Fender '62 Telecaster charcoal burst finish, made in Japan 1993-4. If crème brûlée was a guitar, it'd be this! The 'charcoal burst' finish was only offer 1989-1993 approximately. It involved using a specific timber species for the body that handles heat well, scorching it with a blowtorch, then finishing the body off with an extra dark tinted clear coat. The results is a stunning caramel colour, with darker sections really showing off the grain beautifully. Teles in this finish are increasingly collectable, and while this one is a few dings shy of being mint condition, it's a really cool example that'll hold it's value fervently. These '62 style models have a slim, rounded neck shape, and this particular example is blessed with a gorgeous dark slab of rosewood for the fretboard and some tightly grained, gorgeous golden maple for the back. It looks and feels superb. Plugged in, you get a braggadocios twang, with heaps of attack and sparkle. There's an understated but self-assured tightness and fullness to the low end that balances out the chime convincingly. If you're after an easy-playing Tele with a tonne of tone and a quirky take on the classic look, this little brûlée is the tastiest of treats.

Model: Fender Japan '62 Telecaster TL62-65
Made: Japan, 1993-4, Fujigen plant (serial N015299)
Finish: charcoal burst (CCB)
Body: American basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25"radius, 25.5" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 3.320kg
Mods: knobs replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Overall: moderate finish wear. The headstock has some minor marks on the end and top end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few dimples on the horns, back edge, bottom section and elbow area, but no major marks. The sides have a few dimples on both horns, and some minor scuffs and little chips on the elbow area and near the jack. The front has a few dimples on the bottom edge near the jack, behind the bridge, in the elbow area and on the top horn. 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 pretty reasonable shape with some normal wear, 7/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.