• Model: Ltd ’53 Telecaster
• Builder: Andy Hicks
• Finish: Aged Nocaster Blonde Nitrocellulose Lacquer, Relic
• Body: 2-Piece Select Ash, Off-Centre
• Neck: Flame Maple, Quartersawn
• Neck Finish: Medium Tint Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Neck Profile: Large “C”
• Neck Dimensions: .875" at 1st Fret, .950" at 12th Fret
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Radius: 9.50"
• Frets: 21 Medium Vintage / 47095
• Nut: Bone, 1.650"
• Inlays: Micarta Black Dots, 250
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Pickups: Hand-Wound ’50-’51 Blackguard Neck, Hand-Wound Original Blackguard Bridge
• Controls: Fat ’50s Tele Relic
• Switching: 3-Way
• Bridge: Nocaster without Pickup Route, Gatton Relic
• Saddles: Vintage Tele
• Tuners: Vintage Fender Logo Relic
• Pickguard: ’51 Nocaster Relic
• Neck Plate: Engraved Limited Edition, Eddie Van Halen Serial Relic
• Hardware: Chrome / Nickel Relic
• Case: Fender Custom Shop Tweed Case
• COA: Included
• Country: USA
• Year: 2023

This is a seriously cool Masterbuilt Tele and exactly the sort of spec that makes sense on a high-end blackguard-style build. The Butterscotch / Aged Nocaster Blonde finish is absolutely right for the guitar, but what really lifts it is the flame maple quartersawn neck. That is a lovely touch on a Tele like this, because it keeps all the old-school appeal while adding just a bit more visual interest and a more special feel in the hand. The rest of the spec is very strong too. Ash body, big neck, hand-wound Blackguard pickups and a Nocaster-style bridge is such a proven recipe, and it should deliver exactly the sort of snap, bite and immediacy people want from a serious early Tele build. A very classy Masterbuilt piece and a great example of how subtle upgrades can make a classic design feel even more special.

Mint condition. Factory relic finish as part of the original Masterbuilt spec. No additional wear of note beyond the intentional ageing. Lovely flamed maple neck on this example.

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