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Average Price: $710

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Description

Step back into the golden era of rock 'n' roll with the Fender Esquire, a guitar that embodies the pioneering spirit of the early 1950s. This legendary instrument is more than just a piece of history; it's a dynamic tool for modern musicians seeking that unmistakable vintage sound. With its distinctive single-pickup design, the Esquire offers a unique tonal palette through a custom-wired 3-way switching system. This setup allows you to explore everything from bright, shimmering highs to rich, mellow lows by simply flicking a switch.

The Esquire is crafted with a solid ash body, providing a resonant and balanced tone. Its comfortable C-shaped maple neck and 21 vintage-style frets make it a joy to play, whether you're strumming open chords or bending notes in a soaring solo. The vintage-style 3-saddle string-through-body bridge ensures stable tuning and a clear, bell-like sustain that has made this guitar a favorite among iconic players over the decades.

Whether you're drawn to its historical significance or its raw, unfiltered sound, the Fender Esquire is a formidable choice for any guitarist looking to capture the essence of the early electric guitar era. Its timeless design and versatile capabilities ensure that it's not just a relic of the past, but a continuing legend in the world of music.

Key Features:

  • Solid ash body for resonant tone
  • C-shaped maple neck with 21 vintage-style frets
  • Vintage-style single-coil Telecaster pickup with alnico magnets
  • Custom-wired 3-position blade switching
  • Vintage-style 3-saddle string-through-body bridge
  • Maple fingerboard with 7.25" radius
  • Fender/Ping vintage-style tuning machines
  • 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 makes the Fender Esquire different from a Telecaster?

The Fender Esquire is unique due to its single pickup design, whereas the Telecaster typically has two pickups. This configuration gives the Esquire a distinct, raw tone and relies on a 3-way switch to modify the single pickup's output.

Can the Fender Esquire handle a variety of music genres?

Yes, the Fender Esquire's versatile single-coil pickup and tone control options make it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and country, offering a bright, punchy sound.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Esquire?

The Fender Esquire features a classic '50s "U" shape neck profile, providing a comfortable grip suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

Is the Fender Esquire suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Esquire's single-pickup setup is straightforward, its vintage-style features and unique tone control may be more appealing to players with some experience looking for a specific sound.

How does the 3-way switch on the Fender Esquire work?

The 3-way switch on the Fender Esquire modifies the tone of the single bridge pickup, offering different tonal options by routing the pickup's output through various circuit paths.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1955 Fender Esquire White Guard | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1955 Fender Esquire White Guard | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1955 Fender Esquire White Guard | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Fender Esquire: A Short History by five watt world

The Fender Esquire: A Short History

five watt world

five watt world

Video thumbnail for What Is An Esquire For? by StuartRyanMusic

What Is An Esquire For?

StuartRyanMusic

StuartRyanMusic

Video thumbnail for 1958 Fender Esquire VS 70th Anniversary Fender Esquire. (Brand New vs Brand Old) by Robert Baker

1958 Fender Esquire VS 70th Anniversary Fender Esquire. (Brand New vs Brand Old)

Robert Baker

Robert Baker

Video thumbnail for Fender 1963 Esquire | Guitar of the Day - RARE GUITAR!!! by Normans Rare Guitars

Fender 1963 Esquire | Guitar of the Day - RARE GUITAR!!!

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1955 Fender Esquire | Guitar of the Day - From Norm's Warehouse! by Normans Rare Guitars

1955 Fender Esquire | Guitar of the Day - From Norm's Warehouse!

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Esquire played by Tyler Bryant by Carter Vintage Guitars

1957 Fender Esquire played by Tyler Bryant

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Ultimate Rock Guitar? Fender Esquire by The Studio Rats

The Ultimate Rock Guitar? Fender Esquire

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for This Vintage '56 Fender Esquire is DISGUSTING!! by NEO Guitar Concepts

This Vintage '56 Fender Esquire is DISGUSTING!!

NEO Guitar Concepts

NEO Guitar Concepts

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique single-coil sound distinct from Telecaster bridge pickups

  • Excellent build quality and playability, praised even by Custom Shop users

  • Lightweight design, often under 7 lbs, enhances playability

  • Classic 50s aesthetic with vintage finishes and features

  • Versatile tonal options with modifiable wiring schemes

  • Comfortable neck profiles, praised for rhythm playing and overall comfort

  • Reduced string pull from single pickup adds distinctive tonal character

  • Offers customization potential for enthusiasts looking to tweak their instrument

CONS

  • Stock wiring scheme may not appeal to everyone

  • Finish can be too glossy for some, affecting comfort

  • Smaller frets may not suit players used to larger ones

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • A 4-way switch on the Esquire offers "Volume only," "Volume & Tone," and "1/2 and 1/4 cocked wah" options for varied tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Variations in Esquire wiring and pot configurations can impact sound, indicating not all models produce identical tones.

