Fender Rosewood Tele, crafted in Japan 2006-8. The Rosewood Tele will forever be linked with George Harrison; he made it famous on the Let It Be film clip, among other appearances. It's incredibly striking: just look at that grain, oh boy! The original version of the model and the first MIJ reissues were made of solid rosewood, so they weighed a tonne and cost a fortune. The most recent incarnation of the model was a $6k+ Custom Shop model, but this is a far more sensible option for a regular player who loves the style. The body is made of basswood with a piece of rosewood on the front and back. The rosewood adds a certain heft and punch to the low end; plugged in this really does sound brilliant. The Texas Special pickups translate the thick, meaty take on the 'Tele Twang' with a heap of crunchy enthusiasm. It's very satisfying in the hands; the feel and tone easily matches the suave looks. These don't come around very often so don't wait for valentines day, buy yourself a rose and grab the future by the horns.

Model: Fender '69 Rosewood Telecaster (TL-ROSE)
Made: Japan, 2006-8 (serial S085970)
Finish: natural gloss over rosewood veneer
Body: basswood, rosewood veneer front and back
Weight: 3.195kg approx
Neck: maple, gloss black finish, gloss rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single coils
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a couple of marks on the end and bottom edge of the headstock. Neck is clean and smooth int he hands, minor dimples on the back and board only. The back has a couple of little marks on the top edge in the middle and the bottom edge near the jack, otherwise it's just some light scuffs. The sides have some dimples on the top horn, shoulder and near the jack, as well as a minor chip on the bottom horn. The front is pretty clean, just some minor dimples on the edge on the shoulder and some play wear on the guard and top horn.  Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have a little wear, plenty of life in them; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.