Best Fender Premium Guitars 2026
Alright, let's talk Fender Premium guitars. You've probably been chasing that vintage vibe, that specific feel, that elusive tone. These aren't your standard Squier fare - we're diving into the stuff where Fender really leans into its heritage and craftsmanship, aiming for something closer to what those legendary '50s and '60s axes were all about. It's a significant step up, but is it worth the investment?
Last updated: August 31, 2026
⚡ The best premium guitars in 2026 are Fender La Cabronita Especial MBDB (top pick), Fender '61 Bone Tone Strat ASB for tighter budgets, and Fender LTD Custom 62 Strat Relic AB for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $5,936–$11,059, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender La Cabronita Especial MBDB
by
Fender
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
21 frets
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
High-End Collection
Studio Recording
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
This La Cabronita Especial is a serious instrument, built to a ridiculously high standard by David Brown. The Powertron pickups give you a unique, powerful voice – think vintage bite with modern clarity. It’s perfect for players who want a distinctive, high-quality instrument with a slightly unusual feel and a whole lot of character.
PROS
- • David Brown Masterbuild quality ensures exceptional craftsmanship and detail.
- • TV Jones Powertron pickups deliver thick, articulate tone with vintage character.
- • Quartersawn Ash body provides excellent resonance and sustain.
- • Large 'C' neck profile offers a comfortable, familiar feel for many players.
CONS
- • The 648mm scale length might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Dakota Red finish, while beautiful, can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
- • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for many aspiring musicians.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 577718
$11,060
#2
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender '61 Bone Tone Strat ASB
by
Fender
Nut width
42.9 mm (1.69")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
21 frets
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Investment Grade
Professional Performance
High-End Collection
Key Feature:
This '61 Bone Tone Strat is a serious contender for vintage Strat aficionados. The Custom Shop pickups nail that sweet spot of clarity and warmth, and the neck profile is a joy to play. It's a high-end instrument built for players who demand authentic vintage tone and feel.
PROS
- • Exceptional '60s oval-C neck profile offers incredible playability and comfort.
- • Custom Shop 'Bone Tone' pickups deliver nuanced, articulate vintage tones.
- • Alder body provides a balanced resonance and sustain for versatile performance.
- • Vintage tremolo system offers authentic feel and tuning stability.
CONS
- • The aged finish, while aesthetically pleasing, might not appeal to all players.
- • Rosewood fretboard may require more frequent maintenance compared to maple.
- • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for many players.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 574742
$7,800
#3
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD Custom 62 Strat Relic AB
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
21 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Ash body
Professional Performance
Studio Recording
Investment Grade
Key Feature:
This LTD Custom 62 Strat is a serious contender for vintage Strat fanatics. The ash body and those Fat '60s pickups nail that classic, slightly overdriven tone, and the relic'd finish looks the part. It's perfect for players chasing a genuine vintage vibe without the vintage price tag and potential headaches.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers resonant, lively tone with excellent sustain
- • ’60s Oval C neck profile is exceptionally comfortable and familiar
- • Custom Fat ’60s pickups provide thick, warm vintage Strat tone
- • Nickel Closet Classic hardware enhances the aged aesthetic and feel
CONS
- • Relic finish might not appeal to players preferring a pristine look
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many players
- • 648 mm scale length may feel slightly shorter for some.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601353
$7,334
#4
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD 67 Strat HSS Vintage White
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
21 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Alder body
Studio Recording
Master Craftsmanship
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
This LTD 67 Strat is a seriously well-made instrument. The combination of the vintage-style neck, custom pickups, and relic'd finish nails that classic Strat vibe, while the HSS configuration adds a touch of modern muscle. It's a fantastic choice for players craving authentic vintage tone and feel with a little extra bite.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- • The '60s Oval C neck is exceptionally comfortable and fast for effortless playing
- • Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates delivers a thick, powerful bridge tone ideal for rock
- • AAA flamed rosewood fingerboard adds visual appeal and a smooth playing experience
CONS
- • Relic finish may not appeal to players preferring a pristine, modern aesthetic
- • HSS configuration limits versatility for players needing a purely single-coil sound
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many guitarists
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601345
$5,937
#5
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender 60s Tele Relic CF over 3TSB
by
Fender
Frets
21 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Master Craftsmanship
Serious Players
Investment Grade
Key Feature:
This guitar looks like a real 60s Tele with that classic Charcoal Frost finish. The Josefina Twisted Tele pickups give it a special voice compared to standard models. It suits players who want vintage looks with modern reliability. The solid maple neck adds comfort for long sessions.
