Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
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
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What is the neck profile of the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster like?
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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.
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What type of pickups are installed on the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster?
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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.
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Is the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster suitable for vintage-style playing?
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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.
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How does the relic finish on the Fender Custom Shop Telecaster affect its appearance?
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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.
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What is the fretboard radius of the Fender Custom Shop Relic Telecaster?
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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.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Possibly the BEST sounding Telecasters we’ve EVER tried! - Andertons Music Co.
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
User experience
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Custom Shop guitars are praised for their acoustic resonance and feel, making them reliable for gigging musicians.
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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.
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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.
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Comparisons
Value and pricing
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Custom Shop models are generally recommended under $2,000, with significant discounts available through secondhand markets.
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Features and functionality
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Journeyman Relic finish provides a comfortable, worn feel without extreme aging effects.
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The Appliance Green nitro finish was inspired by a 2022 masterbuilt model and paired with a mint pickguard for a unique aesthetic.
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Dark rosewood fingerboard and rift sawn dark tint maple neck contribute to the guitar's vintage aesthetic and tonal quality.
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Vintage clay dots and brass saddles are included, adding to the guitar's classic feel and appearance.
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Build quality
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It's noted that modern lacquer finishes often contain plasticizers, which can hinder the natural aging and relicing process compared to older finishes.
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The "jagged" forearm wear pattern is noted for looking more realistic than the smoother, artificial patterns seen in some relic series.
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Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
215
Telecaster TimeMachine 1955 (Relic
This one is a false oldie ;) with 1951 handmade pickups and
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
"I’ve got a double-bound Masterbuilt Tele that Paul Waller built." - Jason Isbell.
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.
Genre Usage
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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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