Fender Telecaster TL-71 Limited Edition, Made in Japan 2010-2011 - Gold Grain Burst

This Fender Telecaster TL-71 Limited Edition, Made in Japan, is a special run model produced for the Japanese domestic market. According to serial lookup databases, this instrument was manufactured at the FujiGen plant for Fender Japan, most likely between 2010–2011 (some systems also return 1995–1996 as a possible match, which can occasionally happen with certain MIJ serial formats). Based on the model specifications, hardware configuration, and finish, this example most closely aligns with the later 2010–2011 production period.

The finish is officially referred to as Gold Grain Burst - a striking yellow-gold to black burst over an ash body. The ash grain is clearly visible through the translucent finish, and there is a subtle metallic shimmer under the clear coat that gives it a refined, almost gold-flake appearance under direct light. It’s a very distinctive and elegant take on a Telecaster, classic shape with a luxurious twist.

This Shimamura Music limited edition model features gold-plated hardware throughout. The bridge has been upgraded to a Babicz FCH-TEL for improved sustain, stability, and precise intonation. The bridge pickup has been replaced with a DiMarzio DP173 “Black Twang King” to deliver strong Tele clarity with better control at higher gain levels, while the neck pickup remains original. The guitar is equipped with medium jumbo frets and a rosewood fingerboard, offering a comfortable, slightly more modern playing feel.

An interesting detail: the control plate is installed in reverse orientation visually, meaning the first knob (closest to the neck) functions as tone, and the second knob functions as volume. However, the selector switch operates in the standard Telecaster configuration (bridge / bridge + neck / neck) and is not reversed electrically, only the physical knob order differs from the traditional layout.

Cosmetically, the guitar is in excellent overall condition. There are minor signs of careful use consistent with age, light surface wear and small imperfections as shown in the photos. The gold plating shows some natural aging in places, which is typical for gold hardware, but nothing excessive. Structurally solid, and electronically everything works perfectly. No buzzing, no abnormal noise, clean and fully functional.

Weight is approximately 3.9 kg (about 8.6 lbs), giving it a solid, resonant feel typical of ash-bodied Telecasters.

A visually unique and tonally versatile Made in Japan Telecaster that stands out both in appearance and performance, a great choice for players who want classic Tele character with upgraded components and a rare limited-edition finish.

The following work has been done: full cleaning, lemon oil fretboard treatment, fret spot leveling/polishing and string height setup (2.3 mm at the 12th fret on the low E string), pickup height adjusted for balance and clarity, and a fresh set of D'Addario XL 10/46 strings installed.

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.

Body

• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck
• Wood: Ash
• Finish: Gold Grain Burst (translucent yellow-gold to black burst with visible ash grain and subtle metallic shimmer under clear coat)
• Pickguard: 3-ply black
• Weight: approx. 3.9 kg / 8.6 lbs
• Contours: Classic Telecaster slab body

Neck

• Material: Maple
• Joint: Bolt-on
• Profile: Comfortable modern “C”
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: approx. 7.25"–9.5" (typical MIJ spec, feels vintage-leaning)
• Frets: 21 medium jumbo
• Fret Condition: Very good, minimal wear
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut: Synthetic bone
• Nut Width: approx. 42 mm
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyurethane

Hardware

• Bridge: Babicz FCH-TEL (upgraded)
• Saddles: Individual Babicz full-contact saddles
• Tuners: Vintage-style sealed tuners (gold-plated)
• Strap Buttons: Standard
• Hardware Finish: Gold-plated (natural aging visible in some areas)

Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: DiMarzio DP173 “Black Twang King” (upgraded)
• Neck Pickup: Original Fender Japan single-coil
• Controls:
  • Tone (first knob, closest to neck – reversed layout)
  • Volume (second knob)
• Switching: 3-way selector (standard Tele operation: bridge / bridge+neck / neck)
• Output Jack: Side-mounted Tele-style cup
• Configuration: SS

Other

• Limited Edition: Shimamura Music exclusive model
• Production: FujiGen plant (Fender Japan)
• Year: Most likely 2010–2011 (some serial databases also indicate 1995–1996; specs align with later production)
• Made in: Japan
• Orientation: Right-handed
• Condition: Excellent cosmetic condition; minor surface wear consistent with careful use; electronics fully functional
• Notes: Control plate visually reversed (tone/volume order swapped), selector works in standard configuration
• Case: Not Included