Choosing between S-style and T-style guitars made easy
Unsure which one is right for you? Read on......
Your guide to choosing between S-style and T-style electric guitars, featuring Jet, Sire, and Crafter — all in stock now at Musicmaker Dublin
If you’ve spent more than five minutes looking for your first (or next) electric guitar, you’ve probably hit that age-old decision: Strat vs Tele. The debate is legendary. Both shapes are timeless. But the feel, tone, and vibe? Totally different.
Strats and Teles (or more specifically, S-style and T-style guitars) are the backbone of modern guitar design. Whether you're into indie, blues, funk, pop, or heavier styles, understanding the difference between these two styles can make or break your playing experience — and your tone.
Let’s break it down, side-by-side, and plug in some killer examples from our floor at Musicmaker Dublin, featuring brilliant options from Jet Guitars, Sire, and Crafter.
Look deep into their eyes........ the Jet JT-300 and JS-300 series.......
What Is a T-style Guitar? (AKA Telecaster-Style)
A T-style guitar, inspired by the classic Fender Telecaster, is all about simplicity, bite, and presence. You’ll usually find:
- A flat, single-cut body with clean lines and vintage charm
- Two single-coil pickups, often with a bit more output from the bridge
- A fixed bridge and straightforward 3-way switch
- A brighter, more immediate tone that’s perfect for rhythm work and sharp leads
T-style guitars are adored by country, blues, indie, funk, and punk players for their tight attack and dynamic response. They cut through a mix like butter and don’t overcomplicate things — what you play is what you hear.
T-style models at Musicmaker:
Jet JT‑300 Series – Affordable, classic Tele tones with modern finish options
Sire T‑3 Larry Carlton - Approved tone machine with solid single-coils and gorgeous neck feel
Crafter Modern Seoul 50s – Roasted alder body, tone-punch switch, Wilkinson hardware — a true modern Tele-style beast
What Is an S-style Guitar? (AKA Stratocaster-Style)
An S-style guitar, based on the legendary Stratocaster shape, is known for versatility, comfort, and sonic flexibility. Key features include:
- A contoured double-cutaway body for better ergonomics
- Three pickups (often SSS or HSS) with a 5-way selector
- A tremolo bridge for pitch bends, vibrato, and shimmer
- A wide tonal palette — from glassy cleans to tight funk and smooth leads
Strats are beloved for their clean, articulate tones and genre-hopping capabilities. Want smooth R&B leads? Sparkling indie tones? A funky rhythm chop or even a bluesy bite? The S-style has it covered.
S-style models at Musicmaker:
Jet JS‑300 Series – Killer value with roasted maple neck, vintage tremolo, and sweet single-coil jangle
Sire Guitars S‑3 – Loaded with coil-splittable pickups, a comfy neck, and quality craftsmanship at mid-range pricing
Crafter Crema S VVS RS – Gorgeous satin finish, HSS setup with coil-split, modern tone engine wrapped in boutique styling
Tone & Feel Comparison
S-Style (Strat)
- Versatile tone with neck/mid/bridge pickup combos
- Tremolo tailpiece — expressive pitch bends and subtle warble
- Ergonomic contours for long play sessions
T-Style (Tele)
- Simpler control layout — intuitive, minimal fuss
- Bridge pickup focus for punch, twang, and articulation
- Often slimmer and lighter body — easy to gig, easier on the shoulder
Strat vs Tele FAQ – Answered by Musicmaker Dublin
Q: What’s the real difference between a Strat‑style and a Tele‑style guitar?
A: The main differences are in shape and tone. S‑style (Strat) guitars typically have three pickups, a tremolo bridge, and contours for comfort, offering layered sound and expressive vibrato. T‑style (Tele) guitars have two single-coils, a fixed bridge, and simple controls—delivering crisp, punchy tone with direct response.
Q: Is a Strat-style or Tele-style better for beginners?
A: Both work great, but if you want versatility and comfort, go for S‑style (like Jet JS‑300 or Sire S‑3). If you lean toward pure tone with fewer controls, T‑style (Jet JT‑300, Sire T‑3, Crafter Seoul) is simpler to use and master.
Q: What’s the benefit of coil-splitting on these guitars?
A: Coil-splitting (via push/pull knobs) gives humbucker-equipped guitars like the Sire S‑3 or Crafter Crema S the ability to mimic single-coil sound—so you get deep humbucker warmth and crisp single-coil chime in one instrument.
Q: How does pickup configuration affect tone?
A: S‑style (3-pickup) offers neck clarity, middle bite, and bridge growl—ideal for rhythm layering and lead work.
T‑style’s single bridge pickup gives maximum twang and clarity with less mid-muddy overlap—perfect for funk, blues, and tight rhythm.
Q: Do I need an amp to test these guitars?
A: Not necessarily! Most models let you test unplugged thanks to resonant tone woods, but plugging in through a clean amp helps showcase tonal differences like break-up, coil-split changes, and tremolo response—especially useful with S‑style Crema or Jet JS‑300 trem.
Q: Are any of these guitars better suited to Irish gigs or busking?
A: T‑style guitars like the Jet JT‑300 and Crafter Modern Seoul are often lighter and more portable—perfect for travel. S‑style models like Sire S‑3 work brilliantly plugged in with coil-split for tonal flexibility in pub or band settings.
Q: Can I try these models in-store at Musicmaker?
A: Absolutely! We have all featured models set up for you to play side-by-side: Jet JS‑300 & JT‑300, Sire S‑3 & T‑3, Crafter Crema S and Modern Seoul. Test tone, feel, and see which shape sings to you.
Whatever your preference, you can't go wrong with a Jet Guitar.....
Still Can’t Decide? Come Try Both
At Musicmaker Dublin, we’re stocked and ready with Jet, Sire, and Crafter’s best S-style and T-style guitars. Sit down with a clean amp, test the controls, feel the body contours, and let your ears make the call.
Whether you lean toward Strat smoothness or Tele twang, you’ll find your match — and you’ll know why players keep coming back to these two legendary designs.
Check out all our Jet Guitars HERE.
Check out all our Sire Guitars HERE.
Check out our Crafter Electrics HERE.
