1996 Fender Thinline Telecaster TLAC-100 Sunburst Piezo & Lace Sensor, Near-Mint, Japan MIJ Fujigen

Up for sale, a 1996 Fender Electric Acoustic Thinline Telecaster model TLAC-100 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. This rare and unique Fender Japan offering, only produced for a few short years in the early ‘90s at the Fujigen factory, is something of a spiritual predecessor to Fender’s current Acoustasonic line. It combines acoustic and electric functionality together into one hybrid instrument, with a Piezo undersaddle pickup, semi-hollow Thinline design, acoustic-style rosewood bridge, TBX Tone control, and a Fender Lace Sensor Silver neck pickup. This instrument is among the latest TLAC-100s known to have been produced, as the model stopped appearing in the catalog after ‘94, and is notable for boasting an all-maple body, a feature seen on virtually no other examples.

Lightweight at 6lbs 14oz, tonewoods include a maple body paired with a maple neck capped and a 22-fret slab rosewood fingerboard. The semi-hollow construction and unique wood selection ensures a natural percussive cut and rich bark with plenty of inherent treble articulation via the maple body. The Piezo undersaddle pickup has a bright, acoustic-esque sound, crisp and punchy with a wide EQ sweep accessible via the TBX Tone control. From 1-5, the center detent TBX functions like a normal Tone knob, and from 5-10 it provides a treble/bass boost for added richness and sonic heft. The Fender Lace Sensor Silver neck pickup has a fat, ‘70s-style cut with ample sparkle; the patented Lace Micro Combs replace traditional bobbins, giving the player a wider tonal range and better string-to-string balance than traditional pickups. The best tones are found by combining the two pickups via the center-detent pickup selector Blend knob. This TLAC-100 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Maple
-Shape: Slender C, measuring .790” 1st fret, .885” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood slab, 22-fret, 9 1/2” radius
-Frets: Medium Jumbo, no wear
-Scale Length: 25 1/2"
-Nut: 1.650” (42mm)
-Tuners: Grover Mini Rotomatics 18:1 (upgraded)
-Heel: Contoured, Micro-Tilt
-Serialization: U-prefix, "Made in Japan"
-Factory Markings: “Fender 50 1946-1996” decal on headstock

Body Specs:

-Wood: Maple
-Pickups: Lace Sensor Silver, Piezo undersaddle
-Controls: Volume, Pickup Blend (center detent), TBX Tone (center detent)
-Harness: Active preamp powered by 9v battery
-Plastics: Black bonnet knobs (replacement)

The gloss Sunburst finish is framed on top by cream body binding and exhibits broad vertical checking. Cosmetic wear is limited to pick scuffing on top and several minor dings, primarily on the lower bout. The satin finish on the neck profile is clean and smooth, buffed to a semi-gloss from contact with the palm.

A vintage black tolex hardshell case with a pink plush interior is included.