Skip to content
Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Heavy Relic Desert Sunset Truetone Color Set

Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Heavy Relic Desert Sunset Truetone Color Set

SKU 00FCS348
by Fender
$ 5,850.00 - $ 5,850.00
$ 5,850.00
$ 5,850.00 - $ 5,850.00
$ 5,850.00
Truetone Color Set - Desert Sunset

Ever since the Telecaster debuted in the early 1950's, it has evolved, even in the earliest days.  The Tele has continued to change over the years, but for many, stepping back to the original is the way to go.  The Fender Custom Shop excels at recreating the look, feel and sound of these guitars, often with special tweaks.  That's where we decided to go with this one.  
 
As part of a close partnership with the Fender Custom Shop, Truetone Music cooked up an exclusive run of guitars, known as "Truetone Color Sets".  It's where we do a quartet of instruments - Strat, Tele, Jazzmaster and Jazz bass - all in the same color, as a matching set.  For the colors, we picked unique ones that are rarely ever seen.  In this case, it's Desert Sunset, one of the coolest and most vibrant colors that the Custom Shop offers, and one that is rarely seen.  
 
The two-piece ash body sports the iconic shape and wears a Heavy Relic lacquer finish.  This gives it the look and feel of a guitar that’s endured serious use over decades, but stood the test of time and only got cooler with age.   The Custom Shop really went to town on this one, creating a great example of what a Heavy Relic should be.  We were honestly blown away when we opened the case for the first time - not only did they nail it, the result was even more stunning than we expected.  Due to how Desert Sunset is created, this guitar ended up looking like a color over color finish treatment.  Or perhaps it's color over color over color, because you get silver and red appearing under the blue.  It's simply unreal.  The guitar has the appearance of a vintage Tele that was played heavily over the years, worn in, and looking better than ever, in a color that you'll never otherwise see.  

This Custom Shop '52 Telecaster is a testament to their ability to pull off vintage recreations with modern playability.  It features a period correct 52 "U" neck shape - but to make it a bit easier to play, we applied custom specs to the measurements.  It's .860" - .920", providing a different feel than the typical 52 Tele.  It's slimmer and easier to play faster, while still having a good vintage-style grip.  Also, due to a flatter radius (9.5") and bigger fret size (6105), it's easier to bend without fretting out.  This modern tweak is highly favorable to most players, and very pleasing on a mostly otherwise traditional design.  The maple neck is perfectly worn in as well, making this a very comfortable guitar to play.  We love how the Custom nailed the back of the neck.  It's a great feel, and the look matches the body.
  
The bridge pickup is what's known as an Original Blackguard (or Broadcaster), which is what gives you the extra twang usually only heard on an early 50's Tele.  It's the most requested pickup on Custom Shop Tele's, for good reason - they are the epitome of the classic Tele sound.  The neck position has a Custom Shop Twisted Tele pickup - it gives you classic Tele tone, with added output and a touch of Stratocaster sparkle. 
The neck pickup is designed for added brightness and glassiness, whereas the bridge pickup wiring provides warmer, vintage-style tones.  With those 2 pickups combined, this Tele gives you everything you need.

Other features include an RSD Tele bridge, which is our favorite and helps the guitar stay intonated.  It's topped off with vintage tuning machines, bone nut and single ply Black pickguard to keep it vintage correct (but also looks super cool with this finish).  Included is a Custom Shop tweed hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

This is a special Telecaster, as part of a Truetone-exclusive color set in Desert Sunset.  Come to Truetone Music to check it out, or order right here to have it shipped to your home.

  • Weight: 6.9 lbs
  • Serial # R136262
  • Part #  9231015462
  • Finish Package: Heavy Relic
  • Finish: Nitro Lacquer
  • Color:  Desert Sunset
  • Pickguard: 1-ply Black
  • Body: 2 Piece Ash
  • Sort for Lightweight
  • Neck: Maple 
  • Tint: Medium
  • Neck Shape: 52 Style "U"
  • Dots: Micarta Black
  • Frets: 21
  • Fretwire: Narrow Tall 6105
  • Radius: 9.5"
  • Neck Thickness at 1st Fret:  .860"
  • Neck Thickness at 12th Fret:  .920"
  • Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
  • Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
  • Nut: Bone
  • Neck Pickup: Twisted Tele
  • Bridge Pickup: Original Blackguard
  • Wiring: Modern with 3-way switch
  • Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
  • Tuners: Vintage
  • Bridge: RSD Tele
  • Neck plate: Vintage
  • Case: Custom Shop Deluxe Tweed