Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS Butterscotch Blonde, (Used)
The Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS in Butterscotch Blonde is a premium USA-made Custom Shop electric guitar built for players who want classic early-1950s Telecaster tone, feel and styling with clean NOS presentation. With a 2-piece ash body, ’52-style U neck shape, 9.5" fingerboard radius, 21 frets, vintage tuning keys and ’51 Nocaster pickups, this Telecaster delivers the snap, clarity, punch and direct response that made the Telecaster one of the most important electric guitars ever made.
This pre-owned Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS is listed in Excellent condition, meaning it shows very light signs of use while remaining fully functional and ready to play.
At 6.9lbs, this is a comfortable and resonant Custom Shop Telecaster with the right mix of vintage-inspired specification, professional playability and long-term desirability. It is ideal for country, blues, rock, indie, Americana, roots music, studio work and players who want a serious Custom Shop Tele with iconic Butterscotch Blonde looks.
At A Glance
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS |
| Brand | Fender Custom Shop |
| Model | ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS |
| Finish | Butterscotch Blonde |
| Type | Solid Body Electric Guitar |
| Condition | Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition |
| Body | 2-Piece Ash Body |
| Pickups | ’51 Nocaster Pickups |
| Neck Shape | ’52 Style U |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage Tuning Keys |
| Weight | 6.9lbs |
| Main Appeal | Classic Custom Shop Telecaster tone, feel and NOS ’52-style presentation |
| Best For | Country, blues, rock, Americana, indie, studio work and live performance |
| Skill Level | Intermediate to professional, collectors and serious Fender players |
Condition Overview
Excellent Condition
This Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS is in Excellent condition. This means it shows very light signs of use while remaining fully functional and ready to play.
Excellent condition is ideal for players and collectors who want a clean, carefully kept pre-owned Custom Shop guitar with only minimal evidence of previous ownership.
What’s Included?
✔ Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS Butterscotch Blonde Electric Guitar
✔ Hardcase
✘ No Additional Accessories Included
Condition Notes
This guitar shows very light signs of use such as minor surface marks, faint handling wear or small signs of careful previous ownership.
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 Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.
Our checks include:
- Electronics tested
- ’51 Nocaster pickups checked
- Pickup selector tested
- Volume and tone controls checked
- Output jack tested
- Frets inspected
- Vintage tuning keys 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 Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS 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 Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS?
Classic ’52 Telecaster Character
The ’52 Telecaster Reissue captures the look, sound and feel of one of Fender’s most important electric guitar designs. It delivers the direct attack, bright response and unmistakable Telecaster personality that has shaped country, blues, rock and roots music for decades.
NOS Custom Shop Presentation
NOS stands for New Old Stock, giving this guitar a clean vintage-style presentation rather than a heavily aged or relic appearance. It is ideal for players who want Custom Shop period-inspired styling with a cleaner look and feel.
2-Piece Ash Body
The 2-piece ash body gives this Telecaster a strong tonal foundation with plenty of snap, resonance and clarity. Ash is closely associated with classic early Telecaster tone, helping the guitar deliver the bright, articulate response players expect from a ’52-style model.
’51 Nocaster Pickups
The ’51 Nocaster pickups give this guitar a bold, vintage-inspired Telecaster voice. They offer clear bridge pickup bite, warm neck pickup character and the dynamic response needed for expressive rhythm and lead playing.
’52 Style U Neck Shape
The ’52 Style U neck gives this Telecaster a substantial vintage-style feel in the hand. It is a strong choice for players who enjoy a fuller neck profile with plenty of support for chords, bends, double-stops and confident rhythm playing.
Modern-Friendly 9.5" Radius
The 9.5" fingerboard radius gives this guitar a slightly more modern playing feel than a tighter vintage radius. It offers a comfortable balance for chord work, bends and lead playing while still keeping the overall character firmly Telecaster-focused.
Lightweight Custom Shop Feel
At 6.9lbs, this Telecaster is comfortable for long rehearsals, live sets and studio sessions. It has the professional feel players expect from a high-end Fender Custom Shop instrument.
Comparison Against Popular Alternatives
Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS vs American Vintage Telecaster
An American Vintage Telecaster offers excellent period-inspired Fender character in a production model. The Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS offers a more premium build level, closer attention to detail and stronger collector appeal.
Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS vs Fender American Professional II Telecaster
The American Professional II Telecaster is a modern professional instrument with contemporary features. The Custom Shop ’52 Reissue NOS is better suited to players who want a more vintage-inspired Telecaster experience with Custom Shop craftsmanship.
Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS vs Fender Custom Shop Nocaster
A Custom Shop Nocaster leans into the earliest blackguard Telecaster identity. The ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS gives players a similarly classic blackguard-style experience with ’52-inspired specification and clean NOS presentation.
Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS vs Telecaster Relic Models
Relic models are designed with aged wear and road-worn visual character. This NOS model is ideal for players who want vintage-style specification and Custom Shop quality without heavier relic treatment.
Who Is It For?
Beginner Players
This can suit a committed beginner with serious long-term intentions, though it is best suited to players who already understand the value of a premium Fender Custom Shop instrument.
