Main Street is an almost completely unknown name in guitars, offering a variety of Chinese imports through a handful of online retailers and eBay. In fact, I couldn’t find any information on who actually distributes these guitars in America and was unable to find a website for the company. I’m typically not the gambling type when it comes to virtually unknown companies, but I’ve been curious about their Telecaster Thinline- styled model MTLSHTSB since I fist laid eyes on it.

The guitar shares little, other than the general shape and neck pickup, with the traditional Telecaster design. It features a Gibson style stop tail bridge, set neck, humbucking bridge pickup, and Gibson style three-way pickup selector, rather than the typical Fender blade design which will likely turn off those who strictly define a Tele by the most classic design. Cosmetically, the guitar is fairly striking, with a very nice sunburst finish, displaying a beautifully grained ash. Binding of the neck and body adds the perfect touch of elegance. They matched the burst on the headstock, butI would have preferred it be solid.

I was a bit surprised by the Main Street’s heft for a Thinline Telecaster design, fully expecting it to be a lightweight, but it’s a solid eight-pounder. That being said, balance is perfect and the comfort is enhanced by a rear tummy cut. The stop tail bridge adds an extremely unique look to the guitar. I’ve seen this hybridized approach on several imported guitars now, which combines a Gibson-styled stop tail bridge design with a traditional Fender 25 ½” scale neck, and I really like the uniqueness of the combination.

Main Street opted for a nice, chunky C- carved neck and the bound rosewood fretboard’s fret work is very, very good. I was extremely impressed with the heelless neck joint which offers unimpeded access all the way to the highest frets. Sweetness! Set up out of the box was decent, but several small tweaks really brought the guitar to life, offering nice low action and incredibly smooth playability. However, nut work is a touch sloppy, with a gap visible on the low side, but the string carve is fine. Tuners are serviceable; twist them and the strings move, but the gear action feels stiff and unpleasant.

I was extremely impressed with the heelless neck joint which offers unimpeded access all the way to the highest frets.

The pickups are workable, but certainly whisper “upgrade me” each time you strum. The bridge is hot, with a fairly open high-end, but just doesn’t deliver the oomph of a nice PAF. In an attempt to mellow the output a bit, I tried to lower the bridge pickup. With less than a quarter turn, the pickup fell into the cavity. Doh! After removing the mounting bracket, it was obvious why. The bass side mounting hole was stripped. Not only was it unable to be adjusted, it had to either be bolted into place or replaced! Well, that “upgrade me” whisper is getting louder already. The neck pickup is a touch dull and when both pickups are selected together, the guitar just sounds odd; as if the pickups are wired out of phase.

This is certainly a unique guitar and definitely an instrument that a modder could have a bunch of fun with. Playability is excellent and with the right pickup choice and wiring, this could be an extremely versatile guitar. Modders looking for a Tele off the beaten path should definitely take note.

Price: ~ $220.00 USD
Pros: Good playability
Cons: Electronics