Fender TC72TS Tele Custom, black, crafted in Japan 2006-8. This spicy slicker is a twist on the long-running '72 Tele Custom model. Futoshi Abe was the guitarist for Japanese garage rock giants Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, or TMGE. For a standard Tele Custom, you get the fun combo of a traditional single coil in the bridge and a Wide Range humbucker in the neck position, which works a treat. The neck pickup is glassy and fat, with a warm tuneful sustain and a dark moody midrange. The bridge pickup is angular and aggressive with heaps of attack and chime. My favourite sound on deck is the middle position with the tone rolled back a whisker, it's a beautifully balanced and rich tone. The earlier version of this model has a tort guard and a rosewood board, but this is the scarcer later version with a pearl guard, which looks awesome. The other minor changes are a set of late-sixties style F-key tuners, a heel-end truss rod adjuster, a six-saddle bridge and the switch being moved to the jack area... all cool little touches. This sounds and plays great and manages to look both classic and striking. 

Model: Fender Japan Futoshi Abe Telecaster Custom (TC72TS)
Made: Japan, 2006-8 (serial S029857)
Finish: gloss black, 3-ply white pearl guard
Body: ash
Neck: maple, one piece inc. board, slim oval profile, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.490kg
Mods: strap pins replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan TN-humbucker (neck), Fender Japan TL-current (bridge)
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has a bunch of dimples near the neck plate and surface scratches around the ferrules and back edge, as well as s few scuffs on the top horn and elbow area. The sides have some dimples on both horns and near the jack, as well as some scuffs and dimples in the elbow area. The front has some dimples behind the bridge, scuffs in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. 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 minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s Moonshiners strings.