Fender '72 Tele, natural, made in Japan 1989-90. This one looks so cool, it has such a presence about it. It's a 70s style example, so you get the natural finish, black guard, bold CBS-style logos and the simple pragmatic hardware. This one has seen plenty of play: the well worn fretboard and generously marked up body attest to the many tunes slung so far. Between the played-in slim neck and the super lightweight body, this feels like it basically plays itself and offers an enthusiastic natural resonance. The Tele-twang is there, but this is a darker, more nuanced take on that genre. The neck pickup is focused and vocal with a sweet low end, while the bridge pickup is wide and warm with a generous spread. These Fujigen-era Telecasters are glorious beasts: very well executed, old enough to know a few things, and dressed with vintage chic. Outstanding.

Model: Fender Telecaster '72 Reissue (TL72-53)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial I010937)
Finish: natural, gloss poly, black 3-ply guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.150kg
Neck: 1-piece maple inc maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, vintage slim U shape
Mods: output jack and plate replaced, frets dressed
Pickups: Fender Japan 'TL-Single' single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples and scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, with some notable rub wear on the fretboard almost all the way up, as well as minor dimples on the back. The back has some surface scratches near the ferrules, dents near the neck plate and on the bottom horn and widespread minor dimples around the whole body. The sides have dimples on the top horn, decent chips and some scuffs in the elbow area, chips and scuffs near the jack and some dents and dimples on the bottom horn. The front has some dimples around the controls, behind the bridge, in the elbow area and along the top side, as well as chips in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (6.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but have just had a fresh dress and polish, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.