Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

[Animal]

I've always wanted a nice sounding, playing, and looking tele but I can't seem to justify paying MIA prices, in my non-professional situation at least. Most entry level used MIA Fenders here in Australia start at just around $1000.

While I don't have my finger on the trigger for buying this instrument I've certainly been daydreaming about it for the past several weeks whilst it's been up for grabs:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/LEFTY-Fender...ryZ38083QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Has all the standard features I want. Classic tele pickup configuration, maple board, and I'm really digging the black pickguard/darker sunburst look. I've bit of a hard time trying to find an Lefty MIJ tele like this for a reasonable price. From what I've heard, Mijsixstringkatana is a very reputable seller.

I have other guitars for harder styles of music. This looks pretty good for a twangy vintage tone. I guess this is one of those "talk me into buying this" threads. I know how often Fender Japan seems to be praised but I'd thought I'd get some opinions on this specific axe.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

I have the right handed blonde version. I was in the same situation as you, I wanted a vintage style Tele, but didn't want to pay $1300 for one. I can't imagne the MIA one is much, if any better than the CIJ. THe neck is a semi-chunky V with a vintage gloss finish, the hardware is all nice and even the pickups are good. I thought I'd be replacing them for sure, but they do what I need, a little meat on the bridge and a little more clarity then normal on the neck. Anything from twangy country to roots rock and classic rock, it does great, not tomention blues. It handles OD, distortion and fuzz well too.

If that's the configuration you want, I'd say get it.

 

[Falstaff]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

I don't think you can go wrong with that guitar. I have the CIJ 52 Tele (I think the guitar in the photo is a 54 or 55 RI and is pretty rare) and 54 Strat and they are both great guitars. I like the TX Specials that came with my Tele fine, especially the neck pickup.

Go for it. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. The necks are nice.

 

[Animal]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

Say PFDarkside, ya wouldn't happen to have any pics of your 52 tele?

 

[Pastor of Muppets]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

Looks nice. As far as quality goes, my MIJ Tele (same config but different bridge and headstock) is my No.1 - ahead of a Gibson LP and a Gretsch Firebird. 'Nuff said.

 

[Falstaff]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

Here's one of mine:

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

I say go for it, I was looking for a CIJ tele, but got struck with strat GAS and bought a CIJ strat instead. I will be buying a CIJ tele th, when the right one comes along. I say that guitar you posted on the bay several times and probly would have bought it had it not been a lefty.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

Say PFDarkside, ya wouldn't happen to have any pics of your 52 tele?

Sure. Sorry, it's a little dirty, and the color is a little lighter than it appears in the pic. Let me know if you want to see anything else on it.

 

[Animal]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

Thanks for the pics and responses guys. I'd pull the trigger if I had a bit more money. I'm also eyeing out a 1981 MIJ Vantage VP795 guitar that's on eBay atm.

GAS has me by the balls. I'm also looking out for a nice speaker cabinet. It's hard to prioritize when you want heaps of different gear at once with only a limited amount of money.

I should probably get off my arse and do something about selling the other gear I don't use anymore.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

I have the right handed blonde version. I was in the same situation as you, I wanted a vintage style Tele, but didn't want to pay $1300 for one. I can't imagne the MIA one is much, if any better than the CIJ. THe neck is a semi-chunky V with a vintage gloss finish, the hardware is all nice and even the pickups are good. I thought I'd be replacing them for sure, but they do what I need, a little meat on the bridge and a little more clarity then normal on the neck. Anything from twangy country to roots rock and classic rock, it does great, not tomention blues. It handles OD, distortion and fuzz well too.

If that's the configuration you want, I'd say get it.

I have the same guitar..... A friend actually gave it to me. I replaced the pots, switch and Pickups. I have a Vintage 54N and a Jerry Donahue Bridge in this. Sounds awesome and plays great.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Fender Japan 52' Tele Reissue

Buy it buy it buy it. Sell any other guitar you own and buy it. They are that good. If you want a more modern tone you will probably want to replace the pickups, but these are great guitars. Buy it.