Fender Custom Shop 1968 Telecaster “Chicago Special” Deluxe Closet Classic Aged Olympic White over Pink Paisley Fender

It is no secret that the Fender Custom Shop has been creating the best instruments since 1987. In keeping with the true spirit of Leo’s original vision of the company, each instrument is built with the highest level of care and excellence. Here at Chicago Music Exchange, we have collaborated with the best minds at Fender to build the best instruments from top to bottom, tirelessly going over each spec to ensure that we offer you the best of what Fender has to offer. 

Featuring measurements and components we hand-selected from across history, our “Chicago Special” Fender Custom Shop guitars highlight important years in the development of core models like the Stratocaster, Telecaster and more. We capture the energy and essence of their respective eras with iconic fingerboard radii and period-correct plastics, matched headstocks and slab fingerboards, classic finishes and not-so-classic colorways. But that’s just the beginning of what makes our Fender Custom Shop guitars so special. We take customization a step further with rift sawn necks for added resonance and expanded control sets for tonal versatility, and every “Chicago Special” Fender Custom Shop guitar features our own custom Chicago Special pickups, designed in conjunction with Fender Custom Shop Vice President of Product Development Mike Lewis.

“Chicago Special” Tele pickups

• Potted in shellac for open wide range frequency response
• 43 gauge enamel wire
• Bridge: Wide diameter AlNiCo 3 magnets combined with thinner 43 gauge enamel wire equals ‘hot juicy tone’
• Neck:  Wide diameter AlNiCo 5 magnets overwound with 43 gauge enamel wire gives high output, clarity, and punch

Model Number: 9237101626
Serial Number: R116952
Finish Package: Deluxe Closet Classic
Case: Fender Custom Shop Black
Weight: 7lbs 8oz

Body Wood: 2-Piece Alder
Body Color: Aged Olympic White over Pink Paisley
Body Finish: Lacquer
Sort for Lightweight: Yes

Body Notes: Extra Thin Top Coating

Hardware Plating: Chrome/Nickel
Bridge Assembly: Tele 67
Output Assembly: Vintage Tele
Control Assembly: Modern Tele with Greasebucket
Neck Plate: Reissue Fender Logo
Tuner Keys: Schaller F Keys
String Guide: American Vintage 65 with Nylon Spacer
String Gauge: 10-46

Neck Assembly: ’67 Tele Closet Classic Relic
Neck Finish: Light Tint Nitro Lacquer
Neck Blank: Rift Sawn Maple
Fingerboard: Rift Sawn Maple
Truss Rod: Late 60’s
Head Style: Telecaster
Neck Head Thickness: .575″
Neck Scoop: 60
Dot Spacing: Narrow
Face Dot: Micarta Black 7mm
Side Dot: Micarta Black 3/32″
Fret Wire: Vintage Upgrade
Number of Frets: 21
Fingerboard Radius: 7.25″
Neck Back Shape: 60 Style Oval “C”
Neck Nut Width: 1.650″
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .850″
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .920″
Neck Butt Width: 2.200″
Nut Material: Standard Blank
Number of Bolts: 4 Bolt
Head Cap Decal: 67-76 Tele

Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment
Pickup Neck: Handwound “Chicago Special”
Pickup Bridge: Handwound “Chicago Special”
Control Knobs: Knurled Chrome