The Fender Esquire: A Short History

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My love for Esquires goes back to the 90's and Allen Hinds' recent use of just an Esquire for most of his gigs a couple of years ago was really inspiring for this.
One of the things I like about making videos at this point is being able to work with such great people from other channels. Chicago Music Exchange was VERY generous in letting me share their multiple clips on vintage Esquires here and Nathaniel, well, what can you say about a player like that!
Andertons, and Lee, the captain, of course, have also been very good working with me on these and here are they are again, very generous.
Of course friends I've made through the channel Rhett Shull and Robert Baker are both playing great stuff and were willing to let me use it again here. Without all of these folks the videos...would be quieter. :)
Hope you love it.
Keith
Books used when writing this script:
"The Fender Telecaster" by Dave Hunter
"The Fender Electric Guitar Book" by Tony Bacon
"Fender: The Golden Years" by Kelly, Foster and Kelly
"Fender: The Sound Heard 'Round the World" by Richard Smith

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

Any day that Keith puts out a short history video is a good day.

[@stankybee1046]

Amen Brother! ☮️ 2 U

[@eliglor9863]

Absolutely!

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Any day Keith puts out a video is a very good day!

[@benedekgabor.]

You are preaching the truth borther!

[@davidjonkassan]

truth

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

We finally did it! Thanks for having me on the channel buddy the video turned out so good.

[@fivewattworld]

Thank you so much Robert! I keep learning stuff from you man.

[@danielstoddart]

Do you still have the 70th anniversary edition Esquire? Been looking for one on the used market...

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Good to see you here!

[@me.roderick]

Hell yeah Robert!!!💪🎸

[@NoNameNo.5]

Too cool, I knew that was you right away

[@scottbaker5938]

G.E. Smith's Tele is actually an Esquire. He tells a story about how he was always confused why the headstock said Esquire, and yet it had the Tele neck pickup. Years later someone showed him an old Fender catalog that said that if you had an Esquire, you could send it back to Fender and for $25 they would add the neck pickup. Whoever owned the guitar prior to him must have had that modification performed.

[@charlespiper9291]

In the 80s and early 90s the Fender Esquire was the unwanted stepchild. You could buy them for a fraction of a telecaster. Although I foolishly sold a few of them, I still have a 1960 Dakota Red and a 1963 Blonde. Thank you for such an informative video on an amazing instrument

[@mattrogers1946]

Hardly unwanted...

[@_-_Michael_-_]

Wow hard to belive that. They are Telecadter with neck pickup missing. Well market was different 30 years ago. Hell, I wasn’t even alive yet 😂😂😂

[@mattrogers1946]

@@_-_Michael_-_ I was...

[@faeembrugh]

Yeh, they and Mustangs were easy and cheap to buy. Just not desirable then.

[@danielstoddart]

It's true, but it was a great deal because they had the neck pickup cavity routed, and you could just put a spare pickup you had laying around in there fairly cheaply.

[@saltwatersaddletramp7229]

I found my ‘85 MIJ Esquire in the early ‘90’s. I was at a music store in Clearwater, Florida. I left the store and headed home without it. About five miles down the road I turned around, went back and bought it.

[@stevev8592]

As soon as I saw the title I thought of Syd Barrett. I built a replica of his ‘62. He’s sometimes forgotten and overshadowed by his successor, but he’s a brilliant guitarist in his own right. So glad you mentioned him and immortalized his very cool guitar in this short history video!

[@danielstoddart]

It's a dream of mine to be the person who finally locates Syd's Esquire. Sometimes I lie awake at night thinking about how it's out there somewhere but nobody knows where it is.

[@stevev8592]

@@danielstoddart me too! I suspect that whoever he traded it to for the black tele probably stripped it. In the mid 70’s, the “lore” and value of that guitar was a lot less than what it would have been now. Somewhere someone has a ‘62 Esquire stripped or refinished that was his… there is also the rare opportunity that someone has it in perfect Syd condition sitting under a bed or in a closet. That’s the preferred outcome!

[@danielstoddart]

@@stevev8592 I think of Syd's Esquire like I do the Ark of the Covenant sitting in a box in a warehouse somewhere...whoever has it has forgotten about it. Or maybe it is in a case under somebody's bed or in a closet.

[@stevev8592]

@@danielstoddart well they are coming out with a new Indiana Jones movie, maybe it’s his quest to find Syd’s guitar! After all, it belongs in a museum!

[@davidking368]

Any chance Gilmour may have it?

[@bleeknoir]

As a long time Gretsch and archtop guy, I’m a recent convert to the telecaster. Probably the ultimate “platform” I’ve found as a player. They do it all. If you’ve got the fingers. We work and strive. The Esquire, a beautiful monster of its own.

