Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Staple Journeyman Relic Butterscotch Blonde
We at Truetone Music are always striving to bring something new to the table, even when throwing a bone to the past. This amazing Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster is a great example of that.
The base model is the most classic of all Tele's (perhaps of all guitars), the '52 Tele. The gorgeous Butterscotch Blonde nitro lacquer finish is accented by a single-ply Black pickguard, just as a it should, which has been cut to accommodate a special pickup - more on that in a moment. We chose to do an Journeyman Relic finish, to give it the look, feel and vibe of an instrument that was used for years but also cared for. So, there's finish checking, slight wear, and a few small dings, but nothing heavy or showing signs of abuse. This one in particular has a very thin, transparent nitro finish, allowing the guitar to breathe, and also showcase the select ash body underneath.
The neck will be familiar to anyone that has played 50's spec Teles, as it has the '51 "U" shape. If you like skinny necks, this isn't the one for you, but if you like being able to grip a thick neck, this is right up your alley. We did modernize it a bit, with a 9.5" radius and Narrow 6105 frets (common on most Custom Shop guitars). We also asked for the finish to be removed off the back of the neck, to help give it that broken-in feel that players love.
The modification that we speak of is the addition of a Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Staple P90 Soapbar neck pickup.. Putting a something different in the neck position has been a favorite mod for decades (Fender itself started offering it on Tele's in the 70's). But, you rarely see one with a Staple P90. In fact, this is the first Custom Shop build we've seen with that. We didn't do this just for the sake of creating something different - it's to create a Tele with an entirely different sonic palette. Using Anlico V magnets, it brings a bit of an early 50's Black Beauty vibe, with added mids to help cut through the mix. It's a very expressive pickup. Cleaner and brighter than a humbucker, we think it fits a Tele perfectly. As an added bonus, there are spring-loaded staple-shaped magnets so can adjust them and customize your tone .
We matched it with a Fender Custom Shop Handwound '51 Loaded Nocaster pickup in the bridge position. This provides vintage inspired tone with extra burn, thanks to the Alnico 3 magnets and extra winds of the # 43 gauge enamel wire. You get a juicy tone, perfect for driving a preamp into gritty overdrive, but also well-suited for super smooth, crystal clear clean tones.
That combination makes this one more versatile than your average Tele. The neck is just right, and at just 7.4 lbs, it will be comfortable to play all night. Other features include a period correct bridge with brass saddles, vintage tuners and a bone nut. The guitar comes complete with a tweed case, certificate of authenticity and the pride of owning the only one out there like it.
This is a one of a kind Tele. Come to Truetone Music to experience it today, or make it yours right here.
- Serial # R142969
- Part # 9231016006
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Finish Package: Journeyman Relic
- Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Color: Butterscotch Blonde
- Body: Ash
- Pickguard: Black Single Ply
- Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Shop P90 Staple Soapbar
- Bridge Pickup: Fender Custom Shop Handwound Loaded '51 Nocaster
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Shape: 1951 "U"
- Frets: 21
- Fretwire: 6105 Narrow Tall
- Radius: 9.5"
- Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .950"
- Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 1.00"
- Bone Nut
- Hardware: Nickel/chrome
- Tuners: Vintage
- String Guide: Vintage
- Bridge: Vintage '51-54 Telecaster
- Neck Plate: Vintage
- Switch: 3 Way
- Wiring: Vintage Nocaster
- Case: Custom Shop Tweed