Fender Japan Telecaster TL72-55 Black 1985
Fender '72 Reissue Telecaster TL72-55, black, made in Japan between 1984 and 1985. This one is a little mysterious and has a number of professional mods, all up-speccing from the factory setup. First, though, the serial is missing, which would've been stamped on the original bridge plate, but that's been replaced. 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 along with the addition of a bone nut. The bridge pickup has been upgraded with a fancy Crews TL single coil and the guitar has been treated to a full re-wire with vintage style braided cloth wire, CTS pots, deluxe USA switch and Mallory Mustard tone cap. All these tasteful upgrades make for massive tone wins. This has a punchy, full and rich midrange, much more so than most Telecasters, 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 well thought out and delivers spades more than its similarly priced counterparts.
Model: Fender Telecaster '72 Reissue TL72-55
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant; 1984-5
Serial: missing; backplate 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: bridge pickup upgraded, refinished to black, bone nut installed, guard replaced, tuners replaced with Kluson deluxe vintage style, bridge and saddles replaced, knobs replaced, re-wired to standard with CTS pots, Oak Grigsby switch, Mallory Mustard cap and cloth wire
Pickups: Crews Maniac Sound TL single coil bridge, Fender Japan 'TL-Single' single coil neck
Accessories: basic Fender gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples and scuffs on the end and edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back only. The back has dents near the neck join, jack, ferules and elbow area, as well as widespread light scuffs. The sides have small chips on the bottom horn and heel join and some minor dimples around the whole body. The front has a decent scratch near the back edge, scuffs around the controls and bridge, dimples around the bridge and elbow area, a scratch on the top horn and some play wear on the guard and horns.
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. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only