The Fender Custom Shop Merle Haggard Telecaster® in a stunning 2-Color Sunburst finish is a true tribute to one of country music’s most legendary artists. This masterfully crafted instrument captures the refined style and distinctive tone that defined Merle Haggard’s sound. From its chambered body design to its ornate aesthetic touches, this Telecaster is both a workhorse and a showpiece—built for serious players and collectors alike.

At the heart of this unique Telecaster is a Maple center block flanked by Select Alder wings, carefully chambered for enhanced resonance and reduced weight. A laminated figured Maple top not only adds tonal clarity and sustain but also gives the guitar a rich visual appeal under its urethane 2-Color Sunburst finish. The ivoroid body binding adds a touch of elegance, while the custom-shaped 1-ply Ivoroid Shell pickguard completes its distinctive look.

The set neck, crafted from figured Maple, features a comfortable "C" shape and a gloss urethane finish, offering smooth playability and vintage character. Its 25.5" scale length, 9.5" fingerboard radius, and 22 medium jumbo frets on a maple fingerboard make for an easy-playing neck that's equally suited for both rhythm and lead work. Classic black dot inlays guide your way along the fretboard, while a bone nut and deep carved heel enhance both tuning stability and upper fret access.

Tone-wise, this Tele is no slouch. It's equipped with a pair of Custom Shop Texas Special™ single-coil pickups, delivering a powerful yet articulate sound with plenty of bite and warmth. The 4-position blade switch expands the tonal palette by offering both series and parallel pickup combinations: Position 1 (Bridge), Position 2 (Bridge + Neck in Parallel), Position 3 (Neck), and Position 4 (Bridge + Neck in Series). Simple yet effective Master Volume and Master Tone controls give players immediate access to their sound.

Hardware includes a 6-saddle string-through-body Tele® bridge with block steel saddles for enhanced sustain and intonation, while deluxe cast/sealed tuners with pearl buttons ensure precise tuning stability. The gold hardware finish throughout adds a premium, vintage-inspired touch.

This guitar is also loaded with unique aesthetic and structural features that make it stand apart: tone chambers for enhanced resonance, a Mother of Pearl "Tuff Dog" inlay on the headstock, and Merle Haggard’s signature elegantly displayed. The absence of a neck plate and use of a set neck further enhances the smooth contours and boutique feel.

Included with the Merle Haggard Telecaster are a Deluxe Hardshell Case, strap, and a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a worthy addition to any serious player’s or collector’s arsenal. This is more than just a signature guitar—it's a deeply expressive instrument crafted with the precision and soul that defined Merle himself.