Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Relic Reissue 2 Tone Sunburst

Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Relic Reissue 2 Tone Sunburst

Even though there were earlier designs, 1952 is considered the first year of production for the venerable Tele®, and the 1952 Telecaster Relic is a premium example of this design, slightly tweaked for modern players. All the classic “Blackguard” touches are here: 1-ply Black phenolic pickguard, ash body with classic Blonde finish and medium-tint riftsawn maple neck with “ ’52 U”-shaped profile. The first Telecaster had some subtle changes from the ’51 nocaster, including a slow transition from slot-head screws to Phillips-head, reflected here by both types appearing (as happened on some models). Three different lacquer finish packages are available, giving it everything from the look of a well-loved instrument, to the aesthetics of a tried-and-true road dog. Not only does a lacquer finish let the body wood “breathe” with sustain, it wears in a personal way and is an authentic original-era element.

We wanted to give this guitar the fattest, gruntiest tone you’ve ever heard from a Tele, so we loaded it with a pair of Hand-Wound ’51 Loaded Nocaster single-coil pickups, tied together with Fat ‘50s Tele wiring and a 3-way pickup switch. Other features include 9.5”-radius fingerboard, 21 6105 frets, ‘51/’54 bridge with brass saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut and round string tree. Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.