Surprises found in a 1956 Fender Esquire

Hope you enjoyed this look inside a 1950s Fender Esquire.
-Matthew
/ matthewscott92
/ matthewscottmusic
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[@MatthewScottmusic]

Hello everyone! A spammer has infiltrated the comment section and I have tried to remove/block the person and KZbin can't seem to get it handled. Please be careful! Thanks for watching.

[@auntjenifer7774]

@1:29 you say you "don't go taking apart old fender guitars" which you do, a lot but it's also clear you took your shirt apart just a little bit before filming this video !? 🤣 I bet you ever did a little footage test and told yourself "yeah, that's gonna make me look sexy" and went with it !?🤷🏻‍♀️

[@auntjenifer7774]

Hey Matthew @ 2:45 you say "indentions" 🤔 is that a proper word !? Was the word you were looking for maybe "receded" area or something like that ? I've never heard indentions until you said it.🤔

[@jimcampbell8061]

Fl area code number starting with 666? A not too bright spammer I guess...

[@tonepilot]

Yeah, this scam has been all over YT for half a year now. KZbin can’t or won’t take action.

[@mikenelson1624]

✌️✨🤌👌😞

[@saxophool]

Couldn't the "Esquire" on the tape on the pickup have been written by someone who had the guitar apart in the shop and wanted to make sure that the pickup got back to the right guitar? Just a thought. Thanks for doing these videos. I learn so much. 😎

[@hkguitar1984]

Agreed saxophool, maybe when the humbucker neck route was repaired the Luthier had more than one Tele in the Shop, you'd most certainly want to keep the parts sorted and the tape fits that scenario perfectly.

[@MrTom1468]

How? Original solder . . Seems pickup has never been removed

[@luthravin4774]

That was definitely the old Fender factory tape..

[@saxophool]

@@MrTom1468 Yes. Missed that. 😎

[@barrygoins6900]

that tape was maybe to separate esquire pickup in the factory from telecaster pickup in the factory

[@kendellbise8875]

Those Circles around the neck screw holes are cause by a stop on the drill bit to control the depth.

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

good point -- I was thinking it was just the chuck of the drill press pressing down, but I think you're right.

[@Bigsbeee]

Awesome video Matt as they all are. This one I found especially interesting as hope to purchase something similar. Love Esquires.

[@NorCalBASSIX]

Each neck shaper was assigned a number (i.e. 2). After shaping, the necks were inspected. Since shapers were paid by the piece, the numbers or stamps would tell whom gets paid. This info comes from Ken Krausfeldt who worked for fender.

[@redryderaus]

Great walk thru, Matthew. Always interesting to see the little details of these vintage guitars.

[@slimturnpike]

I owned a 1956 tele that I bought from a NC tobacco farmer in 1974. The neck plate serial number confirmed 1956. A hand-written date in the bridge pickup cavity read 1955. Pots dated to 56. The neck butt, however, was undated, though the position of the Fender headstock logo and string tree was period correct, and body paint stuck to the sides of the neck butt matched. That missing neck date cost me when I sold it last year but I still did OK with the sale.

[@powderkeg5332]

Intro tone was AMAZING!

[@DutchVai]

It's like visiting a museum every time you open up one of these classics.

[@duanewelsh5611]

Definitely a keeper there! Thanks for the look inside I'm always ready to learn more about these amazing guitars.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

The sound you manage to get, blows me away. Just incredible dude. Greeting from over the pond in Wales.

[@ryanllewellyn3472]

Again another great video, informative and you sure can play! Love seeing old guitars being played correctly. 🙏🏼❤️

[@pyratoothNL]

So good to see all those dates lining up and completing the picture. Great to have such an original, untouched instrument like that.

[@daviddunkin7454]

Wow Mat! Geez what a great find, definitely one of the best Tele’s I’ve heard and seen. That pickup is magical brother…. Great playing and showcasing as usual.

[@estenray6685]

Thanks for the tour of that very sweet 1956 esquire! Matthew you’re the best!

[@lantose]

Thanks Matthew! Another great video of looking deeper into the vintage!

