Ash body, Nocaster U shaped Maple neck with a 9.5″ radius fingerboard and medium jumbo frets, Handwound Broadcaster bridge and ’51 Relic Nocaster neck pickups with the 3-way switching and modern wiring, 7.2 pounds, With hardshell case

Even though there were earlier designs, 1952 is considered the first year of production for the venerable Tele®, and the 1952 Telecaster Relic is a premium example of this design, slightly tweaked for modern players. All the classic “Blackguard” touches are here: 1-ply Black phenolic pickguard, ash body with classic Blonde finish and medium-tint riftsawn maple neck with “ ’52 U”-shaped profile. The first Telecaster had some subtle changes from the ’51 nocaster, including a slow transition from slot-head screws to Phillips-head, reflected here by both types appearing (as happened on some models). Three different lacquer finish packages are available, giving it everything from the look of a well-loved instrument, to the aesthetics of a tried-and-true road dog. Not only does a lacquer finish let the body wood “breathe” with sustain, it wears in a personal way and is an authentic original-era element.