You could buy a shiny new Telecaster and then spend the next 67 years wearing it down, but who has time for that? This Fender Custom Shop 52 Tele has their popular Relic finish for a worn-in feel right out of the case, and a pair of handwound Loaded NoCaster pickups.
Fender sez: 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). 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.
Condition: New (Relic); Body: Ash, 1-ply black pick guard; Neck: One-piece maple, 52 Style U carve, 9.5 radius; Nut: 1.650; Color: faded Nocaster blonde; Pickups: Custom Shop handwound Loaded NoCaster; Scale: 25.5; Orientation: Lefthanded (of course)