Fender '72 Telecater, black, made in Japan 1985. This one has a past, but we dearly hope it has a bright future, right? The very first instruments Fender ever produced outside USA were the 'JV serial' instruments, made at the legendary Fujigen plant in Japan from 1982-4. These A serial examples were next cab of the rank, made '84-5. This one has definitely seen a few things and played a few tunes in it's time, as evidenced by the stack of chips, scuffs and dimples, but there's a reason: it feels great. The neck is a slim and comfy C-shape, it's easy to move around on and still straight and steady after all these years. The body is lightweight and resonant, it feels lively and responsive in the hands. Plugged in, there's a fairly scooped and sweet take on the Tele-twang, it's got a tasty understated quack in the middle position or a twangry creamy growl on the bridge pickup. The ahed maple, tort and black combo is too dang cool, I'm a big fan. So hey, it'll bang out a few tunes yet!

Model: Fender Telecaster '72 Reissue (TL72-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1984-5 (serial A013540)
Finish: black, gloss poly, 3-ply tort guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.430kg
Neck: maple w/ maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C profile
Mods: guard replaced, bridge and saddles replaced, re-wired with new pots/switch/cap, knobs replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan 'TL-Single' single coils
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and dimples on the end, both edges and the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back and some play wear on the edges and board only. The back has widespread light dimples and scuffs, as well as some chips around the outside edge most notably on the back edge and top horn. The sides have dimples and scuffs around the whole body, as well as chips from the knobs area all the way around to the top horn, but nothing structural. The front has chips around the outside edge, most notably near the knobs and elbow area, as well as widespread light scuffs and dimples around the whole body. 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.