The Fender Custom Shop pays homage to one of the most pivotal years in Tele history with the stunning 1954 Telecaster.

This unique, transition-era model captures the essence of the early Telecaster while showcasing the artistry of Fender’s golden age. Early 1954 marked the final production of the iconic single-ply black phenolic pickguard seen on Nocaster-blonde bodies before Fender adopted the single-ply white pickguard to align with the all-new Stratocaster.

Every detail of this guitar has been meticulously recreated for players who appreciate what a well-worn guitar brings to the table. The two-piece select ash body—with an offset seam on the treble side—pairs beautifully with the one-piece rift-sawn maple neck, shaped to a vintage-inspired 10/56 V profile which we found super comfortable.

At the heart of this Tele are the Custom Shop hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups, delivering the unmistakable clarity, bite, and twang of the early ‘50s, with just a touch more power when you dig in - think Tele with a dash of P90 chime. Whether you’re chasing shimmering cleans or punchy leads, this Tele delivers timeless tone that responds beautifully to your playing dynamics.