The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars

Who else wants to find the best Telecaster under 400 dollars?

Imagine being able to get a Telecaster for under $400!

It can be difficult to know which is the best Telecaster under 400 dollars.

Figuring out the difference between two Telecasters that look almost exactly the same can be confusing.

They both have similar features, but which one is the right one for you?

The truth is, figuring all of this stuff out can take the joy out of buying a guitar.

Fortunately, we’ve done all the hard work and found the best Telecasters available today for under $400!

If you’re looking for a Telecaster, these are the ones for you.

Check it out!!

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Best Overall

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster

Are you interested in the best Telecaster under 400 dollars that delivers a classic look, improved design, and deluxe playability? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster.

It features a body made of alder in the time-tested Telecaster shape so it delivers a resonant, well-balanced sound, is lightweight, and is easy to play.

The maple neck is in a “C” shape and features a satin finish as well as a fretboard radius of 9.5″.

As a result, it feels comfortable in your hand, promotes smoother playing, and gives you a vintage playing feel.

With 21 medium jumbo-sized frets and small dot inlays, the maple fretboard has the iconic Tele look and ensures easy playability.

The Standard Single-Coil Tele pickups at the neck and bridge deliver all of the classic Telecaster tones you’re looking for.

They deliver crisp tones with precise articulation and plenty of bite making them the perfect match for this Telecaster.

Finally, the top-loading bridge design features individual saddles resulting in more resonance and better sustain.

As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster features a classic design, improved playability, and timeless tones.

We think you’ll find its vintage playing feel and high-quality build make it the best telecaster under 400 dollars.

Why wait? Click here and get yours now.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Best Budget

LyxPro 39” Electric Telecaster Guitar

Are you looking for the best telecaster under 400 dollars that has a classic design, has great playability, and is easy on your wallet? Then check out the LyxPro 39″ Electric Telecaster Guitar.

It features a Tele-style body made of Paulownia wood that has a bolt-on neck and a 3-ply pickguard.

As a result, it’s very lightweight and delivers a snappier tone that’s well-balanced and clear.

The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a fretboard radius of 12″ which means it’s got a shape that’s comfortable to play, adds depth to your sound, and is flat enough to play chords and leads easily.

With 22 frets and small dot inlays, the Canadian maple fretboard delivers a classic look and ensures high-performance playability.

The single-coil pickups at the neck and bridge positions produce tones that are versatile and balanced making them perfect for lots of different playing styles.

Plus, the 3-way pickup switch, master volume knob, and master tone knob mean you can adjust your sound and find your own tone.

Finally, the ashtray bridge features barrel saddles so it produces the classic Tele tone as well as classic resonance and sustain.

As you can see, the LyxPro 39” Electric Telecaster Guitar delivers a classic design, easy playability, and versatile tones.

We think you’ll agree its timeless styling and straightforward features make it the best telecaster under 400 dollars for anyone on a budget.

Act now! Click here and get yours today.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Best Runner-Up

Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe

Are you looking for the best Telecaster under 400 dollars that delivers modern improvements, player-focused features, and a more comfortable design? Then check out the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe.

This guitar features a body made of poplar that is thin, lightweight, and features a belly cut.

As a result, it’s extra comfortable to play and produces full, well-balanced tones.

The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a fretboard radius of 9.5″ which means it has a shape that’s comfortable in your hand, provides warmth and stability, and has a vintage playing feel.

With 21 medium-jumbo sized frets and dot inlays, the maple fretboard has a classic look and provides modern playability improvements.

The Squier humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge positions have been voiced in-house at Fender to produce fat, rich tones that are perfect for a wide variety of genres.

Plus the pickups each have individual volume and tone controls which gives you more fine-grained control over your sound.

Finally, the string-through-body bridge optimizes resonance and enhances your sustain.

As you can see, the Squier Affinity Series Telecaster Deluxe has modern improvements, easy playability, and a dynamic design.

We think you’ll find its player-focused features and versatile tones make it the best Telecaster under 400 dollars for anyone looking for a more modern Telecaster

Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours now.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Best Under $200

Squier Bullet Telecaster

Are you interested in the best telecaster under 400 dollars that has versatile tones, classic styling, and comes in at under $200? Then check out the Squier Bullet Telecaster.

