“IZ-US” by Aphex Twin (1997)

what’s your favorite telecaster finish? i personally love seeing the wood grain so its Natural Blonde for me

I almost bought a Jason Isbell Tele as my first Telecaster a few years ago, but ended up passing on it. Fast-forward to now, and somehow I’ve ended up with two of them because I couldn’t decide which one I liked more.

Each guitar has a few minor condition issues, which has made the decision even harder rather than easier. I’ve included photos of both.
On one guitar, there appears to be a chip through the clear nitro and possibly into the wood near the binding. The other has a chip at the neck heel where the clear coat is completely gone next to the paint, and you can feel the exposed wood.

At this point, I’m wondering whether it would make more sense to repair the heel damage or lean into the Road Worn look and have that area blended or reliced more naturally. As it sits now, it looks more like accidental damage than intentional wear, so I thought smoothing and feathering the finish into the surrounding area might look better.

What would you do in this situation?
Are there any specific differences, potential issues, or pros and cons I should be looking for when comparing the two guitars?

I’d also be curious what a proper repair or finish blend might cost, and whether it would be realistic to get either guitar back to near-mint condition or if blending the damage would be the better route.

Lastly, of the finishes is one version less common, harder to find, or generally more desirable than the other between the more chocolate burst vs what looks more like a standard sunbursts?

I went from passing on one years ago to somehow owning two, and I still can’t decide which one to keep.

This would be my first tele. Not sure if it’s the greatest deal or not though. I’m a fan of the tele aesthetics with humbuckers though.

I recently got a very cheap Epiphone Les Paul Special though I’m not sure I really have to have this.

Thoughts?