[@luthravin4774]

Yeah that’s so AMAZING Matt!! Finding the tape on the pickup bottom is very intriguing!! You’ve got a real winner right there, it sounds awesome and looks they way I would want it to!! Great Find brother!! 👌

[@jcburger733]

Thanks for another great video. It is cool or see the inside of the esquire and date the components. I always learn something new from your videos!!

[@jimballardband]

Great to see inside this original vintage guitar. I love the simplicity of the Esquire. Thanks Matthew. ✌🏼

[@VictitiousStudios]

LOLZ! So much fun, everybody thinks is original. Best laughs I've had in a decade reading viewer reaction comments.

[@booitsnick]

The #2 is neck size/shape there was 1-3 til 60-61 then they went to letters so it’s a b neck shape/size even tho I have big hands I love the a necks it feels like a jazz bass

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

great video! Not many of us will get the chance to examine a 50's Telecaster in this detail, but you made it possible for us to see it up close, which is the next best thing -- thank you!

[@martinharcarik6793]

From all your videos, this guitar seems to be aged in the most beautiful way. Previous owner really took good care of the instrument. It's a keeper. Love your work!

[@VictitiousStudios]

It's a repaint: The beneath-pickguard paint crackle is fake with aging dinks and doinks! It's made in such a way as to suggest to the eye upon inspection that any pickup hole plugging where the inlaid block is gonna shrink, is part of an original aging proces which is worser in the middle. Thereby your having been completely fooled, it is an excellent job and done as intended... to fool the naked eye. And if anyone doubts this? Look at the "obvious tell" where the plunge router following the top template, went about 0.055" too deep in the between-neck-pickup pass, and the slot tells it all right there. Restoring the neck pocket to hide that one, would require surgical-level template making and possibly the last straw oopsie that blew a near-perfect "vintage" aging finish.

[@doster59]

Thanks for doing these videos, love them.

[@papablue3015]

The part you couldn't read I think says "eat at Luigi's" glad to help! Lol! Thanks Matt! I love this kind of stuff!

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Hmmmmmm Luigi's pizza prostitutione 👌😄

[@scotyount6226]

I have a refin 1963 Esquire and I just love it. I got it back in like 2005 from Nashville session ace Kenny Vaughn. I broke down and put a Lindy Fralin in the neck and even with that it only weighs 6.8 pounds....it just sings. Thanks for doing this video!

[@kentpierce9910]

That neck looks extremely comfortable to play. Well done as always. Keep them coming.

[@KellysCanoeing]

Love seeing a man who can really play built an incredible vintage guitar collection. Is there an update on the Jazzmaster in the works? Rock on!!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thanks Kelly. Still thinking about the Jazzmaster 🤔

[@ericthompson3383]

Way cool! Love these old fenders! The stories they could tell.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Great episode, thanks for the playing!

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

man the Esquire is perfection. Not one component that isn't needed

[@andrewkemp1882]

Also two brilliantly simple solutions for adding versatility to one pickup - the underrated dark circuit and the genius of skipping the tone pot. Such a great guitar.

[@pageveazey9874]

That extra hole in the neck pocket isn't a router hole. Its a drilled hole that was used to hang the guitar up for painting. I think the 4 mounting plate holes are drilled after the paint porocess is dry.

[@gregsbikes]

Such a cool guitar, and great playing, as always.

[@StinkyRotorhead]

A daily guest at the pub i work at has a 1950 Broadcaster with "Broad" written onto the body under the pickguard with a pencil before painting, he names the guitar "Broad". That guitar has more twang than the entire state of Texas

[@kevindonohue8918]

Absolutely love your vids, your guitars and mostly.....your playing !

[@jeremiahscarim1377]

The tone of this guitar is everything!

[@gpower]

Beautiful old Esquire Matt! Sounds as nice as it looks.

[@kadematyis6578]

Matt, I sit in front of the computer with your videos up in .5x speed looping your intros probably 2-3 hours a day. You are carrying on the flame. Can NOT wait for the debut album.

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

No one has figured out what the number 2 was for.

[@mikesullivan8274]

The number on the neck represents the builder. At different times the builders at Fender wrote their names by hand, used stamps or even numbers to mark their builds.

