(SOLD) Fender Japan '52 Telecaster TL52-85TX Vintage Natural 2000
Fender '52 Tele, vintage natural, crafted in Japan 1999-02. When someone says 'Telecaster', this is probably pretty close to what you picture, right? Here we have the high end Japanese take on the '52 Tele from it's day, so you get a tasty lightweight ash body, brass saddles and a set of hot Texas Special pickups made in USA. It's a killer combo: this sounds superb. Heaps of grunt and roundness in the low end balanced by a an open airy midrange and that perfect, slicing 'Tele Twang' in the treble. The soft-V profile neck is instantly familiar and feels superb; there's just enough miles on the clock for it to feel super smooth. There's a little wear and tear around the edges to prove it's a player, although this has largely weathered the decades gracefully. These will easily take on far pricier USA guitars, so nab yourself a tasty Tele treat and learn those darn Blake Mills tunes already.
Model: Fender '52 Reissue Telecaster (TL52-85TX)
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 1999-02 (CIJ, serial P025703)
Finish: vintage natural (VNT), single ply black guard
Body: light weight ash, 2 pieces
Neck: maple, maple board, soft V profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.665kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender USA Texas Special single coils
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a couple of marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck has some wear on the outside edges and some minor play wear on the back; it's smooth in the hands. The back has some widespread very light scuffs and dimples but no major marks. The sides have a few things to note: dimples on the top horn, a scuff and a chip in the 'waist' between the top horn and shoulder, a couple of dimples and small chips in the elbow area, a couple of marks and a small chip near the jack, dimples on the bottom horn. None are especially major. The front is pretty clean, just some dimples near the controls, slight lifting of the guard as is common on one ply guards and some play wear on guard and horn. Overall: 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 normal wear, around 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.