Up for sale, a 1987 Fender Rosewood Telecaster ‘69 vintage reissue model TL69-115 in excellent, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. A rare, top-tier reissue of the Telecaster model made famous by George Harrison in the waning days of the Beatles, this instrument was produced in the golden age of "Made in Japan" production at the Fujigen factory. And while most examples from ‘87 have a letter prefix serial number, this is one of the rare few that left the factory with the same serialized bridge base as Fender’s American Vintage models.

Beyond the various tiers available for Fender Japan’s Rosewood Telecasters (this being the absolute pinnacle of what was offered both in and outside the catalog), there are few additional subtle yet impactful hardware variations, often blending 1950s and ‘60s-spec componentry. In this case, the factory hardware includes ‘50s-spec Kluson-style tuners, domed knurled knobs, and Blackguard-style brass saddles. All hardware is stock, and only the 115 tier boasted a gloss lacquer finish.

The natural acoustic tone of the rosewood body/neck is lively, detailed and warm, qualities channeled through the factory-installed pair of Fender’s American Vintage ‘52 Telecaster pickups. These pickups feature black fiber bobbins and alnico magnet construction with vintage-spec winds and cloth-covered leads, yielding a woody, percussive cut in the neck position and Tele twang and sparkle with the bridge pickup selected. Weighing 9lbs 10oz, this Rosewood Telecaster has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Rosewood
• Shape: Slender C, measuring .790” 1st fret, .890” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, 7 1/4" vintage-spec radius
• Frets: Slender, leveled/crowned, no wear
• Scale Length: 25 1/2"
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42mm), bone
• Tuners: Kluson-style
• Factory Markings: TL69-115 stamps on neck pocket/heel

Body Specs:

• Wood: Rosewood
• Pickups: American Vintage '52 single coil x2
• Controls: Volume, Tone, Three-way pickup selector
• Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to the 8th week of ‘87
• Hardware: “Pat. Pend” American Vintage bridge with brass barrel saddles, dome-top knurled knobs
• Plastics: Three-ply black pickguard, ‘50s-style switch tip
• Serialization: Four-digit stamp on bridge base

The gloss lacquer finish highlights the grain of the rosewood, exhibiting very subtle cloudiness in the clear coat on the back and perimeter. There are just a couple minor dings on the bass side of the top, subtle pick scuffing along the strum path, and some faint finish scratches. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean, with one finish chip on the edge of the headstock.

The original faux leather padded gigbag is included.