Fender '72 Tele, made in Japan 1985-7, butterscotch blonde. This is a lovely Tele! These 'E serial' guitars were made within a year or two of the famed and hyper-collectable JV serial examples that kicked off the Fender Japan project with a bang. As with these early Fujigen made Teles, the workmanship is absolutely spot on. The neck is a superb golden brown piece of super straight maple with a lovely subtle wavy grain paired with an ocre and dark choc streaky rosewood slab board; it's a sight for sore eyes and a buttery croissant for the fingers. Plugged in, this has the chiming classic Tele-twang in spades, but it's balanced by a singing midrange and a breathy, vocal attack that lend a certain fatness and understated excellence. The finish has further yellowed to a cheddar-esque hue; it's got a nice depth to the colour and the cheeky ash grain is peeping through shyly. These early MIJ Teles are creeping up in value very steadily, so stash yourself a new family heirloom today; your grandkids will love it.


Model: Fender '72 Reissue Telecaster (TL72-55)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1985-7 (serial E930033)
Finish: butterscotch blonde (BSB), black 3-ply guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.495kg
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Single x 2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some light scuffs and small dimples but no major marks. The sides are also pretty clean, very light dimples only. The front has no major marks, just some pitting on the chrome, minor dimples and 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. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have a little wear, plenty of life in them; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.