I think I know this guitar and tried it out myself (If you picked it up in Atlasville/Boksburg?). It’s a Beautiful instrument and I suspect its Tokai made because the minute I picked her up she felt identical to my ‘Breezysound’. I think she is a little newer and more around the 2006/8 era. It’s an awesome guitar and I had to use great restraint not to buy her myself.
My preference at the moment is Fugi-Gen Fenders. Not that Tokai are inferior, overall Tokai actually make a better quality Fender than Fugi Gen did (IMHO), but where Fugi Gen truly outshine all others, are in the necks. I love Fugi Gen necks!
Here are some with the serials above.
Carefully remove the Volume and Tone plate, the pots underneath should have a stamps that says Japan or Made In Japan to put you at ease.
Also I don’t think it’s a deluxe, but definitely a ‘62 custom reissue. Deluxe’s have contoured bodies like Strats. Still it’s a wonderful guitar, I think I know what you paid for her and you did very well, very well indeed. I have a sneaky suspicion the seller will regret selling her down the line if not already. That color is incredibly unique and looks stunning in real-life.
P.S. Early 80’s and 90’s ‘62 customs and re issue Fender Japanese guitars (Specifically Telecasters) shouldn’t actually have a serial on the neck. The serials are on the bridge plate, usually starting with an A (and it really means very little). Everybody thinks that these are made between 85/87, but that’s rubbish. The higher end and re-issue models all have A-serials made bridge plates (Except for very early JV and SQ models) that have JV and SQ. This is why one has to take the neck off and look on the inside to see a written date in pencil.
Enjoy your Japanese Fender! and next time stick to your original thread! And post some pics of it so everyone can see
what a lovely guitar you've got!
