2002 Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster NOS - Nocaster Blonde

$2,349.00

2002 Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster NOS in Nocaster Blonde

A standout example of a sought-after Custom Shop Nocaster, this 2002 model features a remarkable birdseye maple neck that immediately sets it apart. The figuring on the neck is unusually striking for a Nocaster and gives the guitar a unique visual presence to match its classic early-’50s design.

Acoustically, the guitar is lively and resonant, with harmonics that jump out even when played unplugged. It’s currently strung with a fresh set of .010–.046 strings and set up with a lower action for easy playability, though most players will likely want to dial in their own preferred setup.

The neck is a substantial ’50s U profile that has been carefully sanded, sealed, and polished, resulting in a smooth, fast feel that’s noticeably different from the typical factory finish. It has also received a recent fret crowning and polish, so it plays cleanly across the board.

Electronics have been upgraded with a custom hand-wound pickup set built to authentic 1951 specifications, including traditional materials and construction. The neck pickup measures 6.75k and the bridge 11.36k, delivering added bite while retaining an open, uncompressed character. For reference, the original Custom Shop pickups (also included) read 6.99k in the neck and 7.11k in the bridge.

The controls are wired to vintage spec with an interactive volume and tone relationship similar to a 5E3 circuit, allowing for a wide range of nuanced tones directly from the guitar. This wiring offers excellent responsiveness and makes it easy to fine-tune your sound.

The guitar is in great condition. Various dings and scratches can be found on the body of the guitar. Neck is straight and free of any blemishes. Electronics work as expected and sound great! This guitar looks, feels and sounds like an original Nocaster! Includes original Fender tweed case, Certificate of Authenticity and bridge cover

2002 Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster NOS in Nocaster Blonde

A standout example of a sought-after Custom Shop Nocaster, this 2002 model features a remarkable birdseye maple neck that immediately sets it apart. The figuring on the neck is unusually striking for a Nocaster and gives the guitar a unique visual presence to match its classic early-’50s design.

Acoustically, the guitar is lively and resonant, with harmonics that jump out even when played unplugged. It’s currently strung with a fresh set of .010–.046 strings and set up with a lower action for easy playability, though most players will likely want to dial in their own preferred setup.

The neck is a substantial ’50s U profile that has been carefully sanded, sealed, and polished, resulting in a smooth, fast feel that’s noticeably different from the typical factory finish. It has also received a recent fret crowning and polish, so it plays cleanly across the board.

Electronics have been upgraded with a custom hand-wound pickup set built to authentic 1951 specifications, including traditional materials and construction. The neck pickup measures 6.75k and the bridge 11.36k, delivering added bite while retaining an open, uncompressed character. For reference, the original Custom Shop pickups (also included) read 6.99k in the neck and 7.11k in the bridge.

The controls are wired to vintage spec with an interactive volume and tone relationship similar to a 5E3 circuit, allowing for a wide range of nuanced tones directly from the guitar. This wiring offers excellent responsiveness and makes it easy to fine-tune your sound.

The guitar is in great condition. Various dings and scratches can be found on the body of the guitar. Neck is straight and free of any blemishes. Electronics work as expected and sound great! This guitar looks, feels and sounds like an original Nocaster! Includes original Fender tweed case, Certificate of Authenticity and bridge cover