Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $4,130
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the golden era of electric guitar with the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster. This instrument is a tribute to the iconic design and sound of the early '50s Telecasters, boasting a meticulously distressed nitrocellulose lacquer Relic finish that captures the essence of a well-loved vintage instrument. The 2-piece select ash body resonates with rich, balanced tones, ensuring every note sings with clarity.
This Telecaster features a 1-piece rift-sawn maple neck, known for its incredible stability and resilience against environmental changes, making it ideal for touring musicians. The neck is shaped into a classic 1952 "U" profile, offering a chunky feel that fills your hand for an authentic playing experience. Combined with a 9.5-inch radius fingerboard and 21 medium-jumbo frets, this guitar blends vintage style with modern playability, allowing for smooth chording and effortless string bends without fretting out.
At the heart of this gem are two Custom Shop Hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups. These slightly overwound pickups bring a powerful twist to the traditional Tele sound, delivering a vibrant, twangy tone with a gritty edge that cuts through any mix. The vintage-inspired features continue with an uncompensated 3-saddle bridge, a 1-ply black phenolic pickguard, and classic slot-in tuners, ensuring this Telecaster not only sounds the part but looks it too.
With its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern performance, the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster is a must-have for any serious guitarist.
Key Features:
- Lightweight 2-piece select ash body for balanced, resonant tone
- Exceptionally stable 1-piece rift-sawn maple neck with a 1952 “U” profile
- 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and 21 medium-jumbo frets for high-performance playability
- Custom Shop Hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups for a classic, overwound Tele sound
- Nitrocellulose lacquer Relic finish for an authentic vintage look and feel
- Period-correct features: 3-saddle bridge, 1-ply black phenolic pickguard, 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
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster?
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The Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster features a rift-sawn maple neck with a '57-style soft V shape, offering a comfortable grip for both chord playing and lead work.
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What kind of pickups does the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster have?
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This guitar is equipped with dual Custom Shop handwound ’50-’51 Blackguard single-coil pickups, providing classic Telecaster tones with a vintage character.
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Is the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster suitable for gigging musicians?
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Yes, the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster is built with high-quality components and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for professional musicians seeking reliable performance and iconic Telecaster tones.
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How does the heavy relic finish affect the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster?
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The heavy relic finish gives the guitar a vintage, well-worn appearance and feel, while also allowing the wood to resonate more freely, enhancing its tonal qualities.
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What is the body wood of the Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster?
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The Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster features a two-piece select ash body, known for its bright, resonant tonal qualities and lightweight feel.
Videos
Gear4music Guitars
Fender Custom Shop Relic 52 Telecaster, Blonde #R105960 | Gear4music demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop Relic '52 Telecaster.
User experience
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Heavy relic finishes may appeal more to players who want a guitar they don't have to be overly cautious with, reducing stress over cosmetic damage.
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The Journeyman Relic finish is appreciated for providing a "played but not annihilated" appearance, appealing to those who prefer a moderate relic look without excessive wear.
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The neck is described as a "baseball bat," appealing to those who prefer a thicker neck profile for comfort and playability.
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An owner who also possesses a Nashville Tele notes a stark difference in feel and playability due to the neck and fretboard design.
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Use cases and applications
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Relics are favored by those who don't have the budget for vintage models and appreciate the pre-aged aesthetic that allows for stress-free usage.
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Relic guitars can add to a musician's stage aesthetic, offering a vintage look without the need to gig with valuable vintage instruments.
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Owners appreciate the relic finish but express a desire to earn additional wear through regular play, indicating a commitment to long-term use.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users plan to switch to 11-gauge strings and assess intonation with compensated saddles for improved performance while maintaining a vintage look.
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Features and functionality
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The slightly hotter loaded '51 Nocaster pickups are noted for their balanced and tactile response, enhancing the guitar's playability and tone.
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The guitar features a bridge-blend control instead of a traditional tone knob, offering a unique tonal adjustment option.
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Relic finishes can make the neck feel more comfortable, akin to a well-worn, broken-in pair of jeans, enhancing playability.
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The guitar is equipped with hand-wound '51 pickups, contributing to its distinctive sound profile.
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The compound fretboard radius ranges from 7.25 to 9.5, providing a versatile playing experience that differs from standard Telecasters.
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Value and pricing
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Some users feel the relicing process unnecessarily increases the guitar's cost, likening it to paying for artificial damage.
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Comparisons
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"Playing on a Fender Custom Shop Relic ’52 Telecaster nicknamed “Black Devil” by the either the builder or Fender. It has an Ash Body, which, in folklore, is commonly used to make wooden stakes to kill vampires with, and according to Roman writer Pliny The Elder, all evil things fear ash wood. It’s a beast."
In this post Pete can be seen playing his custom shop purple tele. This guitar was bought for him as a birthday gift from his wife. The guitar has a fender nocaster and twisted tele pickup set, which his signature pickup are based on. This guitar and it’s purple color have become synonymous with Pete
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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