Fender '52 Tele, blonde, crafted in Japan 1997-8. This one looks pretty good on the shop wall... I suspect it won't be there for long. The 1952 Telecaster was a marvel of forward-thinking design, it's remarkable that you can still buy almost exact replicas of that trailblazing model seven decades later. This one is wearing that classic blonde finish we all love: it takes me back to my guitar teacher's main guitar and I'm sure it'll light up various other people's warm-fuzzies for various other reasons. This one dates to early in the switchover to the 'Crafted in Japan' decal, so it would've had an A-serial stamped on the bridge and been made in 1997-8, but at some point the bridge plate has been changed out, so it's serial-less, like a real gangster weapon. It's a delightful thing in the hands: it's got a slim and agreeable neck, a resonant body and super sturdy simple hardware; it all just works nicely and you're never working too hard to have fun. The tone on offer has plenty of vintage 'Tele twang': bright and snappy treble with plenty of attack, but there's a sweetness through the mids and plenty of low-end plumpness to keep it all glued together nicely. It's very satisfying as a rhythm guitar and would surely be a perfect guitar for someone graduating from acoustic to electric. The finish lets the sassy grain of the ash show through, it really does look spectacular and the piece of maple used for the neck is also very pretty. You really can't go too wrong here, it's a lovely thing!

Model: Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue (TL52-70US)
Made: Japan, Dyna plant, 1997-8 (serial missing due to replaced bridge)
Finish: off white blonde (OWB), single-ply black guard
Body: lightweight ash
Neck: one piece maple, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, slim C shape
Mods: bridge plate replaced
Weight: 3.7kg approx
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end as well as a few cigarette burns as per pics. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a chip on the top edge in the elbow area as well as some widespread light scuffs, nothing nasty. The sides have a few light scuffs around the body but nothing major. The front has a little dimple behind the bridge and some light scuffs around the body, as well as some standard paly wear on the guard and horns. 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 good order, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.