Fender Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster Super Heavy Relic Surf Pearl
Ever since the Telecaster debuted in the early 1950's, it has seen many evolutions, modifications, alterations and colors. By the 1960's, some important changes were seen, mainly in the addition of a rosewood fretboard. Not only that, but with a new neck shape, bridge design, pickups, and color options, the Telecaster had a decidedly different feel, sound and look. For many players, the early 60's Teles are the only way to go. And for some players, a completely worn and heavily aged guitar is THE way.
The Custom Shop 1963 Telecaster Super Heavy Relic showcases why, creating a vintage vibe along with some modern tweaks. It features a lightweight select alder body, a rock solid quartersawn maple neck with a 60's style Oval "C" neck shape, and Twisted Tele pickups. The neck is topped with a AAA Rosewood (period correct round lam) fretboard. We went with a 9.5" radius and Narrow Tall (6105) frets for easy playing and bending - this is one of the most common and popular modifications to vintage-styled guitars out of the Custom Shop.
As for the color, this is a unique one from the Custom Shop. It's called "Surf Pearl". Imagine Surf Green, with a little bit of pearlescent metallic sheen to the finish. That can be hard to see in photos, but in person it takes its own personality. From a distance, it appears to be Surf Green. Close up, you see that it's something different, when you can see the "Pearl" aspect. We've done a few Telecasters like this before, and fell in love with the color, so we had to do it again! For this one, we went all the way with a Super Heavy Relic finish. This gives it the look and feel of a guitar that was played extensively for years, through more than a few battles, and treated like a guitar that could handle a beating. Of course, a Telecaster can. There's some seriously heavy wear (the Custom Shop nailed it on this one - be sure to check out the photos) and plenty of wood showing - but tastefully done. This really is a beauty - Surf Pearl, with a Mint Green pickguard, and expertly done relic work.
It's not all about the looks - this guitar sounds downright amazing. We chose some of the most popular Tele pickups out there, with the Custom Shop Twisted Tele set. They deliver hot high-output Tele tone with a dash of sparkling Strat character. Each pickup is tailored to its position (neck and bridge) to achieve its individual sonic character. The neck pickup's taller bobbin is designed to accommodate more windings, combined with a slightly shorter bridge pickup bobbin for dark full-bodied midrange. Formvar-coated neck pickup magnet wire adds brightness and glassiness, while the enamel-coated bridge pickup magnet wire delivers warm vintage-style tones. Flush-mount polepieces produce even string response and Alnico 5 magnets add more focus and enhanced dynamics.
For the bridge, we went with the 63 Tele bridge with Gatton saddles - it's a custom, crafted from stainless steel and compensated brass saddles. We also asked for the vintage locking tuners - this gives you the vintage look but modern preference of locking tuners. Also includes a Custom Shop hardshell case, strap and certificate of authenticity.
Come to Club Fender at Truetone Music to check out this amazing Tele, or order here right now for it to be sent straight to your home.
- Serial # R132466
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Part # 9231015422
- Finish Package: Super Heavy Relic
- Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Color: Surf Pearl
- Pickguard: 3-ply Mint Green
- Body: 2 Piece Select Alder
- Neck: Quartersawn Maple
- Tint: Light
- Neck Shape: 60's Style Oval "C"
- Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .820"
- Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .890"
- Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
- Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
- Fretboard: Round Lam AAA Rosewood
- Frets: 21
- Fretwire: Narrow Tall 6105
- Radius: 9.5"
- Dots: Micarta White
- Bone Nut
- Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Twisted Tele
- Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Twisted Tele
- Wiring: Modern
- Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
- Knobs: Knurled
- Tuners: Vintage Locking
- Bridge: 63 Tele with Gatton Saddles
- Neck plate: Vintage
- Case: Custom Shop Deluxe Black