The Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition '53 Telecaster Super Heavy Relic electric guitar captures the mojo of a well-traveled 1950s workhorse Tele. Master builders have authentically recreated the look, feel and tone of a cherished original down to the last detail. From the first time you strap it on, this '53 Tele reissue will inspire you with its familiar broken-in character and quintessential Fender sound.

Distressed Nitro Finish Emanates Vintage Vibe

Fender's relic team has painstakingly applied wear and distressing to recreate the authentic look and feel of a '53 Tele that's been on the road for decades. The heavy relic nitrocellulose lacquer finish reveals the natural ash grain through countless nicks, scratches and areas of simulated buckle rash and hardwear wear. You'll swear this guitar has been through the ringer a thousand times over. Yet underneath the relic patina, the finish boasts Fender's classic nitro formulation that ages and resonates like a vintage instrument.

Vintage-Inspired Neck Inspires Effortless Playability

The foundation of this '53 Tele's vintage-spec'd playability is the quartersawn flame maple neck. Its large C-shaped profile fills your palm for enhanced hand comfort during long sets, while the 9.5" fingerboard radius and vintage-tall frets make bending strings feel as organic as breathing. With its gloss nitro finish, the neck feels smooth and resonant, gradually developing its own personality as you rack up miles on the road. Topped with a maple fingerboard and black micarta inlays, this neck delivers the unmistakable '50s Fender feel.

Hand-Wound Pickups Deliver Classic Tele Twang

At the heart of this '53 Tele's tone are two Custom Shop hand-wound single-coil pickups. The bridge pickup is an Original Blackguard Tele model, serving up searing Tele bite and quack that cuts through any mix. The Twisted Tele neck pickup offers a round, full-bodied tone perfect for melodic lines and chords. Together, these vintage-spec'd pickups provide the harmonically rich, dynamic voice that made the Telecaster legendary. Dial in your sound between the two pickups with the 3-way blade switch and master tone and volume controls.

Premium Vintage-Style Hardware and Appointments

No detail was overlooked in this '53 Tele's construction. The American Vintage strings-through-body bridge features compensated brass saddles for improved intonation and sustain. Vintage-style tuning machines with the classic Fender logo anchor down the strings. Other premium touches include a black single-ply pickguard, bone nut and nickel/chrome hardware. When you open the included deluxe hardshell case, you'll find a strap and certificate of authenticity to complete the package.