Any Love Here For MIJ TL52?

[MCSS86]

I've seen good numbers in the honey/amber finish but too many in my 2 tone. Bought it from the original owner, 10 or 11 years back, who got it new in the late 80's

....and, it's on the heavy side of light

 

[Twang Tone]

That's pretty. 2 Tone Sunburst over Ash is my second color preference after White Blonde over Ash.

 

[rze99]

Nice ash grain.I've only played one. Beautifully made (as ever with Japanese Fenders) but it weighed more than my dear old Auntie Ethel....

 

[BrandonIke]

That's gorgeous

 

[smsuryan]

Wise purchase!! That color is really nice, and it looks like a two-piece body. I have a TL-52 also, its what we call "a keeper".

 

[vincent]

I have a 96 MIJ TL52. Absolutely great. I did change out the original pickups, pots, switch and added compensated saddles. Lotta love for the TL52.

 

[marsh99]

My first tele was a 96 TL52, great guitar and yes, a lot of love from me for that one. Mine currently has changed electronics and pickups too. Yours looks sweet! Enjoy.

 

[Shango66]

Yes. Mine has an unusually deep V neck. Is this common in the Mij 52 ?

 

[mowgli5555]

Short answer..... Yes. Slightly longer answer, I have one on the way from Japan.
Sitting at customs now and I am officially counting down. 5J4o3s2h1

 

[vincent]

Yes. Mine has an unusually deep V neck. Is this common in the Mij 52 ?

Yeah. Mine has a chunky V shaped neck.

 

[mowgli5555]

It seems they came both ways. The Japan 52 Telecaster that I just purchased has a traditional U shape neck.
Although, there is another Japan Tele that I am interested in, and it looks to have a V shaped neck.

Many of the older MIJ lacquer finish models I have seen, also appear to have U shaped necks.

Hey Vinnie, do you know the approx. year for your Telecaster? Josh

 

[deytookerjaabs]

I love my MIJ. E series "charcoal burst."

image removed

Pretty thin neck, and pretty light. I love the proper vintage wire on it more than anything! Easily prefer it to the many AVRI's I've handled for some reason, which isn't saying much because I tend to be happy with most any tele anyways but still.

No shortage of love here.

 

[stevenhay]

Lucky to have a 96 Shell Pink TL52. It has that awesome V neck too. It's a keeper.

 

[bender66]

Beautiful. We need a front shot of it though.

Anyone ever measure how deep the V is at the 1st fret?

 

[vincent]

It seems they came both ways. The Japan 52 Telecaster that I just purchased has a traditional U shape neck.
Although, there is another Japan Tele that I am interested in, and it looks to have a V shaped neck.

Many of the older MIJ lacquer finish models I have seen, also appear to have U shaped necks.

Hey Vinnie, do you know the approx. year for your Telecaster? Josh

It's a 96 butterscotch blonde.

 

[MCSS86]

Made in.....on the neck base. There was a paper 'shim' under neck joint with the #85 written. That was the selling price bracket in Yen - 85000.
The neck appears to have a U shape. The guitar is fairly heavy.

 

[mowgli5555]

Throughout the mid to later 1980's, the TL52-95 was 95,000 Yen and had lacquer finish, USA pickups and USA electronics (specs can vary slightly).

The next was the TL52-70 (70,000 Yen and later became the TL52-75) which had a white ash or sen, thin poly finish, USA pickups, Japan electronics (specs can slightly vary).

There may have been some special runs in between, here and there. Of course, the Extrad guitars were priced anywhere from 115,000 Yen up to 200,000 Yen, and are an exception.

You could test it for lacquer in a hidden area with acetone. I tested my Stratocaster because it was an order made guitar.
Or you could check to see the wiring situation. That would be easiest since you already have the neck off.

***Edit: I saw the pictures of the pots in other thread, and my vote is TL52-70 or TL52-75. I don't have enough knowledge to pin the year.*** Josh