TE-40 TBK Deluxe Series : Yeah, the positive stuff you've heard is true

As a very poor individual I always do quite extensive research before I buy something.

In this case I was eying the guitar for about a year and devouring every review I could, while playing my Squier Affinity Tele and there just didn't seem to be any reason why I shouldn't pick this one up. And yeah, the less expensive TE-40 is simply better. ...by better I mean more bang for your buck.

I love Teles and since I play metal I wanted one that is more suited to my needs. I got everything I wanted .

PRO'S:

- First of all, it looks really sexy. It's difficult to see it on the photos, but in reality the body is not black, it's kind of grey-ish brown with visible wood grain and it looks really cool. This is subjective though, you may not care.

- Another I guess subjective things is that the carved top and the belly cut feels awesome and at this price it feels like you're holding something more expensive.

- The guitar was very well set up. I didn't have to do anything (except tune it a little).

- The (obviously) cheaper hardware works well. Tuning pegs are a bit stiff (I don't personally care) and people are sometimes "calling their quality out", but at least in my case they hold the tuning well. Especially considering I play metal and agressively abuse the strings with 3mm pick and a lot of bends. It's kind of surprising to be honest.

- Small thing I guess, but I love the pickup selector switch. it's not the usual cheap piece of thin metal. Functionally it doesn't matter, but it just feels more expensive and rugged.

- Frets were filed well and the fretboard wasn't dry at all (as some review mentioned). Everything on this guitar is just nice and smooth.

CONS:

- Well, for the price it's really hard to say. I guess I don't LOVE the pickups. They're kind of flat. But, for the price,....you know...

- The strings (when going out the body) touch the bridge. This technically doesn't matter (though not ideal), but this actually really bugs me sometimes.

- My guess is that all the shiny gold will be much less appealing in a year or two, but hey, I gotta write something negative.

WELL ANYWAY:

- Honestly I can't really bring myself to nitpick, because at this price I would be personally happy even with less.

It looks beautiful and everyting works well.

If you're considering it, just get it. Really.