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.

1999-2002 Fender Japan TL-67SPL "Sonny" Keith Richards Telecaster - 3-Tone Sunburst

A fantastic Japanese-made Fender TL-67SPL "Sonny" Telecaster in classic 3-Tone Sunburst, inspired by one of the most iconic Telecasters in rock 'n' roll history!

Inspired by Keith Richards' legendary "Sonny" Telecaster, this model captures the unmistakable character of his famous humbucker-equipped Tele - a guitar closely associated with the unmistakable sound and attitude of The Rolling Stones.

Produced by Fender Japan around the turn of the millennium, the TL-67SPL is a distinctive take on the classic Telecaster formula. Featuring a neck humbucker paired with a traditional Telecaster bridge single-coil, it offers a wonderfully versatile combination of thick, warm neck tones and the bright, punchy bite that makes a great Tele so special.

Built in relatively limited numbers compared to standard Telecaster models, the TL-67SPL has become an increasingly desirable find among fans of Japanese Fender guitars, Keith Richards enthusiasts, and players looking for something a little different from the usual Tele.

One particularly interesting detail is the "SAMPLE" factory stamp found inside the neck pickup cavity. Such markings can sometimes indicate guitars produced for factory evaluation, quality testing, or dealer demonstrations rather than regular production. While the exact purpose of this particular stamp remains unconfirmed, it adds an intriguing touch of Japanese manufacturing history and makes this already distinctive Telecaster even more interesting to collectors and enthusiasts.

The guitar retains its original Japanese pickups, with everything functioning exactly as it should. From warm, bluesy cleans to gritty, open rock 'n' roll tones, this Tele delivers plenty of vintage-inspired character.

The guitar is in good overall condition, showing natural playwear consistent with its age, including surface scratches, small dings, and finish chips. There is one more noticeable finish chip along the lower rear edge of the body, clearly shown in the photos.

The frets remain in good condition, with normal even wear and no significant divots or dead spots. The electronics work properly, and the guitar has been professionally set up for comfortable playability.

No case included.

With its beautiful Sunburst finish, original Japanese pickups, distinctive humbucker/single-coil configuration, and unmistakable Keith Richards-inspired styling, this TL-67SPL is a fantastic example of Fender Japan's more characterful and collectible Telecaster models. A proper rock 'n' roll machine, ready for its next stage!

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 1.9 mm - set for comfortable playability. 

Body

• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck
• Wood: White Ash (Sen ash)
• Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst, gloss polyester
• Pickguard: Black 5-hole ("Sonny" style)
• Weight: 7.38 lbs 
• Contours: Classic Telecaster slab body

Neck
• Material: Maple
• Joint: Bolt-on
• Profile: Slim "C"
• Fingerboard: Maple (one-piece construction)
• Radius: 7.25" (184 mm)
• Frets: 21 vintage-style frets
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut: Synthetic bone
• Nut Width: approx. 42 mm / 1.65"
• Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 0.82"
• Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 0.90"
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyester
• Headstock: Late-'60s Telecaster style with large Fender logo

Hardware

• Bridge: Original vintage-style 6-saddle brass Telecaster bridge (string-through-body)
• Tuners: Fender Japan / Gotoh vintage-style sealed tuners
• Strap Buttons: Standard Fender style
• Hardware Finish: Chrome / Bronze

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Original Fender Japan Dragster Humbucker - 7.62kOm
• Bridge Pickup: Original Fender Japan Single Coil - 6.15kOm
• Controls:
  • Master Volume
  • Master Tone
• Switching: 3-way blade switch
• Output Jack: 1/4" mono
• Configuration: HS (Humbucker / Single-Coil)

Other

• Model: Fender Japan TL67-65SPL "Sonny" Telecaster
• Year: 1999-2002
• Made in: Japan
• Orientation: Right-handed
• Case: Not included