[@johnneurohr7156]

or could it be a factory 'second' ? .. a blemish or a dent .. as for the tape .. possibly a different string spacing for a strat ?

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I've heard it could represent the builder or neck size, can't confirm either.

[@OrinBuck1]

@@MatthewScottmusic To me it looked like a script "DO" with the top of the D looping over to start to O at the top.

[@rupe53]

@@OrinBuck1 ... thought I saw a little more shadow and it looked like "DOUG" meaning someone's name?

[@mralgebro]

Wow that intro jam was wonderful. Love those tones

[@gregormcgregor7522]

Great video Matthew! Esquire sounds amazing. Love it.

[@alanniederlitz8630]

love the historical aspect and your thorough knowledge.

[@daviddemar8749]

Im a long time subscriber and big fan of your KZbin channel. This is another wonderful video Matthew! Decades ago when I was an adult beginner I swore to myself that I would never become a gearhead who caused non guitarists' eyes to glsze over. I caught myself at the office this week talking to a non guitarist about bumblebee capacitors, vintage guitars and old pots that still function and taper correctly. @$%*%@!!!!! Damn you!.......not that there's anything wrong with it. 😊🎸

[@gavinjennings7122]

Man Matthew your style has gone places that I couldn’t even imagine. Rock on man thanks for these mind blowing heart warming videos.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thanks so much Gavin!

[@maxsalmon1573]

Thanks Matthew , love your channel

[@rich.mahogany]

Sounds fantastic. Really incredible.

[@TheFakeNewsFrog]

The circle around the screw hole is from where there drill-bit was pushed into the drill for the right height. When the drill goes down, the spinning claw touches the wood, causing the circle around the hole.

[@VictitiousStudios]

- if you meant "Jacobs Chuck's jaws" that's wrong, because the chuck nose diameter of 1-3/4" could not possibly fit inside the pocket, and the edges would have chewed up the wood. More likely scenario is: if a template were used using DRILL BUSHINGS in a neck pocket guide block that full 11/16" length, that somebody DID FORCE DOWN onto the bushing, they could then spin and make a sufficient mark like that. What I think we see here, is the use of tuner bushings or teenuts upside down used as spacers on the end of a paint paddle, mounted too tightly. Using 2 bushings are seen this way in original Charvels Mighty Mites and early pre-Van Nuys Schecter and DiMarzio replacement bodies, but never four. Four is like, somebody who has too much time on their hands to overdo a thing - such as is common to this entire fake Fender Vintage market and - it is disgusting and should be condemned in cases as that. Which isn't clear to me this is here the case except: I never seen four impression marks on all 4 neck bolt holes, and the paint paddle or paintstick never requires "Engine Block Level Footpounds of Torque" force to counteract the weight of the neck in the spray booth rotisserie rig. Let the naysayer trolls commence...

[@TheFakeNewsFrog]

@@VictitiousStudios I do agree, what you mentioned is a possibility. Only the circles I’m talking about aren’t in the neck pocket, they’re on the neck itself. The result I was talking about has occurred multiple times when I’ve been doing exactly as described. If I want to drill a hole of a certain length, I’ll leave that length of the drill bit exposed. Then when you drill all the way in, the spinning jaws create the little circle indentation. It doesn’t chew the wood up, just leaves a little circle. It’d also make sense as to why it’s on all 4 holes.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Just Google any mid 50s Fender neck and you will see these exact marks. It's probably from a press or stop of some kind. These marks ended by the 60s.

[@sjsuismylife]

That thing sounds amazing.

[@organicchime1263]

Love your channel! I’ve been collecting gear for a very long time so it’s nice to see a young kid like yourself showcasing vintage gear that’s been around since before you were born! I think it’s great that you take these guitars apart! People forget that Leo designed these guitars to be able to do that specifically! The necks were bolt on because they were designed to be able to change them if need be:). I’m going to give you a hint on an amp you should try and find because it’s a very unknown sleeper! Look for a 60’s Gibson Atlas head and cabinet. It was designed for bass but, like the Bassman, sounds best with a guitar. Would love to see you run one down and do a vid on it. I have one and run it into a 2 x 12 cab and it sounds ungodly! BTW, Hendrix is known to have played through an Atlas:)

[@CaffeineInjected]

Beautiful guitar matthew! Thanks for the great video.

