1996 Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster Relic - Cunetto Era

The Fender 'Nocaster' is one of the most illusive and storied vintage guitars in the history of Fender, with a super limited production run of just under 500 guitars released without any decal other than the Fender logo on the headstock. This 1996 Fender Custom Shop 1951 Nocaster Relic its a fantastic example of arguably the most revered period of Custom Shop construction. Vince Cunetto began relicing guitars for Fender in 1995, with his Custom Shop creations often regarded as some of the best sounding and playing, along with the most vintage accurate finishes produced by the company in the modern day.

Featuring an Ash body finished in a tastefully relic'd Butterscotch Blonde, Cunetto Relics do seem to have a feel and a look to them that sets them apart from the current crop of aged Fender instrumetns. The ageing on this guitar primarily confined to the hardware and noticeable play wear on areas of the fretboard, control plate and pickguard, with the lacquer finish only featuring modest lacquer checking and some arm wear to the lower edge. The quartersawn Maple neck features striking Birdseye grain that is commonly found on these Cunetto Telecasters, and a chunky early '50s 'U' shaped neck profile. The neck also features the Custom Shop logo embossed in to the rear of the headstock, as opposed to the more modern decal. The 'no line' Kluson style tuners, three saddle bridge and single ply black bakelite style pick guard are all period correct and aged to match the finish, and the body is fitted with a set of hand wound Fender Custom Shop Nocaster single coil pickups for an authentic vintage tone. 

This guitar is in all original condition and includes a tweed tolex Custom Shop case, although the original certificate is missing. This guitar has been given a full service & setup by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.