Description

The 2015 Fender Japan Exclusive Classic 70s Tele Ash in US Blonde combines distinctive 1970s-inspired Telecaster styling with the highly regarded construction quality associated with Fender's Made in Japan instruments.

Its ash body, Slim “C” maple neck and rosewood fingerboard are paired with two Vintage-Style Single-Coil Tele pickups and a traditional 3-saddle string-through-body bridge, delivering the immediate attack, clarity and cutting definition that make a Telecaster such an effective guitar for rock, blues, country, indie and studio work.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional. Serial number JD15004294. An Aria hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail Information
Brand Fender
Series Japan Exclusive
Model Classic 70s Tele Ash
Year 2015
Finish US Blonde
Body Ash
Fingerboard Rosewood
Condition Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Serial Number JD15004294
Country of Manufacture Japan
Included Aria Hardcase
Main Appeal Ash-bodied Japanese Tele with vintage-inspired '70s specification
Best For Rock, blues, country, indie, pop, studio and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Fender Classic 70s Tele Ash is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional and ready for regular playing.

What's Included?

✔ Fender Japan Exclusive Classic 70s Tele Ash US Blonde
✔ Aria Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

  • Very Good overall condition
  • Cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership
  • Aria hardcase included
  • Serial number: JD15004294

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Fender Telecaster has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

  • Neck pickup tested
  • Bridge pickup tested
  • 3-way selector checked
  • Master volume tested
  • Master tone control checked
  • Output jack tested
  • Neck condition assessed
  • Rosewood fingerboard inspected
  • Frets checked
  • Gotoh tuning machines assessed
  • 3-saddle bridge inspected
  • Hardware checked
  • General playability assessed
  • Aria hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

  • Action
  • Neck relief
  • Fret condition
  • Intonation
  • Tuning stability
  • Pickup operation
  • Electronics
  • Bridge setup
  • Hardware
  • General playability

Minor setup movement can naturally occur during transportation due to changes in temperature and humidity.

What Makes The Fender Classic 70s Tele Ash Special?

The Japan Exclusive Classic 70s Tele Ash combines an ash body with a rosewood fingerboard, giving it a specification that feels distinctly different from the more commonly encountered '50s-style maple-board Telecasters. The translucent US Blonde finish allows the natural ash grain to remain visible, while the 1970s-inspired styling gives the guitar its own identity within Fender's Japanese range.

Its 7.25" fingerboard radius, vintage-style frets and traditional 3-saddle bridge retain a distinctly old-school Fender feel, while the Slim “C” neck keeps the guitar comfortable and accessible. Japanese Fender production adds another layer of appeal for players who specifically value the consistency and attention to detail associated with MIJ instruments.

Key Features & Benefits

Ash Body

Ash provides a visually distinctive grain beneath the US Blonde finish and is closely associated with many classic Fender instruments. The result is a Telecaster with a crisp, immediate response and unmistakably traditional appearance.

Vintage-Style Tele Pickups

Two Vintage-Style Single-Coil Tele pickups deliver the familiar contrast between a warmer neck voice and the bright, cutting bridge tone that has defined the Telecaster for generations.

Slim “C” Maple Neck

The Slim “C” profile provides an approachable neck shape that feels less substantial than many chunky vintage-style Telecaster necks.

7.25" Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard uses a traditional 7.25" radius, giving the guitar the rounded feel associated with older Fender designs.

3-Saddle String-Through Bridge

The American Vintage-style bridge uses three chrome barrel saddles with strings anchored through the body, retaining the simple mechanical design and characteristic appearance of a traditional Telecaster.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Classic 70s Tele Ash vs Fender MIJ Traditional Telecaster

Later Made in Japan Traditional models continue Fender's vintage-inspired approach but use their own neck, pickup and hardware specifications. The Classic 70s Tele belongs to the earlier Japan Exclusive generation and combines a particularly traditional 7.25" radius with an ash body.

Classic 70s Tele Ash vs Fender Player Telecaster

A Player-series Tele generally uses a flatter fingerboard, larger frets and more contemporary hardware. The Classic 70s Tele is the stronger choice for players who prefer a distinctly vintage Fender feel and Japanese manufacture.

Classic 70s Tele Ash vs '50s-Style Telecaster

A '50s Tele is most closely associated with a maple fingerboard and early blackguard styling. This model combines the traditional ash-bodied Tele formula with a rosewood fingerboard and '70s-inspired visual character.

Who Is It For?

Telecaster traditionalists – Ideal for players wanting straightforward two-pickup electronics and classic bridge construction.

MIJ Fender enthusiasts – A strong example of Fender's highly regarded Japan Exclusive production.

Country players – The bridge pickup provides plenty of snap, clarity and note separation.

Rock and indie guitarists – Telecasters work exceptionally well with overdrive, fuzz and effects while retaining articulation.

Blues musicians – The neck pickup provides a warmer alternative for expressive clean and driven tones.

Studio players – The two pickups offer clearly contrasting voices that are easy to place within a recording.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

  • Country
  • Blues
  • Blues rock
  • Classic rock
  • Rock
  • Indie
  • Alternative
  • Pop
  • Funk
  • Soul
  • Punk
  • Americana
  • Studio recording
  • Live performance
  • Rhythm guitar
  • Lead guitar

Why Choose A Vintage-Style Telecaster?

