Fender Custom Shop '52 Telecaster Heavy Relic Reverse Headstock (2018)

2018 Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster Heavy Relic – reverse headstock, Josefina Campos handwound pickups, only 3.36 kg and plenty more.

A reverse headstock on a blackguard?? Oh yes it works!

A genuine rarity from the Fender Custom Shop

Meister Ede has a real soft spot for reverse headstocks – it's no coincidence there are several in his Private Stock. Besides the striking look that grabs everyone's attention on stage, the mirrored headstock changes the string lengths behind the nut: the low strings get longer, the high ones shorter. Plenty of players, Ede included, find that the bass strings feel tighter and more defined while the trebles feel slinkier. Bends – especially the big whole-tone and tone-and-a-half ones – come noticeably easier and stay nicely in tune. Jimi Hendrix swore by this layout for good reason.

If you're after a Tele with a reverse headstock from Fender, you'll usually have to go the masterbuilt route – and wait a long time even then. From the Custom Shop it's rarer still. All the more reason to be pleased that we can offer an example of this rare species.

The reverse headstock isn't the only special feature on this Tele. The bridge pickup sits in a mirrored slant ("reverse angle bridge PU route") for a tighter low end and warmer highs, very much in the Hendrix spirit. The control plate is mounted the other way round too, which puts the volume pot much closer to hand, so swells and quick volume changes are a breeze. The pickups are handwound '51 Nocaster units by Josefina Campos. They're among the most sought-after pickups Fender has ever made and fetch top prices on the used market on their own. The result is classic, wiry Tele twang with plenty of bite from the bridge and a warm, round neck pickup – all with the authentic character of an early-'50s Tele.

Our video also shows off the slightly rockier side of this exceptional Tele.

The two-piece ash body in Butterscotch Blonde wears a really nicely done heavy relic in nitro lacquer, with the black Nocaster pickguard for that classic blackguard look. The maple neck has a substantial large "C" profile (.875" / .950"), 9.5" radius, 21 Sanko 6105 frets and a bone nut. It feels full in the hand without being clubby. Playability is exemplary, and at only 3.36 kg the Tele sits nice and light on the strap.

The guitar is in very well-kept condition. The pin-up graphic on the body was added later and, according to the owner, comes off without leaving any residue. It comes in the original Fender Custom Shop tweed case with Certificate of Authenticity, shop floor traveler and case candy. The case shows some light dirt on the outside – see photo.

For reverse-head fans and Tele lovers alike, this is an exceptional piece you won't find again any time soon!

Price€3,890 VAT not outlined (§ 25a UStG)