Fender Walnut Telecaster, made in Japan 1990, natural satin. Now, this is quite something. Back in 1990, Fender Japan did a limited release with a number of classic models, including a Tele, Strat, Precision and Jazz Basses, with bodies made of solid walnut, wear natural satin finishes and gold hardware. The relative scarcity of walnut as a material meant there's limited numbers of each model kicking around. Fender did a couple of subsequent runs, but the later ones were ash bodies stained to a walnut finish, not like this one made of a actual walnut... heck. It's on the heavy side at 4.1kg, but that's lighter than many 1970s Teles and most Les Pauls, so it's pretty reasonable in the scheme of things. The neck is a comfy vintage C shape, fairly slim and round in shape and very easy to enjoy. The satin finish shows off some beautiful tight grain in the maple too, it feels and looks awesome. The body is a classy two-piece centre join job, and the deep rich colour and dark swirling grain lines draw the eyes and reward a close look. Paired with the gold hardware, the thing really does look amazing. The sound on deck is remarkable too. It has that chiming clear Tele twang, but the walnut body adds a bold underline to the low end, thickening things up gloriously and lending it a weighty percussive attack. It's warm and full through the midrange, adding some breath and width to the amazing bass response. It's been several years since we last had one of these... it was before we even opened the physical store, so it might be a while before we see another one. It wal-nut be here for long.... oh boy, I'm going home.

Model: Fender Telecaster (TL62-115WAL)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 28 Jul 1990 (serial A043148)
Finish: natural, satin nitro topcoat
Body: walnut, two piece centre join
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C profile
Weight: 4.150kg
Pickups: Fender USA TL-Vintage single coil x2
Mods: saddles replaced (note: this was done after the photos were taken)
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has some minor scuffs on the bottom corner and near the ferrules, as well as a surface scratch in the elbow area. The sides have minor dimples in the elbow area. The front has some dimples around the bridge and some glossing from contact in the elbow area, as well as some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

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 are freshly cleaned up, there's some normal wear but plenty of life in them yet, 7/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.