Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic Butterscotch Blonde, (Used)

The Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic in Butterscotch Blonde is a premium limited edition Tele-style electric guitar built for players and collectors who want authentic early-1950s Fender character with Custom Shop-level detail, handwound pickups and a heavily aged finish. With its 2-piece ash body, maple 5/4 quarter sawn neck, Nocaster “U” shaped profile and handwound pickup set, this guitar is designed to deliver classic Tele authority, bite, twang and dynamic response.

This pre-owned Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic is listed in Excellent condition. The Heavy Relic finish is part of the intended factory-aged appearance, giving the guitar a worn-in vintage look and feel by design.

A superb choice for serious players, collectors, Telecaster enthusiasts and vintage-style Fender fans, this limited NAMM model offers standout specification, strong stage presence and the unmistakable feel of a high-end Nocaster-inspired instrument.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Product	Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic
Brand	Fender
Year	2017
Edition	LTD NAMM
Model	’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic
Finish	Butterscotch Blonde
Body	2-Piece Ash
Neck	Maple 5/4 Quarter Sawn Neck
Neck Profile	Nocaster “U” Shape
Fingerboard	Maple
Radius	9.5"
Frets	21
Nut Width	1.65"
Neck Pickup	Handwound Tele Texas Special
Bridge Pickup	Handwound ’51 Nocaster
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Main Appeal	Limited NAMM Nocaster with handwound pickups, ash body and Heavy Relic finish
Best For	Blues, country, rock, classic rock, Americana, studio work, live performance and collectors
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional, collectors and serious Fender players

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic is in Excellent condition. This means it shows very light signs of use beyond the intended factory Heavy Relic ageing and remains fully functional and ready to play.

The Heavy Relic finish is part of the guitar’s original design character. The aged checking, wear, marks and vintage-style distressing should be viewed as part of the instrument’s intended appearance rather than standard cosmetic damage.

What’s Included?

✔ Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic Butterscotch Blonde Electric Guitar
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar presents in Excellent condition with very light signs of careful use beyond the intended Heavy Relic finish treatment.

The Heavy Relic ageing is part of the original specification and gives the guitar its worn-in vintage character. No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Handwound Tele Texas Special neck pickup checked
• Handwound ’51 Nocaster bridge pickup checked
• Pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Maple fingerboard checked
• Nocaster “U” shaped neck assessed
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Neck relief assessed
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic?

Limited NAMM Edition Appeal

This 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic carries strong desirability thanks to its limited edition status and specialist specification. It is ideal for players and collectors who want something more individual than a standard Telecaster-style guitar.

2-Piece Ash Body

The 2-piece ash body gives this guitar classic early-Fender visual and tonal appeal. Ash is strongly associated with traditional Tele-style attack, snap and resonance, making it a fitting choice for a Nocaster-inspired instrument.

Handwound Pickup Set

The pickup pairing gives this guitar serious player appeal. The handwound Tele Texas Special neck pickup provides bold, expressive neck-position tones, while the handwound ’51 Nocaster bridge pickup delivers the bite, clarity and authority expected from a classic early-1950s-inspired Tele voice.

Nocaster “U” Shaped Neck

The Nocaster “U” shaped neck gives the guitar a substantial and confidence-inspiring feel. It is ideal for players who enjoy a fuller vintage-style neck profile with plenty of support for chords, rhythm work and expressive lead playing.

Maple 5/4 Quarter Sawn Neck

The maple 5/4 quarter sawn neck adds premium specification appeal and a strong traditional feel. It gives the guitar a stable, responsive playing platform while contributing to the instrument’s high-end Fender character.

9.5" Radius And 21 Frets

The 9.5" radius gives this Nocaster a comfortable and practical playing feel for both chords and lead work, while the 21-fret layout keeps the instrument firmly connected to classic Fender design.

Heavy Relic Butterscotch Blonde Finish

The Heavy Relic Butterscotch Blonde finish gives this guitar the look and feel of a well-played vintage instrument. It has strong stage presence and instant visual appeal for players who love worn-in Fender character.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic vs Standard Fender Telecaster

A standard Telecaster offers the familiar Fender single-cut experience. This LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic provides a much more specialist specification, with handwound pickups, relic treatment, ash body and premium vintage-inspired character.

’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic vs Fender American Vintage Telecaster

An American Vintage Telecaster is designed around period-correct Fender style. This Nocaster adds Heavy Relic ageing, limited NAMM appeal and a more boutique-style specification for players who want a more individual guitar.

’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic vs Fender Custom Shop Telecaster Relic

A Custom Shop Telecaster Relic can offer similar aged character, but this LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster stands out through its specific 2017 limited edition identity, supplied pickup pairing and Nocaster “U” neck profile.

