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Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster Heavy Relic Desert Sunset Truetone Color Set With Case

SKU 00FCS293
by Fender
Original price $ 4,800.00 - Original price $ 4,800.00
Original price
$ 4,800.00
$ 4,800.00 - $ 4,800.00
Current price $ 4,800.00
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 how it was done in the 60's 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 alder 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.  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 '63 Telecaster is a testament to their ability to pull off vintage recreations with modern playability.  It features a period correct 63 "C" neck shape (a bit thicker than the more commonly seen 60's Oval "C" neck) a flatter radius and bigger fret size, and a mostly otherwise traditional design.  We went with a 9.5" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.  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.
 
For the pickups, we kept it real, going with the base model Custom Shop '63 Tele pickup set.  These recreate the sound of a classic mid-60's Tele, using Alnico 2 magnets, enamel wiring and a vintage stagger, with strong output and a nice, even response across the tonal spectrum.

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 3-ply Parchment pickguard. Also includes a Custom Shop black 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 Club Fender at Truetone Music to check it out, or order right here to have it shipped to your home.
  • Weight: 7.4 lbs
  • Serial # R133463
  • Part #  9231014509
  • Finish Package: Heavy Relic
  • Finish: Nitro Lacquer
  • Color:  Desert Sunset
  • Pickguard: 3-ply Parchment
  • Body: 2 Piece Alder
  • Sort for Lightweight
  • Neck: Maple 
  • Tint: Medium
  • Neck Shape: 63 "C"
  • Fretboard:  AAA Rosewood
  • Dots: Vintage Clay
  • Frets: 21
  • Fretwire: Narrow Tall 6105
  • Radius: 9.5"
  • Neck Thickness at 1st Fret:  .830"
  • Neck Thickness at 12th Fret:  1.00"
  • Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
  • Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
  • Nut: Bone
  • Neck Pickup: 63 Telecaster Relic
  • Bridge Pickup: 63 Telecaster Relic
  • Wiring: Modern with 3-way switch
  • Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
  • Tuners: Vintage
  • Bridge: RSD Tele
  • Neck plate: Vintage
  • Case: Custom Shop Deluxe Black