(SOLD) Fender Japan '52 Telecaster TL52-65 Butterscotch JV Serial 1982
Fender '52 Tele, JV serial model made in Japan 1982, butterscotch blonde. The JV serial instruments were the first Fender branded instruments made outside USA, built to an incredible standard by the famed Fujigen Gakki plant in Japan. Fender had increasing quality issues after the sale to CBS in 1964, and by the late 70s instruments rolling out of Fullerton that were pretty hit and miss. The first batch of MIJ Fenders were met with elation in USA by Fender execs: these were the best made Fender instruments since the mid sixties. This being an early example of a JV, this is one of the first ever reissues of the famed '52 Tele. The butterscotch finish lets the grain of the lightweight ash show through; it's gorgeous with a few decades of yellowing on the clock. The neck is a stellar piece of maple, perfectly straight, light in weight and super resonant in the hand and a super friendly moderate C shape. It really is magic in the hands, it feels outstanding. Plugged in, there's a huge, singing treble with a clarity equal parts frightening and exhilarating. The top end is balanced against a breathy, open midrange and a rounded, tight bass response: there's complexity and warmth in spades, it's the best sounding Tele we've had through in ages. These really don't come up often; it's quite the rare score. Claim this super collectable beauty before it turns forty in a year or two!
Model: Fender Japan '52 Telecaster (TL52-65)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 17 Apr 1982 (serial JV01405)
Finish: butterscotch blonde (BSB), single ply black guard
Body: ash, 3 pieces
Neck: maple, maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.380kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coils
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge, as well as a burn mark near the low E tuner and a small chip near the Fender decal. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has light scuffs and dimples around the body, no major marks. The sides have a few things to note: a small dent on the top horn, a couple of minor chips and some light scuffs int he elbow area, minor dimples near the rear strap pin, dimples and light scuffs near the jack and some dimples and a small ding on the bottom horn. The front is pretty clean, just a small chip down from the tone knob, some dimples behind the bridge and some play wear on the guard and top horn.Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets are in reasonable shape with normal wear, around 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.