If you love the Foo Fighters and have a special place in your heart for a reliable workhorse guitar, the Fender Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster is here to grab your attention. This signature model is a true reflection of the dynamic playing style of Foo Fighters’ guitarist Chris Shiflett, offering professional guitarists everything they need to create a powerful and versatile sound—whether you’re rocking out on the biggest stage or jamming in the studio. In this blog post, we break down what makes the Cleaver Telecaster so special and why it could be the next big addition to your rig.

Introduction to the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster

The Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster is a long-awaited release designed in collaboration with Shiflett himself. Born out of a desire to replicate his Masterbuilt model at a more accessible price point, this Telecaster Deluxe features dual P-90 pickups that deliver an impressive blend of clarity, punch, and versatility. The name “Cleaver” isn’t just for show; it speaks to the guitar’s ability to cut through any mix like a sharp blade—a critical attribute for any guitarist performing in a high-volume band like the Foo Fighters.

This new model is built with high-quality components, designed and road-tested by Shiflett, to meet the rigors of professional use. Available in both Charcoal Frost Metallic and Dakota Red, this is a guitar that looks as good as it sounds.

Exploring the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe

If you want a closer look at what makes this guitar truly special, check out this video featuring Chris Shiflett himself as he walks you through the key features and design choices of the Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe. Hear from the artist directly about why this guitar holds a special place in his collection and how it stands out from other models.

What Makes the Cleaver Telecaster Unique?

The Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster draws inspiration from the classic Telecaster vibe but injects a level of attitude and grit perfect for rock and country players. It’s built to withstand the demands of a professional touring musician while still being comfortable for long practice sessions or home use. Here are some standout features that make this guitar truly unique:

• ⊕ P-90 Pickups: The guitar comes fitted with Custom Chris Shiflett ‘Cleaver’ Noiseless CS-90 pickups. These pickups provide a midrange growl and rich, singing highs—all without the hum usually associated with P-90s. This versatility allows players to switch between hard-hitting rock and smooth, clean tones seamlessly.
• ⊕ Alder Body with Belly Cut: The classic alder body is both resonant and lightweight, offering a balanced tonal range that can handle anything from Americana to hard rock. The body also features a comfortable belly cut, making extended playing more manageable.
• ⊕ Maple Neck & Rosewood Fingerboard: The maple neck is topped with a 12” radius rosewood fingerboard, offering a smooth playing experience with a classic feel. Medium jumbo frets make it easy to bend notes for expressive solos.
• ⊕ Stylish Aesthetic: Available in Dakota Red and Charcoal Frost Metallic, the Cleaver Telecaster comes dressed to impress. Pearloid block inlays add a touch of elegance, while the matching painted headstock harkens back to vintage 60s Telecasters.

Built for the Stage: A Workhorse Guitar

Shiflett himself played a significant role in the guitar’s design, making sure it could handle the intense performance demands of his Foo Fighters’ tours. As Shiflett puts it, this guitar has been “road-tested, dropped, kicked, X-rayed” – all to ensure that it’s up to the task of professional use. This signature model is built not only to deliver a versatile sound but also to last through the rigors of heavy touring.

Chris Shiflett’s touring setup has always required a guitar that can shift between full-throttle rock and roll to country-tinged clean tones, and the Cleaver Telecaster does just that. It delivers high output without sacrificing nuance, allowing for articulate picking and chunky rhythms alike. If you’ve ever watched Foo Fighters live, you know how much sound is coming off that stage – and this guitar is built to find its own place within that sonic chaos.

Key Specs and Features

For those who love the finer details, here’s a breakdown of the core specs of the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster:

These specifications make the Cleaver Telecaster an instrument that stands out for its playability, tone, and durability. The 25.5” scale length offers a familiar feel for Fender enthusiasts, while the noiseless P-90s let you enjoy single-coil tones without the unwanted hum.

Tone Versatility: Clean or Mean, Your Choice

The heart of the Cleaver Telecaster lies in its Custom Cleaver Noiseless CS-90 pickups, which Fender and Shiflett crafted to deliver the best of both worlds: vintage single-coil tone with modern performance enhancements. You can go from a throaty midrange punch ideal for overdriven rock tones to bright, singing highs perfect for clean leads or country rhythms.

The P-90 pickups provide a distinct voice, ideal for players who like to switch between genres without switching guitars. Chris Shiflett, known for his broad range of styles—from Foo Fighters’ high-octane rock to his solo country projects—made sure that the Cleaver could handle anything he throws at it, and that translates to versatility for players of all genres.

What Players Are Saying

The Cleaver Telecaster has certainly made waves among guitarists. Some players were initially shocked by the price, but many recognize the value in what the guitar offers, especially considering its made-in-USA build and features that rival other high-end models. The nitrocellulose finish is a significant plus, adding a classic touch that isn’t found on many other models in the same price range.

While some guitarists expressed concerns about the cost, others emphasized that it’s typical for signature models, especially when factoring in name association and unique features like the Custom CS-90 pickups. The pickups themselves have garnered positive feedback for their versatility—covering everything from rich cleans to gritty overdriven tones without the hum often associated with P-90s.

Guitarists are also excited about the aesthetics, with some loving the unique colors and the color-matched headstock, although opinions do vary. Overall, the Cleaver Telecaster seems to have struck a chord with players who appreciate a well-crafted, versatile instrument that stands out both in looks and performance

Who Is This Guitar For?

The Fender Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster is ideal for professional players who need a versatile instrument capable of delivering clean country tones one moment and dirty rock riffs the next. It’s also a great fit for Foo Fighters fans who want a piece of the magic that powers Shiflett’s playing.

Whether you play indie rock, blues, country, or hard rock, this guitar is built to handle it all. The high output from the P-90s makes it perfect for pushing an amp into overdrive, but the noiseless design ensures your cleans are pristine.

Final Thoughts: A Signature Worth Owning

The Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster isn’t just another signature guitar—it’s a true workhorse designed to withstand the demands of professional performance while maintaining versatility for different playing styles. From its durable alder body to its noiseless CS-90 pickups, every detail has been thought out with the professional guitarist in mind.

If you’re a fan of the Foo Fighters or just in search of a high-quality, road-tested guitar that will serve you well in every setting, then this Telecaster is one worth considering. It’s reliable, it’s versatile, and best of all, it carries the spirit of Chris Shiflett’s hard-hitting, no-nonsense playing style.

Takeaway: Get Your Hands on the Cleaver Telecaster

Ready to rock like Chris Shiflett? The Fender Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster is available now. Whether you’re looking for a dependable gigging guitar or a versatile addition to your collection, this signature model has what it takes to deliver the goods. Don’t miss out on a guitar that’s built to cut through the mix and make a lasting impression.

Join the Conversation: Have you tried out the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re interested in more gear reviews and guitar insights, be sure to check out our other posts on our guitar blog and join our growing Get My Guitar community.