Fender '52 Reissue Telecaster

Features are what u expect. Volume, Tone, and 2 pick ups. Thats all u need baby.

I play this though a blues junior, bit of reverb and a distortion boss petal when required. They say that the Tele ain't good on Distortion; what a load of cr$p. Roll off the tone on the bride or other settings with a petal and see how it sounds. It can play Metal, Jazz, anything. More importantly you be the judge. This guitar with a wah wah is also amazing. I personally hate country music; never thought this guitar was so versitile.I previously had a Ibanez Jem 77FP [yes i admit it; steve vai wannabe] and swap it for this Tele 52 reissue. The other guitar felt like a toy [toneless]; best decision i've ever made. I sometimes feel sorry for the other guy......nah!!

suits me perfectly. Can't complain. Best Guitar i've ever felt. Tried strats, gibson...etc. Doesn't have the feel of this Tele.

C'mon; its a Tele.

Never needed to call them.

Look you can be like everyone else and buy a strat or a gibson LP. I say if everybody betting one way; bet the otherway [quote taken from GlenGaryGlenRoss]. I give the 52 reissue my blessing; A 10.

52 RI tele. We all know the features by now. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

AS many people have noted, its a warmer and darker instument than you would expect, but in a good way. It really sound great, even with the stock pickups. Great twangy bridge and warm jazzy neck. Much better sound from the stock pickups than my American Standard tele. Really excellent sounding guitar.

Finish on mine is flawless. Electronics and fretwork are excellent for a production guitar. Close to, but not quite a match for custom shop Fender Teles.

Its a telecaster. If its not runnig well in 50 year i'll be surprised.

An excellent telecaster, truly vintage sound and quality. A real standout in the current Fender lineup.

This guitar has all the features needed in a Telecaster; no more and no less. I guess some things are just gotten right the first time, like the Tele, the Strat, and the Shure SM57.

I play rock and blues with a smattering of rockabilly and reggae. The Telecaster is well suited for all these styles. 99% of my playing is in my home studio with the rare solo gig. I've settled on a rig that has treated me well for a few years now: Tele (previously a highly modded Mexican model; now this lovely '52 RI - into a Duncan tube-driven two-channel overdrive pedal, an Electro-Harmonix reverb pedal, and an RNC compressor, and finally into a Clark Lil' Bit tube combo w/Eminence Redcoat speaker, which also drives a 12" Celestion in an old Boogie cab.
The sound? As close to perfection as my highly subjective ears have found. I'm totally happy with my tone, after a mere 30 years of tweaking it. Jimmy Vaughan and Keith Richards had a baby, and it's name is "My Rig".

Fit and finish are as good as I've seen. I love the Butterscotch Blonde color. Action was a tad buzzy, but installing Slinky 010's in place of the factory 009's brought it up just right. I slightly adjusted the intonation on the D and G strings and it plays like buttah. I don't blame Fender; any new instrument that gets shipped anywhere is going to shift around some. However, those who do not do their own work should have it set up properly. So many people will shell out fifteen hundred bucks or more on an electric...and then not spend the lousy seventy-five for a nice setup. What a waste. My friend, for instance, bought a Jeff Beck Strat several years ago and pulled this negligence. Come on! The nicest Strat I've ever seen in person and it's never even been tuned up. Or had the strings changed, for that matter. What a crying shame. Oh well. I can only tend my own garden...and if I'm gonna drop a considerable wad of cash on an instrument, I want it performing its best.

I would use this guitar w/o a backup for a gig. Well-built and solid.

Not yet applicable

I've been playing for thirty years and this is the nicest electric I've owned. I would replace it if lost or stolen, right after finding and pistol whipping the thief. A true modern classic, right from the case.

Fender Japan "Keef" type tele. Blonde, maple neck, bucker in neck, SC @ bridge. Brass bridge.

I judge features by what use they are. This has everything you need, nothing you don't.

I was prepared to repleace the PU's when i got this guitar, however no issues at all, they sound very good. The bridge is very vintage tele. The neck is ballsy, bright enough to cut through, like an SG in tone.

I've owned a number of high end guitars. I wanted something that you can bash around, that sounded good and you get a few tones from it. This is it.

My set up is Fender Vibrolux- Marshall Reverb pedal- Boss DD3- Fuzz pedal- Boss TU. I play punky,fuzzy, rock, this set up beats the hell out of any badass amps like jcm 800 etc. Much bigger and better in my opinion!

