Fender Japan '52 Tele, charcoal burst, 1991. This absolute stunner of a Tele is all sorts of awesome. The charcoal burst finish popped up briefly for a couple of years of Fender's Fujigen made guitars; each one is unique. The body is charred instead of being stained, and then a tinted lacquer is applied over the top... it looks amazing! It's a sought-after finish; they occasionally pop up at prices so high they'd make your eyes water. Aside from looking amazing, this has all the magic you need. The neck is perfectly played in and has mellowed to an amazing golden-syrup hue; it's a stunning piece of maple that feels sensational in the hands, and the modern C profile is an intuitive change from the more common soft-V on many of these models. The tone is alluring: heaps of attack and classic 'twang', but with an airiness and warmth that balances the snap and punch perfectly. It's very dynamically sensitive and seems to bring out the best in your playing. This is a top-notch vintage Japanese Tele, and it's safe to call this one legitimately collectable; but, please... don't let that stop you playing it with great enthusiasm every day!

Model: Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue (TL52-65)
Made: Japan, 1993-94 (serial Q032867)
Finish: charcoal burst (CCB), single ply black guard
Body: American basswood (as per catalog, could possibly be sen ash)
Neck: one piece maple with skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, modern C profile
Mods: none
Weight: 3.3kg approx
Pickups: Fender Japan TL Vintage
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a couple of minor nicks on the end of the headstock. Neck is pretty clean, just minor marks, nothing you can really feel during play. The back has some minor scratches on the upper half and near the ferrules as well as a chip on the top corner approx 5mm across. Sides are fairly clean, just some scuffs near the jack and rear strap pin. The front has some scratches and glossing from play on the top horn and guard, some dimples on the edge back from the bridge and a chip approx 13mm across on the edge near the jack. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets have some normal wear but are in good shape, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.