Intermediate Players
Intermediate players will appreciate this Telecaster as a serious upgrade into Custom Shop Fender quality. It offers classic tone, strong playability and a highly responsive feel for developing stage and studio confidence.
Professional Players
Professional players can use this as a main stage or studio guitar. Its ’51 Nocaster pickups, comfortable weight and direct Telecaster response make it a dependable choice for demanding live and recording work.
Collectors
Collectors will appreciate the Fender Custom Shop build, ’52 Reissue NOS specification, Butterscotch Blonde finish, 2-piece ash body and excellent condition rating.
Suitable Genres And Uses
This Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS is well suited to:
- Country
- Blues
- Classic rock
- Rock
- Americana
- Roots music
- Indie
- Alternative
- Soul
- Worship music
- Studio recording
- Live performance
- Rhythm guitar
- Lead guitar
- Hybrid picking
- Double-stops
- Clean amp tones
- Edge-of-breakup playing
- Players wanting a premium Fender Custom Shop Telecaster
Educational Section: Why Choose A ’52-Style Telecaster?
A ’52-style Telecaster is one of the most direct and expressive electric guitar designs available. It gives players a bright, articulate sound with strong note definition, fast attack and a natural ability to cut through a mix.
The appeal of a blackguard-style Telecaster lies in its simplicity. Two pickups, a straightforward control layout and a solid body design create an instrument that responds clearly to the player’s technique. It can be clean and twangy, warm and rounded, or gritty and aggressive depending on the amp, pedals and playing approach.
For players who want a guitar that rewards touch, timing and dynamics, a ’52-style Telecaster remains one of the strongest choices in electric guitar history.
Looking for advice on choosing the right Fender Custom Shop Telecaster, Nocaster-style guitar or pre-owned high-end electric? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.
Story & Context: Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue
The Telecaster is one of Fender’s most important instruments and one of the defining designs in electric guitar history. Its simple construction, clear tone and dependable performance made it a favourite with working musicians across country, blues, rock and countless other styles.
The ’52 Telecaster Reissue celebrates the classic blackguard era, when the Telecaster became known for its bright attack, solid feel and unmistakable stage presence. Fender Custom Shop versions take that heritage further, offering carefully built instruments with premium attention to detail and a stronger connection to vintage Fender design.
This NOS Butterscotch Blonde example captures the classic ’52-style look while offering clean presentation, Custom Shop craftsmanship and practical modern playability.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Solid Body Electric Guitar |
| Brand | Fender Custom Shop |
| Model | ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS |
| Finish | Butterscotch Blonde |
| Body | 2-Piece Ash Body |
| Neck Shape | ’52 Style U |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickups | ’51 Nocaster Pickups |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage Tuning Keys |
| Weight | 6.9lbs |
| Body Style | Telecaster Solid Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Pickup Selector | 3-Way Selector |
| Controls | Volume and Tone |
| 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 Fender Custom Shop Telecaster for players who want classic ’52-style tone, premium build quality and clean NOS presentation. The 2-piece ash body, ’52 Style U neck, 9.5" radius and ’51 Nocaster pickups make this a highly expressive guitar with the snap, bite and warmth that define a great Telecaster.
At 6.9lbs, this Butterscotch Blonde example is comfortable, resonant and stage-ready, making it a standout choice for serious players, collectors and working musicians alike.
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 the Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster Reissue NOS suitable for live performance?
Yes. It is a professional Fender Custom Shop instrument with strong tuning stability, clear Telecaster tone and excellent stage usability.
What styles does this Telecaster suit?
It suits country, blues, classic rock, rock, Americana, roots music, indie, worship music, soul, studio work and live performance.
What does NOS mean on a Fender Custom Shop guitar?
NOS means New Old Stock. It gives the guitar vintage-style specification and presentation without heavy relic ageing.
What are ’51 Nocaster pickups good for?
’51 Nocaster pickups are excellent for classic Telecaster tones, including bright bridge pickup bite, warm neck pickup sounds, clean rhythm work and edge-of-breakup amp tones.
Is the ’52 Style U neck suitable for lead playing?
Yes. The ’52 Style U neck has a fuller vintage-inspired feel while remaining practical for lead lines, bends, double-stops and chord work.
How does the 9.5" radius affect playability?
The 9.5" radius gives a comfortable balance between vintage feel and modern playability, making bends and lead work feel more approachable than a tighter vintage radius.
Is this guitar suitable for recording?
Yes. A Telecaster records extremely well thanks to its clarity, strong note definition and ability to sit clearly in a mix.
How does it compare with a modern Telecaster?
A modern Telecaster often has contemporary features and a different neck feel. This Custom Shop ’52 Reissue NOS focuses on vintage-inspired tone, feel and styling with premium Custom Shop craftsmanship.
Is this suitable for collectors?
Yes. Fender Custom Shop Telecasters with desirable ’52-style specifications, Butterscotch Blonde finish and excellent condition rating have strong collector appeal.
Can I try this guitar in-store?
Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Fender Custom Shop guitars, Telecaster models and pre-owned high-end electric guitars.