(SOLD) Fender Japan '52 Telecaster TL52-70SPL Butterscotch 1988
Fender '52 Tele Special, butterscotch blonde, made in Japan 1988 approx. This is a fun one! The model is a not-so-subtle nod to Keith Richards' 'Macawber' 1952 blackguard Tele, so it gets some fun specs from factory: brass six saddle bridge, modern tuners, and a PAF-style humbucker in the neck with the guard cut to match. It's made from some juicy ash, with a hint of the grain lines popping out underneath the butterscotch finish. The tone is arresting: bright and bold, heaps of clarity and midrange grunt, warm and assured through the low end. The neck pickup adds some plump roundness to the equation, and is especially fun for lazy legato lead stuff. Being an early example, this has one of those super enjoyable necks that feels like it plays itself, as well as plenty of natural play wear and fading to give the look a bit of panache. Keef appears primed to live through the apocalypse, so chances are he knows a thing or two.
Model: Fender Telecaster TL52-70SPL
Made: Japan, 1988-9
Serial: G029789
Finish: butterscotch blonde, gloss poly
Body: white ash
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim vintage C shape
Weight: 4.430kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil, Dragster humbucker
Accessories: vintage vegan leather gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the end and dimples on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's some play wear on the board on the first few frets and minor dimples and rub wear on the back. The back has minor scuffs on the top horn, near the neck plate, in the elbow area and near the ferrules. The sides have scuffs in the elbow area, rub wear near the jack and dimples on the bottom horn. The front has minor scuffs around the knobs and in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. The brass hardware has some patina.
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 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only