Is this Sen Ash or Basswood??

The guitar in question is an MIJ Telecaster (TL52-55). My instincts tell me it is an ash body of some sort. Good medium weight (7-8lbs would be my guess). I have no idea the year. It is an A0xxxxx SN on the bridge plate, and the heel of the neck isn't stamped with a date. Great playing guitar that I picked up on the cheap $300 about 7 years ago.

Yea, a real nice looking Tele. Definitely NOT basswood though, as basswood has very little distinct grain to speak of. Not even sure if it's ash, actually. Alder can look a little like that sometimes so, let's just say I know what it AIN'T!

Yeah, I'd say probably sen (Japanese ash).

Looks a lot like the examples of sen ash I've seen. Nice guitar.

Yes, it's sen, which is described as having a silvery lustre to the grain. Sen isn't ash though. It just resembles ash to look at.

Thanks for educating me. I actually have been playing this guitar more than my Hot Rod Tele. This guitar's neck just feels more comfortable than the Hot Rod.

Yes, it's sen, which is described as having a silvery lustre to the grain. Sen isn't ash though. It just resembles ash to look at.


Very well stated. Superficially looks like ash, then that silvery luster informs you that it is in fact sen.

Very well stated.

Everything I know, I learned from the elders of the TDPRI!