Fender '52 Tele, orange sunburst, crafted in Japan 1996. When I saw this, I had to have it; it's a beautiful item. Normally, this model only comes in a natural finish, so the burst is unusual. Also, normally, a two-tone burst finish fades from black to a yellow stain... this fades to a bright, Chet Atkins-esque orange hue. I've struggled to match the finish to the colour chart (if you know the official name, let me know!); it's certainly unusual and most like a one-off customer order. The ash body features some beautiful grain, especially on the back, and is really complemented perfectly by the classic-but-offbeat finish. This was the most expensive Telecaster in the Japan catalog in it's day; the light weight ash body is paired with a vintage correct soft-V neck and a set of Texas Special pickups. The pickups deliver a hot, full and explosive take on the Tele-twang; this loves a bit of overdrive and will surely push your tube amp into a glorious growl. Volume knob wound back slightly, it cleans up to a thick and warm clean tone with a whole lot of sparkle and nuance. The neck is slim and agreeable, perfect if you're a thumb-overhanger and a charming companion if you're playing long hours. This will easily match it with some very expensive USA-made instruments for feel, build and finish quality and tone. All in all: this is an absolute stunner of a Telecaster, plus, it's orangetastic.

Model: Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue (TL52-80TX)
Made: Japan, 1996, Dyna plant (CIJ, serial N095874)
Finish: orange sunburst, single ply white guard
Body: light weight ash
Neck: one piece maple, mild V-profile
Mods: none
Weight: 3.800kg
Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single coils
Case: very basic original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a minor scuff on the end. Neck is pretty clean, no major marks. Back has a couple of light scuffs and scratches around the edge and a pair of light dents near the middle, no major marks though. The sides are pretty clean, just a very small chip on the shoulder and a light scratch on the bottom horn. The front has no major marks, just light play scratches on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10)

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 great shape with some very little wear, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.