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1993 Fender U.S. 52 Vintage Telecaster, as made famous by Graham Coxon

Really, as made famous by so many, but this one the original spec and year of Blur's Modern Life Is Rubbish, and Graham Coxon's most iconic guitar from the Britpop years.

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The original 52 Telecaster is an icon in its own right - with many variants, this guitar has never gone out of production since it was first introduced.  From blues to country, from rock to indie, this guitar has made it into the hands of many of the greatest guitarists in the world.  This particular model makes it into the collection in recognition of the fantastically versatile & innovative Graham Coxon.  He's adapted original models over his career, and has a wonderful Fender Signature model to his name, but it was a U.S. Vintage 52 Telecaster that he was most often seen with in the early Blur years, as they established themselves as one of the pre-eminent bands through the Britpop years and beyond. In near mint condition, this is an absolute beauty.

See & Hear It In Action
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Specification

Make

Fender

Model

U.S. 52 Vintage Telecaster

Colour

Butterscotch Blonde

Year

1993

Serial  Number

18404

Number of Frets

21

Fretboard

Maple

Neck

Maple

Body

Lightweight Ash

Tuners

Vintage Kluson-Style

Pick-ups

American Vintage

Bridge

Vintage Style Tele

Scale Length

25.50"

Full Length

38.50"

Further Information:

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  • More commonly known as the "52 Reissue", the U.S. 52 Vintage model appeared in the December 1981 price list, with first guitars shipped towards the end of 1982.  In July 1998, the U.S. Vintage Series was rebranded to the American Vintage Series.

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  • The decal Fender "Spaghetti" logo and "Telecaster" name is applied on top of the lacquer, rather than underneath, in keeping with the original 52 design.

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  • These guitars are often also often known as "Blackguard" Teles, due to the single-ply matt black pickguard.

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  • Pictures of Graham Coxon with a Blonde Telecaster in his hands are just a search away - with the original spec, with a humbucker in the bridge position, or with his own Fender Graham Coxon Telecaster, also part of the collection.  It's a guitar that he's made his own, adding new shades of versatility to one of the world's most iconic guitars.

Sources & Links
  • Guitar HQ: A great piece of analysis, comparing the original 1952/1953 Fender Telecaster on which the '52 Reissue was based.
  • Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue (TDPRI): For a great mix of debate, fact and personal opinion about the differences between the originals and the Reissues.
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