The Fender TLAC-100 is one of Fender Japan's most unusual and collectible guitars. It was essentially a prototype concept for what would eventually become the Acoustasonic line —more than 30 years before the modern Acoustasonic existed.
The TLAC-100 was produced in Japan around 1988–1993 during Fender Japan's experimental "Heavy Metal Tele" (HMT) era. Despite the HMT association, the TLAC is anything but a metal guitar—it was an innovative acoustic/electric hybrid. Fender never produced large numbers, so they are relatively rare today, especially outside of Japan.
The guitar combines elements of a Telecaster with an acoustic instrument: Semi-hollow/Thinline-style body; Single F-hole; Telecaster neck and scale (25.5"); Acoustic-style wooden bridge with piezo pickup; Bolt-on maple neck;
The active electronics is where it gets interesting. The TLAC uses two completely different pickup systems. There is a Piezo bridge pickup and the neck pickup here is a Seymour Duncan Little ’59 Humbucker (original pickup would have been a Lace Sensor). Rather than forcing you to choose one or the other, Fender included electronics that let you blend them together: Volume; TBX tone control; Blend control between magnetic and piezo pickups. That blending capability was remarkably forward-thinking for the late 1980s.
This 1993 model is in remarkable condition, and with the exception of the replacement pickup, is all original. Comes complete with its original hard case.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £65.00
Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
