Prior to the introduction of the Broadcaster in October 1950, the Esquire was the first guitar offered by the fledgling Fender company. These were offered in single or double pickup configurations. Re-introduced by the company in 1951, the Esquire represented a more cost effective alternative to the Broadcaster/Telecaster. 

This guitar is in excellent shape. The original Olympic White finish has faded which is very evident when you compare the finish under the pick guard. There are the expected bumps and knocks with the finish worn through at the edges, but the overall look is quite clean. Interestingly, this particular example has always remained an Esquire from day one and has never been converted to a Tele, which is pretty rare!

The neck to looks good. The subtle specks of the birds eye maple give it an interesting movement which is amplified by the darkened clear coat. The lacquer has retained its gloss and has escaped any real damage. The fretboard too exhibits no real wear and the frets have some life left in them. The nut has been changed at some stage and the headstock has only some light crazing and the transitional decal is still strong. At some point different tuners have been on but you have to look very closely and you can just about see the evidence hiding in between the correct double line Klusons that are on there now.

Electronically, the original pickup was rewound recently and the guitar came to use with all the capacitors changed. These have been replaced with period correct reproductions from Luxe. The pots and selector switch and all other wiring are correct.

The guitar comes with a Black Tolex Fender hardshell case that is a few years younger than the guitar.

This guitar certainly has plenty to offer sonically. The guitar feels so light and each position of the selector switch yields such wonderfully usable tones, making you question if you’d ever need a neck pickup ever again. Never harsh but with plenty of bite, this guitar is any to play.

Not a common sight here at ATB but fans of the Esquire will not be disappointed with this one. Grab it before it gets away.