Outstanding. The wood work is amazing. Would beat many USA vintage models. Mine is a non export model though, search them out, they are alot better. The action was spot on, the finish excellent.

One thing i did have a couple of issues with was the wiring and the pots. The volume pot i replaced and also all the wiring. Had a few crackles etc. To be fair though i worked the guitar very hard!!!

Build like stone.

Not dealt with them.

Outstanding.

Tele isn't about features, but... Medium light (3.8 kg), Butterscotch colour (beautiful). Three piece vintage brass saddles, 7.5 radius. Mine has a not too fat neck, between medium and fat. Vintage frets of course

Acoustically it has a very full, a bit dark tone, rather loud. Plugged in that feeling is even more apparent, it sounds like a vintage tele, the tone is really full and a bit darker than other teles I'v tried. Makes very useful! I always change pickups on my Fender guitars (have replacement picks from my old tele ready to mount) but this time there's really no need for a change. It sounds perfect. Not too much output of course, but quite enuogh and a perfect tone, not too bright.
Had a Tele 50's MIM before, same style. On that one I tried putting on a 6 piece saddle - it totally ruined the tele twang. Amazing how the small details can change things.

OK setup, lowered the string a bit and hightend the pickups. Intonates well despite the three piece vintage saddles.

I would think it's dependable

Been playing a long time, currently have 6 guitars - Strats, a Tele, a Gretsch...
I traded this one with a Mex Tele 50's, which wasn't a bad guitar but, there's a big difference in sound - both from the guitar and the pickups. This one has a special mojo in the sound, Teleish but not too bright

I scratched the back with my belt buckle, and saw that there is a hard layer (poly?) beneath the nitro lacquer finish coat. The neck feels great with round board (7.25"), rolled edges, and small frets. The body has a nice weight to it, but not too heavy.

I like rockabilly and country so this is THE guitar for me. I add echo and tremelo and play clean through a fender and I am good to go.

Round radius (7.25) is so comfortable to me. This is the only guitar I know of that has such a small radius, and I think it is a large part of how nice the neck feels. Rolled edges are also excellent. Small frets are great too.
The only thing I might do is reverse the control plate, so the volume is closer to do swells. Otherwise, perfect.

Had it for one year so far and haven't had to touch it once.
I just wipe it down occassionally and change the strings.

I used to think rosewood board with humbuckers was the only way. Now I like the Tele sound. If you are considering a Tele this is the one in my opinion. If you think the price is too high, at least try one in the store for a good while to make sure you know what you're not getting when you buy a less expensive one.

p.s. I also like the 69 reissue because it has the same radius and playability, but it doesn't have the nice heft or punch of this one.

Standard 1952 Telecaster. Ash body, small frets, nitro finish, two stock 1952 pickups, volume, tone. Beauty in simplicity. Time-tested perfection. If you want a guitar that does your work for you, don't buy it. If you actually know how to play, and don't feel the need to hide behind effects, buy it. It does not do well with effects, but then again, picture yourself in 1952...

Sounds like a Telecaster would have sounded in 1952. Fender makes no claims to the contrary. Don't buy this guitar expecting something else. The only mod I made was to re-wire with the kit that was included. The old wiring set-up just does not suit anything that is happening or has happened musically in the last 50 years. If you read Fender history, Fender changed the wiring with next production run of the Tele for that very reason. Otherwise, the three-barrel bridge is perfect-and stays perfectly intonated. And it looks cool...

My rig is fairly simple--I play through a Boss Blues Driver into a Vox AC30. The Blues Driver only comes on when I need a volume boost, as the Vox has the necessary snarl already built into it's Top Boost circuit. As I do play in a cover band that mainly does pop hits from the 60's - now, I don't need to enhance the already mojo tone I get from this rig. I also use a Boss CE5 Chorus Ensemble once and a while.

Yes--the pickups are noisy. Oh well. If you can't handle that, don't buy a 52 reissue. Buy an American Deluxe.

I purchased mine brand new and set up was typical for a new guitar. I set the intonation, action, pickup height, and put new strings on, and it is perfect.

As for quality out of the box, it is what I would expect from a $1300.00 guitar. All accessories were included, such as ash-tray cover, period-correct cord, polish, etc. along with a certificate of authenticity. Case is a beautiful orange plush tweed. Great vibe overall.