[@rockdfunk]

Great look at that Esquire. Love your channel

[@bluekoi455]

Great content as always. Interesting sticker on that pickup. Looking forward to more discussion.

[@MtPilot-mh3zl]

I had a 1957 esquire swamp ash body sold it in 1977 for $250.00 . I think i am gonna cry , really miss that guitar . Kick me Matthew! LOL

[@hkguitar1984]

Fantastic Content Matthew, Thank You

[@williamrobinson7435]

I myself have no particular expertise in these vintage Fender instruments, but there IS a guy here in England who might be able to shed a bit of light on any questions you may have about either Fender or Gibson vintage guitars. He has worked as a repair man for both of these companies and is an eminent writer on all aspects of the electric guitar, as well as being a fabulous blues guitarist. He is editor of Guitarist Magazine, his name is Neville Marten. He is a thoroughly nice guy and may well be interested in some of the questions these fascinating and important pieces throw up when you get the pickguard off.. I missed the usual recital at the end, Matthew. Your playing is good for my soul. We still hope for peace! 🎶❤️

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

on other hand, he played it acoustically at the end, and you could hear how acoustically live it is -- I have a refinished 68 maple cap telecaster that has quite a strong, trebley sustaining acoustic sound; I think that's part of the reason for the great sound when amped.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thanks William, perhaps I will reach out to him!

[@metalmig]

great video Mathew thanks for Sharing!

[@mr.glabalabadubeestuthemex3845]

Awesome Esquire! Love your vids Matt!

[@albertlorenzo655]

Your information is prised and a necessary deseminanation to us all. What you show and speak of I have seen over the years. But demands on my time did not me this depth of study. You present and invaluable persuite to us all that know and love the instrument. Remembering Leo!

[@stu-j]

Beautiful tele matty and its amazing the different tones you can get with just one pickup. I'm a telly man through and through I just love them and have 9! But I bought a SG p90 junior in lock down and it blew me away how different they can sound rolling off the tone or volume and it's light as a feather... so jealous that you guys in the US can pick up cool guitars without having to sell a kidney....

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Oh dude trust me the vintage guitar market over here is absolutely out of control. Even the new market is out of control because the supply can't meet the demand.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Incredible to have 9 Teles man! But the vintage market here is absolutely out of this world.

[@stu-j]

@@MatthewScottmusic the UK market is even worse! If you can find anything decent

[@grahamdodge9582]

I love your opening playing. Really bold and musical. I guess I'll have to subscribe, now.

[@Meowah122456]

Literally my dream guitar, man... so cool!!

[@saginawdan]

Matt, I've been in the antique business for a long time. We use UV light to detect defects, cracks or repairs that the naked eye can't see. I carry one on my key chain. 👍😎👍

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I should have tried that! Forgot about having one.

[@LewiDoesMusic]

Woow! What a guitar! Great playing and great video!

[@f1s2hg3]

Very nice fender guitar 1956 guitar by Fender all original is valuable

[@buttkrusher]

Funny, when I was younger I never cared for the Telecaster body type, but just over the last 10 or 12 years I've come to love them. The Esquire is one of my bucket list guitars, along with a vintage Firebird (I've always been a Gibson guy). Love your vids, always informative and entertaining, plus you're a damn good player.

[@wonnie]

I feel you. When I was a kid, the Strat was the epitome of cool for me, but as I got older, the allure of the Telecaster kept coming to me. Something about it being a pretty simple (by comparison) guitar. Now my main guitar is a T-type guitar, albeit it is a modern guitar (Strandberg Salen Jazz), but it's still scratches that itch for me.

