Having bought a used FS Strat, thought I'd take the plunge, complete the set and get a Tele, so I got back onto E-Bay and won the bidding on a Butterscotch Blonde with Maple fretboard (Affinity Series), used but in mint condition.

What a little beauty !

 Sounds totally convincing played through my Kustom Arrow 16dfx, in fact the bridge pick-up seems to be a bit much for the amp to handle - the tone can be really hard and sharp even at modest volume.

Apparently, the Telecaster was the world's first solid-bodied electric guitar, and it is a bit of a "plank" with no body-contouring and, although the playing action is easy, the guitar is not as comfortable to "wear" as a Strat.

Eventually gave in and bought a Fender Squier Strat (Affinity Series) on E-bay. Used but in mint condition, black and white body, Maple fretboard.

Sounds great through the Kustom Arrow 16dfx I bought at the same time.

Have decided that the Strat is a classic of its kind, an icon no less - the way it is shaped and contoured, the easy playing action.

 I imagine that a Fender Stratocaster is built to higher standards all round, but I think I'll leave it to the professionals to decide whether or not to pay the extra.

When I was a teenager in the 60s, I had a little 4-piece cover band doing Shadows, Beatles, Stones and other artists' material. I had a Burns Sonic, which my father bought second-hand. Boy, do I wish I had held on to it.

If you want one today, it'll cost you £400+ on E-Bay. I guess it's the Brian May/trisonic pick-ups connection that does it.

 I've made a few half-hearted bids but hav'nt really pushed the boat out ; maybe next year.