1986-1987 Fender Japan Telecaster CTL-50RL, Left-Handed, MIJ - Antique Ash - Leather Pickguard / Pro Setup

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.

Fender Japan CTL-50RL Left-Handed 1986–1987 - Custom Antique Ash Finish

If you're reading this, the guitar already did exactly what it was supposed to - it made you stop scrolling.

This is an exceptionally rare left-handed Fender Japan CTL-50RL built at the legendary Fujigen factory between 1986 and 1987. Left-handed Japanese Fenders from this era are incredibly difficult to find, and examples with this level of character and individuality appear only once in a long while. It's genuinely a one-of-one instrument that stands out the moment you see it.

Finished in a beautiful custom Antique Ash finish and paired with a handcrafted TS Factory leather pickguard, this Tele has an unmistakable look that feels both vintage and custom-built at the same time. TS Factory is well known in Japan for producing premium handcrafted leather guitar accessories, and the pickguard transforms the guitar into something truly unique without feeling overdone.

According to the previous owner, it was professionally refinished into the beautiful finish you see today, giving it a timeless appearance that perfectly complements the leather pickguard.

Most importantly, this isn't just a conversation piece - it sounds absolutely incredible. It has everything you'd expect from a great vintage-style Japanese Telecaster: clear, articulate highs, punchy mids, tight low end, and plenty of classic Tele twang. It's an inspiring guitar that immediately makes you want to keep playing.

The vintage-style frets are in very good condition with light, even wear, no divots, no dead spots, and plenty of life remaining. It has been professionally set up with comfortable low action, excellent intonation, and effortless playability across the entire neck.

Cosmetically, the guitar is in excellent condition for its age. Aside from just a couple of tiny dings and some very light fingerboard wear consistent with careful use (please refer to the photos), it presents beautifully.

Finding a left-handed Fender Japan Telecaster from the Fujigen era is already difficult. Finding one with this level of personality, craftsmanship, and visual presence is even rarer. If you're looking for something that nobody else at the gig will have, this is exactly that guitar.

No case included.

The following work has been done: full fretboard conditioning with lemon oil, 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
• Shape: Telecaster (Left-Handed)
• Body Wood: Basswood
• Finish: Custom Antique Ash, gloss
• Pickguard: Custom handcrafted TS Factory leather pickguard
• Construction: Solid body, bolt-on neck

Neck
• Neck Material: Maple
• Neck Profile: Vintage "C"
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: 7.25" (184 mm)
• Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
• Nut Width: 1.650" (42 mm)
• Truss Rod: Adjustable at heel
• Neck Joint: Bolt-on
• Frets: 21 vintage-style

Electronics
• Pickups: Original Fender Japan Telecaster single-coils
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
• Switching: 3-way blade switch
• Wiring: Fully functional

Hardware
• Bridge: Vintage-style Telecaster bridge with 3 brass saddles, string-through-body
• Tuners: Original Fender Japan vintage-style tuners
• Knobs: Chrome knurled Telecaster knobs
• Output Jack: Traditional Telecaster cup jack
• Strap Buttons: Original Fender chrome

Other
• Model: Fender Japan CTL-50RL Left-Handed
• Year: 1986–1987
• Made in: Japan (Fujigen)
• Weight: 7.8lb / 3.5kg
• Orientation: Left-handed
• Case: No case included