[@buttkrusher]

@@wonnie yeah, my first guitar was a cheap Japanese strat type shredder (it was the early 80's), then I started playing Gibsons', my main being a LP & a 335. Then the tele started appealing to me more & more, especially the vintage Esquire, which is now my dream axe. I do have a telecaster in my possession now, it needs LOTS of work, but I'll get it there sooner or later. I may try to convert it into an Esquire if I could find the right pickup.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

That's a beauty, I have an Esquire 70th anniversary and it is fantastic. The sticky-tape might mean that a different version was made for that year? Measure the width of the magnet poles to see if they vary? I love guitar detective work.

[@raypears]

Take a digital photo of the neck pocket, then go into an editing app and play with contrast etc. and I'm confident that you will see the writing much better.

[@pauldavis6356]

Nice collection of Fender amps in the background man . Beautiful. 😎

[@rocknrev]

I'm not surprised by anything that you shared in this video. Everything was as it should be in a Fender of this vintage. Anyone who has studied Fender guitars can list exactly what you would expect to see when you take a Esquire or Telecaster apart.

[@groverbaker6404]

Phenomenal guitar and another excellent job!! Thanks Matt! Oh yeah..leo could have been working on an Esquire pickup variation!?? Love that guitar

[@MatthewLSchaffer]

These videos are always fascinating.

[@jaxworlds]

wow, rare to find a vintage esquire that is so clean, those caps make me cry so cool and totally add to your tone.. the only thing that bugged me was the pickguard screws,, get some vintage ones...

[@stratmagic6893]

That should be a keeper. Love the channel ❤

[@mikemorris2159]

Love the vids. Best of luck to you sir!

[@danytoob]

The Jan. 2 date is cool. I've got a '63 Strat with Jan. 2. neck date. Somehow makes 'em seem kinda special.

[@kosmicwizard]

Cool! Love that you got it for a good price, especially since it doesn't have a bucker route under the guard

[@alpenglow4243]

Great find! Hang on to that one.

[@briandixon2700]

Another great video , thanks

[@braderrick]

Definitely a keeper!

[@SeanKerns]

Very cool guitar. Thanks for sharing it.

[@staceyallen983]

Hey Matt, dig the channel and videos. If I am not mistaken (and I could be), but I think the #2 circled on the neck identifies the shape of the neck. #1- U-Shaped, # 2 - Soft V Shape, #3 - C-Shaped, #4 - Hard V Shape, # 5 Modern (flat oval) Shape.

[@BParker55]

Dude that one sounds amazing

[@lancemusgrave7087]

Interesting video. Thanks.

[@ronachug3757]

Sounds so good

[@peterlawlormusician]

Damn I love these vids…. Keep ‘em comin man!

[@Strumbum01]

That is the ultimate dirty Tele tone in the beginning, absolutely killer!

[@garagebandvibes1523]

Love your guitars man

[@roundpatty]

Great video!

[@sharkman4928]

Wow! Great find!!!!

[@randyheath8566]

Love your Videos Matt 📹 ❤️ ✌️

[@1Dcorace]

Nice video. Old players are the greatest for that simple reason.

[@steveoneal5257]

great vid Matt

[@ryanfulldark2775]

Pretty darn great man!

[@ladygadava1]

I'm a Strat lover myself but Hot Damn that Tele is SPECTACULAR!!! Definitely a "never sell" guitar!

[@ianmartens5286]

awesome stuff!

[@stevesorrell9835]

Awesome! Like a time machine 👍🏼

[@robmartin8051]

Love your channel… maybe looking at the body under blacklight would help with reading the writing in the neck pocket? Also might help verify if there is a repaired humbucker pickup rout… but that body looks 100% original to me!

[@jozsefizsak]

Fascinating!

[@charlesvanpeltjr5561]

Love Esquires. Thanks

[@deloscuroalbrillo2237]

Mi guitarra favorita son las Telecaster las amo suenan espectacular saludos desde Colombia amo tus vídeos

[@Billywagner22]

Don't get rid of that Esquire Matthew. It's got the sound and fits your playing.

[@CraftSized]

Let’s be honest, most of the guitars he plays have a sound that fits his playing ;)

[@Billywagner22]

@@CraftSized true but that guitar is 🔥

[@saginawdan]

@@CraftSized 👍😎👍

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I really like the guitar, It has a very large neck however.