I have now used this guitar for six-months of heavy gigging. I expected a 52 Telecaster, and I got one. This guitar should be in the Smithsonian--you just cannot improve on this simple, utilitatrian design.

As many reviewers have mentioned, the nitro finish is thin, and will make those with sweaty hands stick to the neck. I have gotten around this problem by lightly rubbing the finest possible grade steel wool on the neck periodically. This is MY WAY of dealing with the stickiness problem, and I don't recommend anyone steel wool any guitar!! It just works for me and the neck is MUCH smoother as a result. Your hand will eventually accomplish the same thing. As for the thin skin on the body, it is starting to rub away, especially where my arm contacts the upper body. But I don't really care. That's the nature of the nitro finish, and I was expecting that to happen.

I would and do use it without a backup. It is my number one guitar, and night after night, this Tele delivers in all settings. Smokey bars, outdoor festivals, county fairs--no problems.

As for tuning, once I set the tuning for a gig I rarely have to retune. This Tele stays in tune like a rick, and the tuners are solid and dependable.

The pickguard does scratch easily, and mine is already completely dull from use. But again, I expect that, and it all contributes to the "well used" look the guitar has.

Never needed it.

I have been playing professionally for the better part of 35 years. Up until two years ago, I was a devout Les Paul fan, but the gig I now do requires the tone of a Tele. I have taken my 78 Les Paul Gold Top out to some gigs lately, and I don't think I will ever go back (It's just too heavy!!). I love the Tele!!! Simplicity of design, beauty of tone, mouth-watering looks. Plus, there's something to be said about playing the guitar that has probably graced more recordings of popular music through history than any other.

Again, my gear line-up is pretty straight forward: Tele=>Blues Driver=>Chorus=>Boos Chromatic Tuner (Floor pedal version)=>Vox AC30CC2. I also own a 78 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top, a 2005 Martin DM Acoustic, and a 1972 Yamaki Deluxe Acoustic.

If it were stolen or lost it would be replaced in a heartbeat. This is the finest guitar I have ever owned. Sometimes I think about how it might be improved (like many guitar players, I'm a sucker for upgrades and toys)but this one just cannot be improved.

The only other thing to share is advice for any players out there considering this guitar. If you are just learning to play, buy it! Because the Tele will never hide a lack of talent or experience like many other guitars through effects will, you will learn to play correctly from the start. Too often I see young players learning to "shred," yet when you actually make them play a guitar where you can hear them, they fail. If you are looking for a guitar that drips with distorted, chunky tone, this is not your guitar. But if you are a true player, in need of a real, time tested, quality instrument, run, don't walk to your nearest dealer and pick one up.

My 52 reissue Telecaster was manufactured on 18 October 1994 accoring to the stamp on the neck recess on the body,as with the other posts the guitar is butterscotch,7.25 radius maple neck, the body is made of two pieces of super light ash, 21 vintage-style frets, 25.5" scale, vintage-style tuners. Came with a tweed covered case
I love the butterscotch blonde colour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The guitar sounds great with the pots wide open, It sounds like a vintage Tele should. That is, the bridge pickup is full and twangy sounding, the middle position is great for rock/blues/country rhythm work and the neck pickup isn't all that useful.
I play all styles with this guitar: Blues, R&B, Rock, country and put it in my Vox AC15 2x10 made in england( i also play a original 1966 Fender Mustang and a Martin d28)

The guitar is solid and well made with no problems !!!!!!!!!!

ok!!!

ok!

I love this guitar. After playing the Mustang for a year, I wanted a new sound, and it looks like I found it.It is a very good and versatile guitar. Sounds Excellent, plays great.

You don't buy a Telecaster for features. It's supposed to be as simple and workmanlike as they come. Still, this guitar wins out for me. The vintage vibe is all over this guitars features, from the way the Fender name is applied to the headstock, to the vintage frets and radius, to the tone of the neck pickup.
The body is ash. Mine appears to be two peices. If it's three, I can't find the seam.
American made reissue.
Came with all the case candy, vintage strap and cord and all that. Great deal.

