Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $4,020

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the nostalgic allure of the early '50s with the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic. This masterfully crafted instrument is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern playability, making it a must-have for any discerning guitarist. Constructed with a lightweight 2-piece select ash body, this Telecaster delivers a resonant tone that echoes the golden age of rock 'n' roll. The 1-piece rift-sawn maple neck, shaped in a chunky 1952 “U” profile, provides exceptional stability and comfort, ensuring it stands the test of time through countless gigs and jam sessions.

Under the hood, you'll find two Custom Shop Hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups. These pickups inject an overwound twist to the classic Tele twang, offering a treble-heavy, gritty voice perfect for both vintage purists and modern rockers alike. The 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 21 medium-jumbo frets ensure smooth playability, allowing for effortless chording and string bends without fretting out.

The nitrocellulose lacquer Relic finish is the hallmark of Fender's aging process, giving this guitar a played-in feel that replicates decades of cherished use. With period-correct features such as the 1-ply black phenolic pickguard and uncompensated brass-saddle bridge, this Telecaster is as authentic as it gets. Whether you're playing on stage or recording in the studio, the '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic is a timeless instrument that bridges the past and present with style and sonic excellence.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight 2-piece select ash body for a resonant tone
  • 1-piece rift-sawn maple neck with a 1952 "U" profile for stability
  • Custom Shop Hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups for classic Tele twang
  • 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 21 medium-jumbo frets
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer Relic finish for a vintage feel
  • Period-correct features including an uncompensated 3-saddle bridge and vintage-style tuners

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Finish Features Relic
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic?

The neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic is a classic "U" shape, which provides a comfortable grip reminiscent of vintage Telecasters, ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck feel.

How does the relic finish affect the playability of this Telecaster?

The relic finish on this Telecaster gives it a worn-in feel, reducing friction on the neck and body, which can enhance playability and provide a vintage aesthetic without compromising the guitar's structural integrity.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on this '52 Reissue Telecaster for blues music?

The Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic features vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver warm, clear tones with a pronounced midrange, making it well-suited for blues with its ability to produce articulate clean and gritty overdriven sounds.

Is this Telecaster suitable for beginner guitar players?

While the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic offers exceptional build quality and vintage tones, its premium features and price point make it more suitable for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its craftsmanship.

Does the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic have a bolt-on neck?

Yes, the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic features a bolt-on neck construction, which is typical of traditional Telecaster designs, offering easy maintenance and a distinctive tonal character.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic.

Features and functionality

  • The '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic comes with slightly hotter loaded '51 Nocaster pickups, noted for their balance and tactile response.

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  • The guitar features a bridge-blend control, offering an alternative to the traditional tone knob and allowing users to experiment with different tonal blends.

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  • The Custom Shop '52 has a soft "V" neck that tapers into a "C" shape, providing a unique playing experience compared to other Telecasters.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Factory setup reportedly holds up well initially, but plans to switch to 11-gauge strings may require further intonation adjustments.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the journeyman relic finish for achieving a played-in look without the excessive wear of heavy relics.

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  • The compound fretboard radius from 7.25 to 9.5 offers a versatile playing surface that enhances playability, especially for those transitioning between different neck profiles.

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  • At a remarkably light 6 pounds, this Telecaster offers a comfortable playing experience, reducing fatigue during extended sessions.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's aged appearance allows users to play without worrying about additional bumps and scrapes, making it ideal for gigging.

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Comparisons

  • Chosen over other custom shops and Suhr models for its neck profile and pickup balance, highlighting its unique appeal among premium options.

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  • Owners note a significant difference in feel between the Vintage II '51 Telecaster and the Custom Shop '52 due to the neck profile and board radius.

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Build quality

  • The guitar features notably large frets, similar in size to jumbo fret wire, providing a distinctive feel and playability.

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  • Despite the relic finish, the hardware maintains a new appearance, which some find inconsistent with the overall aged look.

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Other

  • Some enthusiasts question the authenticity of the relic finish, noting the fingerboard wear should appear darker, reflecting more realistic finger oil staining.

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Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Telecaster Relic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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