Fender '62 Tele, double-bound black, made in Japan 1985-7. These double-bound Teles are always such classy characters and usually only hang around a few days at best. This one dates to the 'E serial' period, a couple of short years after the legendary JV serial instruments were crafted at the exceptional Fujigen Gakki plant. It's super light and resonant, it rings like a bell at the lightest touch. That translates very nicely plugged in: the bridge pickup is chiming and bright with heaps of 'Tele twang', but there's a massive natural low end on tap and a harmonically complex, breathy midrange. The neck pickup is glassy and clear with a lovely rounded attack... it justs so alive, clean or dirty. The neck is a handy slim rounded profile, instantly likable and comprised of a gorgeous streaky rosewood board and a superb tightly grained, golden piece of maple... it absolutely has that magic feel these eighties-era Teles are famous for. The guard has been replaced and painted black: a little odd, but hey it looks cool. The well-played black finish looks so cool, the binding really makes it pop and it really balances upmarket suave with street-smart swagger. I love this one, you love this one, we all love this one, right?

Model: Fender Japan Telecaster '62 Reissue (TL62B-70)
Made: Japan, 1985-7, Fujigen plant (serial E844305)
Finish: black (BLK), cream double binding
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, slim C profile
Weight: 3.120kg
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil x2
Mods: guard replaced
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck has a little scratch behind the nut, aside from that it's just some minor dimples on the back; no major marks. The back has widespread light dings and scuffs, plus a few minor chips on the outside edge near the jack, on the top horn and in the elbow area. The sides have some minor dimples on both horns and some scuffs and dents in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has widespread dents and dimples, mostly around the back edge but the whole body has small marks. The guard has been painted black. 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 have some normal wear but no major buzz issues, 7/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.