Fender '52 Tele, made in Japan 1991, charcoal burst. In the words of Manu Feildel: "crème caramel is crème caramel". The charcoal burst finish is 1988-93 eccentricity; after that short period, the finish disappeared. The Fujigen luthiers would scorch the body, adding dark burn marks, and then add a vintage tinted clear coat of poly. Each one looks a little different; this one is a little lighter in hue than most but has some cool dark marks around the sides. These bodies on these CCB guitars were made of a particular species, American basswood, which held up to the process for the finish, but also offers a nice light weight and heaps of resonance. This sounds superb: expansive and rich through the mids, clear as a bell on the top end, fat and gooey on the bottom end. The middle position delivers those nuanced, complex Jeff Buckley style tones perfectly. The neck feels great too, it's a comfy slim vintage C shape that's easy to get around with tidy frets and a new bone nut. This is a really satisfying Tele, it's the crème caramel your buffet needs.

Model: Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue (TL52-600)
Made: Japan, neck date 17 Dec 1991 (serial L002325)
Finish: charcoal burst (CCB), single ply black guard
Body: American basswood
Neck: one piece maple with skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C shape
Mods: switch and jack replaced, new bone nut installed
Weight: 3.320klg
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some light scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few dimples near the bottom edge, around the ferrules and in the elbow area. The sides have some dimples on the bottom horn and elbow area, as well as some dents and dimples near the jack. The front has a number of dimples along the back edge and elbow area and some minor play wear on the horns and guard. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets have some normal wear but are in good shape, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.