Every now and then you run across a guitar that to the purists is not “vintage” per se but this minty 40 year old Telecaster is certainly a part of Fender history. This one owner Fender Telecaster from the briefly made Vintage Series was one of the first “reissues” Fender made in the early-mid 1980s (1982-1984) when the company began a return to building what made them successful, as the CBS era was coming to a close.

These late 1982 to 1984 Vintage Series guitars were not official “Reissues” as we know them today, but more of a return to original specs and quality building in order to bring back some of Fender’s best guitars from the original designs made with more care.

This guitar and the Vintage Series was not only a return to a reverence for Leo Fender’s original guitar design but also some of the last guitars made at the original Fender Plant in Fullerton, California.

Fender had brought back Fender personnel in 1980 and Fender pushed to return to a stricter level of quality of original designs. By 1985, Fender would be purchased by a private investor group led by old guard management and would move manufacturing operations to Corona, California and offices to Arizona.

This Telecaster was purchased new by our seller in that 1982-1984 period. There are no bridge, rear neck plate or headstock serial numbers on this ‘52 Telecaster Vintage Series and we did not remove the neck. We know 100% the origin of the guitar’s original purchase and case candy and other information we have examined.

This Telecaster is in excellent condition and plays and sounds great. It comes with case candy that includes an extra five slot bridge and ashtray cover; the 3 piece original bridge is currently on the Tele.

The back and neck are smooth, no wear visible and this Telecaster was played sparingly at home and in the studio, never gigged or played out by the original owner. Pardon the glare on some of the photos as these are not blemishes, just natural window light. Additional close ups can be provided.

The nut is original and looks great, good frets, not much if any wear.

Comes with the original case, also created as a vintage case replica.

If you’ve been looking for a good Blackguard Telecaster custom shop reissue, this first reissue Telecaster from the 1982-1984 last of Fullerton made Vintage Series is all that and also owning a piece of Fender history.