1989 catalog
I have seen a number of TE80A guitars understandably confused with the TE120.
Seems like a good idea to point out what to look for to tell them apart since TE120s can sell for big money.
Note: The TE80A is high spec one piece ash body and likely sold for more than 80,000 yen originally.
The TE120 and TE80A look VERY similar on the surface, both appear to be 1 piece bodies, both have a fancy abalone binding, but they are from two different periods.
The TE120 was introduced in the 1982 catalog, so 1981 examples exist. I have one. So the serial numbers are either the old 7 digit pattern, 10xxxxx or Fender style numbering (4 digit for maple board, L serial for rosewood).
TE120 "Arabesque Model"
The TE80A came out later, after 1984. Known examples have six digit serial numbers and range from 1987 to the early 90s. They have a - symbol in the neck or body codes.
2xxxxx serial numbers follow the Fender style serial number system and date from the latter part of 1986 and 1987.
01xxxx serial numbers are early to mid 1990s.
Besides the serial numbers, the TE120 had a cashew finish. The binding will be an amber color as well as the abalone purfling. If you hit it with an LED light it almost fluoresces.
TE80A has a white binding that does age to a cream color.
My 1981 TE120 with cashew finish over the binding making it appear yellow.
The cream color binding of Cliff's TE80A
I have seen a number of TE80A guitars understandably confused with the TE120.
Seems like a good idea to point out what to look for to tell them apart since TE120s can sell for big money.
Note: The TE80A is high spec one piece ash body and likely sold for more than 80,000 yen originally.
The TE120 and TE80A look VERY similar on the surface, both appear to be 1 piece bodies, both have a fancy abalone binding, but they are from two different periods.
The TE120 was introduced in the 1982 catalog, so 1981 examples exist. I have one. So the serial numbers are either the old 7 digit pattern, 10xxxxx or Fender style numbering (4 digit for maple board, L serial for rosewood).
TE120 "Arabesque Model"
The TE80A came out later, after 1984. Known examples have six digit serial numbers and range from 1987 to the early 90s. They have a - symbol in the neck or body codes.
2xxxxx serial numbers follow the Fender style serial number system and date from the latter part of 1986 and 1987.
01xxxx serial numbers are early to mid 1990s.
Besides the serial numbers, the TE120 had a cashew finish. The binding will be an amber color as well as the abalone purfling. If you hit it with an LED light it almost fluoresces.
TE80A has a white binding that does age to a cream color.
My 1981 TE120 with cashew finish over the binding making it appear yellow.
The cream color binding of Cliff's TE80A
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