Fender Japan '62 Tele, double bound sunburst, made in Japan 1985-6. You're already on board for this one, right? We get a lot of requests for these double bound Teles and they never last long. This one is extra fun in that it's a very early example. The very first Fender Japan models were stamped with a 'JV' serial number and rolled off the line in 1982-4, they were met with wide acclaim owing to their exceptional quality. These A serial models followed straight after, made at the same famed Fujigen Gakki plant in 1985-6. The magic here is the neck: oh boy, it's a magical piece of wood. You get an evenly grained, arrow straight piece of maple shaped to a perfect slim C, paired with a dark choc open pore rosewood board with a really interesting bit of grain feature around the second fret. It feels superb; it's absolutely effortless to move around on. The body is naturally resonant and that translates very well plugged in: punchy, tight lows paired with a slicing warm treble and a wide, complex understated midrange. It really sings beautifully through the shop Bassman combo. Now, here's what you already figured out: it looks terrific. The aged cream binding makes the classy fade of the sunburst really pop; it's such a good look. These early MIJ guitars are shooting up quickly in value already and I'd tip them to continue to outdo the market in years to come; it's a very safe investment. I love it, you love it, we all love it.

Model: Fender Telecaster '62 Reissue (TL62B-70)
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1985-6 (serial A046217)
Finish: three tone sunburst, gloss poly, cream double binding
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, slim C profile, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.560kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has minor scuffs on the end. Neck is clean and smooth, no major marks. The sides have a couple of little chips on the top horn and back edge as well as widespread very light scuffs and scratches around the body. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body as well as some dimples and small dents near the jack and on the bottom horn. The The front has a bit of wear along the binding from the switch area around to the rear strap pin, a few dimples around the bridge and control plate and some standard play wear on the guard and 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 reasonable shape, there's a bit of wear but they're pretty even in height with no major buzz issues; 6/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.