ShortScale.org

I've been looking at getting a telecaster. Been looking at ASAT tribute series and MIM Fenders. I then came across someone local selling a custom guitar from http://www.relicguitars.com/. He bought it assembled by Relic Guitars and it came as an Esquire with a Fralin bridge pickup. He added a decent neck pickup to it (body was already routed so he only changed the pickguard).

Googling shows Relic Guitars is a reputable shop. Seems like buying a used non-Fender/non-G&L might be a better strategy than a G&L or Fender cheaper model since it has likely better pickups and a nitro finish. At say $500-ish, which also comes with a G&G hard case.

Does anyone find better value with these custom no-brand parts guitars or is it still better to stick with a "real" telecaster or ASAT?

the thing with partscasters is that they need to be assembled well and set up well. but if you know what you are doing you can get a steal. a better spec'ed guitar than fender or other can sell at the price.

I really like the Squier Tele Custom II, you can pick them up cheap too. Got one recently and there is'nt one thing you can fault with the guitar.

After a recent purchase, take a look at the Squire Classic Vibe Custom and spend a little on upgrading things like saddles, switches. I love mine, I can't believe the quality compared to the MiM models. Its a 60s neck so feels a lot slimmer than say the Baja but its amazing considering its a MiC. The pups are really good. Not high gain but give you total Tele vibe and the neck one is sweet. Set Up and finish is amazing out of the box and they look amazing. Try and find one to play and you may just find the value for money tele you are after

god those 'relic guitars' are belt sanded all to hell. they look horrible. this is much better: http://www.danocaster.com/

cool i will check out the Squires. I did hold one the other day at Best Buy but I did not plug it in. Felt pretty good though.

Yea, the relicguitars.com photos I saw were not exactly great. I would not buy any of these relic custom guitars at full price anyway. But it seems the specs of the one I was looking at was quite good for the price.