    Source
  • The 3-position switch includes different capacitors for varied tones, allowing users to switch between bright and darker presets.

    Source
  • One popular Esquire circuit includes a dark circuit, standard tone, and the bridge pickup wired directly to the output jack for clarity.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners convert their Esquires by adding pickups with coil taps, allowing for multiple coil options and unique tone settings.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using a Seymour Duncan Secret Weapon pickup under the guard to enhance tonal options while maintaining the Esquire's aesthetic.

    Source
  • Some owners use an EMG Tele bridge pickup for low tunings, suggesting versatility for baritone Esquire setups.

    Source
  • Some owners explore adding humbuckers with coil-splitting to expand tonal options while maintaining the Esquire's minimalist setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find that having an Esquire encourages focusing on technique, as the single pickup setup limits distractions from switching settings.

    Source
  • Exclusive use of bridge pickups can still achieve desired tones if paired with a suitable amp, highlighting amp compatibility as key.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An Esquire configured with a Seymour Duncan Broadcaster pickup and minimal settings is favored for jazz and practice, highlighting its simplicity in tone exploration.

    Source
  • The lack of a neck pickup route in MIJ Art Canvas Esquires contrasts with traditional Telecasters, influencing tone options.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with varied Esquires report satisfaction, even using hidden pickups for stealthy tonal expansion without altering aesthetics.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Fender 70th Anniversary Esquire is a nostalgic nod to a classic design, capturing the essence of Fender's groundbreaking single-pickup guitar. Praised for its light and resonant nature, the Esquire offers a broad tonal range thanks to its old-school electronics, despite having just one pickup. The flawless nitro finish adds to its charm. However, the necessity to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod is a minor inconvenience. Overall, this guitar stands as a fitting tribute to a historic model, celebrated for its vibrant sound and vintage appeal.

positive

Fender’s 70th Anniversary Esquire | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

Fender's 70th Anniversary Esquire is a masterful blend of homage and innovation. It retains the iconic single-pickup charm of the 1950 original but modernizes it with a roasted pine body for improved resonance and stability. The beefy maple neck and vintage-style frets offer a nostalgic playing experience, while the Tim Shaw-designed pickup delivers a unique, punchy sound. However, purists might seek thicker strings for that truly vintage tone. The nitrocellulose finish and vibrant color options add to its allure. Overall, it's a fitting tribute to a classic, with a few modern twists.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 35 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Pretty solid stock guitar fr the buck.

This is a Mexi-made Esquire. Swamp-ash body, maple neck, etc. Pretty much a classic 50s telecaster with 1 pickup and the esquire's wonky wiring. But the wiring scheme is part of the charm of an esquire as is the reduced string pull from just 1 pickup that makes these guitars just a touch meaner than their big brothers. This guitar has a well-applied Polyurethane white-blonde finish that is too glossy for my taste. Feels weird under my forearm. The neck is finished in vintage tinted poly and is fairly glossy, but in a good way. I never seem to stick to it even when I get sweaty.

My 3 star review is based on how I got this esquire stock. Its really a 4.5 star after some tweaking. An Angeltone 1950B pickup went in the bridge and I switched the stock steel barrels for a set of Hipshot compensated brass saddles. That seemed to bring the guitar to life plugged in. I didn't feel that the stock parts put forward its midrangey voice unplugged.

She doesn't have an official name but I often refer to her as Mary (as in Mary Kaye cosmetics, even though she is not truly Mary Kaye) or the Deathsquire (mine has a black bakelite pickguard installed by the previous owner) because she wears more black than any of my other guitars. Tré funereal, Baron Samedi!

From Gear Setup
andrew_moran

I had one of these and of course I regret selling it now - like half the gear I have had.

skylinerr

Are all your teles maple necked?

jimmarchi1

no, 2 maple, 1 rosewood I think... at one point I had like 3 or 4 maples and 2 rosewoods? I forget.

skylinerr

great

a 2000s mexi esquire refinished in black modded from stock with kluson tuners a white 7 hole pickguard with 2 strat single coils (neck and middle position) making a 3 pickup esquire/tele/strat and I had to get it a 5 way selector

Genres:
weepo
weepo

3565

My favorite guitar!

