Fender '72 Tele Custom, black on black, made in Japan 2013. The Tele Custom launched in 1972 and has not lost a ounce of it's swagger in four decades, it just has that effortless streetsmart cool to it. This one is a more recent example, but the formula is the same: take the classic Tele single coil bridge pickup, add a Wide Range humbucker in the neck spot, give it LP-style controls, then add the oversize guard and bold logos for style. It's a really fun tone: the bridge pickup packs a warm and tasty take on the classic 'Tele twang', it's got a nice airy midrange and heaps of attack. The neck pickup adds a hefty, weighty low end with heaps of rounded juicy punch. They're great individually or even more magic in that middle position. The neck is a comfy slim, rounded U shape, it's intuitive in the hands and never makes you work too hard. The ash body under the black rings truly and adds a tasty midrange presence to the mix. The black-on-black aesthetic with the maple board and bold logos is a convincing aesthetic, it'll look equally at home playing thrash punk or classy corporate jazz gigs. Winner!

Model: Fender '72 Reissue Telecaster Custom (TC72)
Made: Japan, 2013, Dyna plant (serial JD13012105)
Finish: gloss black, 3-ply black guard
Body: ash
Neck: maple, one piece inc. board, slim oval profile
Weight: 3.870kg
Mods: bridge replaced with Fender six-saddle model
Pickups: Fender Japan TN-humbucker (neck), Fender Japan TL-current (bridge)
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and a scuff behind the 12th fret only. The back has widespread light scuffs around the body, most notably on the top horn and back edge. The sides have no major marks, minor dimples on the top horn and near the jack only. The front has a few marks behind the bridge and in the elbow area as well as some standard 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, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear, but they're in good shape with plenty of height and no major buzz issues, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s Moonshiners strings.