[@stankybee1046]

Yeah man! I don't play much anymore but every time I see one of Kieth s vids I gotta spank the plank n piss off the neighbors

[@IPLAYLOUD]

Esquire tip: Try balancing the switch between 1&2 to get the Capacitor WITH the Tone Knob. 2 kinds of great mud.

[@AskZac]

I forgot to give credit to Nacho Banos and Deke Dickerson for the Junior Barnard info I shared with you.

[@ChristopherLeeShreds]

I just purchased a classic series Esquire. I'm a huge Syd Barrett fan and I really look forward to having the guitar in my hands in 5 days thank you for the video.

[@danielstoddart]

I want to find Syd's Esquire. Somebody must have it and I'm guessing they're unaware of what they have.

[@bruceterrell9287]

Well done and gave me insight into my 64 w/ a 67 maple capped neck. Mistake police- you placed a pic of David Gilmore to represent Syd Barret for 1967 mention. oops! 😁

[@craigthomson3621]

As detailed by Andy Babiuk in “Beatles Gear”, Paul McCartney used a right-handed (strung left-handed with a strap button moved to the body’s cutaway horn) Sunburst Fender Esquire with a maple neck and white / black / white pickguard during the Sgt Pepper Abbey Road Studio 2 recording sessions. The Esquire went through a Selmer Thunderbird Mark II 50- watt 2 x 12 Combo amp.

[@danielstoddart]

Not 100% sure, but I think that Esquire was the same guitar Paul played for the solo on "Taxman" for the Revolver album.

[@jerryseinfeld9815]

The taxman solo was definitely Paul’s Epiphone Casion. He used the esquire on his Helter Skelter solo.

[@calbassist2494]

He used the Esquire in Good Morning Good Morning

[@DrMurdercock]

Seeing that dude witha pick jammed under the knob to hold it in place, and thrashing on the vintage guitar made my day man. Those guitars were built to be work horses and this guy knows whats up and plays his as intended. Super rad. I can NOT stop watching these videos man. I mentioned you maybe doing ESP, Jackson, Schecter, KRamer one day. I would be willing to help research anyone of these if needed.

[@HoverHorse]

I've been obsessed by Springsteen's tele/esquire since the early 1980s. I knew he'd bought the guitar from Petillo and then toured the world with it several times over. Literally symbiotic with the Boss's rock n roll image and persona. Love it. Thanks Keith!

[@honourrolle]

Awesome beard, even more awesome video.

[@jeffsquires6620]

Watching all these tele videos is killing me. Been waiting a year and a half for my masterbuild Bludgeon.. About 6 months to go. It's unbelievable how much a person could love and appreciate something that they claimed, would never own. Many thanks.

[@GearGasms]

Yay for the Robert Baker clip!

[@danielniewoehner6235]

Thank you, now I need an Esquire, I mean hoodie

[@mariodriessen9740]

Who doesn't like the screaming sound of a good Esquire? ❤️

[@gotfiddle]

The pic at 18:16 is actually Gilmour, not Barrett.

[@fivewattworld]

Sigh, really!

[@garrettboomerbender]

The beard is back in full force

[@thesjkexperience]

I made a mid 1950 Esquire with no truss rod and a true one pickup Esquire. Wound the pickups and everything. Two of my favorites.

[@vdubbub9746]

So stoked. Thank you for your content, sir. I love Esquires and I love your short history videos.

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

Not an Esquire, but my favorite guitar that still stands above anything I’ve ever owned, is my original 1985 Kramer Baretta banana headstock single pickup guitar. It’s loaded with an early Seymour Duncan ‘59. There isn’t any style of music that I can’t play on it. Since I still play gigs (miracle), when someone yells out for a country tune, my Kramer will pull off a very convincing Tele bridge sound just by the way I pick the strings and hold my hand over the original wood screw mounted Floyd Rose. A one pickup guitar is way more versatile than most people would consider.

[@rylieriley]

I've been waiting for this one. Thank you!

[@timothypotter2137]

Love your channel, I always learn so much.

[@Baci302]

I love these videos. Thanks Keith.

[@zazoomatt]

Gee I am only now at 65 enjoying owning a Telecaster. Until now I had NO Idea these existed. Robert and Many thanks for Keith way to tell the story. FAN.

[@batautomat]

Beautifully done.

[@ieblack37]

Thank you, again, for your much loved Short Histories.

[@oliviergagnon2592]

Thank you sir

[@Guitar5986]

Was really looking forward to this one & it did not disappoint! Thanks Keith!!

