2023 Fender Limited Black Sparkle Telecaster w/ Flame Maple Neck MIJ Made in Japan Filtertron

Fender 2023 MIJ Limited Sparkle Telecaster – Black w/ Flame Maple Neck, Filtertron Pickups

Professor’s Notes

A 2023 limited production Japanese market only stunner with an extra limited cherry on top. Filter’Tron pickups, black sparkle finish, top body binding and flame maple neck. Don’t hold your breath for another one with this specification to pop up.

Specifications

Weight: 7 lbs 14oz

Case: Original Fender factory gig bag

Nut width(measured):1.64 in

12th fret width: 2.02

1st fret depth: 0.81

12th fret depth: 0.94

Body: Alder

Body Finish: Black Sparkle top, vintage natural back w/ polyurethane clearcoat

Neck: Maple

Neck Profile: modern C

Neck Finish: Satin Urethane Finish on Back, Gloss Urethane Finish on Front

Nut: Bone

Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 in

Fingerboard: Maple

Frets: 22, Narrow Tall

Scale: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)

Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style Locking

Bridge: Fender 6-saddle hardtail

Pickguard: 4-Ply White

Pickups: Black Top Filtertron (neck and bridge)

Pickup Switching: 3 way

Controls: Volume, Tone

Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome

Country of manufacture: Japan

Condition

Rated as Excellent (near mint), this Telecaster only shows minor signs of use such as minimal picking or other fine scratches around the body. The frets show very few signs of wear. The neck is straight with no signs of warping or waviness. Electronics are fully functional and the truss rod is in excellent working order with plenty of adjustability remaining in both directions.

Currently strung with fresh set of D’Addario EXL120+, it’s professionally inspected, cleaned, and set up for optimal relief, medium action, dialed-in intonation, and adjusted pickup height to bring out the best in tone and comfort. The original factory gig bag, case candy and tools are included. Optional Fender FE620 gig bag with ample 20mm cushion or hard cases available for an additional fee upon request, send us a message for options.

Overview

This example of the 2023 Fender MIJ Limited Sparkle Telecaster has an even more limited specification being equipped with a flame maple neck. We’ve looked and looked but haven’t found another one listed with a flame maple neck. It may have been a spot order from the Japanese retailer that sold this guitar to the original owner. Unavailable in the U.S. market, this very limited model features classic details like an alder body and maple modern C-profile neck with slab rosewood fingerboard and white dot inlays. Its lively and responsive acoustic properties are maintained thanks to beautifully thin but durable polyurethane clearcoat application over the cream bound black sparkle top and natural finish back alder body. Similar in feel to the Hybrid II series, Fender knocked it out of the park with the neck profile. In hand, the profile manages a fantastic balance between comfort, playability and just enough depth and shoulder (measurements above). Thoughtful player-oriented features have been chosen including locking tuners, smooth satin finish neck, and 9.5-inch radius fingerboard with narrow tall frets.

Tone and Electronics

Outfitted with dual Filtertron humbuckers, this configuration brings out a unique blend of clarity and punch. With a lower winding count and narrower coil design than traditional humbuckers, Filtertrons dish out a tighter, more focused sound with a crisp top end, fast attack, and a touch of chime that sits somewhere between a single-coil and a humbucker.

The natural tonal balance of alder—clear mids, rounded lows, and articulate highs—complements the Filtertrons beautifully. The neck pickup delivers smooth, piano-like lows and airy highs that remain articulate even with heavy strumming. The bridge pickup offers a snappy, biting treble with strong midrange presence, perfect for cutting through a mix without harshness. When combined, the pickups provide a wide tonal palette ranging from shimmering cleans to gritty, rootsy drive with plenty of definition and character. The result is a versatile setup equally suited for articulate rhythm work, jangly indie textures, or punchy, well-defined lead tones—ideal for players who want something distinct from both PAF-style humbuckers and Fender-style single coils.