Music

This Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Dale Wilson '52 Telecaster in Heavy Relic Dirty Aged Natural is a remarkable piece that embodies the legendary craftsmanship Fender is known for, truly drawing from a deep history of excellence in both design and construction. It is not just a killer guitar; it's also a true work of art crafted by Dale Wilson, a revered Master Builder at Fender Custom Shop. Wilson, who has been with Fender since 2003 and a Custom Shop builder since 2005, achieved Master Builder status in 2011, thanks to his meticulous attention to detail, passion for design, and skill honed over decades in the industry. His order books are closed now, and this particular guitar was on order for almost six years. This is a testament to his unmatched artistry and popularity amongst musicians worldwide. The guitar is equipped with Josefina Campos Handwound Twisted Tele Relic pickups. Josefina Campos is a true artisan in the world of guitar building, known for her skillful hand-wound pickups, a craft she mastered through an apprenticeship under the legendary Abigail Ybarra at Fender. Campos' journey began when she joined Fender in 1991, starting her career on the factory floor in Corona, California, sanding and prepping guitar bodies. It was her talent and commitment that eventually earned her a place beside Ybarra, who was already celebrated for having learnt pickup winding directly from Leo Fender himself. Ybarra passed on her expertise to Josefina over the years, teaching her every nuance of the art of hand-winding pickups.This led to Josefina Campos becoming Fender's Master Pickup Winder in the Custom Shop, creating some of the most sought-after pickups in the world. Her pickups are known for their precision, delivering a warm, full-bodied tone that has a richness reminiscent of the classic Fender sounds associated with legends like Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Every pickup she winds is considered a work of art, made with the utmost care to honour Fender's legacy.Campos' pickups are especially prized because she continues the tradition of handcrafting them with techniques that trace directly back to Fender's origins. She meticulously matches and balances the windings to achieve tonal clarity and depth, providing a unique sonic experience that resonates with both vintage charm and modern playability. Her pickups, like the Josefina Handwound Twisted Tele Relics used in this Masterbuilt Dale Wilson '52 Telecaster, have become synonymous with a distinct, character-rich sound that is almost impossible to replicate, making them a valuable and collectable aspect of any Fender Custom Shop guitar.The foundation of this '52 Telecaster's sound and playability starts with its 2-piece ash body and one-piece quarter sawn maple neck. The 1951 "U" neck shape combined with a compound-radius fingerboard (7.25" to 9.5") offers a vintage feel with modern comfort.The Dirty Aged Natural nitrocellulose lacquer finish is a stunning heavy-relic work of art, giving the guitar an amazing aged appearance with intricate details. Every nick, wear spot, and relic treatment has been applied meticulously to create an authentic, time-worn aesthetic that feels like a guitar with decades of stage experience. It's been done by the best of the best. This piece also features Vintage Style Fender Relic Tuning Keys, narrow tall 6105 frets, and a classic Fender Custom Shop Tweed Hardcase for safe transport and storage.Each feature and design element is intended to provide a blend of vintage warmth with modern playability, making it an ideal choice for serious collectors and performing musicians alike. Whether it's the quality of sound from the Josefina Campos pickups, the durable yet authentic feel of the aged body, or the balanced playability of the compound-radius neck, every aspect of this Masterbuilt '52 Telecaster is crafted to offer a premier musical experience.Superior Craftsmanship: Built by Dale Wilson, known for his exceptional attention to detail and a passion for guitar making, with this piece taking almost six years to deliver.Authentic Tone: Equipped with hand-wound pickups by Josefina Campos, giving it a unique tone that echoes directly from Fender's golden era.High Collectibility: With Wilson's closed order book, his rare models are sought after by collectors, increasing its value and status.