Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $4,916

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into a time machine with the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster, a modern marvel that pays homage to the golden era of electric guitars. With its Heavy Relic treatment, this guitar embodies the spirit and sound of the 1950s, offering an authentic vintage appearance and tonal prowess. Its 2-piece select ash body is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, allowing the wood to resonate naturally, enhancing the guitar's sonic character.

Crafted for the discerning player, the Telecaster features a tinted, quartersawn maple neck with a chunky U-shape profile that feels substantial yet comfortable in the hand. A 9.5" radius and 21 jumbo frets offer seamless playability, supporting everything from expressive bends to intricate chord work. The hand-wound Custom Shop pickups—a Twisted Tele at the neck and an Original Black Guard at the bridge—deliver a rich palette of tones, from classic Tele twang to deep, biting blues.

The Relic Telecaster is equipped with Fender's innovative Greasebucket tone circuit, providing precision tonal control without sacrificing volume. This makes it an ideal choice for both stage and studio, where dynamic range and tonal clarity are paramount. Aesthetically, the guitar is completed with a black single-ply phenolic pickguard and vintage-style tuning machines, ensuring it looks as good as it sounds.

Key Features:

  • Heavy Relic Lacquer finish
  • 2-piece select ash body
  • Tinted, quartersawn maple neck with U-shape profile
  • 9.5" radius and 21 jumbo frets
  • Hand-wound Fender Custom Shop single-coil pickups: Twisted Tele (neck) and Original Black Guard (bridge)
  • Greasebucket tone circuit
  • 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Vintage-style tuning machines
  • Includes Fender Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Telecaster
Body Material 2-piece Select Ash
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Quartersawn Maple
Neck Shape Early 50's U
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 9.5"
Fingerboard Inlay Micarta Black Dots
Number of Frets 21, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece 3-Saddle American Vintage string-through with Brass Saddles
Tuners Vintage-style
Neck Pickup Custom Shop Handwound Twisted Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Custom Shop Handwound Original Blackguard bridge Single-coil
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 3-way blade pickup switch
Strings Fender, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

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

The Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster features an Early 50's U-shaped neck profile, providing a substantial feel that is ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck for better grip and control.

What type of pickups are installed on the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster?

This Telecaster is equipped with Custom Shop Handwound Twisted Single-coil pickups in the neck and Original Blackguard bridge Single-coil pickups, delivering classic Telecaster tones with a unique, handwound touch for enhanced clarity and responsiveness.

Is the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster suitable for vintage-style playing?

Yes, the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster is designed with vintage specifications, including a 2-piece Select Ash body and vintage-style tuners, making it ideal for players seeking authentic vintage tones and aesthetics.

How does the relic finish on the Fender Custom Shop Telecaster affect its appearance?

The heavy relic finish gives the guitar a well-worn, vintage look, simulating years of playing wear. This aesthetic not only adds character but also appeals to players who appreciate the vibe of a well-loved instrument.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster?

The fretboard radius of this Telecaster is 9.5 inches, which provides a comfortable balance between vintage and modern playability, allowing for easier bending and smooth chord transitions.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Possibly the BEST sounding Telecasters we’ve EVER tried! - Andertons Music Co.

Video thumbnail for Possibly the BEST sounding Telecasters we’ve EVER tried! - Andertons Music Co. by Andertons Music Co

Possibly the BEST sounding Telecasters we’ve EVER tried! - Andertons Music Co.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop 1961 Telecaster Relic Ash Master Built by John Cruz Regular by Musician's Friend

Fender Custom Shop 1961 Telecaster Relic Ash Master Built by John Cruz Regular

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Limited Edition 1963 Heavy Relic® Telecaster® | Fender Custom Shop | Fender by Fender

Limited Edition 1963 Heavy Relic® Telecaster® | Fender Custom Shop | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster - Nocaster Blonde by N Stuff Music

Fender 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster - Nocaster Blonde

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Custom Shop Maple Fingerboard '52 Relic Telecaster Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Fender Custom Shop Maple Fingerboard '52 Relic Telecaster Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

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 Telecaster.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often swap stock pickups; one replaced with Cavalier Nashville Lion and Lion King pickups for enhanced tone.

    Source
  • One owner suggests incorporating a ringed PAF-style humbucker in the neck for a "Keef" vibe, reminiscent of Keith Richards' style.

    Source

User experience

  • Custom Shop guitars are praised for their acoustic resonance and feel, making them reliable for gigging musicians.

    Source
  • Relic necks are often praised for comfort, akin to worn-in jeans, providing a familiar and broken-in feel that some players find enhances playability.

    Source
  • The 10/56 V neck provides comfort, especially for players with nerve issues, due to its subtle V shape and medium jumbo frets, 9.5" radius, and 1.650” nut width.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some players find American Professional II series preferable in feel but swap pickups for a better sound.

    Source
  • Some players compare relic finishes to distressed clothing, highlighting the subjective nature of its appeal, similar to pre-ripped jeans and dyed hair.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Custom Shop models are generally recommended under $2,000, with significant discounts available through secondhand markets.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Journeyman Relic finish provides a comfortable, worn feel without extreme aging effects.

    Source
  • The Appliance Green nitro finish was inspired by a 2022 masterbuilt model and paired with a mint pickguard for a unique aesthetic.

    Source
  • Dark rosewood fingerboard and rift sawn dark tint maple neck contribute to the guitar's vintage aesthetic and tonal quality.

    Source
  • Vintage clay dots and brass saddles are included, adding to the guitar's classic feel and appearance.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that modern lacquer finishes often contain plasticizers, which can hinder the natural aging and relicing process compared to older finishes.

    Source
  • The "jagged" forearm wear pattern is noted for looking more realistic than the smoother, artificial patterns seen in some relic series.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Relic guitars are preferred by some live musicians for their aesthetic appeal, adding perceived credibility and comfort on stage without the worry of damaging a pristine instrument.

    Source
  • The smoothness of the exposed wood on the relic finish enhances playability without discomfort.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
danlaurens

Telecaster TimeMachine 1955 (Relic

This one is a false oldie ;) with 1951 handmade pickups and

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Vai

This custom shop Fender Telecaster featured on the Vai.com with flamed maple neck and different aware defects in paint work is a part of Vai's extensive guitar collection.

See how Jason Isbell uses Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster

Jason Isbell

Guitarist, Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via Photo

"I’ve got a double-bound Masterbuilt Tele that Paul Waller built." - Jason Isbell.

See how Oz Noy uses Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster

Oz Noy

Guitarist

...
Verified via Oz Noy

Oz Noy lists all of his current gear, including this one on his website.

See how Randy Strohmeyer uses Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster

Randy Strohmeyer

Guitarist

Finch

...
Verified via Press Enterprise

Randy Strohmeyer uses a modded Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster, which features a hot rail on the bridge pickup, as confirmed by Kurt Snibbe in his article "POMONA: Temecula rockers Finch play the Glass House" for Press Enterprise.

See how Barry Goudreau uses Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster

Barry Goudreau

Guitarist, Music Producer

Boston

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided, Barry Goudreau is seen playing a Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Relic Caballo Tono Telecaster 2016 in Lake Placid Blue.

See how Joe Pisapia uses Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster

Joe Pisapia

Singer, Guitarist

Guster

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in this interview with Marty Music.

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 Relic Telecaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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