[@timothycormier3494]

Very cool yet once again Keith! Thanks for sharing man!

[@mattrogers1946]

One of my biggest influences was Steve Cropper, and he played an Esquire on those early Sattelite/Stax recordings.

[@jasonfifi]

i love his peavey, too. i had one briefly, but like all peaveys, they recently became worth too much not to flip, so i sold it.

[@benjamin3419]

Your documentaries are so great, I watch every one! MORE BASS please!!

[@jeremyward493]

Great video as usual!

[@moshegalimidi2302]

thank you!!!!

[@user-rg5vt3gf5o]

Great video thanks man!

[@sirena7116]

Thank you for the great video, Keith!

[@simonpark843]

This is a great video - thank you.

[@mister-LA]

Man! Another excellent SH, packed with info. I'll be watching this one a few more times. And Nathaniel is amazing!

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

Another great video fella!

[@seanhershey3390]

Always informative, entertaining...Thanks!

[@PeteLamont]

Another great video! Thanks for doing what you do and definitely digging the beard!

[@jackpine70]

Once again, great job, Keith. Thanks for your efforts on our behalf.

[@_-_Michael_-_]

I always loved the slick look of Esquire with bridge cover present. That is absolute clean and killer looking thing.

[@toddmoore2324]

Yes! Thank you, Keith! This is an awesome Short History! Well, they all are, but I've been wanting this one for some time now!

[@rivereuphrates8103]

I just really love this channel, man

[@darrellowe4208]

Hey Keith, Love it! You've created a sense of nostalgia in me with your videos. I was so excited to hear you were working on this video as you mentioned it in your last live. The video delivered, and this morning I've had time to do some extra geeking out and watched it twice. Thanks! I missed the premier because KZbin didn't notify me before 20 minutes into it, shame on KZbin.

[@hybridnoisebloom]

Of all the great short history videos, this one might be my favorite. It's inspiring to me as I'm about put together my own Esquire partscaster. Thanks Keith.

[@b.rodclark7349]

I agree with you on Zac's informative knowledge of vintage Fenders; Barbara Lynn played an early-60s Esquire as well... thanks for another great one!

[@thomasdeangelo1655]

I love these informational videos about guitar history!

[@chisolm5]

As always an excellent video. Please keep up the good work. I look forward to all your videos now. 😃

[@dominiquecoladon8343]

Another excellent video 👍

[@jimmac3637]

Super-informative video, Keith. Thank you. 👍🎸😀

[@bldallas]

Another great history lesson! Thanks Keith, big fan!

[@kennethday9747]

Thanks Keith! I love Esquire 's

[@picksalot1]

Love your videos, as they are packed with interesting information, anecdotes, insights and mods of pros, hit songs and albums the guitars were used on. Somehow, your videos make me love the guitar even more than I already do. Thanks 👍

[@shivaomega3149]

Thanks Keith, I thoroughly enjoy your brief history vids, didn’t know so many musical greats played Esquires so during their careers. By the way, respect to you on then ending, thanking those that helped make this video production top shelf.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Short History. Long on enjoyment. This is a gooooood one Keith!

[@TheHylianBatman]

Do love the Fender Esquire. Big fan, and glad to know they're still available.

[@monday6524]

Thanks Keith! I have learned a lot from you over the past year! Another great SH video. 😊

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Great video Keith, some awesome playing and what tone!

[@keepondoubletruckin8466]

Thank You

[@stickman55100]

Fabulous story about the Esquire!

[@steveDC51]

Nice job. Well done.

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Robert Baker! Thanks for featuring him, Keith!

[@johnwashburn3793]

You are very good! I appreciate your style.

[@thejuggernaut5327]

Excellent as always, I’m now shopping for an Esquire

[@jeremythornton433]

What a killer wirey tone in the intro! Amazing! I'm amazed at just how well intonated it sounds at 11:30.

[@edc3093]

Thank you Keith for another great "Short History". Every time you post a "Short History", it is the making of a great day for me. While I am not a Telecaster or Esquire, I do have a high degree of appreciation and respect for the artists that use the Telecaster and Esquire style guitars. So, until the next time please stay well and be safe

[@MDHenry4]

Thank you

[@jjdillon2007]

Great video, Keith.

[@davefree11]

Great Video! thanks! it brought back some good memories when I was just learning to play guitar back in the 80's. a classmate had a late 50's/early 60's custom Esquire that I would play every chance I got. I remember my amazement of the low action that took almost no effort to push the strings against the frets compared to the dreadnaught acoustic I was still learning on.

