Narrowed Down to 3...

Hello all,

I am trying to decide on a semi-hollow in this price range ($600-700) and these are the 3 think I've narrowed it down to (unless someone can make another suggestion?)...

'72 Telecaster Thinline

PRS SE Semi-Hollow

Hagstrom Deluxe F

Reason I am in the market for a semi-hollow is because I am a finger-picker not a rocker and I am looking for a more mellow sound than a solid body, but I don't want to spend $2000 + for a decent Gretsch (I have heard the ones in my price range suck?)

I am sure I'd be happy with any of these 3 but still have to make the decision. I am leaning towards the PRS but have heard that they take forever to ship (I am buying online) so that in itself may disqualify the PRS if it is true (?)

Would appreciate pros and cons on each guitar from those who own or have played any of them

The Thinline Tele is a cool re-issue and it sounds pretty fat with the humbuckers, but it is a Mexican made model, which doesn't necessarily mean its bad, but I'd be sure to play it first to make sure you like it.

I haven't played the PRS SE semi hallow, but I have played the McCarty Hollowbody. PRS guitars just don't sit well on my leg when sitting down. Something about the weight balancing. The Single Cut Les Paul-like model is my preference in the PRS range. The PRS SE semi hallow looks a little like a Rickenbacker (have you played those?). Rickenbackers have some of the lowest action and unique necks I've ever played. Excellent for finger picking.

I've never played a Hagstrom Deluxe F. From looking at the pictures, it looks like its about the same build quality as some of the Ibanez Artcore semi-hallows....which is ok.

Personally out of these 3, I'd go for the Tele. If I had a bit more to spend, I'd get a ES series Gibson.

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I agree with Adaptable's comments...although I've never played the other two models, I have played a MIM thinline Tele with humbuckers through a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, and I thought the guitar sounded fantastic. Also, I own a MIM Nashville Tele and it's one of my favorite guitars. I think Fender's factory in Mexico is turning out instruments of good quality and great value.

I play a 10 year old semi-hollow epiphone sheraton, which I like. The newer sheratons that I've seen seem to not be so refined - the rosewood fretboard looks very light and dry and the new style vintage sunburst looks very cheesy. But maybe have a look at the epiphone elitist sheratons?

From what I can tell, they're very similar to the Gibson ES's, with more decorative inlays and a cheaper price tag. I think the elitist series have gibson pickups in them.