Some Questions About Japanese Teles (TL-62), & Comparison To AV Models

[colchar]

As mentioned in my other recent thread, I am looking into getting an AVRI Tele. I would prefer a '60s model, but they are hard to find on the used market whereas there are two '52s available local to me right now and both of those at a decent price.

In that thread someone had suggested Japanese Teles like the TL-62. I had been considering a local one but ended up ignoring it because I had read some comments, including here, that the electronics in the Japanese ones aren't always great and that the quality of the recent ones isn't as good as the quality was on earlier ones. The one that is available locally is a 2018 model.

So I wanted to ask:
1) Do the electronics in the Japanese models suck?
2) Has the quality of those guitars gone downhill?
3) How would you compare them to the AV models, either '50s or '60s?
4) Are they an adequate substitute for an AV model?

The two '52s are available for $300 (before sales tax) more than the asking price for the TL-62 (although I may be able to talk him down a bit).

As usual, thanks in advance.

 

[dsutton24]

1. The ones I'm familiar with use the import style switches and small pots. Some people equate that with suck, I don't. They tend to sound shrill to me, you may find otherwise.

2. I don't think so.

3. I like the AVs better, they feel and sound better to me.

4. That's up to you.

 

[Feck Studios]

Can't comment on the electronics on mine as it's hardly molded but as for quality, this is about a 3000 I think and it's top notch quality wise. Bloody heavy but I like that.

My 96 foot flame is compleatlybstick. Nothing wrong with the electronics, pickups sound great actually but it is ever so slightly mricrophinic but I don't know if that factory or age again the quality is just as good as any USA made imo.

 

[Feck Studios]

Tl-62

 

[Teleguy61]

I have two TL-62s, the ones in my avatar.
Build quality, finish, frets, is excellent on both.
Excellent.
I found original pickups spineless, so I replaced them with ones I like, and did pots and switch while in there.
No big deal.
They are great guitars.

 

[kuch]

American Vintage Reissue 52 tele for $300?? Where are you?

 

[colchar]

American Vintage Reissue 52 tele for $300?? Where are you?

The two '52s are available for $300 (before sales tax) more than the asking price for the TL-62.

The asking price for the TL-62 is $1600, the two '52s are available for $1899.

 

[kuch]

The two '52s are available for $300 (before sales tax) more than the asking price for the TL-62.

The asking price for the TL-62 is $1600, the two '52s are available for $1899.

Thanks, I was about to ask you to pick both up both of them and I would pay you $1k plus shipping for both. sorry

haha on me

 

[Geo]

I bought a new Fender Japan Traditional '60s Telecaster a couple years ago and it came factory with CTS pots
and same switch (Oak Grigsby or whichever) as USA and MIM. Why? Those parts have been made in Asian countries
for years. CTS has a plant in Mexico also.

 

[fender4life]

Depends on the model so it''s hard to answer. But i will give my experience with them. I think the quality of the bodies and necks are excellent, but IMO no better then a good example of the MIM classic series. But i do feel the MIJs are more consistent in quality. But i bought a 2014 tele and a mid 2000s strat and they were builkt well but both were horrible as far as tone. I still cannot figure out why because i replaced the bridges and pickuops in both trying several and no matter what i swapped ut of set them up, they were 2 of the worse sounding fenders i've ever owned. I sold both inshort order. I also noticed the tele pickguard and control plate were not standard as far as size and screw holes. Only MIJ parts would fit. Cheaper MIJs have garbage swtches and pots while better ones use better pots and switches. I've had other earlier MIJs that were good, but i really feel fender mexico are the way to go and much more consistent in tone. Never really had a bad sounding one. Personally i will never buy another MIJ after those last 2, at least not with alder bodies as they had. And remember this one important fact....QUALITY does NOT guarantee good tone. I've had fantastic sounding strats and teles who's quality suggested they were friday guitars. Do NOT assume if the quality is fantastic they will sound good. Of course if the neck is garbage it may play badly, but barring a twisted neck etc that can always be improved greatly. But a bad sounding guitar is worthless if it's due to the wood.

