Fender Telecaster Custom 72 Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1993), made in Japan, serial # N059707, black finish, hardwood body, maple neck, molded plastic hard shell case.
This guitar is a fine example of a classic older re-issue: Fender Japan's stellar rendition of one of the American company's better regarded 1970s instruments, the second-generation Telecaster Custom. This model, dubbed the "Custom 72" was introduced in 1984-5, only 12 years after the debut of the original. These were originally a Japanese Market only piece, not intended for distribution in the US and quite a faithful reproduction. If not for the "Fender Japan" on the neckplate and Gotoh cast-housing tuners many players might not immediately notice the difference!
This style Telecaster Custom was originally introduced in the US 1972, a product of CBS/Fender at the beginning of the '70s when Gibson's Les Pauls were experiencing a wave of popularity. The model is a factory-built reflection of a modification many players were making in the field, fitting Fender's Telecaster with a Gibson humbucking pickup. It differs from the standard Telecaster primarily in carrying the Fender "Wide Range" humbucking pickup in the neck position, while retaining the traditional Telecaster lead pickup at the bridge. This configuration offers the maximum tonal range of any Fender from the period.
The one-piece maple neck carries the newer "bullet" style truss rod adjustment and 3-bolt tilt neck attachment, both features also direct from the American version. Comparing the two side by side (yes we did it) there are a few noticeable differences, notably the larger script "Custom" on the headstock logo, those Japanese made tuners and the cheaper barrel saddles on the bridge. There are other small detail differences, but really the amazing thing is how close this comes to the original both visually and sonically.
The Telecaster Custom of this type has proven enduringly popular, widely regarded as one of the best of Fender's 1970s designs. Notable users of this model when new included Keith Richards and Mick Green, and many others have joined in since. Fender Japan obviously noticed its appeal early on, resulting in this curious doppelganger, a reissue of a fairly recent guitar at the time!
Overall length is 38 11/16 in. (98.3 cm.), 12 3/4 in. (32.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.)., 8.63 lbs.
This is a lightly used now 30-year-old and unaltered example in fine condition for its age. There is minor play and handling wear including a few small dings and scuffs to the finish but overall it is nicely preserved. The frets have very minor wear and it plays very well. At 8.63 LBs it is heavier than some Japanese Teles but still lighter than many 70's US originals and handles very nicely.
It sounds pretty close as well; the bridge pickup is bright and spanky in the Japanese Tele tradition but their rendition of Fender's "Full range" humbucker is not an exacting repro but comes closer sonically than one might expect, with plenty of output and a surprisingly rich tone! A cool "dark horse" Tele and a nice example of how Fender Japan took over and the flame going when the US company nearly expired. It is housed in a Fender branded molded HSC. Excellent Condition.
