Fender Japan Telecaster TL62-600 w/ Bigsby Charcoal Burst 1990
Fender Telecaster. Charcoal Burst, made in Japan 1990-1. Folks, it's got a factory-fitted-F-stamped Bigsby... need I say more? This is a lovely '62 style Telecaster, so it gets the cool silver spaghetti logo, Kluson-style tuners, a slab rosewood fretboard, three ply guard and the the classic vintage curves. Fender Japan was offering Charcoal Burst as a finish from around 1990-2, and they literally burned the bodies with a blowtorch to bring out the grain lines before applying a vintage tinted lacquer; it's got a gorgeous golden brown glow. The back looks especially nice. These Fujigen-era Teles often have great necks, and this one has some wildly tight maple, carved to a perfect slim C and topped with some very dark rosewood; it's a fast friend for sure. A discerning previous owner installed some Pure Vintage '64 Telecaster pickups, which sound great: piano-like fast and expressive lows, expansive and breathy through the mids, sweet and clear up top. The wiggle-stick adds a little extra chime and slice to the tone, as well as opening up some very enjoyable wobbly possibilities. Life is grand, right?
Model: Fender Japan Telecaster TL62-65 w/ Bigsby Charcoal Burst 1993
Made: Japan, 1990-1, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: K020971
Finish: Charcoal Burst
Body: American basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 42mm nut, slim C
Weight: 3.770kg
Mods: pickups replaced
Pickups: Fender Pure Vintage '64 Telecaster single coil x2
Accessories: gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end, bottom edge and front near the decals, as well as some circular surface scratches on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has dents in the elbow area, dimples along the back edge and near the jack and widespread minor scuffs around the whole body. The sides have a small crack in the clearcoat on the bass side of the neck pocket, dimples on the top horn, dimples and dents in the elbow area and near the jack and some dimples on the bottom horn. The front has dimples near the jack and knobs and elbow area and some 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, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only