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Fender Custom Shop

Fender Custom Shop 51 Nocaster Relic Electric Guitar - Butterscotch Blonde with Hardshell Case

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$4,899.99

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Pickup available at 2520 W Main St

Usually ready in 24 hours

14-day returns

Changed your mind? Return it undamaged within 14 days.

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Ships from Rapid City, SD. Free on orders over $100.

11,000+ five-star reviews on Reverb

Trusted by players nationwide since 1963.

Ships same or next day

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-YOU ARE VIEWING PHOTOS OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR BEING SOLD!

This brand new 7 lb 6 oz Fender will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.

Buy risk free with our 14 day - full refund, less shipping, return policy. Check out our shop policies for more details.

The Fender Custom Shop 1951 Nocaster Relic feels like a piece of early Fender history that has been given a lifetime of playing before it ever reached your hands. The ash body has a naturally broken-in feel, while the distressed lacquer finish gives it the look and character of a well-loved vintage instrument. In your hands, the substantial 1951 U-shaped rift-sawn maple neck has that unmistakable old-school presence, with a vintage-compound-radius fingerboard that balances the feel of a classic Fender with enough flexibility for comfortable bending and modern playing.

The hand-wound ’51 Nocaster pickups are where this guitar really comes alive. They deliver the bright twang and shimmer you expect from an early Tele-style instrument, but there’s plenty of body underneath, with tight lows, clear mids, and a wonderfully dynamic response that reacts to every change in your picking. The ’51 modified Nocaster wiring also opens up some of those distinctive Broadcaster-era tones, giving the guitar more range than its straightforward appearance might suggest. It’s the kind of voice that can snap and cut through a band or settle into a warm, woody rhythm sound with equal ease.

Everything else about this Nocaster reinforces that vintage character, from the three-saddle bridge and vintage-style tuners to the period-correct pickguard, bone nut, and chrome Nocaster knobs. The relic work makes the guitar feel familiar and comfortable rather than precious, encouraging you to strap it on and play it hard. For players who love the earliest chapter of Fender history but want an instrument built to the exacting standards of the Custom Shop, the Fender Custom Shop 1951 Nocaster Relic is a truly special guitar. Available now at Haggerty’s Music.

Features / Specs

Highlights

  • Series: Custom Shop 51 Nocaster
  • Orientation: Right-Handed
  • Color: Butterscotch Blonde

 

Body

  • Body Material: Ash
  • Body Finish: Relic Lacquer
  • Body Shape: Telecaster
  • Body Style: Solid

 

Neck

  • Headstock Type: Telecaster
  • Neck Material: Quatersawn Maple
  • Neck Shape: Nocaster U
  • Neck Finish: Medium Tinted Nitrocellulose Lacquer
  • Neck Depth: 0.979” at 1st Fret, 1.015” at 12th Fret
  • Neck Construction: Bolt-On
  • Fingerboard Radius: 7.25"
  • Fingerboard Material: Quatersawn Maple
  • Position Inlays: Black Micarta
  • Side Dots: Black
  • Number of Frets: 21
  • Truss Rod Style: 50's
  • Truss Rod Nut: Standard
  • Nut Material: Bone
  • Nut Width: 1.65"
  • Fret Size: Narrow
  • Scale Length: 25.5"

 

Hardware

  • Bridge: Relic Telecaster with Brass Saddles
  • Bridge Cover/Tail Piece: None
  • Bridge Mounting: Standard
  • Pickguard: Black 51 Nocaster Relic
  • Pickup Covers: Nickel/Chrome (Neck), Black (Bridge)
  • Control Knobs: Knurled
  • Switch Tip: Black
  • Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
  • Tuning Machines: Relic Vintage with Fender Logo
  • String Trees: Vintage Disc
  • Strings: .010 - .046
  • Tremolo Arm: None
  • Neck Plate: 4-Bolt
  • Strap Buttons: Two Vintage Style
  • Output Jack: 1/4" Side

 

Electronics

  • Pickup Configuration: SS
  • Neck Pickup: HW Loaded 51 Nocaster
  • Bridge Pickup: HW Loaded 51 Nocaster
  • Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
  • Switching: 3-Way Blade
  • Auxiliary Switching: None

 

Miscellaneous

  • Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity, Spec Sheet, Strap and Pick, Tools
  • Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
  • Serial Number: R150640
  • Manufacture Date: 2026
R150640

Customer reviews

11,000+ Five-Star Reviews On Reverb

What players say after the guitar arrives

“The guitar was well packed and is set up to my liking! I would definitely do business with this company again!”