On a side note, those 2 MIJs that sounded so bad were the only MIJs i have owned with alder bodies. I have had ash and basswood MIJs that were fine. Makes me wonder if the japanese source for alder might be different than what Fender USA/MIM uses. I have read how the region where a given species grows vs other regions can make for different sounding wood. Just a thought to ponder. Anyways, if you want my opinion, go find a older used classic series model. The early ones from when they debuted in '99 to about mid or late 2000s had the same necks and bodies made in USA for the AVRI series. I have two 2002's, a strat and tele and they're great.

 

[banditbrown]

I had a TL-71 for a while, beautiful wood grain, super nice quality…. But honestly I liked my the sound of my Squier Classic Vibe way better (Tonerider pups) so I traded the MIJ for a vintage amp of equal value. The neck pickup in particular was just awful.

They’re gorgeous guitars but be prepared for a possible pickup swap.

 

[Mowgli]

I own several teles. My favorites, however, are both 1996 MIJ 50th Ann. teles (Fuji-gen factory). The stock pickups are different on each. On one the pups sound like regular American tele pups. On the other tele the pups are more mellow in tone; the bridge pup I plan on replacing eventually but that rhythm pup is great sounding. No problems with the hardware or electronics.

 

[colchar]

Depends on the model so it''s hard to answer. But i will give my experience with them. I think the quality of the bodies and necks are excellent, but IMO no better then a good example of the MIM classic series. But i do feel the MIJs are more consistent in quality. But i bought a 2014 tele and a mid 2000s strat and they were builkt well but both were horrible as far as tone. I still cannot figure out why because i replaced the bridges and pickuops in both trying several and no matter what i swapped ut of set them up, they were 2 of the worse sounding fenders i've ever owned. I sold both inshort order. I also noticed the tele pickguard and control plate were not standard as far as size and screw holes. Only MIJ parts would fit. Cheaper MIJs have garbage swtches and pots while better ones use better pots and switches. I've had other earlier MIJs that were good, but i really feel fender mexico are the way to go and much more consistent in tone. Never really had a bad sounding one. Personally i will never buy another MIJ after those last 2, at least not with alder bodies as they had. And remember this one important fact....QUALITY does NOT guarantee good tone. I've had fantastic sounding strats and teles who's quality suggested they were friday guitars. Do NOT assume if the quality is fantastic they will sound good. Of course if the neck is garbage it may play badly, but barring a twisted neck etc that can always be improved greatly. But a bad sounding guitar is worthless if it's due to the wood.

On a side note, those 2 MIJs that sounded so bad were the only MIJs i have owned with alder bodies. I have had ash and basswood MIJs that were fine. Makes me wonder if the japanese source for alder might be different than what Fender USA/MIM uses. I have read how the region where a given species grows vs other regions can make for different sounding wood. Just a thought to ponder. Anyways, if you want my opinion, go find a older used classic series model. The early ones from when they debuted in '99 to about mid or late 2000s had the same necks and bodies made in USA for the AVRI series. I have two 2002's, a strat and tele and they're great.

Thanks.

You're preaching to the choir with regards to the MIM Classic Series as I loved those things. I had 3-4 of the '50s and 2-3 of the '60s. My favourite Tele is my partscaster which was put together from a Squire Classic Vibe Custom body, and when it came time to find a neck I bought a MIM Classic '60s neck directly from Fender.

I know they have been replaced by the Vintera series, but I just cannot get on board with the Pau Ferro fretboards. That being said, the maple fretboard ones are fine and just a few days ago I stumbled across a limited edition '70s Vintera Tele in buttercream finish. I had grabbed it off the wall and started strumming it, and was standing around absentmindedly strumming when a friend who works at the store noticed me doing so. The first thing she said to me was "oh my God you love that thing, I can see it in your face". She was right. As soon as I picked it up I knew it was an excellent guitar. And yeah, I immediately bought it.

 

[JesterR]

The two '52s are available for $300 (before sales tax) more than the asking price for the TL-62.

The asking price for the TL-62 is $1600, the two '52s are available for $1899.

For that price, check Jason Isbell signature telecaster. Nice neck, great pickups, nitro finish.

 

[colchar]

For that price, check Jason Isbell signature telecaster. Nice neck, great pickups, nitro finish.

