When Leo Fender set out to design what would become the Telecaster, he did not approach it as a traditional luthier. He spoke directly with working musicians, repairmen, and steel guitar players to understand what kept failing on existing instruments and what players actually needed on stage. The result was a simple, solidbody electric that was durable, easy to service, and cutting enough to be heard in a band mix. When the Broadcaster, later renamed the Telecaster, arrived in the early 1950s it quietly reshaped the industry. Its bolt on neck, slab body construction, and bright, direct voice became the blueprint for modern electric guitars.
The 1952 specification represents that early refinement period, with its substantial neck carve, brass saddles, and unmistakable snap and bite. A good '52 style Tele has a certain immediacy to it, strong fundamental notes, clear attack, and a midrange that sits perfectly in a mix without feeling overworked.
This 2015 Fender Custom Shop '52 Relic Telecaster captures that spirit with a broken in feel straight out of the case. The relic work gives it the comfort of a well played instrument, while the build quality reflects the Custom Shop’s small team attention to detail. It comes complete with its original G&G hard shell case and all of its case candy, making it a tidy and well kept example that is ready for stage or studio use.
Specs:
Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm
Action at 12th Fret: 1.5mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.8mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.5mm
Nut Width: 41.5mm
Width at 12th Fret: 51.8mm
Weight: 2.87kg
Model: Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Relic
Year: 2015
Body Style: Solidbody electric
Body: Ash
Finish: Relic nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck: Maple
Neck Profile: 1952 U shape
Fingerboard: Maple
Pickups: Fender Custom Shop Telecaster single coils
Bridge: 3 saddle vintage style
Controls: Master volume, master tone, 3 way selector
Case: Original G&G hard shell case with all case candy
Crafted in: Corona, California, USA