Gerald K. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Gibson ES-330

“This is a beautiful guitar…appreciate the free setup and quick ship! Would purchase from this seller again…THANKS!”

Guitar D. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Yamaha RSS02T

“Thank you too for a wonderful experience and an amazing guitar. I appreciate the quick shipment and great customer service.”

Eddie R. – Jun 4th, 2026Reverb
Epiphone 1957 SJ-200

“Very fast shipping, arrived in perfect condition, extremely well set up, no adjustments needed at all! Plays and looks great, exactly as advertised.”

Duncan K. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
PRS SE CE 24

“Fast shipping, and great communication from the seller. Pedal arrived quickly and was packaged really well. Would not hesitate to buy again.”

Mark G. – Jun 3rd, 2026Reverb
JHS The Clover Preamp

Very well packed! Would be happy to do business again! Thanks!

Mark B. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Stevens Steel Lap Steel Bar

“Another masterpiece from Taylor. Great service and communication from Haggerty’s crew. Thanks!!!”

James S. – Jun 2nd, 2026Reverb
Taylor Custom Shop C14ce

“Beautiful guitar, easy txn! Thank you so much! Looking forward to playing this guitar far into the future.”

Josh H. – May 31st, 2026Reverb
Powers Electric A-Type FF42

“Fast shipping, great pedal. Buy with confidence these guys are great to work with!”

Carter M. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
Ibanez TS-9

“Great shop! Awesome price, super fast shipping, and great packaging of an awesome new pedal! Thanks!”

Craig C. – May 30th, 2026Reverb
JHS 3 Series

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you set up every guitar before it ships?

Yes. Every guitar that leaves our store has been professionally inspected, set up, and signed off by the technician who worked on it. You will find a signed checklist inside the box when your order arrives.

How accurate are your condition descriptions?

We treat condition grading as a contractual promise, not an approximation. When we list something as excellent, that reflects a specific, consistent standard we apply across every instrument. We encourage you to call us before purchasing if you want a detailed in-hand description of any specific guitar.

Can I call and speak to someone about a guitar before I buy?

Yes, and we encourage it. Our team are working musicians, not order-takers. Call us at 605-348-6737 and ask about any instrument in our inventory. We will physically pull it off the wall and describe it to you in detail.

What is your return policy?

We offer a 14-day return policy if you change your mind and the item is returned undamaged. You are responsible for return shipping costs.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Financing options are available at checkout. Monthly payment options are designed to make high-ticket purchases more accessible without requiring full payment upfront.

How do you ship instruments?

Every instrument ships fully insured from our store in Rapid City, South Dakota. We offer free shipping on all website orders over $100. Guitars are packaged to survive transit, properly cased, braced, and protected.

Are you an authorized dealer?

Yes. We are an authorized dealer for Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, and many other brands. We are currently the number one independent Taylor Guitars dealer in the world, an award we have received two years running for 2024 and 2025. We are also a Top 10 premium dealer for Martin, Gibson, and Fender.

Do you sell on Reverb and Amazon as well as your own site?

Yes. We are one of the top 15 resellers globally on Reverb, where we have accumulated over 11,000 five-star reviews. We are also one of the only independent premium dealers in the world authorized to sell Taylor and Martin on Amazon.

How long have you been in business?

Haggerty's Music has been open since 1963. Our store is located at 515 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, South Dakota.

Do you offer instrument repair?

Yes. Our certified technicians handle everything from routine setups to full restorations across fretted, orchestral, and band instruments. Our team holds certifications from Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, and other leading brands. Learn more HERE.

What brands do you carry?

Our core guitar brands include Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Suhr, Eastman, Gretsch, Luxxtone, Novo, Jackson, Charvel, Legator, and Yamaha among others. These are also the most searched brands on our site, so each has a dedicated collection page.

Do you offer music lessons?

Yes. We offer music lessons. You can find out more HERE.