Fender Custom Shop 1952 Telecaster LTD “FUBAR” Extreme Relic – One of 12 – Unplayed

Some guitars make an entrance. This one looks as though it kicked the door down.

This Fender Custom Shop ’52 Telecaster comes from the exclusive 12-guitar “FUBAR” run commissioned for Max Guitar. Offered from my personal collection, this example remains unplayed.

The brief behind the run was straightforward: classic blackguard character, carefully selected woods and plenty of freedom for the Fender Custom Shop team to push the ageing treatment to its limits. The result is a spectacular interpretation of the early Telecaster, with a Butterscotch finish and an unapologetic Extreme Relic appearance.

It looks as though it has spent decades working smoky clubs and surviving questionable tour buses. Its actual playing life, however, is still ahead of it.

Beyond the dramatic finish lies an appealing specification. An ash body and substantial ’52-style U-profile maple neck establish the classic foundation, complemented by Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster pickups. A 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and medium jumbo frets add modern playing comfort to the vintage-inspired design.

An exclusive run with personal provenance

Its connection to a personal collection adds a particularly attractive chapter to the story: this guitar comes directly from the founder of the shop that commissioned the run.

For a player or collector who appreciates an extreme relic, the combination is compelling: a distinctive Custom Shop Telecaster, one of just twelve commissioned, with personal provenance and unplayed condition.

Specifications

• Fender Custom Shop, team-built in Corona, California
• Exclusive Max Guitar “FUBAR” run of 12 guitars
• Ash body
• Butterscotch finish with Extreme Relic treatment
• Substantial ’52-style U-profile maple neck
• 9.5-inch fingerboard radius
• Medium jumbo frets
• 25.5-inch scale length
• Custom Shop ’51 Nocaster pickups
• Vintage-style three-saddle bridge
• Aged vintage-style tuners and nickel hardware
• Unplayed, from Robbert van der Ende’s personal collection

Condition

The guitar’s heavily worn appearance is the intentional Fender Custom Shop relic treatment, rather than wear accumulated through playing.

All the attitude of a road warrior, with its first proper chapter still to come.