The Fender Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe Electric Guitar is a signature instrument designed in collaboration with Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters, known for his powerful rhythm playing and soaring lead work. Based on the iconic Telecaster Deluxe platform, this guitar blends vintage-inspired Fender craftsmanship with modern enhancements to suit the demands of today’s rock guitarist.
At its core, the Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe features an alder body, chosen for its balanced tonal properties that deliver warmth, clarity, and punch across the frequency range. The body’s shape retains the traditional Telecaster contour while incorporating the larger Deluxe styling, offering both comfort and a commanding stage presence. Its finish and appointments showcase a sleek, rock-oriented aesthetic that reflects Shiflett’s own personal style.
The maple neck is carved into a comfortable modern “C” profile, providing a familiar feel that adapts well to both rhythm and lead playing. Topped with a smooth rosewood fingerboard, the neck boasts a flatter 12-inch radius and 21 medium-jumbo frets, giving players the ability to execute wide bends, fast runs, and articulate chords with ease. White dot inlays offer a traditional Fender touch, while the overall feel strikes a balance between vintage charm and contemporary playability.
One of the guitar’s defining features is its set of custom-designed humbucking pickups, developed to Chris Shiflett’s specifications. These pickups capture the versatility needed for Foo Fighters’ catalog—delivering crystalline cleans, punchy midrange tones, and aggressive high-gain crunch with clarity and authority. Controlled by independent volume and tone knobs for each pickup along with a 3-way selector switch, the electronics allow players to dial in everything from subtle textures to arena-filling rock tones.
The hardware is built for reliability. A six-saddle hardtail bridge provides precise intonation and sustain, while vintage-style tuning machines keep the guitar stable through heavy strumming and dynamic playing. The combination of robust hardware and Shiflett’s preferred specifications ensures that this guitar is not only road-ready but also perfectly suited for recording sessions where consistency is critical.
Visually, the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe balances the boldness of a modern rock instrument with the timeless elegance of Fender’s design language. Its clean lines, chrome hardware, and signature-inspired styling details make it instantly recognizable, while still maintaining the identity of a true Fender classic.
In every way, the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe is built to inspire confidence. It’s a professional-grade instrument for players who want to capture the punch, power, and versatility of one of modern rock’s most influential guitarists, while still enjoying the refined craftsmanship and playability that Fender guitars are known for.