I have a custom build of the Esquire with a snakehead neck. I love the bright tone of this pickup. And the minimalism!

otto_van_carr

Custom Esquire. No knobs. Rio Grande P90 wired straight to output jack.

Go-to guitar. Beautiful simplicity. Comfortable chunky neck. Flat wounds.

otto_van_carr

Syd Barrett influence

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Wayne Kramer uses Fender Esquire

Wayne Kramer

Guitarist

MC5

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I had traded the Silvertone for a Fender Esquire, which is the same as a Telecaster except it had one pickup.

See how Francisco Durán uses Fender Esquire

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

Francisco Durán used a Fender Esquire during the recording sessions of the album "Noviembre" by Los Bunkers to record the main riff of the song of the same title. This information is confirmed by the "Noviembre (Documental Making of Album)" video on YouTube by Los Bunkers.

See how Steve Cropper uses Fender Esquire

Steve Cropper

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"My first guitar, on “Green Onions,” was an Esquire – had to be early-’50s. I sanded it down and painted it purple in my parents’ garage at home. I don’t know what year that white Tele was – probably a ’62 or ’63. I bought it new."

-Steve Cropper in the October 2008 issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine

the guitar in question would almost certainly be a '53 or 54 Esquire judging by cosmetics in photos and Steve's comment that it was 'early' 50s so I went with '54 since someone had already added this item to Equipboard and I am lazy... -JM

See how Barrie Cadogan uses Fender Esquire

Barrie Cadogan

Guitarist

Primal Scream

...
Verified via Photo

Barrie Cadogan showcases his use of a custom-built Fender Esquire on Instagram, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to its creation.

See how Tomo Fujita uses Fender Esquire

Tomo Fujita

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Every Esquire Player in 17 Seconds" on his YouTube channel, Tomo Fujita can be seen using a Fender Esquire.

See how Roger Daltrey uses Fender Esquire

Roger Daltrey

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Thewho

1982

Roger played guitar for It’s Hard, Eminence Front. Amplifier was a Hiwatt CP103 through one Mesa-Boogie 4x12 cabinet.

Spare Schecter telecaster-style guitars Fender Esquire

See how Jacob Slater uses Fender Esquire

Jacob Slater

Singer, Guitarist

Wunderhorse

...
Verified via Photo

Jacob Slater, frontman of Wunderhorse, primarily uses a Fender Esquire as his main guitar, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Joe Hawley uses Fender Esquire

Joe Hawley

Singer, Guitarist

Tally Hall

...
Verified via YouTube

An Esquire is visible in the studio at 1:31 in this video. It's unknown if this guitar was ever used however it is visible in the background of several Tally Hall videos. It's unknown who actually owned it but it was likely shared by Rob and Joe as several other guitars they used were.

See how Mauricio Durán uses Fender Esquire

Mauricio Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via YouTube

Mauricio Durán used a Fender Esquire for the recording of Los Bunkers' latest album, "Noviembre," at Sonic Ranch in Texas, as documented in the making-of video "Noviembre (Documental Making of Album)" by Los Bunkers on YouTube.

See how Rick Parfitt uses Fender Esquire

Rick Parfitt

Guitarist

Status Quo

...
Verified via Photo

Rick Parfitt uses a Fender Esquire in open G tuning. He employs two capos: one on the fourth fret for songs like "Little Lady" and "Most of the Time," and another on the second fret for "Rain," "Mystery Song," and "Big Fat Mama." A user-uploaded photo confirms this setup.

See how Joanne Shaw Taylor uses Fender Esquire

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I have my two staple guitars. One is a 1966 Esquire, which I’ve had for years and years—it’s my first guitar. When I was 15, I bought it in London on Denmark Street [a historic stretch of road known for its music shops and recording studios]. At the time I was real scared that my dad was going to beat the hell out of me for taking a train down to London at 15 and buying a ridiculously expensive guitar with all my pocket money. But I got it cheap because the previous owner had attacked it with a knife. It had a gaping hole near the neck, so I had a guitar tech dig it out and add a humbucker there. That made it kind of my dream Telecaster."

See how Vigilante Carlstroem uses Fender Esquire

Vigilante Carlstroem

Guitarist

The Hives

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Carlstroem is using a Fender Esquire, which can be spotted at 0:45.

Used With

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