(SOLD) Fender Japan '62 Telecaster TL62B-70 Black 1986
Fender Telecaster, double bound black, made in Japan circa 1986. Adding binding to the classic curves of a Tele is a sure-fire-instant-win move; this looks stunning. It's a simple look, but all the details add up perfectly: vintage spaghetti logo, beautiful streaky rosewood slab fretboard, aged white guard, played-in black finish, creamy binding all around... yum. This one has had the original bridge replaced with a handy, easily adjustable six saddle example, which is mighty practical and means the intonation can be set accurately. But... the original serial was stamped on the missing original bridge. Fender Japan printed their serials near the neck joint after 1987, at which point the serial system was in the 'E+6 digits' range. These ones, with the 'made in Japan' in skinny capitals but no serial in that spot, are either JV serial examples from 1982-4, or A serial examples from 1984-6. JVs seem to basically always have a neck date, so logically, this must be an A serial, therefore dating to 1984-6. The neck has the model number stamped but no date, which is also consistent with others we've had from '85-6. Deep breath! How does it sound? It's terrific. The switch was dodgy on arrival, so our tech has installed a whole new wiring harness, which has really brought out the chime and sparkle. The neck pickup is glassy and percussive, with a juicy low end and heaps of attack. The bridge pickup is breathy and wide, with plenty of cut on the top end and great note separation. The slim vintage C neck feels super comfy, so the thing kinda feels as though it plays itself. There's a lot to love here, it's a very stylish character and has the tone and feel to back it up. Never sucks to wear a tux!
Model: Fender Telecaster (TL62B-70)
Made: Japan, 1984-6, Fujigen plant (serial stamped on original bridge and missing, dated by logos/hardware/font/stamps)
Finish: black, cream double binding, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, slim C profile
Weight: 3.700kg
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil x2
Mods: re-wired with new pots, switch, tone capacitor, output jack and wire, six-saddle bridge and plate installed, jack plate replaced
Case: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and some scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a patch of presumably deliberately inflicted scratches near the neck plate, as well as widespread light scuffs and dimples around the whole body, most notably near the top edge in the waist area and along the back edge. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body and some scratches near the jack. The front has some scuffs along the back edge, dimples behind the bridge, in the elbow area and around the knobs, a blacked out small chip down from the volume knob on the edge and some normal play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: 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. The frets are in great condition, 9/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.