Fender Custom Shop 1950s Thinline Telecaster Heavy Relic, Olive Drab

Fender Custom Shop 1950s Thinline Telecaster Heavy Relic, Olive Drab Overview

With its distinctive looks, tone and spec, this Fender Custom Shop 1950s Thinline Telecaster could’ve come from an alternate universe. Whilst the first Thinline Tele didn’t emerge until 1969, this Custom Shop model imagines what it’d be like if it originated in the '50s instead. The result is a truly special Thinline Tele that stands out from the pack.

Classic Feel & Sound

Construction-wise, this 1950s Thinline Telecaster could be considered a semi-hollow version of a Nocaster - one of the most desirable guitars of all time. The '51 Nocaster-style body is made from Ash, a classic '50s era Fender tonewood that’s renowned for its clear, articulate and sustain-rich tone. The period-correct nitrocellulose lacquer finish will age beautifully over time and enhance the tone by allowing the tonewood to “breathe”.

The comfortable playability is catered for by the 1-piece Quarter Sawn Maple neck, which features a 10/56 neck profile. This profile is based on a particular neck that was crafted in October 1956 and gives this guitar an authentic '50s feel. Tonally, the Maple neck adds the characteristic snap that you’d expect from a top-notch Tele. The neck is topped with Narrow Tall 6105 frets, which strike a solid balance between smaller, vintage-style frets and larger, more modern ones. The back of the neck has had its finish worn away as if it’s been played extensively over many years, giving it a satin-smooth feel.

Gorgeous Worn-In Look

The Fender Custom Shop have given this 1950s Thinline Telecaster their Heavy Relic treatment. This is the most extensive and intense ageing process available. From the exposed wood to the discoloured hardware and finish, every element of this Thinline Tele has been treated for that authentic “battle-hardened workhorse” look.

Potent Tele Tone

This Thinline Tele’s pickup combination is one of its standout features, offering a potent selection of inspiring tones. The bridge is equipped with a Custom Shop 51 Nocaster single-coil. This meticulous recreation of the original '50s pickup delivers the legendary Nocaster twang and shimmer. The 51 Nocaster pickup is paired with a sweet Custom Shop P-90. The crisp, transparent tone of the P-90 sounds beautiful on its own and when used in tandem with the bridge.

An advantage of this '50s Thinline Tele is its Greasebucket circuitry, which preserves the clarity of your sound as you roll back the Tone control. Compared to a standard Tone circuit, the Greasebucket smooths out the high-frequencies whilst preventing the sound from booking muddy.

Modern Reliability

With this Custom Shop guitar, you’ve got the best of both worlds - the timeless tone and feel of a vintage Fender with the rock-solid reliability of a modern one. The luthiers at Fender’s Custom Shop are amongst the finest in the world, so you’re guaranteed an instrument of the highest quality.

If you’re looking for a Thinline Telecaster with a '50s spin, this fantastic Fender Custom Shop model is well worth your attention.