Fender Telecastor compared to a Gibson ES335

[blackba]

This may seem like a strange comparison to make and it is. However, a tele and an ES335 are the 2 guitars left on my wish list and I keep seeing threads one or the other frequently. I am pretty far from buying either one, but just researching right now. So assuming the tele is a traditional tele with 2 Single coil pickups and the standard tele bridge and factoring in price difference. Would you rather had a tele or a Gibson ES335 and why? Which guitar do you think is more versatile?

 

[boost]

Tele. Much more versatile than a 335. A 335 is hollow and will always have those tones associated with a hollowbody. You can't take the hollowbody out of a 335 but you can take the twang out of tele if like.

I've got a 335 knockoff and love it. I'd love to have a real one, but if I had the choice between just the two, I'm taking a tele without question.

 

[threadkiller]

In terms of versatility, I can tell you the tele is incredibly versatile. I've never owned an ES 335 so I can't say. I say get a tele. Then, get an ES 335

 

[rlord1974]

Tele by far.

A 335 is like wearing a hulla-hoop around your waist.....Super nice guitar, but no.

 

['63-Strat]

IMO a 335 is extremely versatile fwiw, I would personally say more so than a tele and I've got a great tele as well.

 

[rlord1974]

Tele by far.

A 335 is like wearing a hulla-hoop around your waist.....Super nice guitar, but no.

Ok, OK. Considering I sometimes play Gretsch Falcons, perhaps the Hulla-Hoop comment was a little harsh.

But still no.

 

[blackba]

Tele by far.

A 335 is like wearing a hulla-hoop around your waist.....Super nice guitar, but no.

Ok, OK. Considering I sometimes play Gretsch Falcons, perhaps the Hulla-Hoop comment was a little harsh.

But still no.

I have a Gretsch Brian Setzer hot rod, so I am pretty used to the big size. I played my friend's Epiphone sheraton and love that guitar, especially after we put in Classic '57 pickups, huge upgrade.

 

[reverymike]

Never played a 335, but they look so nice! Sound good too (think "Cliffs Of Dover" by Eric Johnson) or the solo in "Always" by Bon Jovi -- rich, warm,thick, and FAT.

Teles are workhorses. Crisp, snappy, buy can be killer nasty rock and roll machines too. They're unforgiving, in a good way.

 

[Badronald]

They are both incredible guitars. There are so many great Telecaster examples.

For 335, one of my favorite examples is Warren Haynes. A GREAT recorded example of ridiculous 335 tone is Alien Love Child - Last House on the Block. When EJ kicks in with that 335 into his Marshall it's glorious.

 

[gibson08]

If they are on your wish list, get both!! Def Tele first, and maybe an ES359, a little smaller and has the 57s in it and sounds awesome!!

 

[blackba]

If they are on your wish list, get both!! Def Tele first, and maybe an ES359, a little smaller and has the 57s in it and sounds awesome!!

What about an ES 339, is an ES 339 just a dressed down ES 359?

 

[bigdaddyd]

I love the sound of both and have heard both bring many versatile tones, so I say you really need to try both and decide for yourself. I personally own a 335 right now, but I plan on getting a Tele at some point as well.