Description
The Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster NOS Quilt Top by David Brown in Ruby Red is the kind of instrument that immediately feels special; not just because of its striking appearance, but because every detail has been carefully considered. Built for players who want something beyond the ordinary, this Tele blends classic DNA with boutique-level refinement. From the hands of Master Builder David Brown, it carries a sense of individuality that you simply do not get from a standard production model.
At the core is a two-piece alder body, delivering that familiar Tele balance and resonance, topped with a stunning AAA quilted maple cap that adds both visual depth and a touch of extra snap. The translucent Ruby Red finish brings that figuring to life with a rich, almost liquid texture. With no pickguard in the way, the top is fully on display; and rather than going the usual route, the neck pickup is mounted in a clean, vintage-style ring that feels both functional and elevated, adding just the right custom touch without distracting from the wood itself.
Tonally, this guitar stays rooted in the best of early Telecaster history. A hand-wound '51 Nocaster neck pickup offers warm, woody clarity, while the '50-'51 Blackguard bridge pickup delivers the bite, twang, and authority you expect. It is a pairing that responds beautifully to your touch, moving from articulate cleans to gritty drive with ease. Modern Tele wiring keeps everything intuitive and stage-ready.
The quartersawn maple neck features a comfortable '60s Oval C profile that sits right in the pocket; substantial enough to feel solid, but fast and easy to navigate. A 9.5 inch radius and narrow tall frets give it a modern edge, making bends effortless while keeping that familiar Fender feel intact. The AAA rosewood fingerboard adds a smooth, slightly warmer response, while the bone nut and vintage-style tuners ensure dependable tuning stability.
Visually, this Telecaster is all about restraint and impact. The quilted maple top under Ruby Red does the talking, complemented by clean chrome and nickel hardware and the absence of a pickguard. Every choice feels intentional, highlighting the craftsmanship without overcomplicating the design.
At Cream City Music, we see this Masterbuilt Telecaster as a perfect example of what happens when tradition meets true custom artistry. It is refined, expressive, and just different enough to stand out in a room full of great guitars.
Specifications:
- Body: 2-Piece Alder with AAA Quilted Maple Top
- Body Shape: Telecaster
- Body Finish: Urethane NOS Ruby Red Transparent
- Neck Material: Quartersawn Maple
- Neck Shape: '60s Oval C (.875" - .950")
- Neck Finish: Light Tint Urethane
- Fingerboard Material: AAA Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Number of Frets: 21
- Fret Size: Narrow Tall (6105)
- Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
- Nut Material: Bone
- Truss Rod: Bi-Flex
- Bridge: RSD Tele Bridge
- Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style with Fender Logo
- Hardware Finish: Chrome/Nickel
- Pickguard: None
- Control Knobs: Knurled Chrome
- Neck Pickup: Hand-Wound '51 Nocaster
- Bridge Pickup: Hand-Wound '50-51 Blackguard
- Pickup Configuration: SS
- Controls: Modern Tele (Master Volume, Master Tone)
- Switching: 3-Position Blade
- Strings: .010-.046
- Case: Fender Custom Shop Black Hardshell
Sku: 9216040046