Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telecaster Thinline (Natural)

General

The Telecaster JA-90 was modelled after the Fender TC 90, one of Jim Adkins' favourite electric guitars. Even though the original TC90 had the body of a Stratocaster, Fender and Jim Adkins opted for a Telecaster body for the JA-90. This instrument has unmistakable Telecaster looks and is reminiscent of the Telecaster Deluxe guitars from the seventies while the sound and playing feel are more like those of an LP-style guitar with P90 pickups.

Construction

At first glance, the Fender JA90 looks like a fairly standard Fender Deluxe. If you look a little closer, however, you'll notice that this is a completely different animal. Its Adjusto-Matic bridge and set-in neck, for instance, are features you are more likely to find on an LP-style guitar than on a Telecaster. Its shorter scale length and 9.5-inch radius provide a playing feel that is very much unlike the Fender Telecaster and produces a sound that is full and warm with the sultry, clean tones delivered by the Seymour Duncan Soapbar pickups. Open up the gain and you can use the Fender JA90 to chop wood like a metal axe.

Finish

Whether or not you're familiar with Jim Adkins, his signature Telecaster is an exceptionally beautiful and undeniably unique instrument. The grain of the ash shines beautifully through the thin transparent lacquer of the semi-hollow body as does the seamless connection of the set-in maple neck while the tone is controlled by the same pots as familiar Fender amplifiers. All in all, the Fender JA90 is a great-sounding, great-looking guitar. Are you in for Tele looks with a warm, full sound? Then you should definitely consider this beautiful unison of the best of both worlds.

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