Fender Custom Shop Relic Guide: Every 2025 Finish Option Explained
At Peach Guitars, we know that when it comes to Fender guitars, every player has a unique vision for their perfect instrument. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of a brand-new Fender or you want the rich, vintage character of a well-played, relic’d masterpiece, the Fender Custom Shop has you covered.
The Fender Custom Shop’s range of relic finishes allows you to choose from a variety of aged looks, each designed to evoke the feel and look of a well-loved, road-tested instrument. From guitars that look as fresh as the day they left the factory to those with the battle scars of years on the road, these finishes help bring your dream Fender guitar to life—both in sound and style. Let’s dive into the different relic options offered by Fender, so you can find the one that speaks to you.
Time Capsule
The Time Capsule finish is like a time machine. instead of wear and tear, you get a guitar that looks like it was made decades ago and then carefully stored in a safe, untouched until now. It combines Fender’s original “No Buff” NOS Flash Coat Lacquer with hardware that’s been gently aged to evoke that “lucky find” feel. The finish is smooth and glossy with no lacquer checking or chips, but the hardware and subtle patina hint at age.
This is perfect for players who love the classic vintage look and sound but want a fresh instrument that feels new in the hands. The neck is slick, the finish flawless, but it has just enough vintage mojo to set it apart from a standard modern guitar.
New Old Stock (NOS)
New Old Stock guitars are models from the past that look brand new, as if you bought one in 1962 and it was kept in mint condition ever since. These guitars feature a full nitro lacquer finish with no signs of aging, no checking, no discoloration. Essentially, no wear at all. The hardware gleams just as it did when it left the factory, and the plastics stay crisp.
NOS is ideal for players who want a vintage-spec guitar that looks exactly like it did the day it was built. It’s the perfect blank canvas for those who want to add their own character over years of playing, or collectors who prize pristine condition.
Closet Classic & Deluxe Closet Classic
Closet Classic guitars, including the Deluxe variation, are built to look like they were purchased decades ago and then carefully stored away, only occasionally brought out and polished. These instruments do not show any serious playwear, but they carry the quiet charm of age. You will notice a softened lacquer sheen, light to moderate lacquer checking throughout the body, gentle oxidation on the hardware, and subtle discoloration on the plastic parts.
The Deluxe version leans slightly further into this aesthetic with more prominent checking and a richer patina overall. Together, they offer a refined vintage feel for players who want something that looks aged and authentic, without being overly worn.
Journeyman Relic
Journeyman Relic guitars tell the story of instruments that have been used in homes and small gigs. They have moderate playing wear, including more prominent lacquer checking, nicks and dings down to the wood, and hardware that’s dulled but still functional. The finish has lost much of its gloss, and the neck feels smooth from years of hands-on play.
If you want a guitar that feels familiar right away, like an old bandmate you’ve jammed with for years, the Journeyman Relic hits that sweet spot. It has personality and wear but hasn’t been through the wringer.
Relic
Relic finish guitars look like they have spent years in clubs and bars, collecting every mark and scratch you can imagine. This finish features heavy lacquer checking all over the body, along with finish wear revealing the wood beneath in many spots. Hardware is tarnished and dull, the plastic parts aged and yellowed.
These guitars are for players who want the unmistakable vibe of a genuine vintage guitar.
Heavy Relic
Heavy Relic is one of Fender’s most aggressive aging process that evokes decades of the toughest playing and touring. This finish features very deep lacquer checking, severe finish wear down to bare wood in key spots, major buckle rash, and heavy dings and dents. Hardware is heavily oxidised, often showing a greenish patina or rust.
The neck and frets feel fully broken in, smooth as silk, ready for action. Heavy Relic guitars look and feel like trusted workhorses that have seen every stage and survived the hardest conditions.
Super Heavy Relic
Super Heavy Relic is the heaviest of Fender’s aging treatments, featuring extreme wear and tear everywhere you look. The finish is worn almost completely through in places, exposing large areas of bare wood. Plastic parts may be cracked or broken. Hardware looks decades old and heavily corroded. The lacquer checking is intense and covers nearly every surface.
This finish is for those who want the ultimate relic experience. The guitar looks seriously old and feels perfectly broken in and comfortable. Despite the rough appearance, these guitars are meticulously crafted to play beautifully and last a lifetime.
Make sure to check out our full range of Fender Custom Shop guitars - Click Here
As always, you can buy with confidence from Peach Guitars. From meticulously inspecting each piece of equipment, professionally setting up each guitar, tracking every package, and delivering the best after-sales customer service, our team will do our best to make you feel welcome and offer genuine, professional advice.
