Hello, I'd like some good resources that describe quantifiable
differences between Fender Stratocasters and Fender Telecasters.

Additionally, I would like to find some understandable differentiation
between the various Fender Strat models. For example, the difference
between the Classic versus the American , versus the Fat Strat and the
Tex Mex, etc. Same thing for the telecaster. There are so many
varieties, I having trouble telling the differences with real factual
information.

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Clarification of Question by rick_2004-ga on 14 May 2004 09:56 PDT

Thanks for the comments it is good info. 

The question I still have is about the differences in playability and
in the sound/tone of the Strat versus the Tele. Seems like this
information should be available, but I have really come across
anything.

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Clarification of Question by rick_2004-ga on 14 May 2004 09:57 PDT

Thanks for the comments -good stuff. 

The question I still have is about the differences in playability and
in the sound/tone of the Strat versus the Tele. Seems like this
information should be available, but I have really haven't found
anything.

Currently Fender is in a state of flux. There is a near constant
stream of "variations" especially on the Strat. The biggest variable
is the same name being put on a guitar that may be made in say,
communist China, Mexico, or an Asian factory. The "Squire Strat" is a
perfect example. A few years ago you could find this entry level
instrument a guitar shops fairly well made. However just last year the
retailer COSTCO was selling these things on pallets, poorly made with
bad action that were made in China. Sometimes the nut was so poorly
fitted that the small E string would slide off the fret wire with
moderate playing pressure. Hope this helps. McIsencraft

Basically Fender was originally owned by Leo Fender until the 60s or
70s   it was then sold to CBS who subsequently authorized Asian
companies to use the name Fender.The pre CBS models are worth the
most(by a lot)The Tele was Leo's first effort then after much
consultation with users he developed the Strat

http://www.adirondackguitar.com/fender/FenHist.htm

http://www.guitarriffin.com/fendhist.html

Yes there are playing differences between the two. The Telecaster is
the oldest design, usually a wider neck and a fuller feel to the neck.
This is the guitar guys like Merl Haggard  and Keith Richards of the
Rolling Stones often use. You can almost hear a slight ?hard, solid
force? to the notes on much of the stuff they play.

The Stratocaster is much more sophisticated.  The good ones can be
ordered with one of three different neck profiles. One profile feels
almost like a triangle in the web portion of your thumb.  Some say
this is a ?faster neck? and aids quick transition playability.  You
really should go to a good music store and have them provide a sample
for you to analyze.

Also the fretboards on both can be ordered in either maple or
rosewood.  Some people say a Telecaster tends to get hot when played
hard with a maple fretboard and they order the harder rosewood
instead.

Some Strats have a very sophisticated electronics package hidden in
them. The special Eric Clapton  Strat. has this feature. It definitely
affects playing effort.

The bluegrass and gospel  guys often don?t like electric guitars but
if forced to choose will almost always choose the old telecaster. 
Good luck. McIsencraft.

Good comments mcisencraft OK the list of famous Strat players is
almost endless Buddy Holly was one of the first rock players to use
one,then there was Jimi Hendrix,Eric Clapton and on and on.Some famous
Tele players include Albert Collins,Roy Buchanan,Jimmy Page Pete
Townsend and Ed Bickert,listen to them (and others)and judge the sound
for yourself.Go into a music store and play both to see which one is
more playableIf you can't decide the Strat seems to be the more
popular of the two these days(by far)

just go to your local store and play them!