Spec:
Finish: Ebony, Heavy Relic
Neck: Rosewood Fingerboard
Pickups: Custom Shop Single-Coils
Body: Select Alder
Neck Profile: '60s “C” Shape
Bridge: Vintage-Style 3-Saddle Tele Bridge
Pickguard: Tortoise Shell
Case: Custom Shop Hardshell with COA
Personal Reflection:
This 2009 Custom Shop '63 Telecaster in Ebony is a real standout. You don’t often see the combination of an Ebony finish with a tortoise shell pickguard, but it works incredibly well here, giving it a unique look that sets it apart from the more common Telecaster finishes. The relic job on this early Custom Shop model is really something special—plenty of dings, gauges, and scratches that give it a well-loved, road-worn feel. Compared to newer relics, this one’s got a more authentic, rugged vibe.
Ben’s given it a good test, and the bridge pickup, in particular, stood out. It has that classic Tele twang, but with a bit more grit and punch, handling everything he threw at it with ease—from clean country riffs to overdriven rock tones. It’s versatile and sounds fantastic across the board.
The action was set low when it arrived, and we decided to leave it that way. It’s so comfortable and easy to play that we didn’t see any reason to mess with it. It glides effortlessly up and down the fretboard, making it a joy to play whether you’re strumming or picking.
Condition Report:
Despite being a 2009 model, this Tele has had just one previous owner and is in excellent condition. The heavy relic treatment is all original from the factory, and the guitar has been very well maintained. The hardware and electronics are in perfect working order, and the guitar is ready to play right out of the case. It’s a true collector’s piece but feels like it’s been gigged for years in the best possible way.