Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $3,606
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
The Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue is an exceptional homage to one of the most iconic guitar designs ever created. Born from necessity due to a trademark issue, the original Nocaster became a rare gem in the world of guitars. This reissue captures that essence with an authentic, period-correct construction that will appeal to vintage enthusiasts and modern players alike.
Crafted with a resonant ash body and a riftsawn maple neck, this guitar offers an impressive balance of tone and stability. The meticulously relic’d finish gives it the character of a well-loved instrument, complete with the dings and scratches that tell a story of countless gigs and jam sessions. The neck features a comfortable 1950 Blackguard profile, and the compound radius fingerboard ensures seamless playability whether you're strumming chords or bending notes.
The heart of the Nocaster lies in its hand-wound '50-'51 Blackguard pickups, delivering that unmistakable Tele twang that can cut through any mix. The original "dark circuit" wiring provides an authentic vintage sound, but for those who prefer modern versatility, a Fat 50 wiring harness is included for more contemporary switching options.
This reissue is not just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history reimagined for today's players who value both legacy and innovation.
Key Features:
- Authentic re-creation of the rare Fender Nocaster
- Resonant ash body with a stable riftsawn maple neck
- Hand-wound '50-'51 Blackguard pickups for classic Tele tones
- 7.25–9.5-inch compound radius fingerboard
- Relic finish with vintage-inspired wear and tear
- Includes a Fat 50 wiring harness for modern switching options
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Custom Shop '51 Reissue Nocaster Relic |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | T-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Finish Features | Relic |
| Model Family | Fender Nocaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Fender Custom Shop |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue?
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The Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue features a "U"-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip and vintage feel, ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue?
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The ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue is equipped with vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, clear tone with excellent dynamic range, perfect for classic rock, blues, and country music.
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Is the Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue suitable for professional players?
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Yes, the Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue is crafted for professionals, offering premium craftsmanship, authentic vintage sound, and a relic finish for a well-played look and feel.
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What is the body shape of the Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue?
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The body shape of the Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue is T-style, a classic design known for its versatility and comfort.
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How many frets does the Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue have?
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The Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue has 21 frets, staying true to the vintage specifications of the original 1951 model.
Reviews
PROS
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Superior craftsmanship; impeccable attention to authentic vintage detail
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Lightweight and resonant body enhances playability and tone
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Nitrocellulose finish for a classic look and feel
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Highly collectible; potential future vintage value
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Incredible sustain and tonal versatility
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Chunky U-shaped neck adds unique character and resonance
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Stable tuning and intonation make it reliable for long sessions
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Versatile pickups, excellent for a range of music genres
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Modern fret wire improves playability over traditional models
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Locking tuners ensure exceptional tuning stability
CONS
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Chunky neck may not suit all players
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Treble-heavy tone might require adjustment for some styles
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue.
Features and functionality
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The Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster Relic Reissue comes with Nocaster Spec pickups wound by Abigail, providing an authentic vintage tone.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the Nocaster neck profile, with some expressing comfort with even larger necks, indicating a preference for substantial neck sizes.
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The guitar's exclusivity is highlighted by its limited production run, with only 60 units made in a particular year, adding collector's value.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
“One is a very early Custom Shop Relic ’51 Nocaster – about 15 or 16 years old – with Lindy Fralin pickups and, obviously, more-conventional wiring instead of the Nocaster wiring. The other one is also a ’51 Nocaster reissue, done for the NAMM show two years ago.” -via Vintage Guitar
According to Guitar Geek's rig, Finck uses 2 reliced Fender Nocasters from custom shop. Both are tuned in standard tuning.
(Telecaster before they had a name), '09 Relic. Purchased at Gruhn Guitars, Nashville Tn and played that night at the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Old Opry for the AS Trio tune "Western Sabbath Stomp."
"I also played a Fender Custom Shop Nocaster."
He used during the band's Shuffle Diplomacy 2011 US tour.
In this interview David Hidalgo recalls: "I’ve been using a Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic lately."
In the YouTube video titled "Tim Lerch 'Not So Signature Guitar'," at 1:15, Tim Lerch confirms that he uses a 2000 Fender Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue.
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 ’51 Nocaster Relic Reissue, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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