Fender '72 Tele, black, made in Japan 1984-5. This one is a little mysterious, but it certainly has it's charms. First up: the serial is missing, it would've been stamped on the original bridge plate, but that's been replaced. That means it's likely to be an A serial example from 1984-5, as those were the only era where the bridge plate had the serial stamped. The neck pocket is also stamped 'VNT' for vintage natural, so this has had a very tidy refinish to black at some point. The pickguard, knobs, tuners and saddle have all been replaced too, so there's a few cosmetic changes on deck. The pickups seem to be original, but this has had a full re-wire with vintage style braided cloth wire, CTS pots, deluxe USA switch and big orange tone cap, as well as a new bone nut. All that adds up to a massive tone. This has a punchy, full and rich midrange, much more so than most Teles, as well as a tight and responsive low end to balance the classic Tele twang. There's a certain assurance and thickness on deck that really makes you want to keep playing, it's very satisfying. The neck is a comfy slim C shape and the body is crazy light at a nudge over 3kg, so this has a certain effortlessness in the hands, it's a very fun guitar to play. So, yes, a little mysterious, but oh boy, it's a great guitar!

Model: Fender Telecaster '72 Reissue (TL72-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1984-5 (best estimate, serial missing since bridge plate replaced)
Finish: refinished to black (originally vintage natural), 3-ply tort guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.040kg
Neck: maple inc. board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C profile, 42mm nut
Mods: refinished to black, bone nut installed, guard replaced, tuners replaced with Kluson deluxe vintage style, bridge and saddles replaced, knobs repalced, re-wired with CTS pots, Oak Grigsby switch, giant orange capacitor and cloth wire
Pickups: Fender Japan 'TL-Single' single coils
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth, no major marks. The back has widespread very light scuffs and small dimples, no major marks. The sides have a few dimples near the jack and in the elbow area. The front is pretty tidy, just a few dimples around the edge, behind the bridge and in the elbow area as well as a scratch on the top horn alongside the standard play scratches on the guard. 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.