1986 Fender Japan TL52-65SPL '52 Micawber Keith Richards Telecaster MIJ Natural Tweed HSC

For Sale: 1986 Fender MIJ Japan TL52-65SPL BLD “Micawber” Telecaster – Vintage Natural w/ Tweed HSC Up for sale is a 1986 Fender MIJ Japan TL52-65SPL BLD “Micawber” Telecaster in Vintage Natural, complete with a non-original tweed hard-shell case. This is a very cool and increasingly hard-to-find Fujigen-era Fender Japan Telecaster built in the style of Keith Richards’ famous Micawber Tele. With its white ash body, one-piece maple neck, black single-ply pickguard, and vintage-style Tele appointments, it captures the look, feel, and attitude of one of the most iconic Telecaster styles ever. These mid-’80s Fender Japan models are especially well regarded for their build quality, and this one has all the classic vibe you’d want from an early MIJ Tele. Condition This guitar is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 8/10. It shows light scratches, dings, some tarnish to the hardware, a small crack on the pickguard by one of the screws, some finish checking at the neck joint, and some clear coat wear from years of use. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition. There are no cracks, breaks, or structural issues. The neck is straight, the frets are in good shape, and the guitar plays well up and down the neck with no buzzing or dead spots. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go. The non-original tweed hard-shell case is included. Specifications Model: TL52-65SPL BLD Year: 1986 Serial Number: E698970 Weight: 10 lbs 0 oz Nut Width: 1.66" Neck Depth: .81" at the 1st fret, .91" at the 12th fret Neck Profile: Thin C Body: White Ash Finish: Vintage Natural / Blond Neck: 1-Piece Maple Fingerboard: Maple Radius: 7.25" Frets: 22 Vintage-Style Pickups: Fender Japan TL-Vintage Single-Coils Bridge: 3-Saddle Vintage-Style Telecaster Bridge Pickguard: Single-Ply Black Case: Non-Original Tweed Hard-Shell Case Electronics & Features One of the biggest draws of this model is its Micawber-inspired layout and vibe. The ash body and vintage-style Tele hardware give it that unmistakable old-school Fender look and feel, while the black guard and natural finish make it instantly recognizable to players who appreciate Keith Richards-style Telecasters. These Fujigen-era Fender Japan instruments are also known for being consistently well made, and this one has the kind of honest wear and broken-in character that really suits the model. It is a cool piece for both players and collectors who want something with real vintage-inspired presence. Tone & Feel This guitar delivers the kind of punchy, lively Tele tone you would expect from a good ash-bodied Fender Japan reissue. It has clear highs, strong attack, and that dry, snappy response that works especially well for classic rock, country, blues, and roots-oriented playing. The thin C neck feels comfortable and easy in the hand, and the 7.25" radius keeps it firmly in vintage Fender territory. At 10 lbs even, this one is on the heavier side, which some players really prefer for the added solidity and response. Transparency & Photos As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars often arrive in better condition than expected. Why Buy From Guitar Chimp? With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments. Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier. We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship guitars so it arrives safely. 📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013 💬 Message anytime — always happy to help! This 1986 Fender MIJ Japan TL52-65SPL BLD “Micawber” Telecaster is a great-playing Fujigen-era Tele with classic looks, lots of vibe, and the kind of honest wear that suits the model perfectly. 🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006