Fender 53 Tele BTB Relic MN
The Fender 53 Tele BTB Relic MN pairs a vintage-focused Tele-style design with hand-wound single-coil pickups and a U-shaped neck. Confirm the body wood with the seller before buying, since the supplied specifications list both ash and alder.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Fender 53 Tele BTB Relic MN review
The Fender 53 Tele BTB Relic MN is a U.S.-made Custom Shop T-style electric guitar based on a 1953 Relic model. Its listed finish is Butterscotch Blonde, with a relic finish, a maple neck and fingerboard, two hand-wound Fender '51 Nocaster single-coil pickups, and a tweed case. The listed price is 4,599, although the supplied information does not specify a currency. The guitar has been available since June 2025, and its item number is 604740.
This review is limited to the supplied specifications. No customer reviews are available, so there is no basis for claims about playability, sound, build consistency, or owner satisfaction. The specifications do, however, give useful detail on the neck, scale, controls, and hardware. One important point needs clarification: the product data lists both ash and alder as the body wood.
Body and finish
The model is described as a 1953 Relic with a T-style shape and Butterscotch Blonde color. Nitrocellulose lacquer is specified, along with a Relic finish. The information does not explain the extent or pattern of the relic treatment, so its appearance should be judged from product photographs or in person rather than inferred from the label.
The body material is inconsistent across the supplied specifications. The general spec list identifies ash, while the detailed Custom Shop description says alder. These are different woods, and the data does not establish which one applies to this individual guitar. Buyers should confirm the body material with Fender or the seller before purchase if it affects their decision. No separate top is listed.
Neck dimensions and playing layout
The bolt-on neck is described as plain-grain maple, with a maple fingerboard and black dot inlays. Its profile is a 1952-style U shape. Neck thickness is specified as 22 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the 12th fret. Those measurements provide a more useful description than the profile name alone, though they do not convey how the neck will feel in a player's hand.
The fingerboard radius is 241.3 mm, or 9.5 inches, and the nut width is 41.9 mm, or 1.65 inches. The nut is bone, and the guitar has 21 medium frets. Its scale length is 648 mm, also listed as 25.51 inches. These figures describe the instrument's dimensions, but the supplied information does not include fret measurements, setup details, or string gauge.
Pickups and controls
The pickup system consists of two hand-wound Fender '51 Nocaster single-coil pickups in an SS configuration. A three-way switch selects between pickup positions, while one master volume control and one tone control provide the listed adjustment options. The specifications do not provide resistance readings, wiring details, or output measurements. Without an instrument test, it would be misleading to make specific claims about brightness, output, noise, or response through an amplifier.
Bridge, hardware, and included case
The guitar has a Tele 51-54 Relic bridge, nickel hardware, and Fender vintage-style tuning machines. No tremolo is fitted. The package includes a tweed case; a separate bag is not included. The supplied data does not describe the bridge's saddle material or configuration, and it does not specify whether the tuning machines use locking mechanisms.
Technical assessment
The specification sheet presents a detailed vintage-oriented design, particularly in its 1952-style U neck profile, 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, bone nut, and hand-wound Nocaster pickups. Its core layout is straightforward: two single-coil pickups, a three-way selector, and individual volume and tone controls. The 648 mm scale and 21-fret fingerboard are clearly stated.
The unresolved body-wood conflict is the main issue to check before ordering. The finish description and pickup details are specific, but neither settles whether this guitar has an ash or alder body. Confirming that detail, along with the listed price and current availability, would make the product information more complete. On the supplied facts alone, the Fender 53 Tele BTB Relic MN can be assessed as a U.S.-made Custom Shop T-style guitar with vintage-spec dimensions and a hard case, but its sound and hands-on performance remain unverified.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Two hand-wound Fender '51 Nocaster single-coil pickups and a three-way switch provide a straightforward vintage-style setup.
- Maple neck, 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, and 21 medium frets offer familiar Tele-style dimensions.
- Made in the USA, finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, and supplied with a tweed case.
What bugged me
- The listed body wood is inconsistent: the specifications name both ash and alder.
- The 52-style U neck profile and 41.9 mm nut may feel substantial to players accustomed to slimmer necks.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking a vintage-style Telecaster with hand-wound single-coil pickups and a substantial U-shaped neck. Also suited to buyers who value USA-made construction and an included tweed case.Look elsewhere if
Less suitable for players who need a tremolo or strongly prefer a slim neck profile. Buyers who require confirmed body-wood details should resolve the listing discrepancy before ordering.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Butterscotch
- Pickups
- SS
- Fretboard
- Maple
- Tremolo
- None
- Body
- Ash
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Frets
- 21
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Including case
- Yes
- Incl. bag
- No
- Model
- 1953 Relic
- Shape
- T-Style
- Pickup system
- SS
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What body wood does this guitar use?
The supplied specifications conflict: one entry lists ash, while another lists alder. Ask the seller to confirm the wood for the specific instrument.
What pickups are fitted?
It has two hand-wound Fender '51 Nocaster single-coil pickups, controlled by one volume knob, one tone knob, and a three-way switch.
Is a case included?
Yes. The listing specifies an included tweed case.
What is the neck profile like?
The neck has a 52-style U profile, with a listed thickness of 22 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the twelfth fret. Players who prefer slim necks should try it first if possible.
Does it have a tremolo?
No. The specifications list no tremolo and describe a Tele 51-54 Relic bridge.
The last word from the bench
This USA-made Custom Shop model is aimed at players seeking a worn-in 1953-style Telecaster, with a simple control layout and vintage-oriented hardware. Its maple neck, 9.5-inch radius, and 21 medium frets provide familiar playing dimensions, though the U profile may not suit everyone. The included tweed case adds practical value. The conflicting body-wood details should be clarified before purchase.
Hanging next to it
Fender 53 Tele BTB Relic MN
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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