Early 1970s Kingston Telecaster Style Electric Guitar Vintage White (MIJ Kawai)

Early 1970s Kingston Telecaster Style Electric Guitar Vintage White (MIJ Kawai)

A solid early-'70s Japanese take on the classic Telecaster formula, this Kingston  example comes out of the Kawai factory during the golden era of MIJ catalog production. Finished in a stunning and creamy vintage white with matching pickup covers and quirky vintage styling, it carries that unmistakable blend of Fender-inspired design and distinctly Japanese interpretation. At 3.3kg, it sits in the sweet spot for comfort and resonance without feeling flimsy.

The neck features a 24.75" scale length with a thick C profile, giving it a more substantial, almost Gibson-like hand feel compared to traditional Fender spec. It’s finished in gloss polyurethane with a 9.5" radius fingerboard and a 43mm plastic nut width. The 21 medium nickel silver frets keep things period-correct with a slinky feel under the fingers thanks in part to the shorter scale length. Fret life is okay here at about 60% life with a recent fret dress.

Electronics are handled by a set of 2 x Maxon single coils, delivering a surprisingly warm and balanced voice for a Tele-style platform. Featuring a very cool set of matching cream covers, these pickups offering a lower-output, vintage-voiced response with a smooth top end and a slightly rounded attack. It retains clarity but leans more toward warmth and texture than modern bite. Controls are simple but sophisticated with nicely embossed control knobs and a top mounted jack.

Overall, this is a lightweight and characterful early-70s MIJ catalog instrument that reflects the experimental nature of Kawai-era Kingston production. It doesn’t aim for strict Fender accuracy but instead delivers its own personality, with a comfortable chunky neck, mellow single coil tones, and a distinctly vintage Japanese aesthetic. Professionally setup with 10-46s, it plays beautifully with low action and great intonation. In truly great condition for its age, this Telecaster is bulletproof and ready to rock out for another 50 years at least.

Specifications:

Make: Kingston (Kawai)

Model: Telecaster (Exact Model Unknown)

Origin: Japan, Kawai Factory, Early 1970s

Body: Sen Ash

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ Pearloid Dot Inlays

Pickups: 2 x Maxon Humbuckers, Neck: 4.5kOhms, Middle: 2.3kOhms, Bridge: 4.5kOhms

Neck Profile: 24.75" Scale, Thick C Profile, Gloss Polyurethane Finish, 9.5" Radius, 43mm Nut Width (Plastic)

Frets: 21 Medium Nickel Silver Frets

Finish: Vintage White

Weight: 3.3kg

Shipping & Returns:

Domestic AU Shipping (Insured) - $Free

International Shipping (Insured) - $199.99

Local Pickup/Click & Collect - 135 New Canterbury Road, Lewisham 2049

The item is sold as is - if it is broken or damaged on arrival, we will offer you a return/refund. We cannot accept returns for change of mind or offer any warranty on used/vintage items.