Fender Custom Shop '53 Telecaster Relic, Aged Nocaster Blonde #R128657

Full Description

It's a Relic

The 'Relic' process that the Fender Custom Shop employs is an art form in itself, meticulously undertaken by skilled craftspeople. It's an intricate procedure designed to impart the guitar with an aura of history and use, convincingly recreating the wear and tear of a beloved instrument that's been played consistently since 1953.

The guitar's aging is not just skin-deep; it permeates through the finish into the very wood, replicating the natural ageing process. This results in a Telecaster that doesn't just look vintage - it feels, plays, and sounds like a well-worn, much-loved icon from the golden age of Fender, offering an authentically vintage experience to the player.

Exceptional tonal balance

The Fender Custom Shop '53 Telecaster Relic's tonal superiority comes from the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into its hand-wound pickups: the Original Blackguard in the bridge position and the Twisted Tele in the neck position. Both pickups are painstakingly created with the goal of capturing the essence of Fender's vintage tone.

The Original Blackguard bridge pickup recreates the bright, biting tone synonymous with the Telecaster, producing a crisp high-end and a tight, articulate bass response, which is perfect for sparkling clean chords or cutting lead lines. On the other hand, the Twisted Tele neck pickup offers a richer, warmer sound, providing thick, full-bodied tones that maintain clarity even when drenched in overdrive, making it ideal for bluesy licks or jazz chords.

Together, these pickups produce a balanced tonal spectrum, offering the player versatility and a wide array of tonal possibilities. Whether you're playing country twang, bluesy warmth, or rock and roll bite, the '53 Telecaster Relic with its hand-wound OBG and Twisted Tele pickups is capable of delivering it all.

Stunningly accurate feel

The '53 Telecaster Relic features a sturdy, one-piece quarter-sawn maple neck, a notable attribute of Fender's golden era guitars. This neck construction not only offers a distinctive vintage aesthetic but also delivers a robust, resonant tone that truly sings. The neck boasts a period-accurate 'U' profile, providing a substantial, comfortable grip, ideal for those with a preference for a fuller neck.

The guitar's fretboard is also meticulously crafted out of premium maple, bearing 21 vintage-style frets. A slight 9.5-inch radius enhances playability, facilitating comfortable chording and effortless string-bending. The slightly rolled edges of the fretboard mimic the feel of a neck that's been broken in over many decades, offering the player an incredibly smooth, tactile playing experience. With this neck and fretboard combination, the Fender Custom Shop '53 Telecaster Relic doesn't just pay homage to a bygone era - it brings it vividly to life in the hands of the guitarist.

Specifications

Body

• Finish Package: Relic
• Plating: Chrome/Nickel Hardware
• Body Spread: GTR Ash Off-Center 2PC
• Colour: Nocaster Blonde (Aged)
• Body Finish: Nitro Lacquer
• Sort for Light Weight: Yes

Neck & Fretboard

• Neck: Custom Neck Like Standard Neck Assembly 53-55 Tele CC/Rel
• Neck Finish: Nitro Lacquer Neck Finish Med Tint
• Neck Blank: Guitar Flame AA Qtr Sawn
• Truss Rod: 50's
• Neck Head Thickness: 0.575"
• Neck Scoop: 52
• Fret Wire: Narrow Tall / 6105
• Number of Frets: 21
• Fingerboard Radius: 7.25 - 9.50 Compound Radius
• Back Shape: 1954 "U"
• Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
• Nut: Bone (GTR & J-Bass)

Hardware & Electronics

• Bridge: Standard Bridge Assembly
• Bridge Assembly: Nocaster w/o P/U Gatton Rel
• Output Assemblies: Vint Tele Control Assembly Fat 50's Tele Rel
• Control Knob(s): 52 Tele Knurled Chr Rel
• Selector Switch Tip: AM Vint Tele Rel
• String Sets for Guitar: 010-013-017-026-036-046