Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster HS Heavy Relic, Aged Black

Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster HS Heavy Relic, Aged Black Overview

With this stunning 1952 Telecaster, the Fender Custom Shop have demonstrated why their guitar’s stand amongst the finest in the world. This unique guitar elaborates on the traditional '50s Tele format, combining a vintage spec with a modern sensibility. The result is an astounding instrument with a captivating character that’s truly its own.

Classic Feel & Sound

This Fender Custom Shop Telecaster uses the iconic '52 model as the basis for its design, providing it with an unmistakable “Golden Era” vibe. Boasting a spec that effortlessly fuses vintage with modern, it’s as if someone bought this guitar back in the '50s and diligently modified it over the decades.

The premium tonewoods are a particular highlight. The body is carved from a period-correct piece of Select Ash, which delivers the strong, sweet resonance and singing sustain that Ash is renowned for. The exposed parts of the Aged Black nitrocellulose finish demonstrate the body’s stunning wood grain. The solid Plain Grain Maple neck plays every bit as well as it looks. With its '65 Strat “C” neck profile and Medium Jumbo 6105 frets, this Custom Shop Tele offers a comfortably contemporary playing experience.

Gorgeous Worn-In Look

With its Custom Shop Relic treatment, this Telecaster has been imparted with the endearing wear and tear of a battle-hardened workhorse. Every part of this guitar, from the numerous finish checks to the oxidised hardware, has been meticulously aged by the Custom Shop’s world-class luthiers.

Vintage Tele Tone

Enhancing this guitar’s “modified” character is its potent pickup combination. It’s akin to a Telecaster Deluxe, with a Seymour Duncan '59 Model humbucker in the neck and a handwound 50-51 Blackguard Tele single-coil in the bridge. The '59 offers a warm, detailed tone with a vintage output that’s akin to the iconic P.A.F whilst the 50-51 Blackguard delivers that classic '50s Tele twang.

Modern Reliability

This Telecaster has been crafted by the incredible Fender Custom Shop luthiers, using only the finest materials and components. While you could easily mistake a lot of Fender Custom Shop guitars for a vintage model, they’re as reliable and road-worthy as a modern guitar should be. Whilst a vintage guitar may run into issues with maintenance (and cost significantly more), this Telecaster is primed to bring that sought-after “Golden Era” flavour to any gig or session.

This Custom Shop Telecaster fuses the best of classic and contemporary. With a striking look to match its punchy tone, it’s bound to be a standout in your collection. If you want a '50s Tele with a modern twist, this one deserves your attention.