Guitar of the Week

 

Fender Esquire

Introduced in June of 1950 (but available earlier} as Fender's first electric solid-body, the Esquire was equipped with one or two pickups (one pickup was introduced first), a black pine body, a white pickguard, and steel bridge saddles. The Esquire had the standard "Telecaster" body shape (1.5" thick) that initially came with a laminated finish but later changed to butterscotch blond on a solid ash body and a black pickguard. Soon after its introduction, Fender decided to add two pickups and it became more commonly known as the "Double Esquire." 

It's reported that sixty 1950 Esquires were shipped. The Esquire only lasted in it's original form until the Broadcaster replaced it in October of 1950. However, the Esquire was re-introduced in January of 1951 as a one pickup version of the Broadcaster, with a truss rod and brass bridge saddles.

The Esquire is one of the most influential guitars ever introduced. It's tone is out of this world!