Fender Telecaster CTL-50M 1984 - 1987 - Butterscotch Blonde MIJ Custom Order E Serial

Fender Japan Telecaster CTL-50M Custom Order Made in Japan Serial Number E839659

Here we have a Telecaster manufactured in Japan at the Fujigen facotry at some point between 1984 and 1987 according to the E serial number prefix. The moderately thick neck is marked "Custom Order" and "CTL-50M", and the neck pocket is stamped "TL'72-60", so this is a guitar that is thought to have been made as a custom order at the time.

The CTL-50M first appeared as the Squier branded CTL-50 before the TL72-55 was released, and was available with maple and rosewood fingerboards like the TL72-55. Since the catalog description at the time lists it as a "70's Telecaster", it can also be said to be the TL72-55. Murky waters indeed, so it's difficult to make a definitive judgment based on the documents from that period alone.

The biggest feature of this particular guitar is the use of gold parts, which is thought to be unique to custom orders. The body appears to be made of two pieces of ash or possibly Japanese Sen and features a very nicely aged blonde poly finish while the maple neck has a slightly thick modern flat oval profile and a 21 fret maple fingerboard. Controls consist of the modern standard 1VOL / 1TONE and 3-way switch configuration.

All parts and electronics appear to be original to the guitar except for the selector switch and the 3-ply pick guard which are modern replacements, as are 3 screws. Additionally, some of the original screw holes had been stripped out. Those have all been plugged and re-drilled.

After a deep clean, some minor repairs and a good set-up the guitar plays perfectly and is functioning as it should. Unlike relics, the actual real world aging of 40 year old wood gives it a vintage feel – and possibly tone – that cannot be replicated.

Cosmetically there are minor scratches or marks to the body, noticeable wear to the fret board, including some bubbling of the finish at the 6th and 7th frets which won't last long and once broken will reveal the wood underneath, darkening over time. Finally, there is some flaking of the gold hardware at the control plate and general wear and corrosion present at the tuning knobs and bridge assembly.

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Accessories:

• Non original soft case

Condition, Modifications & Further Specifications:

• In addition to dull parts, there are scratches, scrapes, dents, fading, and other signs of use. We have drilled new screw holes where necessary, replaced the pickguard, switch and 3 screws.
• Truss rod: Room for adjustment
• Frets: 70% or more remaining.
• Neck: Straight
• Nut width: Approximately 42.5mm / 1.67"
• Neck Radius: Approximately 7.25"
• Weight: Approximately 3.94kg / 8.68lbs

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All customs duties, fees and import procedures are the responsibility of the buyer. Please be aware of the import duties & requirements in your country.

Should an item be returned due buyer’s failure to pay taxes, customs fees, etc. the cost of the return shipping charges will be subtracted from the refund amount.

Used items can be returned within 7 days of delivery. The cost of a return shipment, which must be trackable and insured, shall be borne by the buyer.

When packing an instrument for shipment we take every precaution to prevent damage during transit.

We always try to accurately convey the condition of our products, however please bear in mind that feel, performance and even condition are subjective. In light of this, please examine the photos carefully!

When examining a truss rod on a straight neck, we check that it can turn up to about 45 degrees in both directions. When we say the truss rod can be adjusted, we mean it can be adjusted up to 45 degrees. Anything beyond that risks damaging the instrument.

Please note that the product description was made at the time of listing and there may be a slight variance when you receive your instrument due to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Regarding accessories, only those shown in the photo or listed as "Accessories" in the description are available.

This item is also on offer locally and might sell elsewhere.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us. We are based in Japan so there may be a delay between your initial communication and our response. We are not ignoring you! Thank you for your patience.

Unauthorized reproduction of images and text is strictly prohibited.