(SOLD) Fender Japan '52 Telecaster TL52-75 Natural 1987
Fender '52 Telecaster, natural finish, made in Japan 1987. Fellow MIJ guitar enthusiasts will always stand up a little straighter around an A-serial mid-80s example like this, and rightly so: it's a lovely guitar. The consistency and quality of workmanship from the Fujigen factory, combined with a different era yielding some exceptional pieces of wood available to the discerning luthiers make for some special guitars. This one is made from a hefty slab of USA white ash for the body and a superb piece of maple for the neck: the way a Tele ought to be. The ash/maple combo delivers a huge amount of sparkle, definition and bark to the tone; it'll slice through a mix beautifully. The neck sits beautifully in the hands, it's a little chunkier than the later versions of this model and is a fast friend for sure. This has a few signs of history: worn chrome parts, switched nut and switch tip, sticker marks... all part of the fun of playing a guitar with miles on the clock. In terms of tone and feel, these early MIJ examples easily match it with all but the fanciest of USA instruments, so grab your little piece of the action before this turns forty and the values skyrocket.
Model: Fender '52 Reissue Telecaster (TL52-75)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 10 Jun 1987 (MIJ, serial A029308)
Finish: natural (NAT), single ply black guard
Body: white ash, 2 pieces
Neck: maple, maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 4.310kg
Mods: nut replaced, switch tip replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coils
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of little marks on the end and back. The nut has been replaced and there's a little block that's been chipped out in some past-life repair incident, but it's all stable and functional. The neck is pretty clean and smooth in the hands, just some light dimples on the back and a few little marks on the board. The back has a couple of dimples around the edge and some very light surface scratches, no major marks. The sides are pretty clean too, just some dimples on the top horn, shoulder and near the jack. The front has a large fade mark from a since removed sticker, aside from that it's just light play wear on the guard and top horn. 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. The frets are in reasonable shape with normal wear, around 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.