PROS
- • Authentic 1960s Telecaster relic finish looks great
- • Josefina Twisted Tele pickups offer unique sound
- • Solid quartersawn maple neck feels stable
- • Modern wiring ensures reliable signal path
CONS
- • No scale length measurement is listed
- • Weight is not provided in the text
- • Lack of specific tonal description in text
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 643322
$9,779
#6
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender Telecaster Custom JRN HLE GOLD
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Professional Performance
High-End Collection
Serious Players
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a real vintage Telecaster with a soft maple neck and bright ash body. The hand-wound pickups give it that classic twang you hear on old rock records. It suits players who want a simple, reliable tone without extra controls.
PROS
- • Vintage '57 soft neck profile for comfortable reach
- • Hand-wound single coils for classic twang tone
- • Ash body offers bright, cutting sound character
- • Fat '50s wiring with reverse control plate layout
CONS
- • One-volume setup lacks modern multi-band control
- • Journeyman relic finish may hide new wood imperfections
- • Big Sby vibrato can be challenging for beginners
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 611030
$6,868
#7
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender Tele Custom SHR AISACMB
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Master Craftsmanship
Professional Performance
Serious Players
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a modern take on a classic '60s Telecaster, built with a maple neck and alder body for that bright, twangy tone. The hand-wound pickups give you a crisp single-coil sound up front but a warmer humbucker tone at the neck, all controlled by two knobs and a switch. It suits players who want that vintage Tele feel without the heavy weight, though you'll need to watch out for the thin pickguard.
PROS
- • Hand-wound pickups deliver vintage single-coil punch and wide-range neck warmth.
CONS
- • 1-ply pickguard offers minimal scratch protection compared to multi-ply options.
- • No specific weight rating provided for the complete assembled instrument.
- • Limited control options lack a dedicated volume knob for the neck pickup.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 610936
$6,868
#8
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender 51 Nocaster 2TSB HR NAMM
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Master Craftsmanship
Studio Recording
Investment Grade
Key Feature:
This guitar feels like a worn-out classic you found in an attic. The ash body sings with bright highs, while the vintage pickups sound exactly like old Fenders. It suits players who want that gritty, broken-in tone without sacrificing modern playability.
PROS
- • Heavy Relic finish adds vintage character and unique surface texture
- • Ash body offers bright, articulate high-end response compared to alder
- • Hand-wound blackguard pickups deliver authentic vintage single-coil tone
- • 21 narrow tall frets provide smooth action for technical playing
CONS
- • Heavy Relic finish may require more maintenance than standard finishes
- • Ash body can be less stable than mahogany for intonation
- • No specified weight makes playability hard to judge upfront
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 610725
$6,519
#9
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender 1951 Nocaster Aged Cherry B
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Professional Performance
Serious Players
Studio Recording
Key Feature:
This guitar sounds like a real 1951 model thanks to its vintage pickups and ash body. The U-shaped neck feels familiar and easy to play for anyone. It looks great with its aged finish and brass bridge. Perfect for players who want that classic Fender tone without needing to hunt for old gear.
PROS
- • Vintage 1951 Blackguard pickups give clear, warm tone
- • Ash body offers bright resonance with tight bass response
- • Nocaster U profile provides comfortable playability for all hands
- • Relic finish adds authentic aged look without extra cost
CONS
- • No weight spec listed makes heavy ash body guessable
- • Single-ply black pickguard is basic compared to modern options
- • Aged Cherry color may show wear if played hard daily
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 649199
$6,985
#10
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD 54 Strat HR Aged Black
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Investment Grade
Studio Recording
Serious Players
Key Feature:
This guitar feels solid because the neck is made from one solid piece of maple. The pickups are hand-wound to sound like the original '50s models. It has lots of thin frets for speed and a rough black finish that looks old. This is a great choice if you want a classic Strat tone without extra hardware.