This Telecaster features a poplar body that’s thin, lightweight, and produces well-balanced and snappy tones.

The maple neck is in a “C” shape and features a fretboard radius of 9.5″ so it has a classic feel that is easy to play and produces a more vintage playing experience.

With 21 narrow-tall sized frets and Pearloid dot inlays, the Indian laurel fretboard has a timeless look and ensures an easy playing experience.

The two standard Single-Coil Tele pickups are dynamically responsive with a rich, crisp, and clear tone.

Plus, crafting your sound is simplicity itself thanks to the 3-way pickup selection switch, master volume knob, and master tone knob.

Finally, the 6-saddle bridge features individual saddles and a string-through-body design that increases overall resonance and enriches your sustain.

As you can see, the Squier Bullet Telecaster has classic Telecaster looks and tones as well as a vintage playing feel.

We think you’ll find its comfortable neck and legendary Telecaster styling make it the best telecaster available for under $200.

Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours today.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Best Under $450

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster

Are you looking for the best Telecaster that delivers a historic design, legendary tones, and vintage styling? Then check out the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster.

This Telecaster is inspired by the iconic Telecasters of the ’50s and features a body made of pine with a 1-ply pickguard and a bolt-on neck.

As a result, it has an old-school look and a tone that’s tight, with a clear high-end and full mid-range sounds.

The maple neck is in a “C” shape and has a vintage-tint gloss finish and a fretboard radius of 9.5″ so it has a smooth, natural feel in your hand and delivers an old-school playing style.

With 21 narrow-tall sized frets, dot inlays, and a genuine bone nut, the maple fretboard has a stylish look and provides advanced playability as well as an overall enhanced tone.

The Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups deliver authentic Fender tones that are clear, punchy, and classic.

Finally, the bridge features 3 barrel saddles and a string-through-body design that increases resonance and delivers classic Tele sounds.

As you can see, the Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Telecaster delivers vintage styling, modern playing improvements, and classic tones.

We think you’ll find its nickel-plated hardware and throwback design make it the best Telecaster under $450.

Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Conclusion

Finding the best Telecaster under $400 means figuring out which features are the right ones for you.

There is a nice range of features available, but it’s hard to go wrong with the classic single-coil pickups.

They’re versatile with classic tones that are perfect for a wide range of playing styles.

If you’re looking for thicker tones, there are models that use humbucker pickups instead of single-coil pickups.

While maybe not as classic in sound or design, they’ll let you expand your tonal palette and open up the possibility of playing even more styles of music.

For under $400 you can expect an electric guitar that’ll last you a lifetime.

If you’re a complete beginner, it’ll be a great choice to learn on and help you to keep things simple while you master the electric guitar.

With a timeless design and classic playability, the Telecaster has been used for decades by guitarists around the world.

You can be assured that whatever features you decide on you’ll get a good quality guitar that you’ll be happy with.

And you’ll be happy with the variety of tones and sounds you’ll be able to play.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: Things to Consider Before Buying

Is $400 enough to get a good guitar?

For $400 you can get a good electric guitar with good features that’ll last a lifetime.

You’ll get a good quality electric guitar with plenty of features and easy playability.

Plus, the fit and finish will be nicer than on a $200 or $300 guitar.

It’s a good price point for an electric guitar if you’re an advanced beginner or intermediate player.

If you’ve already learned to play on an acoustic, you’ll be happier with a $400 electric guitar.

It will have feature improvements while still being affordable.

Plus, the build quality of a $400 guitar make is worth the money.

What should I expect from a $400 guitar?

The quality of a $400 guitar will be very good.

The finish will also be good and it should have good playability.

At this price point, it’s a good step up from a beginner model.

It won’t be as “nice” as a more expensive guitar, though.

Don’t expect exotic tonewoods or fancy pickups.

You’ll get an electric guitar that’ll last you with some better features.

At this price point, manufacturers can start offering better components and a better setup.

It’s a good price point for beginners who have learned to play on an acoustic.

It’s also a good price point for intermediate players looking to upgrade from a “beginner” model.

