Fender '52 Tele, vintage natural finish, crafted in Japan 1997-00. This model is a Fender Japan classic and a Topshelf favourite. When you picture a Tele, chances are, something like this comes to mind. It's got the the 50s style spaghetti logo, a soft-V neck with a golden maple board, a single ply black guard and the three barrel saddle bridge, all on an ash body wearing a coat of classy clear. The ash grain offers plenty of details to notice and appreciate, and in a handy bonus, it's on the lightweight side as these go. In the hands, it has a no-nonsense integrity about it: plenty of natural sustain and resonance, sturdy hardware, comfy neck shape... it just works. The tone plugged in is bright and open, offering a shimmering top end and a percussive assured bass. These CIJ era TL52 models were a lot easier to source a couple of years ago than they are today, so make some hay while the sun shines, right?

Model: Fender Telecaster (TL52-70US)
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 1998-00 (serial O088539)
Finish: vintage natural (VNT), single ply black guard
Body: light weight ash, 3 pieces
Neck: maple, maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, soft-V profile
Weight: 3.590kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA TL-Vintage single coil x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a decent scratch near the ferrules and widespread minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body, nothing too nasty. The sides have dimples on the top horn, elbow area and near the jack and a little dent on the bottom horn. The front has some dimples near the control plate, behind the bridge and in the elbow area, a dent on the top horn and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7.5/10)

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 some normal wear, around 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.