Fender Custom Shop Double Esquire 1950 NOS Nocaster Blonde R137043

The development stages of the first series-produced electric guitar by Fender range from Esquire - Double Esquire - Broadcaster - Nocaster to the final model called Telecaster. After the Esquire, which was manufactured with a lead pickup in the spring of 1950, had initial sales success, a few guitars were manufactured with a second pickup in the neck position in the summer of that year, as Leo Fender was of the opinion that this could increase market attractiveness. These “Double Esquire” models are extremely rare and sought after today. Nevertheless, the Esquire remained the model with one pickup, while the Broadcaster, introduced in the fall of 1950, was equipped with two pickups.

The 1950 Double Esquire shown here is a faithful replica of one of those early models, the incredibly rare dual pickup Esquire. It has hand-wound Blackguard pickups, as they were installed in 1950/51, which offer a fat and “juicy” sound. Fender also installed the early Nocaster circuit here. Instead of the tone control, it offers a mix control and an additional resistance for the neck PU. Original 1950, but also very special! That's why every Double Esquire comes with a fully assembled, modern Tele-Wiring that can be easily replaced.

The 7.25" / 9.5" compound radius can also be found on a few originals. The frets were chosen one size larger for better playability

Other features of this fantastic guitar include a NOS flash coat finish in Nocaster Blonde, Closet Classic hardware, a two-piece off-set ash body with off-center stitching, a lightly tinted maple neck with a 10/56 "V" shaped profile, the typical black phenolic pickguard, an original Tele bridge with brass saddles, bone saddle, round string hold-down and vintage-style tuners.