Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster NOS Sonic Blue

Ever since the Telecaster debuted in the early 1950's, it has seen many evolutions, modifications, alterations and colors.    By the 1960's, some important changes were seen, mainly in the addition of a rosewood fretboard.  Not only that, but a new neck shape, bridge design, pickups, and color options, gave the Telecaster a decidedly different feel, sound and look.  For many players, the early 60's Teles are the only way to go.

For Truetone's own Rob, this was the target for his custom creation.  We recently started a new "Staff Picks" program to expand our Fender Custom Shop selection.  Everyone - from sales to repairs to shipping - had the opportunity to design their dream guitar.  This is the first Tele to arrive, and it hit the mark spot on.

  

This Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster features a two-piece select alder body, a nicely tinted maple neck with a modified 60's style Oval "C" neck shape, and all of the correct vintage hardware.  The profile that Rob chose is different from the normal 60's Oval C.  It runs from .820" at the 1st fret (slightly thicker) to .890" at the 12th fret (slightly slimmer).  It's super comfortable to play.  The neck is topped with a dark AAA Rosewood fretboard.  Rob went with a vintage compound radius (7.25 - 9.50"), so it flattens as you go higher, making bending notes in the upper register a breeze, especially with the medium jumbo frets.

While most of what you see out there is a Relic, he chose to do this one as an NOS (New Old Stock) for those that want a perfectly clean brand new guitar.  There's no aging on this one - he wanted a clean classic.  The choice of Sonic Blue with a matching headstock, and a tortoiseshell pickguard was inspired by other classic guitars.  And it came out perfectly.

The guitar is loaded with Custom Shop 19663 Telecaster pickups, which recreate the early 60's Tele sound that is known and loved by players all over.  Whether you need country twang, hard hitting rock bottoms or glistening clean highs, this one gives it to you.  Rob chose these pickups not just because they are period correct, but because he found it to be his favorite set after comparing a ton of Custom Shop Telecasters that we have here.

In addition, this one has a 60's Tele bridge with threaded saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, a bone nut and a winged string tree. Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.