A rarely seen variation on the classic blackguard Tele, this limited-run AVRI '52 Telecaster Special sports a two-tone sunburst finish, gold hardware and a white guard. Made in limited numbers between 1999 and 2002. A very cool and collectable American Vintage reissue.

This is not your average AVRI '52 Tele. Fender quietly released this special edition model at the tail end of the ‘90s as a factory alternative to the standard Butterscotch/Blackguard configuration. The ‘52 Telecaster Special features the same specs as the regular American Vintage Reissue ‘52 Telecaster (ash body, one-piece maple neck, vintage frets, round string tree, period-correct hardware and wiring etc.) but swaps out the traditional finish for a striking two-tone sunburst with white pickguard and gold hardware.

The result is a Telecaster that stands out visually but still delivers the bright, snappy, and woody tone that made these early Teles so iconic. Pickups are Fender’s American Vintage series single coils, with the original cloth wiring and correct spec pots. The bridge is the traditional three saddle ashtray bridge (with brass saddles) and the neck has the chunky D profile typical of the era - officially it is a U profile, though in reality it's closer to a chunky D profile and not as big as some of later U profiles.

This example dates to 2000, and is in excellent overall condition. There are signs of light use (some light surface scratches, a couple of small indentations on the rear - both of which are difficult to capture in pictures - and two small paint chips on the lower back edge) but no major dings, breaks or mods. The frets show minimal wear and the neck is smooth, straight and well set up.

These don’t come up often, and with only a limited number produced, it’s a great opportunity to own a distinctive and slightly under-the-radar USA made AVRI Tele.

Comes with its original Fender brown hard shell case and ashtray bridge cover.

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