’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic vs Modern Player Telecaster Models

Modern Telecaster models often focus on contemporary comfort and broader versatility. This guitar is aimed at players who want traditional Nocaster attitude, early-Fender character and a more authentic vintage-inspired feel.

Who Is It For?

Serious Telecaster Players

This is ideal for players who already love Tele-style guitars and want a premium, limited edition example with stronger vintage character and handwound pickup response.

Blues And Country Players

The dynamic attack, clear bridge bite and expressive neck pickup make this guitar especially well suited to blues, country, Americana and roots playing.

Rock And Classic Rock Players

The Nocaster format works beautifully for rock rhythm, cutting lead lines and edge-of-breakup amp tones.

Studio Musicians

This guitar is a strong studio tool thanks to its clear pickup response, direct attack and ability to sit well in a mix.

Collectors

Collectors of limited Fender models, NAMM editions, relic guitars and Nocaster-inspired instruments will appreciate the 2017 year, limited edition identity and premium specification.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic is well suited to:

• Blues
• Country
• Rock
• Classic rock
• Americana
• Roots music
• Indie
• Alternative
• Soul
• Worship music
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Session work
• Rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Chicken-picking
• Slide playing
• Edge-of-breakup tones
• Collectors of limited Fender guitars

Educational Section: Why Choose A ’51 Nocaster-Style Guitar?

A ’51 Nocaster-style guitar represents one of the most important electric guitar designs ever made. It is direct, responsive and incredibly expressive, with a simple control layout that rewards touch, dynamics and amplifier interaction.

The appeal of this style of guitar lies in its honesty. A great Nocaster-inspired instrument can move from clean twang to biting blues, driven rock and warm neck-position tones with only small changes in picking attack and control settings.

A Heavy Relic model adds the visual and tactile feel of a vintage instrument, giving players a guitar that already feels worn-in and familiar. For guitarists who want classic Fender response, early-1950s character and premium limited edition appeal, a model like this 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic is a highly desirable choice.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Fender Telecaster, Nocaster-style guitar or pre-owned limited edition instrument? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Fender Nocaster Heritage

The Nocaster name is one of the most significant in Fender history. It represents the brief transitional period before the Telecaster name became established, making it one of the most iconic chapters in electric guitar design.

Nocaster-inspired guitars are celebrated for their simplicity, power and direct connection between player and amplifier. The combination of ash body, maple neck, single-cut design and classic pickup layout has shaped blues, country, rock and popular music for generations.

This 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic honours that heritage while adding a premium limited edition specification, handwound pickups and a heavily aged Butterscotch Blonde finish for serious player and collector appeal.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Year	2017
Edition	LTD NAMM
Model	’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic
Finish	Butterscotch Blonde
Body	2-Piece Ash
Neck	Maple 5/4 Quarter Sawn Neck
Fingerboard	Maple
Neck Profile	Nocaster “U” Shape
Radius	9.5"
Frets	21
Nut Width	1.65"
Neck Pickup	Handwound Tele Texas Special
Bridge Pickup	Handwound ’51 Nocaster
Pickup Configuration	SS
Body Style	Nocaster / Telecaster-Style Solid Body
String Configuration	6-String
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

A superb limited edition Fender Nocaster-style guitar with premium specification, handwound pickups and serious player appeal. The 2-piece ash body, maple 5/4 quarter sawn neck, Nocaster “U” profile and 9.5" radius make this a highly usable vintage-inspired instrument, while the Heavy Relic Butterscotch Blonde finish gives it exceptional character.

This Excellent condition 2017 LTD NAMM model is a standout choice for players and collectors who want early-Fender attitude, limited edition desirability and a genuinely inspiring Tele-style guitar.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

Is this a limited edition Fender Nocaster?

Yes. This is a Fender 2017 LTD NAMM ’51 Nocaster Heavy Relic model.

What pickups are fitted?

It has a handwound Tele Texas Special neck pickup and a handwound ’51 Nocaster bridge pickup.

What does Heavy Relic mean?

Heavy Relic means the guitar has been factory-aged to look and feel like a well-played vintage instrument. The ageing is part of the intended finish.

What does Excellent condition mean on a Heavy Relic guitar?

Excellent condition means the guitar shows very light signs of use beyond the intended factory relic finish and remains fully functional and ready to play.

What is the neck profile?

This guitar has a Nocaster “U” shaped neck profile.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard radius is 9.5", giving a comfortable balance between vintage-inspired feel and modern playability.

What styles does this guitar suit?

It suits blues, country, rock, classic rock, Americana, roots music, indie, worship, studio recording and live performance.

Is this guitar suitable for collectors?

Yes. The 2017 LTD NAMM identity, Heavy Relic finish, handwound pickups and premium specification make it very appealing to collectors.

Does this guitar need a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Fender Nocaster-style guitars, limited edition models and pre-owned premium electric guitars.