Description
Some Masterbuilt guitars are refinements of classic formulas. This one is a tribute to the very beginning.
Built by Andy Hicks as his post NAMM homage to a real 1950 Esquire, this Prestige Pinecaster traces its inspiration directly to the earliest days of Fender's solidbody experiments. The original guitar that informed this build was constructed from reclaimed pine sourced from a mining lift, echoing the pine used in Fender's first prototypes. Andy intentionally followed that path here, selecting reclaimed grain elevated pine to capture that same raw, foundational character.
Like those early prototypes, this Pinecaster features a thinner 1.54 inch body. That subtle reduction in thickness makes a difference. The guitar feels extremely alive and immediate, with a dry, woody snap and fast attack that pine does exceptionally well. It is lightweight, resonant, and incredibly responsive to right hand dynamics.
The finish process is as intentional as the wood selection. There is no grain filler. Andy applied a single coat of black paint, then sanded and scuffed most of it back, leaving traces of black pigment settled deep in the grain. The body was then hand finished with his own oil blend. The result is an open pore, tactile surface that highlights every ridge and line of the reclaimed pine. It feels organic and broken in, not buried under lacquer. The 1-ply black pickguard ties the look together, reinforcing the early Blackguard aesthetic while allowing the textured body to remain the focal point.
The neck reflects the evolutionary story of early 50s instruments. The very first Esquires did not include a truss rod, and many were later retrofitted with reinforced necks. This guitar carries a 1952 accurate Nocaster U profile, executed in roasted 3A birdseye maple for stability and visual character. Measuring .818 at the first fret and .977 at the twelfth, it offers that substantial early 50s handful without feeling unwieldy. The compound 7.25 to 9.5 inch radius blends vintage chord comfort with modern bending ease. Vintage upgrade 45085 fret wire, a bone nut, and relic vintage tuners complete the package.
Electronics stay true to the Blackguard blueprint. A hand wound 50-51 Blackguard bridge pickup by Josefina delivers classic early Tele bite with harmonic richness and focused low end. Clean, it twangs with authority and clarity. Push it, and it produces a thick, vocal grind that cuts through effortlessly. The vintage Esquire wiring keeps the circuit pure and interactive, encouraging players to work the volume and tone for dynamic control.
Hardware remains era focused; a 51-54 Tele bridge assembly, vintage Tele output plate, relic NoCaster style chrome knobs, and a vintage Tele neck plate reinforce the stripped down aesthetic. It is simple by design, but deeply intentional.
At Cream City Music, Masterbuilt instruments represent the highest level of Fender craftsmanship. This Andy Hicks Prestige Pinecaster Esquire stands apart because it captures the experimental spirit of 1950 while delivering modern reliability. From the reclaimed pine and thinner body to the scuffed back black undercoat and hand rubbed oil finish, this is a guitar with a story you can feel the moment you play it.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Reclaimed Grain Elevated Pine; 1.54" Thin Body
- Body Finish: Relic; No Grain Filler; Single Coat Black Paint Scuffed Back into Grain; Hand-Rubbed Oil Finish
- Body Shape: Pinecaster Esquire
- Neck Material: Roasted 3A Birdseye Maple
- Neck Shape: 1952 Accurate Nocaster "U"
- Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer; Nicotine Tint
- Fingerboard Radius: 7.25" - 9.50" Compound Radius
- Neck Thickness: .818" at 1st Fret; .977" at 12th Fret
- Nut Material: Bone
- Nut Width: 1.660"
- Number of Frets: 21
- Fret Size: Vintage Upgrade 45085
- Position Inlays: Micarta Black Face Dots; Micarta Black Side Dots
- Truss Rod: 50s Style
- Tuning Machines: Vintage-Style with Fender Logo; Relic
- Bridge: 51-54 Tele Bridge with Pickup Route; Relic
- Hardware Finish: Chrome/Nickel Relic
- Neck Plate: Vintage Tele; Relic
- Pickguard: 1-ply Black
- Control Knobs: NoCaster Style Chrome; Relic
- Pickups: Josefina Campos Hand-Wound 50-51 Blackguard Bridge Pickup
- Pickup Configuration: Single Bridge Pickup
- Controls: Vintage Esquire Wiring
- Orientation: Right-Hand
- Case Included: Fender Custom Shop Tweed Strat/Tele Case
Sku: 9216095258
