Fender Custom Shop 1955 Telecaster Journeyman Relic 2-Tone Sunburst

One of the most classic and timeless guitars in the history of instruments, the Fender Telecaster has evolved over the years, but for many players, all they want is the old school classic.  For this particular Custom Shop piece, we aimed to give birth to a classic, with a twisted - an unbelievable roasted flame maple neck.  The result was captivating.

The 1955 Telecaster is an all-time classic with features it's specifically known for, including smooth barrel steel bridge saddles, staggered bridge pickup pole pieces and a chunky neck profile. In this recreation, the Fender Custom Shop has captured the tone, playability, look and feel of this archetypal model - and then we upgraded it with the Roasted AAA Flame Maple neck that has become the main calling card of this guitar.  Look closely at the photos and you'll see why.  The flame is stunning.

The two-piece select ash body wears a heavily checked Journeyman Relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish, so it has the vibe of a guitar that has been on the road for years but not abused.  The neck features a chunky ’54 “U” profile, topped by a 9.5”-radius fingerboard with 21 narrow tall frets, and is a thrill to play. For the neck, we did a Heavy Relic finish on the back of it, to give it the perfectly worn in feel that players love.

The Custom Shop 55/56 pickups give it the vintage Tele tone that is beloved by Tele players everywhere.  The bridge pickup provides punchy mids and hot highs for that classic Tele twang, with staggered pole pieces to even out the inter-string response.  The neck neck pickup provides a warm and creamy tone.  Combined, it's a beautiful sound.

This Tele also features the "Fat ‘50s Tele" wiring setup.  This is achieved by connecting the tone pot to the output of the volume pot (middle lug) instead of the input.  Many late fifties guitars of all brands were wired this way, but it can be done with any guitar. This will have two major effects on the tone:

First, the overall tone gets stronger with more transparent bloom.  Second, the typical treble loss that occurs when rolling back the volume is much less, and both the volume and tone controls react more smoothly and more evenly, without the typical hot spots. As a side effect, it’s easier to clean up an overdriven amp by simply rolling back the volume on the guitar a bit. Many of the Fender Master Builders prefer this wiring upgrade.

Other features include a single-ply parchment pickguard, ’55 Tele bridge with smooth barrel steel saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut and disk string tree. Also includes a tweed Custom Shop case, strap and certificate of authenticity.

This is a special Tele - you can see and hear why for yourself by coming to Truetone Music, or by ordering right here to be shipped to your home.

• Serial # CZ590213
• Part # 9231013209
• Weight 7.1 lbs
• Finish Package: Journeyman Relic
• Finish: Nitro Lacquer
• Color:  2-Tone Sunburst
• Pickguard: 3-ply Parchment
• Neck Pickup:  Hand-wound Custom Shop '55/56Tele
• Bridge Pickup:  Hand-Wound Custom Shop '55/56 Tele
• Body: Ash
• Sort for Lightweight
• Neck: 1 Piece Roasted AAA Flame Maple
• Walnut Skunk Stripe
• Heavy Relic Back of Neck 
• Dots: Micarta Black
  
• Neck Shape: 1954 "U"
• Frets: 21
• Fretwire: 6150 (Medium Jumbo)
• Radius:  9.5"
• Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .900"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .990"
• Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
• Bone Nut
• Hardware: Base Model Chrome/Nickel
• Tuners: Vintage
• Bridge: Vintage 55 - 57 Tele
  
• Neck plate: Vintage, Limited Edition
  
• Wiring: Fat 50's Tele
• Case: Tweed Custom Shop