Fender Custom Shop Merle Haggard "Tuff Dog" Telecaster Electric Guitar - 2-Color Sunburst with Hardshell Case

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The Fender Custom Shop Merle Haggard "Tuff Dog" Telecaster is far more than a signature model; it is a tribute to one of country music's greatest storytellers and one of the most respected guitarists to ever step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage. Available now at Haggerty's Music, this exceptional instrument honors Merle Haggard's lifelong relationship with the Telecaster while faithfully recreating the highly customized guitar he relied upon for decades. Nicknamed the "Tuff Dog," this distinctive design departs from a traditional Telecaster by incorporating a chambered Thinline-inspired construction, a figured maple top, and a set-neck design, creating an instrument that is every bit as refined as the artist whose name it bears.

Built by the renowned Fender Custom Shop, the Tuff Dog showcases the craftsmanship that has made the division synonymous with premium materials, meticulous attention to detail, and boutique-level construction. Rather than simply reproducing a vintage Telecaster, Fender's Master Builders and Custom Shop team recreated the unique specifications of Merle's personal instrument, including its maple center block with chambered alder wings, deep-carved set neck heel, ivoroid appointments, gold hardware, and striking abalone "Tuff Dog" headstock inlay alongside Merle Haggard's signature. The result is an elegant hybrid that blends the familiar snap of a Telecaster with the warmth, sustain, and resonance of a semi-hollow set-neck design.

Sonically, the pair of Custom Shop Texas Special Telecaster pickups delivers everything players expect from a premium Tele while expanding its tonal range. Expect articulate highs, muscular mids, and tight, focused lows with exceptional dynamic response. The custom four-way switching adds a valuable series wiring option, producing a thicker, humbucker-like voice without sacrificing the unmistakable Telecaster character. Whether you're playing classic country, Bakersfield twang, Americana, blues, rockabilly, southern rock, gospel, or roots music, this guitar transitions effortlessly between sparkling cleans, rich rhythm tones, and singing leads with remarkable authority.

From the comfortable figured maple neck and smooth medium jumbo frets to the resonant chambered body and luxurious gold appointments, every detail reflects Merle Haggard's practical approach to tone and performance. Equally suited for professional touring musicians, discerning collectors, and dedicated Telecaster enthusiasts, the Fender Custom Shop Merle Haggard "Tuff Dog" stands as a fitting tribute to one of America's greatest musical icons while offering a uniquely versatile playing experience unlike any other Telecaster in Fender's lineup.

Features / Specs

Highlights

• Series: Fender Custom Shop Artist Series
• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Color: 2-Color Sunburst

Body

• Body Material: Maple Center Block with Select Alder Wings and Tone Chambers
• Body Top Material: Laminated Figured Maple
• Body Finish: Gloss Urethane
• Body Shape: Telecaster
• Body Style: Chambered Solidbody

Neck

• Headstock Type: Telecaster with Abalone "Tuff Dog" Inlay and Merle Haggard Signature
• Neck Material: Figured Maple
• Neck Shape: C Shape
• Neck Finish: Gloss Urethane
• Neck Depth: 0.828" at 1st Fret, 0.954" at 12th Fret
• Neck Construction: Set Neck with Deep-Carved Heel
• Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
• Fingerboard Material: Maple
• Position Inlays: Black Dots
• Side Dots: Black
• Number of Frets: 22
• Truss Rod Style: Standard Adjustable
• Truss Rod Nut: Headstock Access
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.65"
• Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
• Scale Length: 25.5"

Hardware

• Bridge: 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Tele Bridge with Block Steel Saddles
• Bridge Cover/Tail Piece: None
• Bridge Mounting: String-Through-Body, Multi-Screw Plate
• Pickguard: Custom-Shaped 1-Ply Ivoroid Shell
• Pickup Covers: Gold (Neck), Black with Exposed Poles (Bridge)
• Control Knobs: Gold Knurled Dome-Style Knobs
• Switch Tip: Black
• Hardware Finish: Gold
• Tuning Machines: Deluxe Cast/Sealed with Pearl Buttons
• String Trees: Vintage-Style Disc
• Strings: Fender USA 250R Nickel Plated Steel (.010-.046)
• Tremolo Arm: None
• Neck Plate: None (Set Neck Construction)
• Strap Buttons: Strap Locks
• Output Jack: Side-Mounted 1/4"

Electronics

• Pickup Configuration: SS
• Neck Pickup: Custom Shop Texas Special Single-Coil Tele
• Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop Texas Special Single-Coil Tele
• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
• Switching: 4-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups (Parallel), Position 3. Neck Pickup, Position 4. Neck and Bridge Pickups (Series)
• Auxiliary Switching: None

Miscellaneous

• Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity, Leather Strap, Strap Locks, Adjustment Tools, Fender Literature
• Case/Gig Bag: Deluxe Hardshell Case
• Serial Number: US26048887
• Manufacture Date: 2026