b3 Telstar Sonic Blue Relic (USED, 2022)

When b3 Guitars approached us about doing an exclusive run of Telstars years ago, we jumped at the chance. The Telstar is an original design that brilliantly fuses the best of a Telecaster with the best of a Stratocaster - and as long-time Strat and Tele players, a well-executed hybrid? Sign us up.

Think of it like a long-lost Leo Fender prototype: the missing link between the Tele and Strat. The “southern” half of the body is pure Tele - control layout, horn, and body radius - while the “northern” half brings Strat-style comfort with its arm contour and tummy cut. It’s a seamless blend of the two classics, made even sweeter by the fact that Gene was the very first Fender Custom Shop Master Builder.

Modern updates push the concept further: a 12" radius, 22-fret maple/rosewood neck, 6105 frets, a Tele bridge pickup in place of the Strat’s weak spot, and a custom Mann tremolo with compensated Tele saddles. The real curveball? A 10-way Free-Way switch disguised as a traditional 5-way - normal Strat operation in one position, with five extra tonal options at a click.