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Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire

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Page last updated Nov 12, 2025

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Description

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Unleash the spirit of innovation with the Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire, a modern marvel with a nod to the past. This limited-edition masterpiece is a harmonious blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology, crafted by the legendary John English. With only 100 available worldwide, this guitar is not just an instrument, but a piece of musical history.

The Stealth Esquire's ash body resonates with rich, vibrant tones while the quartersawn maple neck ensures durability and a smooth playing experience. Hidden beneath its sleek, one-ply black pickguard are two custom, hand-wound single-coil pickups, offering a secret arsenal of sonic versatility. Paired with the bridge pickup, they deliver a dynamic range of tones that effortlessly blend the best of Strat and Tele sounds.

Aged nickel/chrome hardware and a relic finish give this guitar a vintage allure, as if it's been lovingly played for decades. The original style Tele bridge with brass saddles and Fender/Gotoh vintage-style tuners provide precision and stability for every note you play. The unique "Custom Built John English Fender U.S.A." stamp and engraved neckplate add to its collectible appeal, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate enthusiast, the Stealth Esquire invites you to explore new realms of creativity and expression.

Key Features:

Ash body with a quartersawn maple neck
Custom, hand-wound "stealth" single-coil pickups
5-way selector switch with master volume and tone controls
Aged nickel/chrome hardware with relic finish
Original style Tele bridge with three brass saddles
Limited run of 100 worldwide, featuring unique engraved details

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Custom Shop "Stealth" Esquire
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Model Family	Fender Esquire
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Custom Shop

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire have?: The Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire features a 1959 Esquire "U" neck profile, providing a vintage feel that is comfortable for players who prefer a thicker neck shape.
What is unique about the pickup configuration on the Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire?: The Stealth Esquire is equipped with handwound pickups hidden under the pickguard, offering a unique tonal palette while maintaining the classic Esquire look.
Is the Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire suitable for vintage tone enthusiasts?: Yes, the Stealth Esquire is crafted with premium lightweight ash and a quartersawn maple neck, delivering authentic vintage tones that appeal to traditionalists.
How many frets does the Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire have?: The Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire is equipped with 21 frets, consistent with vintage Fender models.
What type of bridge does the Fender Custom Shop Stealth Esquire use?: This guitar features a vintage-style Tele bridge with three brass saddles and an "ash tray" cover, contributing to its classic tone and aesthetic.

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 Stealth Esquire.

Features and functionality

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The Stealth Esquire neck pickup uses taller neodymium rod magnets, which are 0.062” taller than traditional Tele neck pickups, enhancing response and volume.
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A Nashville-style pickguard is included as an alternative if stealth pickups struggle to cut through the pickguard plastic effectively.
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Mods and upgrades

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A custom neck pickup redesign allows more wire without altering mounting locations, using flatwork the size of a Tele neck pickup cover.
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Stealth design includes two hidden pickups beneath the pickguard, though output is slightly reduced due to the distance and blocking effect.
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Jason Lollar custom-winds pickups for Stealth Esquire applications, ensuring compatibility and performance akin to Fender's original design.
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Comparisons

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Unlike P90s, the pickup design features magnets in the coil center, producing a louder output compared to the typical steel polepiece configuration.
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Build quality

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Nitro-based paint from Guitar Reranch used for a vintage finish, requiring multiple thin coats, sanding, and wet sanding for a polished look.
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Setup and maintenance

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A custom boat V neck from Musikraft suits players with long fingers, providing comfort by avoiding thin neck profiles.
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Sanding the pickguard selectively can help with pickup sound transmission, improving stealth pickup effectiveness without altering aesthetics.
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User experience

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Custom pickups wound very hot, giving a vintage appearance, though one malfunctioned shortly after installation.
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The project garners enthusiasm for its innovative approach, mirroring experiences of users who custom-order dream Teles as their main instruments.
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