(SOLD) Fender Japan '52 Telecaster TL52-70 Butterscotch Blonde 1985
Fender '52 Tele, butterscotch, made in Japan 1984-6. Here we have a gorgeous ‘A Serial’ Tele, and oh boy, what a dang Tele it is. Fender Japan launched in mid 1982 with the famed 'JV Serial' guitars, which were received as probably the best Fenders made since the 60s. This was made in the same factory, by the same staff, just a couple of years later. The wood selections top notch: the body is a two-piece, centre joined, lightweight ash example, paired with a gorgeous golden piece of maple that’s tightly grained and arrow-straight. At 3.175kg it’s very light, which plays into the amazing natural resonance that’s immediately obvious as soon as it’s in your hands. The vintage C style neck is a bit more intuitive than the soft V some other ’52 models come with, I find it super comfy and a nice balance of rounded and slim. The pickups were switched for a pair of Fender USA Texas Special single coils by a previous owner, which sound huge. The neck pickup is sparkly and glassy with a walloping bass and a vocal, expressive attack. The bridge pickup is warm, full and rich with a massive complex midrange that rewards expansive rhythm parts and nuanced lead lines. I was grinning ear to ear within seconds of plugging this one in. The naturally aged butterscotch pops beautifully against the golden syrup board and black guard, it’s a very attractive item. This absolutely ticks all the boxes for me, I’m sure you’ll be grinning like a fool in no time too.
Model: Fender '52 Telecaster (TL52-70)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1984-6 (serial A036726)
Finish: butterscotch blonde (BSB), single ply black guard
Body: sen ash, 2 piece, centre join
Neck: maple, maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C profile
Weight: 3.175kg
Mods: pickups replaced, knobs and switch tip replaced
Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single coil x2
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: The headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back and a bit of edge wear on the board especially on the lower frets only. The back has a chip around the ferrules, some dents on the bottom horn and elbow area and widespread light scuffs and dimples. The sides have some dents near the front strap pin, dimples on the top horn, dimples and scuffs in the elbow area, a few dimples near the jack, a pair of little chips down from the switch and some minor dimples on the bottom horn. The front has widespread minor dimples and light scuffs but no major marks. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets are in reasonable shape with some normal wear, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.