Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster, butterscotch blonde, made in USA 2011. The American Vintage series replicated the original famed models of Fender's golden era instruments with religious fervour, including thin nitro finishes, period-correct alnico pickups, cloth wiring as well as cosmetic touches like the spaghetti decals and the stamped 3-saddle bridge plate. It's a great look: the classic 'blackguard' combo of the semi transparent butterscotch with the ash grain peeping through subtly pops beautifully against the black and golden maple neck. There's a bit of honest play wear around the edges, which only increases the appeal for me. The neck is on the chunky side, which feels 'right' for this kind of guitar: it's perfect for big juicy rhythm parts and while it's not enormous, it's big enough to make you choose your notes carefully. The ash body is pretty light in weight and rings enthusiastically with every touch, it's got a lot of zest packed inside waiting to get out. Tone-wise, this is all classic 50s Tele: heaps of twang and snap, but with a walloping natural low end and an earthy, rewarding midrange with a heap of nuance and character. The original case is a handy bonus, plus it comes with a Fender stamped six-saddle bridge and the original case candy. There's a lot to love here, and it's awesome to join a star-studded cast of '52 players... good enough for Bruce, right?

Model: Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster
Made: 2011, Corona USA, neck date 17 Feb 2011 (serial 72182)
Finish: butterscotch blonde, nitrocellulose finish, 1-ply matte black guard
Body: ash, 3-piece
Neck: one piece maple inc board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 50s U shape
Weight: 3.565kg
Mods: re-wired to a standard Tele control setup (original 'Darktone' circuit included)
Pickups: Fender American Vintage '52 single coil x2
Case: Fender branded tweed hard case by G&G, includes original case candy

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end and both edges, as well as a little dent on the bottom side near the nut at the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and some rub wear on the edges oof the board only. The back has has some dimples on the edges of both horns and along the back edge, as well as widespread lught 'buckle rash' scuffs around the whole body; no major marks. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, as well as some light scuffs near the rear strap pin. The front has some light scuffs near the controls, some dimples behind the bridge and in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10). 

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear inc. the start of some pitting, but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.