Squier Telecaster CTL30 Black MIJ 1986
Squier CTL30 Telecaster, made in Japan in 1986, black on black. You see a few Japanese made Squier Strats around, but these early MIJ Squier Teles are a rare treat. This rolled off the line at Fujigen Gakki a couple of short years after the famous JV-serial guitars, so it was made by the same hands to a brilliant standard. The magic on these E-serial guitars is the necks, and this is absolutely a case-in-point: the neck rules. It's a slim, seventies style C shape, cut from gorgeous quartersawn maple and blessed with a gorgeous dark rosewood board. It feels amazing in the hands, it's super smooth and straight but just has a certain ease that gets the tunes flowing effortlessly. A previous owner has drilled the body for a string-through bridge setup, which adds a bit of sustain and low end to the tone; it's functionally a great mod although the holes aren't perfectly straight... character, right? This sounds huge: heaps of natural 'Tele twang' but balanced with a juicy, tight low end and a mile-wide warm and airy midrange. Plus, the black-on-black has a certain understated swagger to it. Just like you, right?
Model: Squier Telecaster, CTL30
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, neck date 13 Mar 1986 (serial E635483)
Finish: black, 3-ply black guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, 42mm nut, modern C shape
Weight: 3.580kg
Mods: tuners replaced, drilled and ferrules fitted for string-through-body, bridge and saddles replaced
Pickups: Squier Japan TL-Single x2
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. Neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some checking lines and widespread light scuffs and dimples. The holes for the ferrules aren't 100% straight, although they're perfectly functional . The sides have light scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front has widespread light dimples around the whole body and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall condition: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal play wear, they're pretty even; 6.5/10 for life left. Cool little guy!