Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,629

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster, a masterful blend of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship. This guitar is a homage to the golden era of Fender, steeped in the classic aesthetics and sound characteristics that defined the '60s. From its lightweight alder body to the hand-wound Blackguard and Twisted pickups, every detail has been carefully crafted to deliver a powerful punch of Texas heat, reimagining the classic Tele twang with an added layer of grit and versatility.

The neck is a dream for players who appreciate a chunkier feel, boasting a substantial '60s Oval "C" profile that fills your hand comfortably. The 9.5-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, alongside 21 narrow-tall frets, offers the perfect playground for both chordal rhythm work and expressive high-register solos. Meanwhile, the period-correct threaded steel-saddle bridge and vintage-style tuners ensure that this guitar doesn’t just look the part, but also performs with the reliability expected from a top-tier Fender creation.

A standout feature of the '63 Relic Telecaster is its nitrocellulose finish, meticulously aged to provide that coveted "broken-in" feel straight out of the box. This guitar not only sounds like a piece of history but looks and feels like one too, with every scuff and worn edge telling a story of musical legacy. Whether you're an old-school Telecaster enthusiast or a modern player looking for a unique tonal palette, this Telecaster is a gateway to a world of sonic possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight alder body for enhanced resonance
  • Rift-sawn maple neck with '60s Oval “C” profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 9.5-inch radius and 21 narrow-tall frets
  • Hand-wound Blackguard and Twisted pickups for a powerful, versatile sound
  • Threaded steel-saddle bridge and vintage-style tuners
  • Nitrocellulose finish with relic treatment for an authentic vintage feel

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape 1963 Telecaster Relic
Body Material 2-piece Select Alder
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Rift Sawn Maple
Neck Shape '60s Oval C
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21, Narrow Tall (6105)
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece 3-Saddle Vintage-Style Strings-Through-Body Tele with Threaded Steel Barrel Saddles
Tuners Vintage-style
Neck Pickup Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound Twisted Tele Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound Original Blackguard Tele Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Switching 3-way blade pickup switch
Strings Nickel Plated Steel, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster?

The neck features a '60s Oval C shape, offering a comfortable grip that's ideal for various playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

What type of tones can I expect from the pickups on this Telecaster?

The Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound Twisted Tele and Original Blackguard Tele single-coil pickups deliver a classic Telecaster sound, with a bright and twangy tone perfect for country, rock, and blues.

Is the Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster suitable for advanced players?

Yes, this guitar is crafted with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking vintage sound and aesthetics.

What is the body material of the Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster?

The body is made from 2-piece Select Alder, known for its balanced tone and light weight, contributing to the guitar's overall resonance and sustain.

Does the Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster come with a case?

Yes, it comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Fender Custom Shop 2015 Collection 1963 Telecaster Relic • SN: R82281

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 2015 Collection 1963 Telecaster Relic  •  SN: R82281 by Wildwood Guitars

Fender Custom Shop 2015 Collection 1963 Telecaster Relic • SN: R82281

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster Relic Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster Relic Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Tele | Product Demo by Big Music Australia

Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Tele | Product Demo

Big Music Australia

Big Music Australia

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster.

Build quality

  • The back of the neck features a thin lacquer, offering a comfortable and worn-in feel that enhances playability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested to email Fender Custom Shop for the build sheet using the serial number to access detailed specs, including fret wire type.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchased for $2150, considered a great deal for its mint condition, resembling a vintage Telecaster at 10% of the vintage price.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar reportedly has the best Tele neck feel, with a perfect setup featuring a Mastery Bridge, enhancing its playability and overall performance.

    Source
  • The understated relicing adds a vintage aesthetic without overwhelming the authentic feel, appreciated by many owners.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The relic finish is tastefully done, providing a vintage aesthetic without appearing overly artificial or excessive.

    Source
  • The Paulownia body is notably lightweight at 5.12 lbs, enhancing comfort without sacrificing tone and resonance.

    Source
  • Josefina Hand Wound pickups are highlighted for their exceptional sound quality, contributing to the guitar's amazing playability and tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Paulownia wood is described as ultra-light and a preferred tonewood, comparable to chambered options for its sound qualities.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest moving away from threaded saddles for improved performance, though it remains a personal preference.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steven Wilson uses Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster

Steven Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via Photo

Steven Wilson owns a Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster, as mentioned on his official Instagram account. He expressed his admiration for the guitar, stating he wrote and recorded "To the Bone" primarily using Telecasters, and plans to feature this guitar on tour.

See how Wilbur Soot uses Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster

Wilbur Soot

Singer, Guitarist

Lovejoy

...
Verified via Photo

Wilbur uses this guitar while playing live at the TRNSMT Festival and has used it at many other previous live shows. It's a Fender Custom Shop LTD 1965 Telecaster Custom Heavy Relic Aged Ocean Turquoise Over 3-Color Sunburst bought from a website called Eddie's Guitars. Wilbur uses a black leather Fender USA Custom Shop guitar strap with this guitar.

See how Yūya Komoguchi uses Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster

Yūya Komoguchi

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via 菰口雄矢 | YUYA KOMOGUCHI Official Website

According to Yūya Komoguchi's official website, he uses the Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster.

Album Usage

The Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Custom Shop 1963 Relic Telecaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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