This 2021 Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition CuNiFe Blackguard Telecaster Relic is a mean machine, combining elements of some of the great early 50s style builds with the amazing sounding Wide Range pickup commonly associated with later 60s and early 70s Telecaster Thinline and Deluxe models. Featuring a Heavy Relic finish, it's got tons of mojo and vibe with a really nice broken-in feel. This guitar was originally built for a session ace whose credits include stints with Robert Palmer & Steve Winwood and has some special features that really set it apart from other CS Telecasters.
The pickup configuration is the star of the show here, with a 50-51 handwound Blackguard pickup in the bridge position and a Wide Range CuNiFe humbucker in the neck position. Tonally, the bridge pickup has that great early 50s flatpole sound - punchy and forward with great attack and presence. These pickups really excel with some gain, proving just how powerful a Telecaster can be in this context. The neck pickup complements the bridge pickup wonderfully, providing a bigger, fuller tone that can still chime. The unique alloy of the magnet helps to maintain great string definition and clarity while still having this round, musical compression that has just the right amount of forgiveness - it's an addicting tone for sure!
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the fantastic neck carve on this guitar - an '11/56 Offset V' carve that truly captures the feel of the famous Fender 'V' neck that defined the late 50s era of Fender electrics. If you're into V necks, this one's got it all. Combined with the 9.5" radius and 6105 frets, it's a player's dream!
Condition: Excellent+. This one presents just as it did from the factory. Heavy relic treatment aside, the frets are flawless and the setup is great.
Priced with OHSC, COA, and case candy.
- Heavy Relic w/ Aged Butterscotch Blonde finish
- 2-piece Ash body
- 1-piece Maple neck
- 11/56 Offset V neck profile: .915" @ 1st fret / .975" @ 12th fret
- 9.5" Radius w/ 6105 frets
- HW 50-51 Blackguard Relic bridge pickup
- Wide Range CuNiFe humbucker
- Bigsby B5 tailpiece
- Weight: 8lbs
- Serial # CZ553129