Fender Tele Deluxe, transparent cherry, made in Japan 2010-11. The Mexican-made equivalent of these pops up occasionally, but these MIJ takes on the Tele Deluxe are very scarce. The Deluxe is the third point in the alternative-Tele triangle, alongside the Tele Custom and Tele Thinline; it's by far the rarest of the three as it was only a catalog model from around 1986-91. This one is a later model, part of a limited run produced around 2007. You get some cool features: a big 70s headstock with Schaller F-key tuners, maple board, ash body with a comfy belly carve and a pair of Wide-Range style humbuckers with LP-esque electronics. The cherry red finish would be more at home on a Gibson SG; it look awesome and lets the wide grain lines of the ash body peek through beautifully. The red/black/maple combo is very rock and roll; fitting for a guitar that'll play punk or grunge so well. The humbuckers are an aural delight: open, bright and articulate but with a sweet grind and crunch through the midrange that eats up overdrive with gleeful enthusiasm. This one has an Emerson deluxe wiring harness installed, so that adds some further clarity and sparkle to the tone. The switch has been moved to a spot that's a bit hard to knock during play, but it'd be simple enough to move it back if you were so inclined. The neck is slim and quick and easy to get along with; combined with the lightweight body this is a very easy player. These pop up very seldom, so if it's got you sweating, don't deliberate too long.

Model: Fender '74 Reissue Telecaster Deluxe (TD74-LTD)
Made: Japan, 2006-8, (serial S062743)
Finish: gloss transparent cherry, 3-ply black guard
Body: ash
Neck: maple w/ maple board, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.450kg
Mods: Emerson wiring harness installed, switch moved inc new hole drilled
Pickups: Fender Wide Range Humbucker x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few scratches near the ferrules and the neck joint, as well as widespread light scuffs around the body. The sides have a few dents and minor dimples in the elbow area and near the jack, as well as some scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has a few dents near the bridge, some scuffs in the elbow area, as well as some standard play 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 shape with minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.