FENDER USA Custom Shop Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '55 Stratocaster Relic – Candy Apple Red + Maple (2021)
 
Specifications:
Model: Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt '52 Telecaster Relic
Master Builder: Dale Wilson
Year: 2021
Finish: Bronze Relic (Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Body: Premium Ash
Neck: AAA Flame Roasted Maple (Medium '52 U Profile)
Fingerboard: Roasted Maple with Black Dot Inlays
Radius: 9.5” (Modern Playability with Vintage Feel)
Frets: 21 Narrow/Tall (6105)
Scale Length: 25.5”
Nut Width: 1.650” (Bone Nut)
Pickups:
Neck: Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound Nocaster Pickup
Bridge: Fender Custom Shop Hand-Wound Nocaster Pickup
Electronics:
Master Volume, Master Tone
3-Way Blade Switch
Vintage-Style Cloth Wiring
Bridge: Fender Custom Shop '52 Vintage-Style 3-Saddle Telecaster Bridge (Brass Saddles)
Pickguard: Anodized Aluminum
Tuners: Fender Vintage-Style
Hardware: Nickel/Chrome (Relic Aged)
Case: Original Fender Custom Shop Tweed Hardshell Case
Included Accessories: COA, Ashtray Bridge Cover, Case Candy
 
Personal Thoughts:
If you're after the ultimate '50s Tele with a jaw-dropping custom finish, this Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '52 Telecaster Relic in Bronze is an absolute masterpiece. Dale Wilson is known for some of the most sought-after Fender Custom Shop guitars, and this one is next level—ultra-resonant, perfectly relic'd, and full of vintage soul.
 
The Bronze relic finish is one of the rarest and most unique Fender Custom Shop finishes out there. It has an incredible depth and warmth, giving this guitar a high-end, boutique aesthetic that stands out in any collection. The anodized aluminum pickguard complements the subtle relic aging beautifully, adding a sleek, vintage-modern contrast to the worn bronze body.
 
The AAA flame roasted maple neck is drop-dead gorgeous, with deep figuring that shimmers under the light. More importantly, it feels phenomenal—the medium '52 U profile has just the right amount of chunk, making it substantial yet incredibly comfortable. Combined with the 9.5" radius and narrow/tall frets, you get modern effortless playability while maintaining that old-school Tele feel.
 
Now, let’s talk tone—this thing is an absolute beast. The hand-wound Nocaster pickups bring all the vintage Tele goodness, with deep, woody resonance, snappy attack, and bell-like clarity.
The neck pickup is warm, rich, and slightly compressed, perfect for blues, jazz, or smooth lead tones.
The bridge pickup is where this guitar shines, delivering that raw, biting twang, with rich harmonic overtones and just the right amount of grit when pushed.
 
Even unplugged, this Tele rings like a bell, with fast, percussive response, thanks to the premium ash body and meticulously crafted roasted maple neck. The vintage-spec brass saddles and hand-wired electronics ensure pure, unfiltered tone, making this one of the best-sounding Custom Shop Teles you’ll ever play.
 
If you're looking for a rare, high-end Telecaster that combines vintage tone with jaw-dropping aesthetics and world-class craftsmanship, this Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '52 Tele Relic in Bronze is one of the finest examples you’ll ever find.
 
Condition Report:
This Fender Custom Shop Dale Wilson Masterbuilt '52 Telecaster Relic is in mint condition, with no additional wear beyond the factory-applied relic treatment. The Bronze nitro finish is absolutely stunning, with realistic aging, subtle checking, and tasteful wear that make it feel like a true vintage piece.
 
The frets are in flawless condition, the roasted maple neck is perfectly smooth, and the hardware is aged just right to complement the relic’d aesthetic. All electronics function perfectly, with zero static, smooth volume/tone sweeps, and a crisp 3-way switch.
 
This guitar comes complete with its original Fender Custom Shop tweed hardshell case, COA, case candy, and ashtray bridge cover, making it a true collector’s piece as well as an incredible player’s guitar.
 
If you’re after a Dale Wilson Tele with serious vintage vibes, insane craftsmanship, and unique aesthetics, this '52 Tele Relic in Bronze is as rare as it gets.