❌SOLD❌ Fender Red Paisley Telecaster MIJ, 1994

Here we have a Fender Red Paisley Telecaster, built in Japan during 1994!

In 1968, the Fender Red Paisley Telecaster appeared in the hands of one of the hottest players on one of the hottest stages – James Burton backing up Elvis Presley!   Brad Paisley also used the ’68 model on many recordings and shows.   A ‘Blue Flower’ finish was also available – the same idea, but with flowers and a blue tint, these finishes did not last long in the Fender catalog.    

These models have been reissued from time to time, and in 1994 and 1995 the Fender Red Paisley Telecaster was built for Fender Japan by Fuji-Gen Gakki in Matsumoto, Nagano Japan.  These carry the ‘Made In Japan’ decal on the heel above the serial number.  As part of the original 1981 agreements with Fuji-Gen,  when Fender extended their Japanese production to other plants,  that decal changed to ‘Crafted in Japan’.   All of these models are very well built.    When CBS sold Fender to its management team in 1985,  the sale did not include any of the manufacturing facilities and from that date until early 1987,  all Fender guitars were Made in Japan by Fuji-Gen.  

These are not Squier models, and are excellent instruments, but were not intended for the American market. Based on a standard Telecaster, a wallpaper-like surface was applied to the top and back, then clear but colour-tinted coats were sprayed – much like a sunburst. To show off the top, a mostly clear pickguard was installed – clear except for a spray of tint around the pickup cutout, which hides the body routes.

Built to closely match the 1968 version, this Made In Japan Fender Red Paisley Telecaster dates to 1994 and is in good physical and playing condition. It has been used as intended, so there is some fret wear and a bit of buckle rash on the back. The maple neck is nicely flamed, with lower vintage-style frets, and plays well.   The parts seem all original, and the bridge uses the ‘vintage’ style Fender-Patent stamp. Overall, this is a very good guitar.   

A gig bag is included.