The Telecaster remains one of the most effective electric guitar designs because very little stands between the player and the sound.

Two pickups, master volume, master tone and a three-way switch provide enough variation for an enormous range of music without unnecessary complexity.

A vintage-style model adds a rounder fingerboard, smaller frets and traditional 3-saddle hardware, creating a playing experience that feels noticeably different from a contemporary Telecaster.

For players who enjoy traditional Fender ergonomics and a direct connection between picking dynamics and amplifier response, the format remains difficult to beat.

Story & Context

Fender's Japanese production has played an important role in the company's history since the early 1980s, developing a reputation for consistently well-made interpretations of classic Fender designs.

The Japan Exclusive range continued this tradition with models aimed primarily at the Japanese market, including specifications and combinations that were not always readily available in Fender's wider international catalogue.

The Classic 70s Tele Ash draws on Telecaster styling from the 1970s while combining an ash body, rosewood fingerboard and traditional bridge construction in a carefully built Japanese instrument.

Serial number JD15004294 identifies this example as 2015 production.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Product Type Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand Fender
Series Japan Exclusive
Model Classic 70s Tele Ash
Year 2015
Serial Number JD15004294
Country of Manufacture Japan
Finish US Blonde
Body Shape Telecaster
Body Material Ash
Body Finish Polyester
Neck Material Maple
Neck Profile Slim “C”
Neck Construction 4-Bolt
Neck Finish Polyester
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 7.25" / 184.1mm
Scale Length 25.5" / 648mm
Number of Frets 21
Fret Size Vintage-Style
Nut Material Synthetic Bone
Nut Width 1.615" / 41.02mm
Position Inlays Dot
Pickup Configuration SS
Neck Pickup Vintage-Style Single-Coil Tele
Bridge Pickup Vintage-Style Single-Coil Tele
Electronics Passive
Controls Master Volume, Master Tone
Switching 3-Position Blade
Bridge 3-Saddle American Vintage Strings-Through-Body Tele
Saddles Chrome Barrel
Tuning Machines Gotoh Cast/Sealed
Pickguard 3-Ply White
Hardware Finish Nickel / Chrome
Included Aria Hardcase
Condition Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Serial Number Note

Fender changed its Japanese serial format in 2012 to JD followed by eight digits.

With this format, the first two digits following JD designate the year of manufacture.

Serial number JD15004294 therefore identifies this guitar as a 2015 Made in Japan Fender.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The two Vintage-Style Tele single-coil pickups and traditional control circuit are passive and connect to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The 2015 Fender Japan Exclusive Classic 70s Tele Ash in US Blonde is an excellent choice for players who want a genuinely traditional Telecaster feel combined with the strong reputation of Japanese Fender production.

Its ash body, rosewood 7.25" fingerboard, vintage-style pickups and 3-saddle bridge give it a distinctly old-school character, while the Slim “C” neck keeps it comfortable enough for regular stage and studio work.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with an Aria hardcase, this is a particularly attractive pre-owned MIJ Telecaster with a specification that stands apart from many current Fender models.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned can provide access to discontinued Fender models and Japanese-market specifications that may be difficult to find through current production.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale so its condition and included items are clearly represented.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, used and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

  • Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
  • Birmingham's largest independent music store
  • 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
  • Expert musician-led advice
  • Extensive experience with Fender and pre-owned guitars
  • Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
  • Competitive prices on leading music brands
  • Secure ordering
  • Fast UK delivery
  • Large Birmingham showroom
  • Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Fender.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Fender Classic 70s Tele Ash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was this Fender Telecaster made?

Serial number JD15004294 identifies it as a 2015 Made in Japan Fender.

Is this a genuine Made in Japan Fender?

Yes. The Classic 70s Tele Ash formed part of Fender's Japan Exclusive range and was manufactured in Japan.

Is the body ash?

Yes. This model uses an ash body, with the grain visible through the US Blonde finish.

Does it have a rosewood fingerboard?

Yes. This particular specification uses a rosewood fingerboard.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It uses a traditional 7.25" radius, providing a distinctly vintage Fender feel.

How many frets does it have?

The guitar has 21 vintage-style frets.

What is the neck profile?

Fender specifies a Slim “C” maple neck.

What pickups are fitted?

The factory specification uses two Vintage-Style Single-Coil Tele pickups.

What type of bridge does it use?

It has a 3-saddle American Vintage-style string-through-body Telecaster bridge with chrome barrel saddles.

Does it have traditional Telecaster controls?

Yes. It uses one master volume, one master tone and a three-position pickup selector.

What tuning machines are fitted?

The factory specification uses Gotoh cast/sealed tuning machines.

Is US Blonde a transparent finish?

US Blonde allows the natural ash grain to remain visible, giving each guitar some individual visual character.

Is this suitable for country music?

Yes. The bright, articulate bridge pickup and direct ash-bodied Tele response make it particularly well suited to country playing.

Is it suitable for rock?

Absolutely. Telecasters respond exceptionally well to overdrive and distortion while retaining excellent note definition.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its pickups and electronics are entirely passive.

What case is included?

This guitar comes with an Aria hardcase.

Is the Aria hardcase the original Fender case?

No claim is made that the Aria hardcase is original to the guitar. It is the case currently included with this pre-owned instrument.

Can I request a closer look at this guitar?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the US Blonde finish, visible ash grain and individual cosmetic condition in greater detail.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

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