If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be pleased with the guitar you choose.

Will I get a better guitar if I spend more than $400?

The tonewoods and pickups on a guitar with a price tag of more than $400 will be better.

However, this doesn’t mean you’ll be getting a “better” guitar.

You’re paying for “better” tonewoods, features, and a better fit and finish.

None of this will give a beginner a better playing experience.

If you’re in the market for a $400 guitar you don’t need those features just yet.

For instance, you may want an electric guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo.

Most often, you find these on guitars costing more than $400.

But if you’re a beginner or looking to spend less money, a Floyd Rose tremolo won’t make your guitar “Better.”

At $400 you’re at a good price point to get an electric guitar that’ll fill all of your needs.

Where are $400 guitars produced?

Overseas has become the most common location for lower-cost production of guitars.

In more recent years Indonesia has been popular for factories that produce low-cost guitars of good quality.

The exchange rate between countries means you can buy a well-produced guitar at a lower cost than a similar guitar made in the states.

In previous years, overseas guitars manufacturers had a bad reputation.

They were considered inferior and low quality with very low-quality standards.

Nowadays, that’s all changed.

For example, Fender now produces their Charvel line of electric guitars in Mexico.

In the past, guitars produced in Mexico were of low quality.

Manufacturing has also started moving out of China to places like Indonesia.

Are Telecasters under $400 good?

Beginners will be more than satisfied with a Telecaster under $400.

It also makes a good upgrade for intermediate players or acoustic players looking for their first electric.

They’re built with good pickups and come in a variety of styles and designs.

This means you’ll be able to find one under $400 that suits your needs and has a style you’ll enjoy.

Plus, Squier has a very nice range of Telecasters under $400 so you have lots of options to choose from.

They make a great choice of electric guitar and have easy playability as well as a nice choice of looks.

Who makes the best Telecasters under $400?

Squier seems to be the current champ when it comes to the best Telecasters under $400.

They benefit from being Fender’s company, so they offer Fender quality at a much more reasonable price.

They have easy playability and Fender-designed pickups.

If you’re after the classic Telecaster playing experience, you’ll be happy with a Telecaster from Squier.

For the money, they’re the best bet at getting a quality Telecaster with versatile features and excellent playability at a reasonable price.

Even though Fender markets their Squier line as starter guitars, a Squier Telecaster will last you for a lifetime.

They’re a good choice for a beginner or anyone looking for a well-priced Telecaster.

What’s the difference between a Fender Telecaster and a Squier Telecaster?

Fenders have a better build quality than Squier guitars.

They’re also much more expensive than a Squier.

Squier produces lower-priced guitars intended for beginners.

They use less expensive tonewoods and less expensive hardware on Squiers.

The pickups, some designed by Fender, use less expensive parts and production.

You’ll sometime find rough or even sharp fret ends on a Squier due to their lower quality production.

But as far as tone and playability, beginners won’t know or understand the difference between a Squier and a Fender.

This makes Squier Telecasters an ideal choice for a beginner or even an intermediate player.

The higher-priced Squier models make excellent upgrades.

Is a Telecaster a good guitar for a beginner?

The simplicity of the Telecaster design and classic tones make it an excellent guitar for a beginner.

They have stood the test of time for a reason.

The playability of a Telecaster will be beneficial for a beginner.

It makes it easy to learn your basics.

While most models of Telecasters under $400 won’t make good shred machines, some manufacturers like Schecter produce Tele-style models specifically designed to shred.

The simple design of a Telecaster also simplifies things for beginners.

They can understand how their settings and changes affect their sound a lot easier.

This can make discovering the tones they most enjoy more straightforward.

Is a Telecaster easy to play?

Telecasters benefit from having a decades-old design that has been improved and refined.

This means the necks and fretboards of today’s Telecasters have better playability than ever.

The style of music you play also has something to do with it.

If you have a preference for country or blues you’ll find the Telecaster very easy on your fingers.

But if you’re looking for a guitar with a very fast, sleek neck, you should look at other models first.

Beginners will find a Telecaster conducive to their learning experience.

Plus, what Telecasters may lack in features they make up in versatility.