I play early rock, some blues and current indie stuff, and this guitar covers it all.
Tele's have their own sound, so didn't go in expecting it to sound like my strat, but I was unprepared for just how different and unique this guitar is.
The bridge pickup is very bright and twangy (not harsh), and it took me some time to figure out how to use it right. What I mean is this...the guitar is clear and clean, it really exposes any mistakes in your playing. It's unmerciful in this respect. You really have to be on your game when playing it.
I just play for myself and am no master, by any means, but this guitar has really made me buckle down and stop being sloppy.
A lot of people don't like the vintage frets, but I took to them very fast. I would love this guitar if it had a modern radius and medium-jumbo frets, but this guitar was very fun to get to know, and now feels natural in my hands.

The guitar came with a fantastic setup, and strung with .10's, which I usually have to do myself. I loved having it ready to play right out of the box.
Maybe it was a fluke, but everything was set just the way I like it. The finish is nitro over poly, it it's simply gorgeous.
The only 'flaw' I was able to find was the route for the bridge pickup is slightly noticeable coming out from beneath the underside of the bridge. From what I understand, though, this is not a flaw so much as a purposeful thing that pops up on these reissues because it stays in line with the way the teles were really made in the 50's. Who cares if it is really true? I don't. You can only notice it if you're looking, and even then, so what?
I've played custom shop teles before, and this feels just like them to me.

Tele's are meant to be ridden hard and put away wet. I don't have any worries about this guitars durability at all. The finish seems like it will age the way it's supposed to, and hold up just fine.

I've been playing 9 years. I have an american strat, a rickenbacker 620, a grestch 6120dsw, and a martin dr. I use fender tube amps. This guitar is the real deal. I love the vintage vibe and sound. The neck pickup is to die for.
I don't even mind the vintage neck pickup. Haven't update it yet, even though Fender provides the ability to do so. I never stray from the bridge anyway. It's fantastic.
Makes me kind of feel like Springsteen or something, playing it. :)

Ash 2 piece telecaster body, nitro fin. with a poly undercoat/so they say/.
1pc maple nitro finished neck. I wouldnt call it an U shape, but then I just might be crazy, ehehhe.I was expcting a huge huge neck but tis one fits my smallishhands perfectly.
Made in the USA.
Weight: 3.5.kg.
You know the features of this one, no need to go thru it again, right?

I play original blues, fingerstyle, and also write popish kind of tunes. So have to say it covers a lot of ground.
It is a bit noisy but for now i dont mind, I still have it wired from the factory and I will change that, but this is just such a beautiful instrument you just have to respect it for what it is.
The sound is amazingly rich. The whole guitar is very very loud and resonant unplugged. It has this natural comresion thing going on. Every note blossoms. Very nice!
One thing that truly surprised me is that it has absolutely no "icepick" in the tone. The neck pickup is not muddy and the bridge pickup is not piercingly trebly! I love that.
I measured my pups and they read:
bridge 7.28KOhms
neck 7.30KOhms
My likes is the sound of this guitar, my dislikes r :
I would like to have the humcancelling/both pups on option.

From the factory..... it came setup with 10's and it was perfect, I played it like that 4 the 1st week or so then switched to 9's. I also tightened to truss rod just a bit. The overall setup was great, it was the only playable axe in the store! If fender setup all of their stuff like this.....eh.
The only thing that kinda pissed me is, when i changed the strings- 3 out of 6 ferrules just popped out. I mean cmon guys, superglue aint that expensive.
Everything else on this instrument is perfect, the frets, the neck, the pickups.
If it werent 4 the ferrule thing i would have given it a 10 so:

No real comment here. I mean if teles r not reliable, I dont know what is!
I cant wait seeing this beaut age!!!!

Hope i wont have the need to deal with them.

I am 26 now, been playin snce I was 8. You do the math. Ive always played strats and could never get nto tles. My friend changed that a couple of years ago. Borrowed me his cheap tele and from there on I was hooked on to the simplicity and the tone. This is truly a versatile instrument! If you got any ears you can pull out a million of tones just from the bridhe pup, let alone all 3 combinations.
The thing is, I wasnt even into buying this exact tele model, but when I played it I said to myself .....man it doesnt get any better than this. I tinkered with the action 4 a day or 2. But thats just because I have always played low action. f you want tone with this one, get the strings a bit higher and youre off.
All in all, I love this one, I believe its a keeper, but its not an ALL purpose instrument, I mean it could be but then MODDING hits the scene. No use in doing that.