Tender Super Sounds Random Star Metallic Red 1980
Tender Random Star, made in Japan around 1980, metallic red. Tender was a short lived brand that popped up in the 70s-80s in Japan. There's a couple of versions of the logo, with the more subdued square font version being more common and popping up on some Strat and Precision style models, but this... the logo is so close to the CBS-era big F'ers logo it's hilarious. There's a famous model by ESP, kicking off around 1980 also, called a Random Star, that uses this body shape. Tender and ESP seem to have no affiliation. The general consensus is that the brand was made at Matsumoku, possibly had some affiliation with Greco's parent company, and possibly later Tokai, and that the instruments are generally of good quality. I can't find another example of an X-style guitar with this brand on it anywhere on the internet. It's probably not the only one, but heck: there's not many. It's a great guitar in the hands: slim C neck that's quick and agreeable, sturdy hardware, nicely balanced and surprisingly comfortable to hold... it's easy. The pickup is great too, with plenty of low end oomph and output. The candy apple style red, complete with matching headstock, looks unreal. This absolutely gets full marks for weird, and I'll admit to buying it mostly for a laugh, but heck: pretty good, aye.
"Let me be your Tender defender" - Vulfpeck
Model: Tender Super Sounds Random Star
Made: Japan, 190 approx, Matsumoku factory
Serial: none
Finish: metallic red, gloss poly
Body: hyacinth (not verified)
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.360kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Tender humbucker
Accessories: no case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and edges, minor surface scratches on the back and some light scuffs on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has an extra hole near the neck plate, some dents and scuffs on both horns, scuffs around the bottom edge and control cavity and some scuffs near the rear strap pin. The sides have a dent on the top horn, scuff on the elbow point, dimples near the jack, a chip on the bottom point and dimples on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs on the top point, near the knobs and jack and on the top edge, as well as some scratches on the bottom horn and play wear around the strings.
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 9/42 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only