Who is a Telecaster under $400 meant for?

Like most guitars under $400, Telecasters in this price range have been designed to be starter guitars.

But anyone who’s looking for a time-tested design and classic tones makes a good candidate.

Intermediate players looking for a new guitar will also be pleased with a $400 Telecaster.

It makes a nice choice for someone looking to expand their guitar collection without breaking the bank.

Plus, if you like the design, a Telecaster in this price range will make a fine addition to your collection.

If you’re looking to play blues or jazz guitar, a $400 Telecaster makes a lot of sense.

It’ll give you the ability to play timeless tones and a classic playing experience.

How do I choose the right Telecaster for me?

The features of a Telecaster must be right for you.

With a wide variety of configurations available, it’s worth it to consider what features and options you need.

It’s important that you like the looks and overall design of your Telecaster.

The music you’re expecting to play also plays an important part in knowing if you’re looking at the right Telecaster.

If you’re looking for something with more modern tones, check out Telecasters with humbucker pickups.

You’ll be able to cut through distortion better with humbuckers.

Don’t get too caught up in finding the “perfect” Telecaster.

If you’re a beginner you won’t know what your “perfect” guitar is until you’ve gained some experience.

Once you’ve settled on a design you like with options and features you think will serve you best, you’re good.

After you’ve gained some experience you’ll find you have different preferences.

But you won’t know that until you’ve experienced playing your Telecaster for a while.

What type of music are Telecasters best for?

Blues and jazz seem to be very popular types of music associated with the Telecaster.

Muddy waters played a Telecaster, but then so did Joe Strummer.

If you experiment, you’ll find you can play almost any type of music on a Telecaster.

There’s a reason its design has stood the test of time.

If you do a bit of research, you’ll find Telecasters have been played by guitarists playing all kinds of music.

So it’s best to first consider if you like the looks and design.

If a Telecaster will be your first electric guitar, you’re off to a good start.

Why should I choose a Telecaster?

A popular guitar with a timeless design, Telecasters have stood the test of time.

They pack a potent sound and have been used by guitarists to create some of the most timeless music.

If you’re just starting to play guitar or just looking for a new guitar, it’s hard to go wrong with a Telecaster.

There’s a reason it’s still one of the most popular designs in the world.

Plus, you’ll be joining countless other guitarists in the world who have discovered the joy of playing a Telecaster.

Your choice shouldn’t be based on any of that.

You should decide to choose a Telecaster because the looks and design speak to you.

If you pick one up and it feels right in your hands, that’s why you should choose a Telecaster.

If you see one and you can’t help but feel like playing it, that’s the reason to choose a Telecaster.

Are there other guitars I should consider?

Beginners often consider a Stratocaster or Strat-style electric guitar at the same time as a Telecaster.

Stratocasters make a versatile and popular first guitar.

They benefit from having a design that Fender produced after the Telecaster.

This means it has a lot of the same charming characteristics as a Telecaster.

Different designs will also appeal to you depending on your playing style.

Ibanez, for instance, produces some excellent $400 electric guitars that you may be interested in.

If you’re looking to play jazz or blues, both common with Telecaster enthusiasts, Ibanez has some excellent semi-hollow and hollow body guitars worth considering.

Plus, if you’re looking for a Telecaster but want a more modern design, some manufacturers sell Telecaster-inspired guitars.

Is there anything else important to know?

Budgeting for things besides a guitar often sneaks up on people.

If you’re a beginner, you need to budget for an amplifier.

You can’t play your electric guitar without one.

Strings also need to be included in your budget.

You’ll want to change the strings on your new guitar since they’ve been on your guitar since it was manufactured.

This means those strings could be at least a year old.

They won’t sound as good as new strings so you won’t know how good your guitar can sound until you change the strings.

Also, beginners need to consider budgeting for things like guitar picks, a stand, a gig bag, and a guitar tuner.

