Time Machine Series Telecasters are built to exacting specifications of their respective vintages, including: body contours and radii, neck shape, fingerboard radius, pickups, electronics and hardware. Original materials, tooling and production techniques are employed whenever possible.
Each model is available in three distinct finish packages: NOS (New Old Stock), as if the guitar was bought new in its respective year and brought forward in time to the present day; Closet Classic, as if the guitar was bought new in its respective year, played perhaps a dozen times a year and then carefully put away - has a few small dings, lightly checked finish, oxidized hardware and aged plastic parts; Relic, shows natural wear and tear of years of heavy use - nicks, dings, scratches, worn finish, rusty hardware, and aged plastic parts.
In 2009, Fender discontinued the Closet Classic finish leaving only the NOS and Relic models. Fender also introduced the Classic S-1 Telecaster that combines elements from both vintage and modern designs. The body, neck, and overall design are styled after a 1950s Telecaster, but the pickups, electronics, and bridge are from modern designs.