How to tell an52 vintage USA from a Japanese similar tele one

[Willy]

I am about buying a 52 from 1996 sight unseen.What I must check when it reach to me?

Can you advise me sites with pictures of this guitar?

[telegraph14]

I'm really not sure what the difference is. I'm kind of wondering myself. Of the ones I've seen, it appears that the Japanese pickguards have a matted finish and the wood has less of a butterscotch finish (more natural-looking woodgrain) than the US 52s have. That's just my observation - I'm not certain.

[Marcondo]

Its easy to spot the differences. Tha japan made ones actually have a stamp at the base of the neck that says made in Japan or for the newer ones Crafted in Japan.

The serial number on the bridge of the USA models will have a dimple under the serial so people dont get confused by serial numbers being the same as some of the 50's models.

The Japan made ones have pots with smaller shafts than the CTS pots the USA ones use.

The USA ones are solid ASH the japan ones are SEN japanese ASH or basswood on solid color ones.

The Japan models have a very comfy soft V neck USA models dont.

There are lots more differences but those should let you know which is which.

[Willy]

Thanks Marcondo.
Is possible ataching any pic here showing what you are telling?

[telegraph14]

Thanks, Marcondo. That helps me out too.

[hackenfort]

A quick easy way look at the headstock logo

On US ones it's on top of the finish,

On MIJ it's under the finish.

Electronic's are easy to change and the ones made to be marketed in Japan have US electronic's.

This is one sure way to tell the diff.