I thought about that, but I already have two double-bound sunburst Teles (one Tele, one Esquire). If I add another double-bound sunburst it will go from being a preference to being a fetish.

 

[acstorfer]

Hey Colchar

I remember you from mlp. Good to see you.

Here is my experience with my former avri 52 Hot Rod and my current 97 CIJ TL-69.

The avri 52 Hot Rod is definitely the best Tele I ever owned. In fact, as I look back at all of my guitars, it was my favorite. While I did replace the bridge pickup, it was completely unnecessary. The original was great, I just prefer the SD Little 59 because I love humbuckers, also for nostalgia. The wiring on it was top notch.

The playability was off the charts. I stopped playing a bunch of years ago, and sold off my gear. Thankfully it went to a good friend. It's an awesome guitar.

I don't have any experience with other Vintage series guitars. I know the avri isn't as highly regarded as the others. If you don't remember me from MLP I should remind you my favorite LPs were butchered up Norlin Era Deluxes lol.

I just got back into playing, and I knew I definitely wanted a Tele. I originally thought MIM because of the great experience I had with a CP Strat I had. It was honestly better to me than every built Strat I've owned. Then I remembered all the awesome Teles made in japan, and decided to see if they are still priced reasonably. I got my dream pink paisley, at a price while a bit higher than my intended budget, was totally worth it. The pics on Reverb were much worse looking than in person.

Regarding the electronics. The wiring, pots, caps on the reissues from Japan are top notch. Remember, I am talking about the reissues. As far as the pickups, mine were replaced before I got them. As far as the build quality, top notch. They took their reissues seriously. Regarding the neck, a lot of work was done by previous owners. The radius was changed from 7.25 to 9.5. I don't know how it was done, but it feels just like my 52 Hot Rod did, and I love it. The frets were replaced. The fretboard was leveled. The poly finish was removed, and the neck is slick as hell. I love this Tele. I love playing it. It sounds fantastic, even just using my Pignose and Monoprice 5 watt amps. Not having a nitro finish on my Pink Paisley vs having one on my '52 Hot Rod is a complete non factor to me.

So, here is the question. If given the chance would I trade my Pink Paisley for my old '52 Hot Rod? If it was a straight up trade, I would probably do it. The ONLY reason is because I prefer the mini humbucker in the neck vs. a lipstick pickup. That would literally be the only reason. Everything else is at least on par.

How could I really ever give this beauty up?

Awesome Teles can come from every factory, from any country. I had an acquaintance who had a Baja. It was amazing, albeit heavy as hell. Yeah, I'm never getting a heavy guitar again lol.

 

[balston11]

Asking whether MIJ guitars are good or not is a bit like asking are American cars any good. The answer is it depends which model you mean.
The quality and the price point of the MIJ vintage style guitars varies hugely from the Extrads which are as good as any AVRI to the basic models which are little better than MIMs.
Some don't like the electronics on modern ones particularly some do.
To complicate the issue on older ones there are uncatalogued models for export which can have all sorts of specs.
I can only speak for my TL52 from the crafted in Japan era I gigged with it and really like it but it has a V shape deep neck that would not be loved by everyone.

 

[T Prior]

I own a 1986 TL-62, its a great guitar and not lessor than other Tele's I own. If I had to make any comment it would be that it is very bright, more so than my other Tele's . Quality ,appearance and playability it is second to none.

 

[colchar]

Hey Colchar

I remember you from mlp. Good to see you.

Here is my experience with my former avri 52 Hot Rod and my current 97 CIJ TL-69.

The avri 52 Hot Rod is definitely the best Tele I ever owned. In fact, as I look back at all of my guitars, it was my favorite. While I did replace the bridge pickup, it was completely unnecessary. The original was great, I just prefer the SD Little 59 because I love humbuckers, also for nostalgia. The wiring on it was top notch.

The playability was off the charts. I stopped playing a bunch of years ago, and sold off my gear. Thankfully it went to a good friend. It's an awesome guitar.

I don't have any experience with other Vintage series guitars. I know the avri isn't as highly regarded as the others. If you don't remember me from MLP I should remind you my favorite LPs were butchered up Norlin Era Deluxes lol.

