Before the Telecaster forever changed the world in 1951, Leo Fender built several prototype guitars, testing various concepts that found their way into the final result. The Vintage Custom 1950 Double Esquire is a faithful recreation of one of those early models, the incredibly rare dual-pickup Esquire, which was outfitted with some very cool and compelling appointments that Fender felt modern players and vintage tone hounds alike would appreciate.

It features hand-wound '50-'51 Blackguard pickups offering incredibly fat and juicy tone, coupled with modified '51 Nocaster wiring and controls. You'll find a blender pot in place of a standard tone control and an additional resistor on the rhythm circuit for sweeter output.

The neck features a vintage 7.25"-9.5" compound radius, which we found on some rare examples, giving it a unique feel even among vintage-inspired models. It also features medium vintage frets, which are slightly larger than vintage frets and very comfortable to play.

Other features include a NOS flash-coat lacquer Nocaster Blonde finish, Closet Classic hardware, 2-piece off-center-seam ash body, tinted maple rift-sawn neck with 10/56 "V"-shaped neck profile, 21 medium vintage frets, 3-way switch, black phenolic pickguard, '51-'54 Tele bridge with brass saddles, bone nut, round string tree and vintage-style tuning machines.

The historic precursor to an undisputed legend, the 1950 Double Esquire is a glimpse into the innovations that were pivotal in the development of the Telecaster. Includes a deluxe hardshell case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.

Condition: Very good. Light fret wear, marks on the pickguard, patches of indentations on the body - top and back - none through the paint, but if the idea of any wear bothers you? This one may not be for you. It's honest, natural wear for those who aren't a fan of factory relics. 

• Builder: Fender Custom Shop
  
• Model: Vintage Custom '50s Double Esquire
• Serial Number: R112472
• Weight: 7lbs 1oz
• Materials: 2-Piece Ash (off center seam), Rift-Sawn Maple
• Finish: Nitrocellulose, Nocaster Blonde, Flash Coat/Time Capsule
• Neck Shape: 10/56 V, .91-1.0"
• Electronics: Custom Shop Hand-Wound 50-51 Blackguard Pickups, Master Volume, Blend, 3-way switch
• Hardware: Fender
  
• Measurements: 25 1/2" scale, 1.65" bone nut, 7 1/4-9 1/2" radius, 45095 Medium Vintage frets (21)
• Case/Papers: Fender hardshell, CoA, case candy