For Sale: 1997 Fender Japan TL67-65SPL ‘67 Telecaster “Sonny” – 3-Tone Sunburst w/ Tweed HSC

Up for sale is a 1997 Fender Japan TL67-65SPL ‘67 Telecaster “Sonny” in 3-Tone Sunburst, complete with a non-original tweed hard-shell case.

This is a rare and very cool Fender Japan model inspired by Keith Richards’ famous “Sonny” Telecaster. Produced for the Japanese domestic market, the TL67-65SPL is one of the more distinctive Tele variants Fender Japan offered, combining classic late-’60s Tele style with the added muscle and warmth of a neck humbucker. It has a great Stones-inspired look and delivers the kind of punch, snap, and attitude that makes these models so appealing.

Condition

This guitar is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 7.5/10. It shows scratches, dings, minor tarnish to the hardware, and a finish crack at the neck joint. This type of finish checking is very common on older bolt-on neck guitars and appears to be only in the clear coat. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Everything is original and fully functional. There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The neck is straight and stable, the frets are in excellent condition with no meaningful wear, and the guitar plays cleanly up and down the neck with low action and accurate intonation. It has also been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The non-original tweed hard-shell case is included.

Specifications

Model: TL67-65SPL “Sonny”
Year: 1997
Serial Number: O051582
Weight: 8 lbs 0 oz
Nut Width: 1.67"
Neck Depth: .83" at the 1st fret, .92" at the 12th fret
Neck Profile: Slim C
Body: White Ash
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple Cap
Radius: 7.25"
Frets: Vintage-Style
Scale Length: 25.5"
Tuners: Gotoh
Bridge Pickup: TL-Vintage Single-Coil (Flat Pole)
Neck Pickup: Fender Dragster Humbucker
Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-Way Selector
Bridge: Six-Saddle Brass Bridge
Pickguard: Black 1-Ply Five-Screw
Case: Non-Original Tweed Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

One of the things that makes the TL67-65SPL so interesting is the pickup combination. With a traditional Tele-style bridge pickup and a Fender Dragster humbucker in the neck, this model offers a wider range of tones than a standard Telecaster while still keeping plenty of classic bite and attack.

These are especially desirable because they were limited Japanese-market models and are long discontinued. For players who appreciate Keith Richards’ “Sonny” Telecaster, this is one of the coolest official Fender interpretations ever offered.

Tone & Feel

This guitar has the kind of strong, punchy response that works beautifully for rock, blues, and roots-oriented playing. The bridge pickup delivers classic Tele twang and clarity, while the neck humbucker adds warmth, fullness, and extra authority.

The slim C neck feels comfortable and fast, and the 7.25" radius keeps the playing experience firmly rooted in vintage Fender territory. At 8 lbs even, it has a solid, balanced feel in hand.

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.

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This 1997 Fender Japan TL67-65SPL “Sonny” in 3-Tone Sunburst is a rare Keith Richards-inspired Telecaster with vintage style, a great pickup combination, and classic Stones attitude.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006