PROS
- • One-piece quartersawn maple neck for stable tuning and playability
- • Hand-wound Custom Shop pickups deliver classic vintage tone
- • 21 narrow tall frets make bending and fast runs easy
- • Heavy relic finish adds authentic aged look and texture
CONS
- • Hardtail bridge lacks tremolo system for vibrato effects
- • Single-ply white pickguard is not the traditional black option
- • No specific weight listed makes heft unknown for player
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601346
$6,985
#11
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender 51 Nocaster NB HR NAMM
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Professional Performance
Serious Players
High-End Collection
Key Feature:
This NAMM edition 51 Nocaster is a serious throwback, nailing that early-’50s Fender vibe. The ash body and Blackguard pickups deliver a remarkably clear and responsive tone, ideal for blues, country, and vintage-inspired rock. It's a dream for players chasing that authentic, broken-in feel and sound—if you're dedicated to the vintage aesthetic and have the budget, this is a real gem.
PROS
- • Ash body provides exceptional resonance and a balanced tonal character.
- • Custom Shop Blackguard pickups deliver authentic, articulate vintage tone.
- • Heavy relic finish replicates decades of genuine wear and tear, enhancing aesthetics.
- • Nocaster 'U' neck profile offers comfortable playability and vintage feel.
CONS
- • The heavy relic finish might not appeal to players preferring a cleaner look.
- • The 3-way switch limits tonal versatility compared to more complex switching systems.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many guitarists.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 610722
$6,402
#12
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD 63 Strat Jmr RW ASGM
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Master Craftsmanship
Investment Grade
Serious Players
Key Feature:
This LTD 63 Strat is a seriously cool hybrid – a vintage-inspired Strat body with a humbucker in the neck position for added warmth and chunk. The Josefina pickup is a real standout, and the Texas Special delivers that classic Strat twang. It's perfect for players who want a unique voice and a relic'd aesthetic, especially those leaning towards blues, classic rock, and slightly heavier tones.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers resonant, articulate tone with excellent sustain.
- • Josefina humbucker provides thick, warm lows and singing lead tones.
- • Texas Special bridge pickup offers classic Strat bite and clarity.
- • Relic finish enhances vintage aesthetics and provides a broken-in feel.
CONS
- • The ash body can make it somewhat headstock-heavy, requiring careful strap adjustment.
- • The wiring scheme, while unique, limits tonal versatility compared to standard Strats.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601310
$6,402
#13
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD CuNife Tele HR Aged Black
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Serious Players
High-End Collection
Master Craftsmanship
Key Feature:
This is a seriously unique Tele – the CuNiFe humbucker is the star, giving you a fatter, more nuanced neck tone than you’d expect. The heavy relic job is beautifully done, and the 1950s neck profile feels fantastic. It’s perfect for players who want a vintage vibe with modern versatility, but be prepared to pay a premium for this custom shop experience.
PROS
- • CuNiFe humbucker delivers a surprisingly warm, articulate low-end.
- • Ash body provides excellent resonance and sustain.
- • Heavy Relic aging authentically replicates a well-loved vintage instrument.
- • 1950 Esquire neck profile offers exceptional comfort and playability.
CONS
- • The RSD Jaguar/Jazzmaster bridge might not appeal to all Tele purists.
- • Heavy Relic finish can be polarizing; some prefer a cleaner look.
- • The price point puts this firmly in the high-end, luxury guitar category.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601373
$6,985
#14
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD 50 Tele Thinline RW AB
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Serious Players
Master Craftsmanship
Investment Grade
Key Feature:
This LTD 50 Tele Thinline is a serious contender for players craving that classic Tele vibe, elevated by Custom Shop appointments. The ash body and hand-wound pickups deliver a fantastic blend of clarity and warmth, while the relic’d finish gives it a lived-in feel. It's a premium-priced instrument, perfect for the dedicated Tele enthusiast who appreciates the finer details.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers articulate, resonant tone with a snappy attack
- • The '57 Soft V neck is exceptionally comfortable for extended playing
- • Hand-wound Custom Shop pickups offer authentic vintage Tele clarity and warmth
- • String-through-body design enhances sustain and improves resonance
CONS
- • The Journeyman Relic finish might not appeal to players wanting a pristine instrument
- • Thinline bodies can sometimes feel less substantial than solid ones
- • The 3-way switch limits pickup combinations compared to modern wiring options
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601362
$6,053
#15
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Fender LTD 70th 54 Strat Jmr AB
by
Fender
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Investment Grade
Professional Performance
Master Craftsmanship
Key Feature:
This Fender LTD 70th Anniversary Strat is a serious contender for vintage-loving players. The unique pickup combination and comfortable neck profile create a truly distinctive voice – a bit more bite than a standard '54 Strat, but still wonderfully warm. It's a top-tier instrument perfect for players who appreciate meticulous craftsmanship and a refined vintage vibe.