The Best Telecaster Under 400 Dollars: FAQ

• Are 400 dollar guitars good?
  • The quality of a $400 electric guitar can be surprisingly good.
  • The fit, finish, and electronics will be a lot better than a $200 or even $300 guitar.
  • It can be worth the extra money especially since you’re more likely to be properly set up.
  • You may still find rough fret ends, for instance, but the overall quality of the guitar will be worth the money.
  • $400 is the most I’d recommend a beginner spend on an electric guitar.
  • This is because any money spent over $400 won’t get you a guitar that’s “better” for a beginner.
  • If you’re looking to spend more and are a complete beginner, you’d be better off spending the rest of your budget on a better amp.
  • You’ll be much happier spending $400 on a guitar and $100 on an amplifier than the other way around.
  • Online lessons or DVD programs can also be a great investment for a beginner if you’ve got extra money to spend.
  • Please see this post Best Telecaster Under $300 for some examples.

• How much is a decent Telecaster?
  • For under $100 you can get a decent Telecaster.
  • It’ll be playable, but the fit and finish won’t be the best.
  • Expect sharp fret ends, and it may need a setup in order to play properly.
  • If you keep your expectations realistic, it’ll be a decent guitar that’ll play well.
  • But if you want a Telecaster that’ll give you less hassle expect to spend $300 or $400.
  • If the Telecaster you’re looking at is less than this, the quality can be hit or miss.
  • You may get a really good one, or you may end up with something that needs a lot of work to play properly.
  • If you don’t know how to setup a guitar already, you may end up spending $100 or more to have it setup at a guitar store.
  • That wipes out most, if not all of your savings.
  • But if you’re okay with dressing frets or doing adjustments yourself, guitars this inexpensive can be a cheap, fun option.
  • Please see the guitars in this post The Best Telecaster Under $700 and this one The Best Telecaster Style Guitars for some more examples.
• Is a Telecaster good for heavy metal?
  • The pickups on a traditional Telecaster arent’ a good fit for heavy metal.
  • The sounds you’d expect to hear get lost in the distortion.
  • If you keep your expectations in check, you can use a Telecaster though.
  • Buying a Telecaster with humbucker pickups will go a long way in helping you to play heavy metal.
  • The neck on a Telecaster often isn’t set up for shredding, but it can be done.
  • While it may not be the best guitar or even the first guitar you’d think of for heavy metal, it can be done.
  • If you like the shape of a Telecaster and really want to play heavy metal then look at models like the Shecter Sun Valley Super Shredder PT or ESP LTD TE-200.
  • They’re specifically set up to handle fast playing and heavy distortion but still have the Tele-style look and design.
  • Or you could upgrade the pickups on a stock Telecaster to fit your needs.
• What is easier to play Telecaster or Stratocaster?
  • The simpler design of the Telecaster can make it easier to play.
  • Since it has only 2 pickups, a master volume knob and a master tone knob, you’re limited in your settings.
  • This can make it easier for beginners to find the sound they want to play.
  • But the body of a Telecaster is quite chunky.
  • The stratocaster has a much sleeker body that’s much more comfortable to hold than a Telecaster.
  • This can make it easier to play but since it has 3 pickups it can get…confusing.
  • You can use the pickup selection switch, tone knobs and volume knob to change your sound dramatically.
  • You can get a wide range of versatile sounds out of a Stratocaster.
  • But it can be more difficult to find the tone you’re looking to play since you’ve got more options.
• Which is more versatile Strat or Tele?
  • At first glance, the Stratocaster is more versatile than a Telecaster.
  • That’s due to the increase in the number of pickups and tone knobs.
  • But creativity has a lot to do with versatility.
  • Plus, things like pedals can dramatically change the sounds you get out of your electric guitar.
  • It’s a much more extreme difference than one guitar over another since with pedals you can completely change your sound.
  • Both the Telecaster and the Stratocaster have been played in every genre of music which suggests that they’re both versatile instruments.
• Is a Telecaster good for rock?
  • The Telecaster is a popular instrument for rock.
  • It’s easy to create tones that are good for rock and the thick body of a Telecaster lends itself to fuller sustain.
  • Chunky necks on Telecasters also lend themselves to rhythm playing and add to the solid feel.
  • If you look at some of the popular rock bands of the past a lot of the guitarists played Telecasters.
  • So, if you’re looking at a Telecaster in order to play rock, you’re on the right track.