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Post subject: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 5:05 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:11 am
Posts: 318
I just picked up this guitar locally from the guy who bought it new in the 80's. I think it still has the original strings on it! Where and how do I date this one? No ser # on headstock. Thanks.


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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:27 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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I figured it out by checking the neck. 7-7-86


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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 12:03 am
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Nice Tele! 8)


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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 3:31 am
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Location: Province de Québec, Canada
On Teleacaster made in Japan serial number is on the bridge .


Look here ;

http://www.guitarsjapan.com/fenderchart.html

MIJ... acronym for "MADE IN JAPAN" These models spanned the years from 1984 to 1997. You will find the MADE IN JAPAN stamp on the heel of every guitar's neck, without variation. On Stratocasters and bass guitars, you will find the serial number just below this stamp, also on the heel of the neck.

On Telecasters and certain other models, you will find the serial number on the bridge. The serial numbers will start with a letter that corresponds to specific years of production. My chart will help you determine those specifics.
You will not find the MADE IN JAPAN stamp on the headstocks of Fender MIJ guitars.


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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 5:28 am
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Nice find. Many think the 80s JV/MIJ are superior to the US models of the same years.

But if it's that old and you think it has the first set of strings, I would recommend that you look for corrosion damage (also behind the control plate), and that the truss rod actually moves. Always be careful when buying used, and doubly so if buying from a friend. A bad purchase can sour a friendship.

It looks very nice, so I hope it plays nice too!


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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 3:57 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Here's the date. This is considered a slab?

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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2013 8:23 pm
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upnorth wrote:
Here's the date. This is considered a slab?

Image


Yes and No. The original meaning for a slab board was due to the rosewood fretboards thickness and being milled flat on the bottom. This was how the fret boards were made when Fender switched to rosewood ('59-'62/'63) vs the one piece maple neck. The term was to differentiate them from later guitars (mid '63 on) that had much thinner rosewood fret boards that were more of a cap and were curved on the bottom.

So yes your guitar is a slab board but not in the traditional sense.

Either way, Very nice tele you got there. I had one of these from '85 and wish I had kept it, these are fine playing instruments.

T2

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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 8:30 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:11 am
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Thanks for the info and words of compliment. This thing is immaculate. When I first looked down the neck I couldn't believe it, so I put my "old timer cheaters" on an sure enough, dead straight, with a very slight bow of course. (Only a guitar player would understand that seemingly contradictory statement) No noticeable wear on the fret board at all. I then bought it for $450 with (original?) Fender USA hard case. Case key had been lost.

I usually can't even win a Thanksgiving turkey but the last two finds have been okay, the one before this being an all original 78' MM 210-65 for $25 (couldn't pass that up) at a rummage sale. Did a recap and it's good.

Thanks again.


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Post subject: Re: Help dating a MIJ Tele
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 4:09 pm
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Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:54 am
Posts: 2573
Location: Laurel, MD
These are great guitars and I miss mine a lot.


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