For Sale: 2002 Fender CIJ Japan TL52-88SPL '52 Telecaster Vintage Natural w/ Tweed HSC

Up for sale is a 2002 Fender Crafted in Japan TL52-88SPL '52 Telecaster in Vintage Natural, complete with a non-original tweed hard-shell case.

The TL52-88SPL is one of Fender Japan's most sought-after Telecaster models. Built with a lightweight ash body, one-piece maple neck, and a factory-installed neck humbucker paired with a traditional Telecaster bridge pickup, it delivers the classic look of a Blackguard Tele while offering a much wider tonal palette than a standard vintage reissue.

Crafted during Fender Japan's highly respected CIJ era, these guitars are known for their exceptional fit and finish, vintage-inspired appointments, and outstanding playability. Finding an original TL52-88SPL in this condition has become increasingly difficult.

Condition

Excellent – 9.5/10

• Only light surface scratches from careful handling
• Exceptionally clean overall

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

The guitar is 100% original with no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.

The neck is straight, the original frets are in excellent condition with minimal wear, and the guitar has been professionally set up by our in-house luthier. It plays cleanly up and down the neck with no buzzing or dead spots.

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

Specifications

• Model: Fender Japan TL52-88SPL
• Year: 2002
• Crafted in Japan (CIJ)
• Serial Number: Q090048
• Finish: Vintage Natural
• Body: Ash
• Neck: One-Piece Maple
• Neck Profile: Thin C
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Radius: 7.25"
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Frets: 22 Vintage-Style
• Nut Width: 1.68"
• Neck Depth: .85" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .94" at the 12th Fret
• Bridge Pickup: Fender Japan TL Vintage Single-Coil
• Neck Pickup: Fender Dragster Humbucker
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
• Switching: 3-Way Blade Switch
• Bridge: Vintage-Style 3-Saddle Telecaster Bridge
• Pickguard: Single-Ply Black
• Weight: 9 lbs 10 oz
• Case: Non-Original Tweed Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

The TL52-88SPL stands apart from a traditional '52 Telecaster thanks to its factory-installed Fender Dragster neck humbucker. This combination provides all of the classic Telecaster bite and twang from the bridge pickup while adding a warm, powerful neck tone that is equally at home playing blues, classic rock, jazz, or heavier overdriven sounds.

The ash body contributes plenty of snap and resonance, while the one-piece maple neck gives the guitar the bright attack and lively response players expect from a vintage-style Telecaster.

Combined with Fender Japan's excellent craftsmanship, this model offers the best of vintage styling and modern versatility.

Tone & Feel

This guitar has everything players love about a great Telecaster.

The bridge pickup delivers classic Tele twang with excellent clarity and punch, while the neck humbucker adds a rich, full voice that greatly expands the instrument's tonal range. The middle position blends both beautifully, producing a balanced, articulate sound that works across virtually every genre.

The thin C neck feels fast and comfortable, while the vintage-spec 7.25" radius preserves the authentic feel of an early Telecaster.

At 9 lbs 10 oz, it has the substantial feel and resonance many players prefer from an ash-bodied Tele.

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 cosmetic 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 have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime — always happy to help!

This 2002 Fender CIJ Japan TL52-88SPL '52 Telecaster is an exceptionally clean, all-original example with premium Japanese craftsmanship, versatile factory electronics, and timeless Blackguard styling.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006