Available now is this absolutely stunning Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster finished in classic Blonde. This is a particularly special example, originally built as a factory VOS model before being professionally custom aged by a specialist nitro artist into a beautiful light relic, Journeyman-style finish. The result is genuinely impressive in person, with fantastic lacquer checking, convincing player wear and an incredible level of attention to detail throughout. It has that unmistakable early-'50s Blackguard look, as though it has spent decades being played and loved, rather than simply coming out of a modern production line. The ageing has been carried out with real care, giving the guitar an authentic vintage character without going overboard. It's one of those instruments that really needs to be seen in person to appreciate just how convincing the finish is.

The '51 Nocaster captures the feel and character of Fender's earliest solid-body guitars, with a classic ashtray-era Telecaster design and all the simplicity that made these instruments legendary. The Blonde finish, traditional body shape and vintage-inspired detailing work beautifully together, whilst the custom ageing gives the guitar an extra layer of personality. The finish has a wonderfully lived-in appearance, with checking and wear that look entirely at home on a guitar inspired by the earliest Blackguard Telecasters. For anyone who loves the look of an original early-'50s Fender but wants the craftsmanship and reliability of a Custom Shop instrument, this is a particularly appealing combination.

Sonically, the '51-style pickups deliver exactly the kind of tones that make these early Telecasters so desirable. The bridge pickup has that unmistakable bite, snap and midrange presence, cutting through a mix with plenty of character, whilst the neck pickup offers a warmer, rounder sound that works beautifully for blues, country and classic rock. Both positions retain the clarity and responsiveness associated with the original Blackguard sound, reacting wonderfully to changes in picking attack and volume. It's a wonderfully direct and expressive setup, with all the raw, open Telecaster character you'd hope for from a guitar inspired by Fender's earliest years.

This guitar plays beautifully, with low action and no buzz, and has been set up with Ernie Ball 10 gauge strings for a comfortable playing feel. The custom aging is complemented by carefully considered hardware detailing, and the guitar comes complete with its original Fender Custom Shop hard case, Certificate of Authenticity, Shop Floor Traveler, ashtray bridge cover and paperwork documenting the nitro finish work and hardware aging. A seriously impressive Custom Shop Nocaster with the look and feel of an early-'50s Blackguard, enhanced by professional custom aging and an exceptional level of detail. A fantastic instrument for the player or collector who appreciates the finer things.

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Worldwide tracked and insured shipping available. Viewing is available at our London store. Please get in touch for more information!