Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS

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Page last updated Sep 18, 2025

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Description

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Step back in time with the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS, a meticulously crafted homage to the early days of rock 'n' roll. This solid body electric guitar captures the essence of its 1952 ancestor, combining vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. The Esquire NOS is rooted in authenticity, featuring a single-pickup design that delivers a raw, unfiltered tone reminiscent of the golden age of music. The hand-wound '50-'51 Blackguard pickup is the heart of this guitar, offering a crisp, dynamic sound that responds beautifully to your playing style.

Constructed with a lightweight ash body, the '52 Reissue Esquire NOS provides a resonant foundation for its rich sonic palette. The maple neck, shaped in the vintage U-profile, offers a familiar and comfortable grip, making it a joy for both seasoned players and new enthusiasts alike. With its period-correct hardware and nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this guitar not only looks the part but also ages gracefully, developing a unique patina over time.

The Esquire’s simplicity is its strength, offering a straightforward, unadulterated playing experience. Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS is a guitar that bridges the past and present, delivering timeless tone and style.

Key Features:

Solid body electric guitar with a vintage-inspired design
Hand-wound '50-'51 Blackguard single-coil pickup
Lightweight ash body with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Maple neck with a vintage U-profile
Period-correct hardware for authentic aesthetics
Crafted in the Fender Custom Shop for premium quality and precision

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Model Family	Fender Esquire
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What type of neck profile does the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS have?: The Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS features a "U" neck profile, offering a substantial feel that is reminiscent of vintage Fender guitars, providing comfort and stability for players who prefer a thicker neck.
What kind of tones can I expect from the single pickup on the '52 Reissue Esquire NOS?: The '52 Reissue Esquire NOS is equipped with a single vintage-style bridge pickup, delivering bright, punchy tones with a strong midrange presence, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and country.
Is the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS suitable for beginners?: While the '52 Reissue Esquire NOS offers exceptional build quality and classic tone, its premium price and vintage features make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors who appreciate its historical significance.
How does the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS differ from a standard Telecaster?: Unlike the Telecaster, the Esquire has a single bridge pickup and a unique wiring setup that offers different tonal options, providing a distinct, raw sound that sets it apart from the dual-pickup Telecaster.
Does the Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS have a nitrocellulose finish?: Yes, the '52 Reissue Esquire NOS features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which allows the guitar to age naturally over time, enhancing its vintage appeal and tonal resonance.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Custom Shop '52 Reissue Esquire NOS.

User experience

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The blonde Esquire's appearance, especially with a maple neck and visible wood grain, is highly praised for its aesthetics and potential for aging beautifully.
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Owners describe the Esquire as having a special historical connection, enhancing its sentimental value when passed down through generations.
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Value and pricing

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Custom Shop guitars are noted for their superior nitro finishes, but the cost can reach over $3,500 with a minimum six-month wait.
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Use cases and applications

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The Fender Custom Shop hand-wound Twisted Tele neck pickup is described as blending Tele and Strat sounds, adding versatility.
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The Esquire is favored for its pure and simple design, appealing to those who prioritize a minimalist approach to guitar playing.
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The guitar excels in Am pentatonic and C Major pentatonic scales, suitable for blues and other "Telecastery" music styles.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users note that AVRI II's have quality issues, suggesting the American Original series for better manufacturing quality and reliability.
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Joe Glaser’s shop in Nashville is praised for setting up this guitar with minor fret work, enhancing its playability.
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Comparisons

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The American Original '50s Tele is praised for being the closest in quality to a Custom Shop model without the high price tag.
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The Esquire's lack of a neck pickup is often compared to the Telecaster's versatility, with some players opting for the Esquire for its distinct tonal characteristics.
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Features and functionality

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Adding a 4-way switch to the Esquire allows for in-series pickup configurations, offering humbucker-like tones.
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The Esquire's wiring offers three positions: tone knob bypassed, volume and tone for standard Tele sound, and a darker tone with an extra capacitor.
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The simplicity of the Esquire's single pickup design is noted for its unique tonal quality, distinct from just using the bridge pickup on a Telecaster.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend combining an MJT ash body with a Vintera neck and Callaham parts for a custom Esquire-like build at a lower cost.
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The Fender Brad Paisley "Secret Agent" pickup can be mounted under the pickguard to add a neck pickup sound to an Esquire, offering more tonal versatility without altering its appearance.
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The original finish was removed but some original parts remain under the pick guard; potential refinishing by Carson Hess is considered for an aged look.
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