Up for sale, a 1983 Fender Telecaster '52 reissue model TL52-65 in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. This early JV-serial Tele is loaded with stock black bobbin pickups, and the tone is very representative of the articulation, twang, and dynamic liveliness of Fender's first Blackguard Teles.
Produced in the second year of Fender Japan production, this rare model was made exclusively for the Japanese domestic market as part of the "Japanese Vintage" (JV) line which only lasted from 1982-84. These well-crafted instruments paralleled Fender USA’s reissue production at the Fullerton factory. Built on the traditional tonewood platform of a premium ash body and one-piece maple neck, this guitar is a dynamic and soulful instrument with the expected midrange complexity, resonance, and treble articulation, accentuated by the sparkling, well-defined pickups. The bridge pickup delivers a dynamic, chewy twang, while the neck pickup has ideal fullness and bell-like top end. The guitar weighs 7lbs 14oz, dialed in with low action and fresh 10-46 strings here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar.
The maple neck has a medium C-shaped profile carve with round shoulders and lightly rolled fretboard edges, measuring .825" deep at the 1st fret and .915" at the 12th. The maple fretboard has a 7 1/4" radius, and the original slender frets have their full factory height, showing moderate wear beneath all strings on frets 1-3, with wear growing lighter and extending beneath the plain strings until fret 9. The instrument plays cleanly up the 25 1/2" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut is a hand-carved piece of bone measuring 1.650" (42mm) in width, and the headstock has a "spaghetti" Fender decal and "Made in Japan" text above the four-bolt neck plate
The body features a treasure trove of vintage correct touches, with all slotted screws, domed knobs, appropriately matte-finished single-ply pickguard, brass saddles, and a serial number with the JV-prefix on the bridge plate. The electronics are 100% original, with black bobbin pickups, cloth-covered leads, and pots which date to June of '83. The chrome plating on the hardware has plenty of shine, with light patina across the saddles.
The Butterscotch gloss finish exhibits one ding of note north of the string ferrules on the back, and some additional concentrated wear on the bass-side lower bout body edge. Beyond that, there are some small, shallow dings across the back, and more restrained wear on top. The neck profile has a couple small spots of light wear through the profile gloss and on the fretboard edges in the 1st position.
A vintage Japanese-made black tolex hardshell case is included.