Fender Custom Shop Nocaster 1951 Heavy Relic Ron Thorn #R108551

Esquire - Broadcaster - Nocaster - Telecaster. Leo Fender was not uncreative when it came to naming his first mass-produced electric guitar. Out of necessity, because from February 1951 to May 1951 the broadcaster label was cut off at Fender so as not to come into conflict with Gretsch.
Lovingly crafted by Ron Thorn, this is a historically accurate Nocaster in "Aged Nocaster Blonde". So well done that you think you are holding a 70-year-old original in your hands. The swamp ash used is of the very best quality and already when played without amplifier, this nocaster inspires with its resonance and explosive tone! While the originals from 1951 usually weigh between 3.1 and 4.0 kilograms, Ron has been able to access a remarkably light piece of ash here: this Nocaster weighs only 2.97 kg!
The neck dimensions of the originals from the very early 1950s varied, tended to be rather thick and had a neck thickness of between 0.85” and 0.90” at the first fret. At the 12th fret, a neck thickness of 1.00” was worked towards. A "57 Style Soft V" was chosen as the neck shape for this reissue. With a neck thickness of 0.85" in the first fret and 0.99" in the 12th fret as well as a subtle V-shape on the back of the neck, playing fun is guaranteed. This is supported by a flatter fretboard radius of 12", which allows heavy bending without buzzing even with low string action - a playing technique that was not even known in the 50s. The radius of originals is between 7.25" and 9.5" and is often a compound radius. It was not until 1952 that it was constant at 7.25". Dunlop 6105 frets, which are a shade wider and noticeably higher than the vintage specification, together with the neck shape and radius, provide the basis for the perfect playability of this Nocaster.
Which pickup is now the right one to send the incomparably wiry and lively basic sound of this grandiose guitar to the amplifier?
Fender has continued to develop its PU's in recent years and has produced numerous new variants. The choice fell on 2 hand-wound specimens that deserve a place among the very best boutique pickups. In the neck position, a "51 Nocaster NK" provides the right rhythmus sound, in the bridge position the relatively new "Crushed Blackguard Tele" inspires. Great!

Additional notes: back of neck worn & dirty, also peghead with cigarette burns, ends of frets quite straight not rounded, tone saver trable bleed, all slot head screws