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Average Price: $710

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Classic Series Esquire is a celebration of musical history, harking back to the dawn of electric guitar evolution. As the precursor to the iconic Telecaster, this solid-body electric guitar embodies the simplicity and innovation that set the stage for countless rock legends. With its custom-wired 3-way switching, you can explore a palette of tones that belie its single-pickup design—from the bright, unadulterated voice of the bridge position to a rich, dark timbre that enhances expressive playing.

Crafted with an ash body and a smooth, C-shaped maple neck, the Esquire offers both visual appeal and outstanding playability. This sturdy build, combined with a vintage-style 3-saddle bridge, ensures that every note resonates with clarity and sustain. Whether you're strumming through classic rock riffs or crafting new sonic landscapes, the Esquire's timeless design supports your creative journey.

Beyond its historical significance, the Esquire is all about connection—connecting the player with pure, unfiltered sound. It's not just an instrument; it's a conduit for your musical expression, offering a direct line to the heart of your tone.

Key Features:

  • Ash body with a C-shaped maple neck
  • 21 vintage-style frets on a maple fingerboard
  • Vintage-style single-coil Tele pickup with Alnico magnets
  • Custom-wired 3-position blade for versatile tone switching
  • Vintage-style 3-saddle string-through-body Tele bridge
  • Knurled chrome knobs, synthetic bone nut
  • Includes deluxe gig bag

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Series '50s Esquire
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, Black, White Blonde
Year 2005 - 2016
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Esquire
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Classic Series

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Classic Series Esquire?

The Fender Classic Series Esquire features a "C" standard neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players accustomed to vintage-style Fender guitars.

What kind of tones can I expect from the single-coil pickup on the Esquire?

The vintage-style single-coil bridge pickup delivers bright, punchy tones with plenty of twang, making it ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.

Is the Fender Classic Series Esquire suitable for beginners?

While the Esquire is a classic model with a straightforward design, its vintage-style features and single pickup configuration may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with single-pickup guitars.

How does the 3-position master tone switch on the Esquire work?

The 3-position master tone switch on the Esquire allows you to select between different tonal presets, offering a range of sounds from bright and cutting to a more mellow, bass-heavy tone.

What body material is used for the Fender Classic Series Esquire, and how does it affect the sound?

The Esquire is made from ash, which contributes to its bright, resonant tone with a well-defined midrange, making it a great choice for cutting through a mix.

KRAZEEIZATION

KRAZEEIZATION

FENDER CLASSIC SERIES 50s ESQUIRE

Video thumbnail for FENDER CLASSIC SERIES 50s ESQUIRE by KRAZEEIZATION

FENDER CLASSIC SERIES 50s ESQUIRE

KRAZEEIZATION

KRAZEEIZATION

Reviews

PROS

  • Gorgeous black lacquer finish with a white pickguard

  • Clean, brilliant sound distinct from a Telecaster bridge pickup

  • Offers tight Tele tone with the classic Esquire vibe

  • Versatile sound with three tonal options from one pickup

  • High build quality and playability similar to higher-end models

  • Lightweight, typically under 7.5 lbs, making it easy to handle

  • Good value for money, especially for those familiar with higher-priced models

  • Ideal for rhythm playing with its '56-style fat maple neck

CONS

  • Some users find the "Dark" circuit underwhelming

  • Selector switch wiring issues can occur

  • Some prefer larger frets for their playing style

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Classic Series 50's Esquire.

Features and functionality

  • The Esquire's 4-way switch offers unique tonal options, including a "1/4 cocked wah" setting using a NOS CRL Ceramic .0022mfd capacitor.

    Source
  • The pickup switch offers bridge direct to jack, bridge with tone control, and a treble roll-off capacitor for a bluesy tone.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners install a pickup with a coil tap for added versatility, allowing for full coil and tapped coil options with a "cocked wah" effect.

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  • Owners often plan to replace the stock pickup due to dissatisfaction with its tonal characteristics.

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Use cases and applications

  • An Esquire is appreciated in studio settings for its simplicity and ability to focus on the bridge pickup's tonal capabilities.

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User experience

  • Some players find that minimal control options on an Esquire lead to a more consistent sound and improved technique.

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Comparisons

  • A user noted that converting a Tele into an Esquire helped them appreciate the bridge pickup more by reducing distraction from additional settings.

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  • The neck on the model with a Bigsby is heavier and feels similar to a 10 lb Les Paul, with a chunkier D profile compared to the Esquire’s more comfortable neck.

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  • The build quality is noted to rival or surpass some USA, Mexican, and Japanese Fenders despite being a Squier model.

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Build quality

  • The neck is described as a wide-shouldered thin C profile, similar to a Japanese Mustang, with impressive fretwork quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Out of the box, the guitar was well-setup with no fret sprout and no high frets, weighing approximately 7.7 lbs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Classic Series '50s Esquire review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Classic Series '50s Esquire is a well-crafted tribute to Fender's minimalist roots with impressive build quality and decent tones, especially when paired with outboard effects. Despite its single-pickup setup potentially lacking some power, its raw rock 'n' roll essence shines through. However, its price point may seem steep for a Mexican-made guitar with minimal features. If you're seeking a guitar that captures the essence of classic rock, this Esquire offers a slice of history and distinctive style.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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matthew_law

Classic

Classic design and it has so many tones from just one pick-up. Amazing

Genre Usage

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