TE-90QM Trans Red : Classic sounds at an unbeatable price

This is a very nice guitar.

Although the TE-90QM looks like a Telecaster, it doesn't sound like one.

The two Wilkinson soap-bar pick-ups give this guitar a fantastic retro/P 90 twang which places it in a different sphere altogether.

For players who are into Rock 'n' Roll, Country, Rockabilly and Blues, this lovely instrument will peel away the years and give you the sounds that defined those seminal genres.

Configured like a tele, the two pick-ups are selected with a toggle switch for neck, bridge or both.

As a lover of the above noted styles I don't use any overdrive or distortion on my amp - I like it clean. When played that way, the TE-90QM sings like a bird. The range of tones available is impressive.

On the neck; nice, chuggy rhythm tones come across as full and meaty. (I use 10 gauge strings.) Roll off a bit of the treble and you're in a nice, blues lead mood. (A tiny touch of gain and you're sounding 'Chicago' style).

Using both soap-bars allows the bridge to contribute and the combination of the two pick-ups gives the axe heaps of middle. You'll be able to do whatever you please whilst there. Rock 'n' Roll 'double-stops' are fat and full.

Switching to the bridge sharpens everything up. With all the treble rolled on you can breeze through country leads and bends. What I really like about this position is that the sound is pure country but it isn't the usually tele sound. It's different and very distinctive. Authentic but not generic.

As for looks and finish, well I think that the TE90 is a stunner. The rich colour, dappled finish and body contour make for a very attractive instrument. The headstock is 'tele style' and the neck and fingerboard are clean and true. The 'f' holes reveal an expansive, chambered interior; and the guitar feels nice and weighty.

The Wilkinson bridge/tailpiece is solid and reassuring; so too are the machine heads.

On receipt I changed the strings from 9's to 10's and only needed to adjust the intonation on the B string, the rest were all spot on.

The delivery and package of the instrument were excellent.

In sum, this is an incredible guitar for the price.