Fender Rosewood Tele, crafted in Japan 2002-4. 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, so it's a sandwich-style build. Plugged in, it's a dream. There's a massive thick, rich low end you don't get on a regular Tele. It's fat, juicy and warm without losing any of that chime and definition on the top end... it's a seriously special sounding guitar. The neck is a moderate C-shape, not too chunky or too skinny and especially perfect for rhythm stuff. It's hard to imagine this model being produced in the present day, with the ongoing restrictions and scarcity around rosewood it just wouldn't be possible. And, as you can see, the rosewood is superbly gorgeous. It's a piece of art you can play, really.

Model: Fender '69 Rosewood Telecaster (TL-ROSE)
Made: Japan, 2002-4 (serial Q067474)
Finish: natural gloss over rosewood veneer
Body: basswood, rosewood veneer front and back
Weight: 3.495kg approx
Neck: maple, gloss black finish, gloss rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA TL-Vintage single coil x2
Case: padded Fender gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks around the end and bottom edge, as well as some extra holes on the back from since removed tuners. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a few minor dimples on the back and one little dimple on the top edge of the board near the nut. The back has some marks on the bottom horn and in the elbow area on the top, as well as a few dimples around the edge and some light scuffs around the body. The sides have a few minor chips and dimples in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front is pretty tidy, just some minor chips on the elbow area and near the jack and some normal 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. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.