[@lrpops]

That intro track from Rob Baker is the reason I bought my Esquire. It's only a classic series mx model from 2004 but it's my absolute favorite guitar. The forward position with the gain turned up is just such an awesome tone. Thank you for the video.

[@_RLP]

My man! Great upload! And that beard is rocking! Keep it (all) up!

[@MD-jt8dj]

The intro is awesome!!

[@petermach8635]

I bought a 1989 US Standard Tele with a vile greenish plasticky paint job, it was cheap because of the finish ... I took it straight to my workshop to remove the finish and respray it, whilst I was about it I routed for two Strat pickups. It stayed like that for a while but when I again refinished it I kept the front Strat pickup, lost the middle pickup and fitted a Seymour Duncan Broadcaster in the bridge .... a couple of years later I refinished it again in Sonic Blue cellulose and converted it into an Esquire and over 20 years later it still does everything I need ......... less is always more.

[@BuckeyeBassMaster78]

"Amazing content,Thank you for all you do"

[@maggieo]

Keith, Zac, Robert, Esquires! Life is so damn good here in FWW.

[@l6srob990]

Great video as always learned alot

[@HardwareLust]

Keith, your taste in Esquires is exquisite. I absolutely adore those MIJ Esquire Customs. Oh, and I love these Short History videos!

[@jfredknobloch]

Once again, nice work, Keith! Always some good information…

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Fred

[@bheathcoat7650]

Great video. I see an Esquire in my future.

[@daviswall3319]

Well done Keith! I agree about Zac and his wealth of knowledge that he shares so willingly

[@gregrandallbtsr03]

Thanks Keith. I really, really enjoyed this. I have a Squire Esquire that I really enjoy. Sometimes when I'm stuck, using the Esquire with its simple layout brings out something new. Peace.

[@jamesrichardson4988]

Okay, modding my Tele for just the BU, this video convinced me

[@charlieniner1552]

Great episode!!! I'm a fan of the underlings to Fender and Gibson so I appreciate the histories of these guitars!!

[@carsgunsandguitars]

Nicely done

[@superbroadcaster]

Built an Esquire out of mahogany in 2018 as well as a couple other bodies, it's my main electric and it's beyond versatile.

[@markashe3786]

I do love your videos on the “history of”. For me they make me want to know more. Next stop an Esquire

[@shivasirons8971]

I was at a local pawn shop a few years ago less than an hour after someone came in to sell his grandfather's LP gold top. He also brought along another guitar to sweeten the deal but didn't know much about it. The pawn shop gave him an extra $500 for the throw-in; they thought it was just some Fender Esquire reissue with a neck pickup. I looked it over and immediately suspected it was something special. The tuners had been swapped out with locking tuners, and the bridge plate wasn't stock, but everything else looked 100% vintage. I talked them into removing the neck and the pickguard. The date on the neck pocket was 9/50, and I was able to verify the name under the date as a factory worker at Fender. The pots and cap were early 50's, the cloth wiring looked original, and the control plate was wired exactly as you would expect for an early Equire. The flat head screws, button string tree, and thermalite pickguard all seemed to be original as well. I don't know if the pawn shop ever sent it to Fender for authentication, but everything seemed to indicate it was an extremely rare 1950 Double Esquire - one of only a handful ever made. They wouldn't sell it to me, but I did get a chance to play it - and it was one of the best-playing guitars I've ever held.

[@chrisruef9221]

We really enjoy these. We'll pull them up and put 'em on the smart tv with the surround sound

[@davidlane2069]

When you said "switch to neck pickup and roll tone off" that took me back years. To my Aria Pro II LP clone and learning (with great difficulty) Garry Moore. Thanks for the memories 😁

[@hollis3853]

Good Job... Excellent source of Fender Musical Instruments history. Rest in peace Leo Fender.

[@Zif-the-Old-Herring]

Good stuff .

[@MrSmiley1964]

Thank you! My first "Tele" was a blonde maple neck MIJ ESQUIRE I bought used in '90. I went through a period of a couple of years where it was my only electric and it made me a better player. You can't hide your mistakes on a guitar like that. I'm building one now. You've inspired me to get off of my behind and finish her. Great video and thanks again.

[@davidjonkassan]

would be an amazing story to have that you esquire find you again! love the design portion of this video, love the evolution of these instruments.

[@minimalistmusician]

So good! The ultimate minimalist guitar! Now I want one....

[@rtellomx]

Great video, Keith! - Thanks! Robert's guitar (and playing) is out of this world! When the 2020 came out I was about to get one, but I had already bought a Broadcaster and could not justify the expense. Also, Danish Pete's and Nathaniel's skills are out of this world, that rendition of "Born To Run" is spectacular!