Squier CTL30 Telecaster, made in Japan in 1985,  black on black. It's relatively simple to score one an early Japanese made Squier Strat, but the Teles were made in smaller numbers and are a lot trickier to score. The legend around Squier's  1982-4 JV serial instruments is pretty well known these days. This rolled out of the legendary Fujigen Gakki plant one year later, so it was made by the same luthiers from many of the same parts and has some of the same magic. The best thing about this is the neck. It's a moderately slim vintage C shape, so it's comfy without being too skinny or too chunky. It's carved from what appears to be quatersawn maple and is straight, sturdy and feels very alive in the hands. The six saddle top-loader bridge, Gotoh tuners and standard Fender Japan hardware are all sturdy, practical additions and keep things in tune popping nicely. Being a Tele, this has the expected chiming, snappy 'twang' on the top end, but it's the weighty, tuneful natural bass response that makes this special. It sounds fat, in a word: thick and full with a fast attack and heaps of low-midrange warmth to thicken things up. The black finish has a low-key relic job job applied on the top side of the body, but there's plenty of natural wear to match and it has plenty of visual presence and appeal in the flesh... it's got a self-assured swagger, no doubt. This is pretty close in price to the higher end new Squiers and cheaper than a Fender Player Series, and frankly it's both far better and far, far cooler than either of those options. Just saying.

Model: Squier Telecaster, CTL30
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date Nov 22 1985 (serial E548689)
Finish: black, 1-ply black guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 42mm nut, modern C shape
Weight: 3.650kg
Mods: finish
Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Single x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs and marks on the end and some minor dimples on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and some rub-wear on the edge of the board only. The back has a dent near the neck plate, some dimples in the elbow area, widespread light scuffs and a deliberately rubbed-to-matte- patch along the top edge. The sides have some scuffs on the top horn, a couple of minor chips and some dimples in the elbow area, a chip and some dimples near the jack and some scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has a patch of deliberate rub wear including a bald patch on the elbow area, as well as widespread minor scuffs. Overall condition: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal play wear, they're pretty even with no major buzz issues but there is some height gone; 5/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.