Fender TLG80-60 Telecaster, black and gold, made in Japan 1989-90. It looks good, no? This is a cute little number taken from the 'Collectors Series' section of the 1989 catalog. It's approximately based on a '62 style Tele, but with a matching headstock and neck and gold hardware. There's plenty of play wear on the clock, but that adds a bit of streetwise chíc to the aesthetic: the thing looks amazing. The tone on offer is bright, open and percussive, with a snappy attack and a chiming zing paired with an understated, tuneful low end. The neck is comfy, round and slim and the body is nice and light, so it's a practical little gig machine. Buy a butterscotch one if you want, but doesn't your Dad already have three of those?

Model: Fender Telecaster (TL52)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial H025954)
Finish: black, gloss poly, three ply black guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C shape
Weight: 3.260kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Single single coil x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's some dents on the lower side behind the 4th and 5th frets as well as a few scuffs and dimples on the back, nothing nasty. The back has some dimples near the neck plate and top horn, as well as some scuffs from the elbow area all the way around the back to the bottom edge. The sides have a chip and some scuffs on the top horn, a chip and some dents in the elbow area, dimples near the jack and some scuffs and a chip on the bottom horn. The front has some chips on the bottom edge near the controls, scuffs behind the bridge, dimples in the elbow area and plenty of play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: good condition (7/10)

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 inc the start of some minor pitting, no major buzz issues, 6/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.