Fender 52 Telecaster BB Heavy Relic

Fender 52 Telecaster BB Heavy Relic review

The Fender 52 Telecaster BB Heavy Relic is a Custom Shop electric guitar modeled on the 1952 Telecaster. Its specification stays close to that early design, with an ash body, a maple neck and fingerboard, two single-coil pickups, and a fixed bridge. The reported playing impression is just as direct: the guitar responds readily to touch, its sound feels true to the original design, and its neck is notably comfortable.

That combination makes the instrument appealing to players who want a traditional Telecaster layout with a carefully specified, aged appearance. Fender lists the color as Blonde, while the detailed finish description calls it Butterscotch Blonde. The Heavy Relic treatment gives the model its worn-in visual character. The available information does not detail the relic work, so the finish is best judged in person if its specific appearance matters to you.

Construction and neck feel

The body is made from ash, with no separate top listed. The neck and fingerboard are maple, and the neck has a dark tint. Fender specifies a 1952-style U-shaped neck profile, a fingerboard radius that changes from 7.25 to 9.5 inches, and 21 vintage-style frets. The 648 mm scale is the standard long scale associated with this style of guitar.

In use, the neck has been described as super comfortable. That is a useful impression, though neck comfort is personal and depends on hand size, playing position, and preferred profile. The U shape gives buyers a clear reference point, but it is still worth trying the guitar before purchase if possible. The variable radius and vintage-style frets are also details players may want to assess firsthand, particularly if they are used to a flatter fingerboard or taller frets.

The reported touch sensitivity is another defining part of the playing experience. The guitar responds noticeably to changes in how the strings are played, making picking dynamics an important part of its character. That can suit players who shape their sound with their hands. Those looking for a more compressed or less responsive feel should try it with their own playing style and amplification.

Pickups, wiring, and hardware

The pickup system uses two single-coil pickups, identified as an SS configuration, from Fender's handwound Blackguard set. The guitar also has modern Telecaster wiring. No detailed output measurements or switching description are provided, so the practical tonal assessment should stay with the available listening impression: the sound is considered true to the instrument's original design. Players seeking a specific level of brightness, output, or noise performance should audition it rather than assume those qualities from the pickup names alone.

Hardware follows the same traditional direction. A 1952-style Telecaster bridge is fitted with compensated brass saddles, and the tuning machines are Kluson-style. The hardware has a chrome and nickel finish. There is no tremolo system, which keeps the bridge setup straightforward and consistent with the model's design. A single-ply pickguard completes the described specification.

Included items and buying details

The guitar is made in the United States and includes a tweed case, a strap, and a certificate. A case is included, while no separate gig bag is listed. The model is not identified as a limited run. It has been available since December 2018, and the listed price is 6599; no currency is specified in the supplied information.

For a guitar in this price range, the strongest reasons to consider it are its Custom Shop construction, historically minded specification, and reported playing response. The ash body, maple neck and fingerboard, handwound pickup set, compensated brass saddles, and 1952-style U-shaped neck give prospective buyers concrete details to compare against other Telecaster-style instruments. The comfortable neck and touch-sensitive response are encouraging firsthand observations, not guarantees that every player will experience the guitar in the same way.

Verdict

The Fender 52 Telecaster BB Heavy Relic makes a focused case for itself: a 1952-inspired Telecaster with a relic finish, a traditional single-coil layout, and a neck that has earned positive feedback for comfort. Its sound has been described as faithful to the original concept, while its sensitivity rewards deliberate control of picking dynamics. The finish and neck shape will be personal choices, and the listed price makes an in-person trial sensible. Players drawn to this specific vintage-style approach will find a well-defined set of features to evaluate.