Fender '72 Tele, black, made in Japan 1985-7. There's a lot to like here, it's a tasty thing indeed. These E serial guitars immediately followed the famed and hyper-collectable JV serial instruments that created so much hype and fetch so much cash these days. The magic is in the absolutely bang-on build quality and some very fussy wood selection. The neck is a gorgeous, arrow-straight and beautifully grained piece of maple, fairly slim and round in profile and a fast friend in the hands. The dark choc streaky rosewood board makes for a nice subtle contrast against the black finish... gorgeous. The bridge has been swapped out for a block six-saddle model similar to what you'd find on an American Standard T, plus the original black guard has been switched for a tuxedo white example, which looks cool. Tone wise, there's a lot to like: bright, chiming treble that's equal parts defined and rounded, paired with a warm open midrange and certain punchy attack through the lows. It's a classic Tele-twang, but with a harmonically complex breathiness. You can't really go wrong with a black Tele, especially a glorious 80s MIJ example, so knock yourself out.

Model: Fender Telecaster '72 Reissue (TL72-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1985-7 (serial E967088)
Finish: black, 1-ply white guard
Body: sen ash (not 100% verified)
Weight: 3.785kg
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius
Mods: guard replaced, bridge and saddles replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan 'TL-Single' single coils
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a decent chip on the top edge in the elbow area as well as some widespread scuffs and surface scratches. The sides have a few minor marks: dimples on both horns, some minor dimples, dents and a couple of little chips in the elbow area, some dimples and scuffs near the jack. The front is pretty clean, just some widespread light surface scratches and scuffs; no major marks. 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 some normal wear, plenty of height in them left and they're fairly even; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.