FENDER USA Custom Shop '52 Reissue LTD Telecaster Relic (2011)
 
Specifications:
Model: Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue LTD Telecaster Relic
Year: 2011
Finish: Desert Sand Relic (Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Body: Premium Ash
Neck: One-Piece Quartersawn Maple ('52 U Profile)
Fingerboard: Maple (7.25” - 9.5” Compound Radius)
Frets: 21 Medium Vintage
Scale Length: 25.5”
Nut Width: 1.650” (Bone Nut)
Pickups:
Neck: Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound '51 Nocaster Pickup
Bridge: Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound '51 Nocaster Pickup
Electronics:
Master Volume, Master Tone
3-Way Blade Switch
Vintage-Style Cloth Wiring
Bridge: Fender Custom Shop '52 Vintage-Style 3-Saddle Telecaster Bridge (Brass Saddles)
Tuners: Fender Vintage-Style
Hardware: Nickel/Chrome (Relic Aged)
 
Personal Thoughts:
If you’re after the ultimate vintage-style Telecaster, this 2011 Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue LTD Telecaster Relic is as good as it gets. Everything about this guitar oozes that classic early-'50s feel, from the Desert Sand nitro finish to the chunky '52 U neck profile, making it one of the most authentic Nocaster-inspired models Fender’s Custom Shop has ever built.
 
The ash body is lightweight and resonant, giving you that snappy, lively tone that Telecasters are famous for. The relic treatment is tastefully done, with lacquer checking, edge wear, and natural-looking hardware aging that makes it feel like a well-loved and played original '52 Tele.
 
The quartersawn maple neck has just the right amount of beef to it, giving you that sturdy, substantial feel that works perfectly for chunky blues riffs, intricate country picking, or raw rock & roll. The compound radius (7.25” - 9.5”) is a fantastic touch, allowing for vintage-style chording down low while keeping bends and lead work easy in the upper frets.
 
Tonally, this guitar is everything you want in a classic Tele. The Hand-Wound '51 Nocaster pickups deliver rich, warm lows in the neck position and bright, snappy twang in the bridge, while still keeping that full-bodied midrange that makes these old-school Teles so special. Roll back the tone, and you get warm jazz-like textures, crank it up, and you’ve got searing twang and bite for country and rock. The vintage-style cloth wiring and hand-wound pickups make sure every note is dynamic and full of life.
 
This is the kind of Telecaster that feels like home the second you pick it up—simple, raw, and full of character.
 
Condition Report:
This Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue LTD Telecaster Relic is in excellent condition, with no additional wear beyond the factory-applied relic aging. The Desert Sand finish has gorgeous lacquer checking and tasteful wear, making it look like a well-played '50s original.
 
The frets are in fantastic shape, with minimal wear, and the quartersawn maple neck is smooth, fast, and free from any extra wear beyond the relic treatment. The hardware has the intended factory relic patina, and all electronics function perfectly, with a smooth volume and tone sweep, a crisp 3-way switch, and zero noise or static.
This guitar comes complete with its original Fender Custom Shop tweed case, COA, case candy, and ashtray bridge cover, making it a serious collector’s piece while still being an absolutely killer player’s guitar.
 
If you're after a Custom Shop Tele with serious vintage vibes, top-tier craftsmanship, and legendary tone, this 2011 '52 Reissue LTD Relic is a no-brainer.