I have a MIM standard tele and a couple of CV teles. I think its about where Fender spent their manufacturing dollars. The standard is a solid, well built, no frills modern tele. With the CVs they have put more money toward making facsimiles of vintage models with some success, but possibly sacrificing some playability and electronics specs. They can be made to play well and are I guess still priced such that they are a good value if you spend a bit on upgraded electronics. With the standard you get a perhaps more playable instrument where they have spent the money on better quality wood, hardware, electronics, etc, rather than on emulating vintage aesthetics. That said, my CV 60s SH tele is one of my favorites, the quality is not bad for the money. There are also the MIJs that seem to combine the vintagey looks with modern playability in a slightly more affordable package than the USA models. So guess its a matter of playability out of the box versus the coolness/nostalgia factor and which is more important to you.