PROS
- • Ash body delivers resonant, lively tone with excellent sustain
- • The '54 Soft V neck is exceptionally comfortable for extended playing
- • Hand-wound '54 Tele Relic pickups offer a unique, articulate voice
- • High-quality hardware and meticulous relicing enhance vintage aesthetics
CONS
- • Aged Black finish might not appeal to players preferring brighter colors
- • The tremolo system, while vintage-accurate, may require setup for stability
- • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for many players
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 601344
$6,868
Every premium guitars that matches
68 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Fender LTD P90 Korina Tele Jmr ACT | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") | $8,149 |
| 17 | Fender 61 Strat SHR Aged V White 3TSB | Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body | $7,800 |
| 18 | Fender LTD Knotty Tele NOS Aged AN | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $5,355 |
| 19 | Fender Custom Tele 3TSB Sparkle Relic | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Okoume body | $7,683 |
| 20 | Fender 63 Strat Black Relic LH | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $6,868 |
| 21 | Fender LTD Custom '62 Strat RL AWB | Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body | $6,168 |
| 22 | Fender LTD Custom '62 Strat RL BSB | Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $7,334 |
| 23 | Fender 50s Strat BKoVBL Relic MBAH | Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Ash body | $11,060 |
| 24 | Fender LTD 50s Strat Relic SADS | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $6,053 |
| 25 | Fender LTD Blackguard Cunife Tele NBL | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $6,985 |
| 26 | Fender 50s Thinline Tele SOT HR | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $7,450 |
| 27 | Fender LTD 1969 Strat HR AVWwMC | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $7,800 |
| 28 | Fender LTD Blackguard Cunife Tele AVB | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $6,985 |
| 29 | Fender 60 Strat HSS HR MBAH SADB | Frets 21 frets · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $12,108 |
| 30 | Fender Custom Flame Koa Strat MBKM | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $11,293 |
| 31 | Fender Troposphere Strat TSB | Frets 21 frets · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $7,916 |
| 32 | Fender Cunife Tele Custom VintageW JM | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,519 |
| 33 | Fender LTD Seymour Duncan 50th Tele | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $8,848 |
| 34 | Fender Strat Roasted Dual-Mag OW LTD | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,868 |
| 35 | Fender 52 Tele Black Relic LH | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $7,101 |
| 36 | Fender 1969 Strat HR AVW | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $6,985 |
| 37 | Fender LTD Tomatillo Tele Rel ACS | Frets 21 frets · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $6,519 |
| 38 | Fender 54 Tele Jmr FANB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $5,819 |
| 39 | Fender 62 Poblano Strat Jmr ASB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,053 |
| 40 | Fender LTD '57 Strat DLX C2SB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,053 |
| 41 | Fender LTD 70th 1954 Strat Jmr HB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $6,053 |
| 42 | Fender LTD Fat '64 Strat JRN ABMM | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,053 |
| 43 | Fender 57 Strat DLX CC AIS | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,635 |
| 44 | Fender 50 Tele Relic MBGF VB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $10,478 |
| 45 | Fender 68 Tele Black Paisley Relic | Nut width 41.8 mm (1.65") · Scale 648 mm (25.51") | $6,985 |
| 46 | Fender LTD 67 HSS Strat AOW HR | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Frets 21 frets | $6,402 |
| 47 | Fender 50 Strat 3TS Ultra Relic MBAH | Frets 21 frets · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") | $9,661 |
| 48 | Fender Cunife Tele Custom Candy T JM | Scale 648 mm (25.51") · Body Alder body | $6,519 |
| 49 | Fender Brian Fallon '59 Tele Custom | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $8,498 |
