Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Dale Wilson 53 Esquire - Heavy Relic Nocaster Blonde

The Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Dale Wilson '53 Esquire Heavy Relic is a premium, American-made electric guitar built to the highest standards by one of Fender's most respected Masterbuilders. Designed for players who appreciate stripped-down simplicity and vintage tone, this Esquire offers an authentic playing experience with expert craftsmanship throughout. Built by Dale Wilson - renowned worldwide for his exceptional relic work and meticulous attention to detail - this guitar is a showcase of Fender Custom Shop quality and precision.

The body is crafted from sort-for-lightweight ash, ensuring excellent resonance while keeping the instrument comfortable during extended playing sessions. It features a Nocaster Blonde nitrocellulose lacquer finish in Fender's Heavy Relic ageing, providing the look and feel of a well-played vintage instrument without sacrificing structural integrity. This ageing process is applied by hand and showcases Wilson's mastery of vintage aesthetics.

The neck is constructed from quartersawn 5/4 maple, known for its superior strength and stability. The dark-tinted nitro finish gives it a classic look while maintaining a smooth feel. The 7.25"-9.5" compound radius maple fingerboard offers a vintage feel near the nut with modern comfort further up the neck. The '52 Style "U" profile neck, measuring .950" at the 1st fret and .990" at the 12th, provides a solid and supportive grip, ideal for players who prefer a fuller neck. Additional features include a 1.650" bone nut and 21 narrow tall frets for improved playability and intonation.

At the heart of the instrument is a handwound Josefina Original Blackguard bridge pickup, delivering classic Telecaster tones with enhanced clarity, brightness, and character. The Full Throttle Esquire wiring unlocks three distinct tonal options: standard operation with volume and tone control, tone bypass for added brightness and output, and a direct-to-jack setting for a pure, unfiltered signal - ideal for dynamic, expressive playing.

This guitar ships in a Fender Custom Shop hardcase and includes all case candy and documentation. Built with top-tier components and expert craftsmanship, the Dale Wilson '53 Esquire is a collector-grade instrument with professional-level performance. Whether for the stage, studio, or collection, this is a guitar designed to inspire.