Epic Axes is a musician-driven showroom in Los Angeles. Each guitar is personally selected, inspected, and tested to ensure top performance - only instruments we would play ourselves become part of our collection. Text us to book a visit.

Made in Japan during the golden era of Fender Japan production, this 1989–1990 Fender TL-72 / CTL-50M Telecasteris an exceptionally clean example of a late-’80s Japanese Tele.

Finished in classic Natural Ash, the guitar has that unmistakable ’70s Telecaster look - natural wood grain, black pickguard, maple neck, and the simple, no-nonsense aesthetic that makes these Japanese Fenders so cool.

What really stands out is the condition. For a guitar that is over 35 years old, this one has been remarkably well preserved. There are almost no noticeable chips or significant dings - just light signs of normal use and aging that you would expect from a vintage instrument. Overall, it presents extremely clean and has clearly been well cared for throughout its life.

The guitar retains its original Fender Japan pickups and electronics, keeping the instrument true to its original factory character. It delivers exactly what you want from a classic Tele - clear and articulate neck tones, plenty of bite and definition from the bridge, and that unmistakable Tele snap in the middle position.

The frets are in very good condition for their age, showing normal and even wear with no deep grooves or problematic divots. They have been cleaned and polished to a smooth, mirror-like finish. The guitar plays comfortably across the neck with no buzzing or dead spots.

The neck feels great, and overall the guitar is a very smooth and inspiring player. These late-’80s / early-’90s Made in Japan Fender Telecasters have earned a great reputation for their build quality, consistency, and classic Fender feel, and finding one this clean is becoming increasingly difficult.

A beautiful, remarkably well-preserved Natural Ash MIJ Telecaster with original electronics, great frets, and all the character you want from a vintage Fender Japan.

The following work has been done: full fretboard cleaning, fret polish, pickup height adjustment for balance and clarity, and a fresh set of D’Addario 10-46s installed. String height at the 12th fret on the low E is right at 2.2 mm - set for comfortable playability. 

Body

• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck
• Wood: Sen Ash
• Finish: Natural, gloss polyurethane
• Pickguard: Black 3-ply Telecaster-style pickguard
• Weight: approx. 7.0-8.0 lbs
• Contours: Traditional Telecaster body

Neck

• Material: 1-piece Maple
• Joint: Bolt-on
• Profile: Vintage-style "C"
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Radius: 7.25"
• Frets: 21 medium jumbo frets
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut: Original-style synthetic nut
• Nut Width: approx. 42 mm / 1.65"
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyurethane

Hardware

• Bridge: Vintage-style 3-saddle Telecaster bridge with brass saddles
• Tuners: Gotoh
• Control Plate: Chrome Telecaster-style
• Knobs: Dome-style chrome knobs
• Switch Tip: Black
• Strap Buttons: Standard Fender style
• Hardware Finish: Chrome

Electronics

• Pickups: Original Fender Japan vintage-style Telecaster single-coils
• Controls:
  • Volume (master)
  • Tone (master)
• Switching: 3-way selector switch
• Output Jack: 1/4" mono
• Configuration: SS

Other

• Model: CTL-50M (TL-72 style)
• Year: 1989-1990
• Made in: Japan (FujiGen)
• Electronics: Original pickups and electronics
• Wiring: Original Telecaster wiring
• Fret Condition: Very good
• Setup: Professionally set up with low action and excellent intonation
• Cosmetic Condition: Excellent overall condition with minor signs of use consistent with age
• Case: Not included
• Playability: Fully serviced, professionally set up, and ready for studio or stage use
• Tone: Bright, punchy, resonant, and articulate with classic Telecaster twang, excellent note separation, and strong dynamic response throughout the frequency range