Fender CS 1954 Telecaster Time Capsule - Nocaster Blonde

New for 2024, the Fender Custom Shop introduces a unique, transition-era model—the 1954 Telecaster, inspired by the early years of this iconic guitar. This special edition marks the last production run of the single-ply black phenolic pickguard, found on the Nocaster Blonde-finished body before the switch to a single-ply white ABS pickguard to match the Stratocaster.

The 1954 Telecaster features a two-piece select ash body with an offset seam on the treble side, paired with a one-piece rift sawn maple neck with a ‘54-style “U” back shape and a vintage compound fingerboard radius (7.25” to 9.5”). Powered by a pair of Custom Shop hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups, this guitar delivers the classic Tele twang, with added power for modern players.

Available in several Custom Shop treatments with varying degrees of wear, including Time Capsule, DLX Closet Classic, Relic, Journeyman Relic, Heavy Relic, and Super Heavy Relic, the 1954 Telecaster offers a perfect balance of vintage authenticity and modern playability.

Additional premium features include 21 medium vintage frets, Fat '50s Tele wiring, a 3-way switch, single-ply black phenolic pickguard, '51-'54 Tele bridge with brass barrel saddles, vintage-style tuners, a bone nut, and a disc string tree. It comes with a deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity.

Specifications:

• Body: Two-piece select ash, offset seam on treble side
• Finish: Nocaster Blonde
• Pickguard: Single-ply black phenolic (transition-era style)
• Neck: One-piece rift sawn maple
• Neck Profile: ‘54-style “U” back shape
• Fingerboard: Vintage compound radius (7.25” - 9.5”), 21 medium vintage frets
• Pickups: Custom Shop hand-wound Loaded ’51 Nocaster pickups (neck and bridge)
• Electronics: Fat '50s Tele wiring, 3-way switch
• Bridge: '51-'54 Tele bridge with brass barrel saddles
• Hardware: Vintage-style tuners, bone nut, disc string tree
• Case: Deluxe hardshell case with strap and certificate of authenticity