| 50 | Fender 60 Tele Bigsby Rel AB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Ash body | $6,751 |
| 51 | Fender 63 Strat Relic DAR MBDB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $10,245 |
| 52 | Fender 63 Strat Relic GRY MBDB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $10,245 |
| 53 | Fender 63 Strat Relic 3TSB MBDB | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $10,245 |
| 54 | Fender 63 Strat Relic MBPW BK | Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Body Alder body | $10,710 |
| 55 | Fender LTD Bow Tie Tele Bigsby AFG | Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $7,450 |
| 56 | Fender LTD Bow Tie Tele Bigsby BK | Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $7,450 |
| 57 | Fender Roasted Pro Strat HR AVW | Body Alder body | $7,450 |
| 58 | Fender LTD 63 Jazzmaster 3SSB Relic | Body Alder body | $8,731 |
| 59 | Fender '67 Tele BLK Journeyman Relic | Body Alder body | $5,004 |
| 60 | Fender LTD '65 Dual Mag Strat CFM | Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $6,053 |
| 61 | Fender 62 Jazzmaster A3CS Relic | Body Alder body | $8,149 |
| 62 | Fender 66 Jaguar ASG CC | Body Alder body | $7,567 |
| 63 | Fender Roasted Pro Hvy Relic CAR | not published | $7,450 |
| 64 | Fender '59 Special Strat JRN | not published | $6,635 |
| 65 | Fender 58 Strat FACAR Relic | not published | $6,868 |
| 66 | Fender LTD '65 Dual Mag Strat BIM | not published | $6,053 |
| 67 | Fender 58 Strat NAB Relic | not published | $5,355 |
| 68 | Fender Cunife Tele Custom Amber Relic | not published | $8,731 |
Premium Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 262 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $6,519
from $3,666 to $10,710
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 241 mm (9.49") to 406 mm (15.98") · 103 models
Body
mahogany, alder, ash
most common · 215 models
Fingerboard
rosewood, ebony, maple
most common · 191 models
Scale
median 648 mm (25.51")
from 628 mm (24.72") to 648 mm (25.51") · 184 models
Neck profile
D, V
most common · 7 models
Frets
median 22
from 21 to 24 · 122 models
Strings
median 7-string
from 7-string to 7-string · 15 models
Nut width
median 43 mm (1.69")
from 41.8 mm (1.65") to 48 mm (1.89") · 74 models
How to Choose the Best Premium Guitars
1
Neck Profiles
Fender's been playing catch-up with neck shapes for years. Premium guitars often get more accurate reproductions of vintage profiles - '50s soft V, '60s C, or even variations within those. This drastically affects playability and comfort, especially for extended gigs.
2
Pickups
This is huge. The stock pickups on many Fenders are...fine. Premium models often get hand-wound pickups, or at least more carefully selected and voiced ones, that deliver a more authentic vintage tone - think that warm, breathy clean, or the sweet, slightly compressed overdrive. It's the difference between a generic twang and something with real character.
3
Hardware
Better tuners mean better tuning stability - critical for live work. Vintage-style bridges and tailpieces often have a different feel and sustain characteristics compared to modern versions. It's subtle, but it adds up.
4
Finish & Wood Selection
The finish isn't just about looks; nitrocellulose lacquer breathes better than a thick poly, letting the wood resonate more freely. Premium guitars often use carefully selected bodies and necks, leading to better tonal balance and sustain - a richer low-end thump and more articulate highs.
5
Attention to Detail
It's the little things: the accuracy of the headstock decal, the quality of the binding, the precise fretwork. These details contribute to the overall feel and perceived quality, and they often reflect a higher level of craftsmanship.
Buying Guide
Look, these guitars aren't cheap. You're paying for the attention to detail and the pursuit of a vintage vibe. Be honest with yourself about what you need - a relic'd finish is cool, but does it actually improve the tone? Sometimes the best value is a slightly less flashy model with the specs you truly want. And always, always play before you buy; neck feel is incredibly subjective.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 68 of 262 premium guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
