What is the specific finish on this model?

The finish is Aged Aztec Gold, a metallic vintage shade that has been treated with Fender's Relic process to simulate years of wear and tear.

What pickups are installed in the '61 Telecaster Relic?

It is equipped with a pair of custom-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups, voiced for bright vintage chime and sparkle.

How does the Relic finish affect the guitar's value?

Relic finishes are a premium feature of the Custom Shop that often increase the retail price compared to New Old Stock (NOS) models because of the manual labour involved in the aging process.

What is the typical price for this Custom Shop model?

The typical price range for this specific Fender Custom Shop model is approximately £3,499.

Is the hardware on this guitar modern or vintage?

While the construction uses modern precision methods, the hardware is period-correct for 1961 and is aged to match the relic aesthetic.

What makes the 1961 model different from other years?

The 1961 specifications focus on the transition period of the early sixties, capturing specific body contours and neck profiles distinct from early 50s 'Blackguard' models.

Who is the Fender '61 Telecaster Relic suited for?

It is primarily designed for professional musicians and collectors who desire the sound and feel of a vintage 1961 instrument with modern reliability.

What is the output level of the Texas Special pickups?

Texas Special pickups generally have an increased output compared to standard vintage coils, offering more 'snappiness' and midrange presence.

How does this compare to the Fender Jim Root Telecaster?

Unlike the Jim Root model, which is a modern, high-gain guitar for metal, the '61 Relic is focused on vintage tones and traditional historical accuracy.

Are the materials used in this guitar period-correct?

Yes, the Fender Custom Shop uses period-correct materials for the body and electronics to ensure the guitar replicates the 1961 experience.

What does the serial number #R125242 signify?

The 'R' prefix typically denotes a 'Relic' series instrument from the Fender Custom Shop, uniquely identifying this specific gold telecaster.

Can this guitar handle modern high-gain amplification?

While voiced for 'vintage chime' and 'sparkle,' the Texas Special pickups can handle grit and overdrive, though it is not primarily intended for modern high-gain metal.

Gear article

Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic Aged Aztec Gold #R125242

The Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic is a high-end electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetics and tonal characteristics of a vintage 1961 instrument. This specific model, identified by serial number #R125242, features a distinctive Aged Aztec Gold finish and a heavily aged 'Relic' treatment by Custom Shop master builders.

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Background and Design

The Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster is part of the 'Time Machine' ethos, which focuses on recreating the build specifications of specific years from Fender's golden era. The 1961 model year is significant in the Telecaster's history, representing the refine period before the transition to fully modern designs.

This specific instrument features an 'Aged Aztec Gold' finish, applied using the 'Relic' process. This treatment involves artificial distressing to simulate decades of heavy use on stage, including finish checking, hardware oxidation, and worn-in wood textures. The intention is to provide the feel of a vintage instrument that has 'aged like fine wine' while maintaining the reliability of modern manufacturing.

Electronics and Hardware

A defining feature of this model is its custom-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups. These are specifically voiced for this guitar to deliver a bright, vintage chime and a characteristic top-end sparkle. While the construction materials are period-correct (following 1961 standards), they are assembled using contemporary precision methods to ensure stable performance.

The hardware on serial #R125242 is aged to match the body aesthetics. Typically, this includes a vintage-style bridge with brass or steel saddles and kluson-style tuning machines, all treated with patina to remove the sheen of a factory-new guitar.

Sound and Character

The sound profile is described as 'mellowed' yet 'shimmering.' The Texas Special pickups offer a slightly higher output than standard vintage coils, providing the 'snappiness' required for country, blues, and rock, while being offset by a contemporary resonance. The resulting tone provides bridge-position bite without excessive harshness, and a warm, articulate neck position.

Market Position and Alternatives

Retailing at approximately £3,499, this guitar occupies the premium professional tier of the market. It is primarily suited for collectors and professional musicians who require vintage aesthetics and feel without the fragility or exorbitant price of a genuine 1961 vintage guitar.

Compared to alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, the '61 Telecaster offers a more specific, stripped-back utility. While the Jim Root Telecaster caters to metal players with its flat finish and humbuckers, the '61 Relic is firmly rooted in traditional blues and rock heritage.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific finish on this model?: The finish is Aged Aztec Gold, a metallic vintage shade that has been treated with Fender's Relic process to simulate years of wear and tear.
What pickups are installed in the '61 Telecaster Relic?: It is equipped with a pair of custom-wound Texas Special single-coil pickups, voiced for bright vintage chime and sparkle.
How does the Relic finish affect the guitar's value?: Relic finishes are a premium feature of the Custom Shop that often increase the retail price compared to New Old Stock (NOS) models because of the manual labour involved in the aging process.
What is the typical price for this Custom Shop model?: The typical price range for this specific Fender Custom Shop model is approximately £3,499.
Is the hardware on this guitar modern or vintage?: While the construction uses modern precision methods, the hardware is period-correct for 1961 and is aged to match the relic aesthetic.
What makes the 1961 model different from other years?: The 1961 specifications focus on the transition period of the early sixties, capturing specific body contours and neck profiles distinct from early 50s 'Blackguard' models.
Who is the Fender '61 Telecaster Relic suited for?: It is primarily designed for professional musicians and collectors who desire the sound and feel of a vintage 1961 instrument with modern reliability.
What is the output level of the Texas Special pickups?: Texas Special pickups generally have an increased output compared to standard vintage coils, offering more 'snappiness' and midrange presence.
How does this compare to the Fender Jim Root Telecaster?: Unlike the Jim Root model, which is a modern, high-gain guitar for metal, the '61 Relic is focused on vintage tones and traditional historical accuracy.
Are the materials used in this guitar period-correct?: Yes, the Fender Custom Shop uses period-correct materials for the body and electronics to ensure the guitar replicates the 1961 experience.
What does the serial number #R125242 signify?: The 'R' prefix typically denotes a 'Relic' series instrument from the Fender Custom Shop, uniquely identifying this specific gold telecaster.
Can this guitar handle modern high-gain amplification?: While voiced for 'vintage chime' and 'sparkle,' the Texas Special pickups can handle grit and overdrive, though it is not primarily intended for modern high-gain metal.