CUSTOM SHOP GUITARS can be presented in three groups:
TEAMBUILT
The team built guitars is what you see the majority of here. Every year, the Custom Shop team makes a yearly selection of guitar they want to build for their yearly collection. This is often based on what dealers require. Many units of each models are made in a joint collaboration (hence, the term Teambuilt)
These guitars are then distributed worldwide for sale at vendors. So when you go to a store and see a selection of Custom Shop on the wall, you are browsing the teambuilt models. Almost the same as browsing regular USA Strats, just more limited selection, and more expensive.
MASTERBUILT
Masterbuilt is made by a singular Custom Shop luthier. You can divide Masterbuilt into two sub-categories:
Masterbuilt by customer is simply a one-of-a-kind. You go to a dealer, you fill out a spec sheet of your dream guitar and they order it for you. You wait 1-2 years and you get it.
Materbuilt for distributions are several Signatures or unique ideas. You find a few on my chronology. Each model are made in units in anything from 10 to 100 guitars, and its first come serve. Go to a store and order it and hope the have more left of it. Masterbuilt can be built over a period of time over 1-2 years. So they can be sold out, but more can be made over time. Contact Custom Shop to ask for status.
PRESTIGE
These are unique, one-of-a-kind models. The absolute pinacle of builds. Every now and then, a select group of CS Luthiers get to have a crack at building something unique where they use their skills and imagination. Many of them in collaborations with artist like painters and such. Prestiges are often made for showcasing at guitar shows like NAMM, and often just for a showcase to present at Fender website. Dealers that attend these shows can put in an order for this guitar and sell it trough their websites. Its a prestigious thing. They can also bid to buy if presented on their website.
These are highly expensive guitars that usually starts at $10.000 or so. So they are more for the player with exquisite taste and fat wallets..
Be aware that most teambuilt models can appear in other finishes and colors as well then those presented. The exceptions are Signature and Masterbuilt guitars.
Limited Edition Series (2024)
Model# 921-5700-025 (Heavy Relic)
BODY
Wood: 2-Piece Select Alder with Offset Seam
Lacquer: NitrocelluloseHeavy Reliced
Shape: Standard Telecaster w/ Stickers
Pickguard: 3-Ply Eggshell Aged / 8-hole
Serial: R+6 digits (Neckplate)
NECK
Wood: Plain-Grain Maple
Fretboard: 3A Rosewood
Lacquer: Nitrocellulose Reliced
Profile: 60's Oval "C"
Inlays: 7mm Mother Of Pearl Dots
Headstock: Standard Telecaster
Nut Width: 1.620" (41.15mm)
Nut Material: Brass Nut
Scale: 25.5"
Radius: 7.25"
#Frets: 21
Fretwire: Jescar 45085 Vintage Size
Trussrod: Heel Adjust
MicroTilt: No
Contoured Heel: No
HARDWARE
Bridge Type: 6-Saddle Vintage String-Thru
Bridge Marking: 60's "FENDER" Stamp
Saddles: Aged Mini Barrels
Tuners: Schaller M6 Chrome-Plated Die-Cast Mini Tuners
String Tree: 2 X Butterfly
Knobs: KnurledFlat-Top
Neckplate: 4-Bolt"F" Logo + Serial#
ELECTRONICS
Switch: 3-Way CRL /Top-Hat Switch Tip
Wiring: Modern Std: N/NB/B
Pots: Master Volume / Master Tone
Pickup Config: SS
Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Josefina '67 Single-Coil
Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Hand-Wound Josefina '67 Single-Coil
INFO
Masterbuilder: Paul Waller
Case: Deluxe Hardshell Case
Case Candy: Joe Strummer Leopard Strap + COA
PRICE: $20.000
#Built: 75 (35 for USA)
None
Decal:
Colors:
Black over 3-Tone Sunburst (025)
DESCRIPTION:
As celebrated front man of The Clash and The Mescaleros, Joe Strummer’s raw, passionate stage presence and socio-political songwriting defined the punk rock movement that kicked off in the late-1970s—all with his now infamous 1966 Telecaster by his side. To honor his legacy, Fender Custom Shop Senior Masterbuilder Paul Waller meticulously recreated every aspect of Strummer’s cherished instrument for a limited edition run.
The resonant two-piece select alder body, impeccably worn mid-‘60s “C” profile neck and round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, gives players the feeling of holding a road-tested piece of punk rock history, mirroring all the features found on highly sought after 1960s Fender guitars. Finished in Super Heavy Relic Aged Black over Three-Color Sunburst lacquer—including a matching painted pickguard—all the wear and tear from decades of touring is perfectly recreated on this incredible limited edition. Loaded with a pair of Josefina Campos hand-wound ’67 Telecaster pickups, this guitar exudes all the same raw, expressive tones found throughout both The Clash’s and The Mescaleros’ widely celebrated discographies.
