(SOLD) Fender Japan '72 Telecaster TL72-55 Natural Gloss 1989
Fender '72 Telecaster, natural gloss, made in Japan 1989-90. First up: there's pieces of ash and then there's pieces of glorious ash, and this is the latter. The grain on show under the lightly yellowed and worn natural finish is superb, and the fact that it's a two-piece centre-join build adds to the mystery. The big wide concentric grain lines on the top are a fun contrast with the tight mirrored 'v' grain visible on the back in the neck joint area... classy stuff. These early Fujigen-made Telecasters are made with a lot of love and care, which adds up to that certain integrity in the hands that can be hard to describe even though it's immediately apparent when you hold it. The neck is a tasty piece of maple that's aged gracefully, remaining arrow-straight and growing slicker in the hands with play over the decades. Tone-wise, there's a lot to like. The neck pickup is glassy and clear with a a punchy 'plonk' on the low end, which translates to a middle-position tone that offers superb crystal-clear cleans with amazing note separation. The bridge pickup is bright and growly, with a particular focus on the high end of the midrange that'll push your amp to sing with conviction and keep your lead lines sitting perfectly on top of the mix. This is a very easy guitar to get along with and will surely fill the Tele-shaped hole in your heart.
Model: Fender Telecaster '72 Reissue (TL72-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1989-90 (serial J011596)
Finish: natural, gloss poly, 3-ply black guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.670kg
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape
Mods: bone nut installed
Pickups: Fender Japan 'TL-Single' x2
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of small chips on the top edge in the elbow area and top horn, as well as some dents on the edge near the jack and some widespread very light scuffs around the body. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body, no major marks. The front has a notable chip on the elbow area, some dimples near the knobs and up from the bridge and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.