear Tuners
- Also Available with Humbucker at the Neck
- Includes Deluxe Gig Bag
Cons
- Maple Neck only Available on 1 Color
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Fender American Performer Telecaster has unmatched performance and bold new features.
We think you’ll find its modern features only improve upon the classic Telecaster experience.
Why wait another day? Click here and get yours today.
The Best Telecaster Under 2000 Dollars: Best Under $1000
Fender Deluxe Nashville Tele
Are you looking for a very playable Telecaster that has expanded sonic options? Then check out the Fender Deluxe Nashville Tele.
It has an alder body with a bolt-on neck in traditional Tele style with a sculpted heel so it’s lightweight, resonant, and easy to play at the higher frets.
The maple neck is in “Modern C” shape with a radius of 12″ which means it’s perfect for modern players who need a faster-playing neck.
With 22 narrow-tall frets and white Pearloid dot inlays, the Pau Ferro fretboard delivers a classic tone and feels effortless to play.
The two Vintage Noiseless Single-Coil Tele pickups at the neck and bridge positions produce classic Tele tones. Additionally, a Vintage Noiseless Single-Coil Strat pickup in the middle position adds a Strat-style configuration.
This results in a far wider range of tones than a traditional Telecaster.
Lastly, the bridge is a 6-saddle string-through-body Tele design. It has block steel saddles, and when coupled with the locking tuners delivers superior tuning stability and enhanced sustain.
Pros
- Available in 4 Colors
- Also Available with a Maple Fretboard
- Includes Deluxe Gig Bag
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Fender Deluxe Nashville Tele is a versatile guitar with unique features.
We think you’ll agree it’s the perfect guitar for the player who’s looking for a versatile tone, modern features, and the classic Telecaster feel.
You’ve waited long enough. Click here and get yours now.
The Best Telecaster Under 2000 Dollars: FAQ
- What is the best Telecaster for the money?
- Please see our Best Overall and our Best Budget recommendations.
- Are Mexican Fender Telecasters any good?
- Yes. They’ve had a bad reputation in the past, due to quality control issues, but nowadays some excellent Fenders, including the Player Series, are made in Mexico.
- Which Telecaster has the thinnest neck?
- See our Best Overall pick. If you’re looking for a Telecaster style guitar for shredding, you’ll probably be happier with the recommendations on this post.
- Are Squier Telecasters any good?
- Yes. If you’re looking for a Squier Tele, see this post on which ones are the best buy.
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.
