Rosewood Telecaster

[deano48]

I’m looking at Fender Rosewood Telecaster that friend of mine has that he said he purchased new in the 80’s. He said it is American made. My question is how can you tell if it was made in America or Japan?

 

[horax]

Serial number

 

[warrent]

I'm not sure there was a US made rosewood tele from the eighties, the originals were 69 to 72 and the MIJ's were 86 to 96.

 

[Fretting out]

I realize I’m late but It should have a mij “made in Japan” decal near the heel right above the neck plate

Lots of times people sand them off so if you see damage in that area it’s a give away

Also the mij teles tend to have the “tadeo carve” on the back of the headstock

And mij’s should have an “A” serial in the bridge plate if it’s 80’s to mid 90’s

Unless it’s a rare custom shop model it’s either mij or not fender at all

 

[KeithDavies 100]

These were Japanese, not American - I have one, bought new in either '87 or '88. I replaced the pickups with Joe Barden's about ten years ago. I think it's the one I'll be buried with!

 

[KeithDavies 100]

Sorry - appreciate sitting making know-it-all pronouncements from my couch may not be hugely helpful, so I went and took a couple of pics. You're looking for something on the back of the neck, close to where it joins the body.

 

[Lou Tencodpees]

I remember being infatuated with one at a shop decades ago. I seem to recall it was branded with a Made in Japan decal as above. Eventually I came to grips with the fact that the Harrison factor was the only appeal for that particular guitar. It weighed a ton and the tone was brittle.

Still, they're pretty cool looking.

 

[KeithDavies 100]

You're right about the weight. It was my first solid body, so I didn't have any other experience to compare to, and as a result, every electric I've played since has felt somehow insubstantial! I had an idea that the rosewood would add some depth or something to the tone. (I knew nothing!) I think, though, that you just end up setting the amp EQ slightly differently. (Or you put Bardens on it...!)

 

[boris bubbanov]

Yeah, despite the fact that these MIJ rosewoods were made of such precious materials, the pickups are not impressive.

Despite what people's eyes tell them, a rosewood neck is more liable to be bright than a primarily maple one of the same construction. Sometimes that bright is a weird bright - try before buying, I'd say.

 

[Rainman Ray]

Hey guys, I stumbled across this thread while researching MIJ Rosewood Tele values. I bought mine in 1986 and I am the original owner. SNA019456. Original Fender case (tweed w/ orange lining) I thought I even had the original sales receipt in the case, but unfortunately it’s not there anymore. It has only been played in a handful of gigs back in the late 80s. I was nothing more than a strummer, and unfortunately I was not even very good at that. Lol. So it was never thrashed. I can guarantee it has never been opened up or apart, and I don’t believe it was even set up by the music store I bought it from. (I really didn’t know any better) As a matter of fact, for the life of me, I don’t ever remember even changing strings as hard as that is to believe. Anyway, it has been sitting in the case for 30+ years and I am thinking it might be time for someone else to enjoy it. If anyone can give me suggestions as to current value or how to go about an appraisal I would really appreciate it. I will dig it out and clean it up to get some pictures tomorrow hopefully. Thanks everyone, and sorry for the long winded post.

 

[KeithDavies 100]

You hardly ever see them. I bought mine around the same time - also new, and also without a decent set-up! I occasionally see them for sale for anything from £1300 to £2000 here in the UK.

Perhaps have a look on Ebay, and search sold items? Like everything else, I imagine there'll be more to get a gauge from in the US than over here, simply because the market's so much bigger.

 

[glaswerks3483]

I’m looking at Fender Rosewood Telecaster that friend of mine has that he said he purchased new in the 80’s. He said it is American made. My question is how can you tell if it was made in America or Japan?

I bought one new in 1986 still have it and will never go up for sale.

Traits

1. Heavy as hell (more than my Gibson Goldtop). I used mine for live gigs for years.
2. Serial Number (start with an A) for years I thought it was American made.
3. Find it darker than my AVRI 52' reissue.
4. Great sustain.
5. Gorgoeus neck profile, mine could use a partial refret on the first few frets.
6. Stock pickups are pretty fair.
7. No ashtray provided with 86 models.

The 86's are commanding pretty big bucks these days, seen them Going for $5k+
Back in the 80's I saw a real 70 going for 4500.

If you can get it for a decent price, go for it.

Gary
www.glaswerks.com

 

[Fenderdad1950]

The weight issue, that reminds me of a song ..... whoops, sorry

 

[KeithDavies 100]

The weight issue, that reminds me of a song ..... whoops, sorry

All the prompting I need! This version brings tears to my eyes every time...