Ibanez Telecaster Deluxe 2352DX

I recently became the proud owner of this 23352DX, a Telecaster Deluxe copy from 1977. Although most sources state 1976 as the last year of production, the serial number points to 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 Matsumoku seem equally possible.

In shape and color, it’s very close to the original, but the woods used are different. The body is made of mahogany with a birch ply on the top and back. It’s finished in Mocha (Ibanez calls it Mahogany), 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 neck has some features more commonly found on the Silver Series. This model was originally designed with a three-piece maple neck. The truss rod was accessible from the headstock, and the nut was mounted at the end of the fretboard.
Here, a one-piece maple neck is used, the truss rod is accessible from the body, and the nut is set in a slot. I would describe the profile as medium C-shaped. Black dot inlays serve as orientation markers.
The large 70s-style headstock is equipped with rather mediocre mechanics, but they work adequately.

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 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 and is therefore wonderfully playable. It boasts fantastic tonal characteristics: highly resonant with sensitive attack and remarkable sustain. You wouldn’t expect it at first. Thanks to the truly excellent pickups, it also sounds superb through an amp—very crisp, detailed, and powerful. Sparkling clean tones are just as easily achievable as growling overdrive sounds with smooth mids, and the overall playing feel is fantastic.

This Telecaster impresses with its qualities, which stand out despite its cost-effective construction.
And once again, it is noticeable that the Japanese craftsmanship in those years was absolutely top-notch and ambitious.

Guitars like this 2352DX, or even less expensive 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 sometimes traded at moderate prices, and you can find some really good instruments among them.