Squier CTL30 Tele, black on black, made in Japan 1983-4. This, friends, is a ripper. Squier was launched in 1982, the earliest examples like this were made by the same hands in the same factory as the legendary Fender Japan JV guitars. The 'SQ serial' Squier instruments ran alongside the JV serial Fenders; this one dates to somewhere in that 83-4 window. It's amazing in the hands. The neck is a moderate vintage-C style profile, arrow-straight with beautiful grain and a joy in the hands. The body is super light, it weighs in a good half kilogram under a normal Tele, which lends this a certain airiness through the midrange and a hefty, punch low end. It's had a comprehensive electronics upgrade, so the guts are robust and add some further clarity to the tone. Plugged in, this has a lovely thick juicy fatness to balance the chiming, sparkly treble... gorgeous. The black on black finish has seen a few things in it's time, but that adds to the appeal and gives this a cool 'legit relic' look. You really can't go too wrong here, it's a collectable little friend to have and it'll surely deliver the goods when you're belting out your tunes!

Model: Squier Telecaster, CTL30
Made: Japan, 1983-4, Fujigen factory (serial SQ24174, no neck date)
Finish: black, 3-ply black guard
Body: alder as per catalog, not 100% certain
Neck: maple with maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.080kg
Mods: jack and plate replaced, new pots/switch/wiring installed, knobs replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan TL Single x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has a couple of marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread scuffs and rub wear and a bunch of dimples, no major marks. The sides have a few marks: dimples on the top horn, a couple of chips and marks in the elbow area, a reasonable chip and some other marks near the jack, dimples and a chip on the bottom horn. The front is similar, just some rub wear and dimples around the controls and elbow area and some dimples and play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall condition: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal play wear, they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.