Know your gear: Strat v. Tele Electric Guitars (12/18/2022)

Genealogically speaking, Telecasters and Stratocasters both arose in the same era. Initially designed by Fender, the single-pickup guitar that would eventually be known as the Telecaster was first launched back in 1951 and has been in production ever since. By 1954, the Stratocaster was born, featuring an extra pickup and a more comfortably contoured body.  

Here are some of the key difference between a tele and a strat: 

1. Body Shape: The Stratocaster is double cutaway body design, providing access to the neck on both sides of the fingerboard, while the Telecaster is single cutaway body design.

2. Body Contour: The Stratocaster has a beveled body with a scoop in the back, while the Telecaster has a flat top and back.

3. Pickups: The Telecaster is commonly outfitted with two single coil pickups while the Stratocaster has three.

4. Controls: The Telecaster features two controls – a master volume and a master tone control and a three-position pickup selector switch, while the Stratocaster features a master volume and two tone controls, one for the neck pickup and one for the middle and bridge pickups. Stratocasters can be found with both a three-way pickup selector switch as well as a 5-way switch, depending on the model and year of issue.

So which style is right for you? The answer is simple: the one you like best! While some may argue that certain genres or styles are better suited to a tele or a strat, you’ll find artists from all musical backgrounds playing each of these versatile guitars. There is no right or wrong answer here - it all comes down to personal preference. Or, do what the real gearheads do – collect them both!