Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,595
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire is not just a guitar; it's a tribute to the instrument that set the stage for all solidbody electrics. This limited-edition piece commemorates the Esquire's role as a trailblazer in the world of electric guitars. Introduced in 1950, the original Esquire was a simple yet revolutionary design, featuring a single-cutaway silhouette and a solitary bridge pickup—elements that paved the way for its more famous sibling, the Telecaster.
This anniversary model captures the spirit of the original while incorporating modern enhancements. Crafted with a lightweight roasted pine body, the Esquire delivers a punchy and complex tone, made more resonant through Fender's unique roasting process. The guitar is equipped with a custom Tim Shaw-designed pickup, inspired by an original 1950 Esquire, ensuring it not only looks but sounds authentically vintage.
With its thick "U"-shaped neck, gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, and vintage-style components, the 70th Anniversary Esquire is as much a player's guitar as it is a collector's piece. Whether you're channeling the classic twangy tones of the 50s or exploring new sonic territories, this guitar promises a versatile and immersive playing experience. Limited to 2020 production, it's a rare opportunity to own a piece of musical history.
Key Features:
- Lightweight roasted pine body with gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Maple neck with Thick "U" profile and maple fingerboard
- Custom Tim Shaw-designed Esquire bridge pickup
- Master Volume and Tone controls
- 3-saddle American Vintage strings-through-body Tele bridge
- Vintage-style tuners and bone nut
- Includes a special anniversary neck plate and tweed hardshell case
- Crafted by Fender luthiers in Corona, CA
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | 70th Anniversary Esquire |
| Finish | 2-Color Sunburst, Lake Placid Blue, Surf Green, White Blonde |
| Year | 2020 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | T-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Blue, Brown, Green, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple |
| Model Family | Fender Esquire |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire?
-
The Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire features a one-piece maple neck with a 7.25” radius fingerboard and 21 vintage-tall frets, providing a classic feel and comfortable playability reminiscent of vintage models.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the Tim Shaw Designed Esquire bridge pickup?
-
The Tim Shaw Designed Esquire bridge pickup delivers a bright, punchy tone with plenty of twang, ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues. Its Esquire Tone Circuit allows for a versatile range of sounds from biting lead tones to smooth rhythm sounds.
-
Is the Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire suitable for beginners?
-
While the Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire is designed with vintage enthusiasts in mind, its straightforward single-pickup design and classic playability can also make it an excellent choice for dedicated beginners interested in exploring classic Fender tones.
-
How does the Esquire Tone Circuit enhance the guitar's sound?
-
The Esquire Tone Circuit offers a unique tonal palette by providing different tonal options through its switch positions, allowing players to achieve a variety of sounds from the single bridge pickup, ranging from bright and cutting to warm and mellow.
-
What are the standout features of the Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire's construction?
-
Notable features include a roasted pine body for enhanced resonance, a one-piece maple neck for a smooth playing experience, and a custom neckplate, which adds a touch of exclusivity to this anniversary edition.
Videos
Robert Baker
Fender Got It Right! ( The Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire)
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptionally lightweight due to roasted pine body design
-
Tim Shaw bridge pickup offers extensive tonal possibilities
-
Classic design with subtle wood grain visibility
-
Comfortable neck shape for a range of hand sizes
-
Well-balanced and does not dig into the player's leg
-
Single pickup delivers more sparkle than a Les Paul Jr.
-
Provides a great depth of tone, surpassing Melodymaker models
-
Vintage-inspired sound with modern playability
-
Nitro finish enhances overall sound quality
CONS
-
Thicker lacquer finish may feel plastic-like to some
-
Neck profile not as large as traditional '50s "U" shape
-
Limited color options, excluding original black finish
-
Price perceived as high compared to perceived value
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire.
Features and functionality
-
The Esquire's switch can be configured for tone control bypass, volume and tone control, or treble roll-off, offering unexpected tonal variations.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
The 70th Anniversary Esquire allows for a neck pickup addition, utilizing a non-beveled bakelite 5-hole black-guard with a pickup cutout.
Source
User experience
-
Owners mention that the Esquire's wiring provides more tonal variation than expected, enhancing its versatility beyond a typical single-pickup guitar.
Source
Other
-
The Esquire's body is routed for a neck pickup, similar to the 1950 model, facilitating future modifications without altering the original design.
Source -
There is some debate on whether three-piece construction is preferable, with some claiming it offers better quality than four-piece bodies.
Source
Build quality
-
Owners note that the Esquire's body is made from three pieces of pine, a detail that some find disappointing for a high-priced model.
Source
Comparisons
-
It's observed that the Esquire uses a three-piece body, whereas some lower-priced models like the Player Tele might use two pieces, potentially indicating different wood selection criteria.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
kkolarGear IQ 120856
-