Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $4,750
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic Electric Guitar is a nostalgic nod to the iconic late '50s era, marrying vintage charm with modern playability. Crafted meticulously from a 2-piece select ash body, this Telecaster offers a resonant, airy tone that's quintessentially Fender. The 1-piece quarter-sawn maple neck, shaped into a soft "V" profile, ensures comfort and speed, making it a dream for both rhythm and lead players.
What truly sets this guitar apart are its Custom Shop hand-wound '58 single-coil pickups, faithfully capturing the rich, versatile tones that defined an era. Whether you're after the bright twang of country or the warm depth suitable for jazz, these pickups have you covered. The 9.5-inch-radius fingerboard with narrow-tall frets provides a modern feel, ideal for intricate bends and smooth playability across the fretboard.
Visually, this guitar is a masterpiece. Its Journeyman Relic finish gives it a worn-in, beloved appearance straight out of the box, while the vintage-inspired hardware, including a classic barrel-saddle bridge and slotted tuners, add to its authentic charm. This Custom Shop creation isn't just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history, crafted to inspire and endure.
Key Features:
- 2-piece select ash body for enhanced sustain and resonance
- 1-piece quarter-sawn maple neck with a 1957 soft "V" profile
- 9.5-inch-radius fingerboard with narrow-tall frets for modern playability
- Custom Shop hand-wound '58 single-coil pickups for authentic vintage tones
- Vintage-accurate hardware, including a barrel-saddle bridge and slot-in tuners
- Journeyman Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish for a classic, worn look
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Telecaster |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Finish | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Neck Material | Quartersawn Maple |
| Neck Shape | 1957 Soft V |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 9.5" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Black Micarta Dot |
| Number of Frets | 21, Narrow Tall |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Width | 1.650" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | 3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele with Barrel Steel Saddles |
| Tuners | Fender Vintage Style |
| Neck Pickup | Custom Shop Hand-Wound '58 Single-Coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Custom Shop Hand-Wound '58 Single-Coil |
| Controls | 1 x volume, 1 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way blade pickup switch |
| Strings | Fender 250R, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic?
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The neck profile is a 1957 Soft V, which offers a comfortable grip suitable for both chord playing and soloing, providing a vintage feel that many players appreciate.
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How does the Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic sound for country music?
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This guitar is ideal for country music, offering the classic Telecaster twang and bright, cutting tones from its Custom Shop Hand-Wound '58 Single-Coil pickups, perfect for both rhythm and lead roles.
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Is the Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic suitable for beginners?
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While this guitar offers exceptional craftsmanship and sound quality, it is more suited for experienced players due to its high-end features and price point, making it a better fit for those who can fully appreciate its nuances.
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What type of finish does the Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic have?
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It features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which allows the wood to breathe and age naturally, enhancing the guitar's resonance and vintage appeal over time.
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Does the Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic come with a case?
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Yes, it comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage, ensuring it remains in excellent condition.
Videos
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Fender Custom Shop Journeyman Relic Telecaster, Aged White Blonde - Custom Shop Sundays
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop '57 Telecaster Journeyman Relic Electric Guitar.
Comparisons
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Warmoth Strat owners report better neck feel and pickup performance compared to Fender Custom Shop, citing Clapton profile necks and EMG X-Series pickups for superior sustain and sound.
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Some users argue that for the price of a Fender Custom Shop, alternatives like Nash guitars or customized Warmoth builds offer similar or superior performance at a lower cost.
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Relic jobs are compared to distressed clothing, with some users viewing them as a subjective style choice similar to pre-ripped jeans.
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Mods and upgrades
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Callaham blocks are recommended for enhancing sustain, likened to that of a Les Paul, by providing a noticeable improvement in tonal quality for some users.
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It's suggested that adding a ringed PAF-style humbucker in the neck position can evoke a 'Keef' vibe, referencing Keith Richards' iconic sound.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the "worn-in" feel of relic necks, suggesting that the relic process contributes significantly to the playability and comfort of Fender Custom Shop guitars.
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Relic finishes receive mixed reviews with some users valuing the aesthetic and worn feel, while others see them as unnecessary and akin to "faking" vintage wear.
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A few owners mention that relic guitars allow them to play more freely, without concern for adding new dings, unlike pristine models.
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Value and pricing
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Owners often find $3,000 as the threshold for considering a Custom Shop guitar worthwhile, with many preferring to pay less unless unique features justify the expense.
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Build quality
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Multiple users note that heavy relic finishes sometimes feature unrealistic wear patterns, such as exaggerated wear on the body with uneven wear on the finish elsewhere.
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Features and functionality
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Owners report that relic necks often feel more comfortable, likened to a well-worn pair of jeans, enhancing playability significantly.
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