Fender Japan '72 Telecaster TL72-65 Natural 1993
Fender '72 Telecaster, natural finish, made in Japan 1993. Understated, but pretty, and practical to boot. The Telecaster came in a whole stack of different versions in Japan in the mid 90s. This is the 70s-style offering, with bold black CBS-era logos, a maple board, 3-ply black guard, 3-saddle bridge, two single coils and a gorgeous ash body on show under the natural gloss finish. It looks great: big swirly grain lines, smoky chrome parts, natural play wear... so cool. The neck is a comfy round C shape and the body is a very agreeable weight, especially for an ash example. There's plenty of unplugged volume on tap, and plugged in it only gets better. The neck pickup is glassy and percussive, while the bridge pickup is assertive, articulate and creamy with a generous slice on the top. The middle position delivers those perfect Jeff Buckley rhythm tones, it's fantastic. These 90s-era Fujigen Teles compare very favourably with the original USA-made 70s guitars they reference, although sometimes they're better than the originals in some ways. Tele-riffic.
Model: Fender Telecaster TL72-65
Made: Japan, 1993 approx, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: N025833
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body: sen ash
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 42mm nut, vintage C shape
Weight: 3.475kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Current single coil x2
Accessories: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back only. The back has a dent near the jack, dimples along the back edge and around the ferrules and widespread minor scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor dimples on both horns and some dents and scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has dents on the bottom edge below the knobs, scuffs behind the bridge and in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very 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 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only