Fender 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB

Fender 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB: Limited-Run Custom Shop Detail

The Fender 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB stands as a high-end, limited-edition Custom Shop release, offering the T-style format in a specification set rarely seen in standard production. This review examines its construction, electronics, hardware, and classic design elements, focusing exclusively on the technical data and features of this instrument.

Premium Tonewoods and Construction

This Telecaster uses an ash body, which is renowned for its balanced resonance, snappy attack, and strong midrange. The bolt-on neck is hard maple, a staple for stability and bright character, attached to the ash body for the signature T-style feel. The fingerboard is made of AAA flamed rosewood, distinguished both for its visual appeal, smooth figuring and dark tones, and for offering a slightly warmer touch under the fingers compared to maple.

• Body: Solid ash for bright, dynamic response
• Neck: Maple, bolt-on, for strength and classic Tele sustain
• Fingerboard: AAA flamed rosewood, high-end cut

The scale length is the classic 648 mm (25.5"), contributing to increased tension for a crisp attack and clear note separation. There are 21 frets, matching traditional designs and providing vintage-correct spacing.

Neck Shape and Playability

The neck profile is a 1960s-style oval "C". This format is known for its moderate depth and gentle shoulder, striking a balance between chunky, early-'50s profiles and flatter, modern designs. The 241 mm (approximately 9.5") fingerboard radius allows for easy chording across the neck, with enough curvature to suit most playing styles, while mitigating excessive fret-out during bends.

• Neck Profile: 1960s oval "C", comfortable for extended playing
• Radius: 241 mm for versatile chording and bends

Custom Shop Electronics and Pickups

For electronics, this Telecaster has a distinctive pickup configuration: one Custom Shop hand-wound Original Blackguard single coil (bridge) and a Custom Shop hand-wound flat magnet Jazzmaster pickup (neck). This is an unusual and deliberate combination. The bridge pickup harnesses the clarity and focus of early Tele single coils, while the Jazzmaster pickup in the neck expands the tonal options with its broader frequency response and smoother attack. The selector is a standard 3-way switch, routing signal through the Fat '50s Tele wiring for authentic vintage-style voicing and capacitive roll-off.

• Bridge Pickup: Hand-wound Blackguard single coil for classic Tele bite
• Neck Pickup: Hand-wound flat magnet Jazzmaster, extends low-end and warmth
• Controls: 3-way switching, Fat '50s Tele electronics

Hardware and Vibrato System

Instead of the usual fixed Telecaster bridge, this model institutes a tailored hardware set. It pairs a RSD Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge with a Bigsby B5 vibrato tailpiece, delivering subtle pitch modulation functionalities while maintaining string tension and tonality. Bigsby systems are valued for smooth, expressive vibrato without the drastic sweep associated with other systems, making them suitable for vintage-inspired bends and expressive chord work.

• Bridge: RSD Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge, precise intonation and improved sustain
• Vibrato: Bigsby B5 for subtle pitch shift and classic looks
• Hardware: Nickel finish for vintage accuracy and durability

Cosmetics and Limited Edition Features

The finish is an aged black, paired with a single-ply black plastic pickguard. This combination visually references both early '60s and Custom Shop relic aesthetics. The hardware is nickel-plated. As a limited run, each instrument ships with a certificate of authenticity and a fitted case, affirming its Custom Shop pedigree. A branded strap is included, though a gig bag is not part of the package. All assembly and crafting are carried out in the USA, maintaining the expectations for a Custom Shop instrument.

• Finish: Aged black for vintage vibe
• Pickguard: Single-ply black plastic
• Case and Certificate: Included, with matching strap
• Production: Limited run, USA made

Market Position and Pricing

With a retail price of 5666, this Telecaster is aimed strictly at collectors or professionals who demand Custom Shop exclusivity or specific tonal palettes. The unique pickup combination expands beyond standard Telecasters, while the vibrato system broadens creative potential for genres that thrive on expressive chord work and subtle pitch shifts. The focus here remains on period-correct appointments and high-end construction rather than mass-market appeal or versatility.

Summary: Pure Telecaster Heritage with Custom Shop Refinement

Fender's 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB aligns vintage appointments, Custom Shop-level components, and premium tonewoods in a single, focused build. The ash body and maple neck preserve traditional Sparkle and snap, while the AAA rosewood fingerboard elevates both feel and aesthetics. The electronics marry Tele precision with expanded Jazzmaster warmth, while the RSD bridge and Bigsby system allow for nuanced expression uncommon to most Telecasters. Every aspect, from the 1960s oval "C" neck to the aged cosmetic touches, is tailored for the enthusiast. At its price and with its limited run, this Telecaster stands as a collector's instrument, distinctly specialized within Fender's broader Custom Shop lineup.