Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Reissue Heavy Relic NoCaster Blonde

Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Reissue Heavy Relic NoCaster Blonde

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.