Fender '72 Tele, black, made in Japan 1986-8. This is a pragmatic party machine with miles on the clock and plenty of gas still in the tank. The 1972 version of the Telecaster had bold black CBS-era decals, black dots, modern tuners, a four-bolt neck plate, three-ply black guard, barrel saddle bridge and a three-ply guard, so this model got all those specs as tribute. These 80s-era Fender Japan Teles always have amazing necks, and this is a good example: the neck is a comfy 70s-style U shape carved from some top-notch maple, and it feels fantastic in the hands. The tone is on the warm and gooey side of the Tele-twang spectrum: still bright and bristling, but with a generous midrange growl and plenty of body to balance the bite. The black finish has plenty of knocks and bruises, but hey: good guitars get played, right?

Model: Fender Telecaster TL72-55 
Made: Japan, 1986-8, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: E971659
Finish: Black, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 7.25 radius, 42mm nut, moderate U shape
Weight: 3.470kg
Mods: none
Pickups: TL-Current single coil x2
Accessories: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and top edge and some scuffs on the front, back and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has a chip on the bottom horn, dimples along the back edge and widespread minor scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body and some dents near the jack and minor chips on the bottom horn. The front has dents on the edge in the elbow area, dimples around the controls and bridge, minor scuffs around the whole body and play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very 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. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only