Ibanez Telecaster Deluxe 2352DX

I recently became the proud owner of this 23352DX, a Telecaster Deluxe copy from 1977. It appears to have been the last year of production for this model. While most sources cite 1976, the serial number clearly indicates 1977.

It’s completely original and in quite good condition for its age, with the expected signs of wear for a played instrument. I’ve only added security locks. It was probably made at the Fuji Gen factory; at least the serial number format fits. However, there are conflicting reports on this, and Terada or Matsumoku seem equally possible. I’m probably not mistaken in saying it’s from Japan. 🙂

In shape and color, it’s very close to the original, but the woods used are slightly different. The body is made of mahogany with a birch ply on the top and back. It’s finished in mocha, while the sides and the shaping on the back are a very dark brown. Only upon close inspection does one notice that the body is constructed using the pancake method.
The bolt-on, one-piece neck and the fretboard are made of maple. Black dot inlays provide orientation. The large 70s-style headstock is fitted with tuning machines of rather mediocre quality, they function adequately at best.The truss rod is accessible from the body, in contrast to old catalog photos showing access from the headstock. I would describe the profile as medium C-shaped.

The wiring is the same as the original and comparable to a Les Paul, it probably needs no further explanation. The pickups, modeled after the Wide Range humbuckers, are from Maxon and were revised in the mid-70s. The first version, used until around 1975, is height-adjustable with two screws and is probably more comparable to standard humbuckers. The second version, used here, is adjustable with four screws and is also closer to the original in terms of tone. An interesting description can be found here: https://tymguitars.com.au/blogs/blog/maxon-wrhb-rewind

The guitar can be perfectly adjusted, resulting in excellent playability. It boasts fantastic tonal characteristics: very resonant with sensitive attack and plenty of sustain. You wouldn’t expect that from it at first. Thanks to the really good pickups, it also sounds great through an amp—very crisp, detailed, and powerful. Sparkling clean are just as easily achievable as growling overdrive with smooth mids, and it feels great to play.
This Telecaster impresses with its qualities, which stand out so much despite its cost-effective construction. Japanese craftsmanship in those years was absolutely top-notch.

Guitars like this 2352DX, or even Strat, SG and Les Paul copies, were often manufactured without branding at the time and sold by various companies under their own names, either in a similar or identical form.
They are still traded at moderate prices, and you can find some really good instruments among them.