I just got back into playing, and I knew I definitely wanted a Tele. I originally thought MIM because of the great experience I had with a CP Strat I had. It was honestly better to me than every built Strat I've owned. Then I remembered all the awesome Teles made in japan, and decided to see if they are still priced reasonably. I got my dream pink paisley, at a price while a bit higher than my intended budget, was totally worth it. The pics on Reverb were much worse looking than in person.

Regarding the electronics. The wiring, pots, caps on the reissues from Japan are top notch. Remember, I am talking about the reissues. As far as the pickups, mine were replaced before I got them. As far as the build quality, top notch. They took their reissues seriously. Regarding the neck, a lot of work was done by previous owners. The radius was changed from 7.25 to 9.5. I don't know how it was done, but it feels just like my 52 Hot Rod did, and I love it. The frets were replaced. The fretboard was leveled. The poly finish was removed, and the neck is slick as hell. I love this Tele. I love playing it. It sounds fantastic, even just using my Pignose and Monoprice 5 watt amps. Not having a nitro finish on my Pink Paisley vs having one on my '52 Hot Rod is a complete non factor to me.

So, here is the question. If given the chance would I trade my Pink Paisley for my old '52 Hot Rod? If it was a straight up trade, I would probably do it. The ONLY reason is because I prefer the mini humbucker in the neck vs. a lipstick pickup. That would literally be the only reason. Everything else is at least on par.

How could I really ever give this beauty up?

View attachment 1128689

Awesome Teles can come from every factory, from any country. I had an acquaintance who had a Baja. It was amazing, albeit heavy as hell. Yeah, I'm never getting a heavy guitar again lol.

Hey brother, great to hear from you. I hope you're keeping well.

Thanks for the info. Funnily enough, an old university roommate of mine (and the guy who got me into playing) recently got his dream Tele that he had wanted for years - a pink paisley Tele!

The two AV '52s are both selling for $1899+tax. With them, I won't need to replace anything.

I've never paid attention to the Japanese models so have no idea which are reissues, which are regular production, etc. The guy selling the MIJ TL-62 is asking $1600. If nothing needs to be replaced then fine. But if anything needs to be replaced then I am looking at $200-$300 for pickups, pots, switch, etc. plus the labour for having them installed. That brings the price up to $1800-$1900, maybe more depending on the price of the pickups. This is assuming that I can't talk him down on price.

Here is a link to the ad for the TL-62:

Kijiji - Buy, Sell & Save with Canada's #1 Local Classifieds

Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.

www.kijiji.ca

 

[acstorfer]

Hey brother, great to hear from you. I hope you're keeping well.

Thanks for the info. Funnily enough, an old university roommate of mine (and the guy who got me into playing) recently got his dream Tele that he had wanted for years - a pink paisley Tele!

The two AV '52s are both selling for $1899+tax. With them, I won't need to replace anything.

I've never paid attention to the Japanese models so have no idea which are reissues, which are regular production, etc. The guy selling the MIJ TL-62 is asking $1600. If nothing needs to be replaced then fine. But if anything needs to be replaced then I am looking at $200-$300 for pickups, pots, switch, etc. plus the labour for having them installed. That brings the price up to $1800-$1900, maybe more depending on the price of the pickups. This is assuming that I can't talk him down on price.

Here is a link to the ad for the TL-62:

Kijiji - Buy, Sell & Save with Canada's #1 Local Classifieds

Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.

www.kijiji.ca

That is a gorgeous freakin guitar! I wish I could share more knowledge. If the newer Japanese reissues are like the earlier ones, you probably shouldn't have to replace any of the wiring, caps, or pots. They really didn't cheap out on anything. You may like the pickups in there. It's definitely worth checking out.

You'll definitely find an amazing Tele given what you have to choose from.

Mine (97) was after negotiating down from $1,250.00 (usd) to $1,060.00 + tax/shipping. Mine has some bangs on it, but other than that it's good to go. As a reminder, a lot was put into the neck. Maybe one day I think I want to put an SD Donahue in the bridge, and a 4 way switch to run the bridge and neck in series for a humbucker sound.