The True Story of my 1957 Fender Esquire - Ask Zac 57

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The story behind my guitar safari to Guitar Gallery in Tuscaloosa on Haloween, and picking up this gem of a 50's Fender for the first time.
The "before" shots, so you can see how far we had to go.
www.askzac.com/post/my-1957-f...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire
Strings:
D'Addario 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1959 Fender Harvard with original Jensen P10R #askzac #guitartech #telecaster

[@rustydelorean6405]

Another great episode by the Mr Rogers of guitar

[@AskZac]

Love it!

[@ZacCostilla]

This is an awesome and accurate comment!

[@davewojcik1854]

@@AskZac In by book that's a high complement!

[@thesjkexperience]

Zac has TV hair, it's perfect every time. ;) Just like his Teles! :)

[@kentuckyfriedpickin4569]

Zac, Greg Martin here. I was laid up with Covid 19 back in November. Your videos helped me get through the quarantine. Long live ‘Ask Zac,’ your love for Telecasters and great music. Have a wonderful Christmas! :-).

[@AskZac]

Greg! Honored by you chiming in! Merry Christmas to you!!!!

[@fivewattworld]

Wonderful Zac. I knew the story but it was like watching a replay of a great sports event!

[@AskZac]

You had the inside scoop. I am trying not to hoard the treats you sent.

[@mazzfoxtrot]

You two are my favorite channels. Thank you! I just did a 51' Tele build and I got so much information from both of you. I made my perfect Tele damn near out of the gate (changing my bridge pickup) mostly on the knowledge, history and experience you've shared.

[@skinnykarlos710]

@@mazzfoxtrot I must admit to having a real kick whenever a new vid comes from either of these two channels. The only ones that I feel that I can punch a "like" even before watching the video. Great channels, both.

[@andrewmichaelwilliams]

I can't explain my smile or level of excitement seeing another episode. This is truly my favorite KZbin channel.

[@maxwhitten8376]

What Andrew said!!!♥️

[@bhandarischmandari]

Same here! The BEST KZbin guitar channel. Zac tells a great story - his love for the instrument is totally contagious!

[@Sellarmusic]

Totally agree. Zac knows just what details are important to guitar lovers in doing an interview or telling a story.

[@AskZac]

You guys are so kind. Thank you!!!!!

[@jakeryanshepard]

I also smile at new episodes, Zac! I know you will but just a reminder we appreciate that you keep it up!

[@stringbender57]

Wow...What a guitar and what a back-story! I remember telling you at CAAS I was dying to know about that guitar, and I remember you telling what you went through to get it and that the pickup was bad etc., but I don't remember the back-story. That makes the guitar even more precious. What a cool story.

[@peacebypiece9012]

Love how you were so amped up with NGD fever that you forgot to ask about the backstory. I know the feeling well.

[@jwright1972]

I love that episode 57 is about your ‘57 Esquire. I really enjoy your videos and appreciate you sharing your knowledge, stories, and playing tips. Thank you!

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@cnelsonmusic]

Love it. So awesome. I spent a number of years working in a guitar store. Some of the things I remember most from my time there are the stories tied to the instruments, vintage and not-so-vintage, that came through the doors.

[@AskZac]

Love a good story

[@christopherkahn6522]

Thanks for telling the full story and describing how you restored this messed up guitar to original vintage condition. It was very instructive.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@redbone6950]

Story of guitar acquisition is intrinsic to the to the sound. I like all the neck shapes. The soft V fits in my small hands well.

[@davidkieltyka9]

My old Tele, a late ‘53 blackguard, has a soft V neck profile. Beefy like your Esquire. IMO it’s the most comfortable Fender neck shape. The bridge pickup had already been rewound (due to original owner sweat) and the body had been oversprayed with clear lacquer that had yellowed over time. So it was affordable 25 years ago to a mere mortal like me. ☺️

[@jejelad]

New favorite episode! Looking forward to the next!

[@foxyjazzbopper]

what a brilliant story,cheers Zac......can't wait to see the refin vid !!

[@martywilkinson6722]

Great story, great guitar! I'm glad you were able to save and restore it. Im looking forward to the next video!

[@nathanmarshallmusic]

So cool! The back story is just as cool. The queen of hearts!

[@brucerobenalt8048]

God, I love guitar stories. Thanks, Zac! Looking forward to the rest of the tale.

[@shanetankey3340]

Zac, mate you play so cool. Your gear is to die for, & your stories, mannerisms are so relaxed. Thanks for helping us all get through the year . Happy Xmas to you & yours . Cheers 'mate 👍

[@acmercker5941]

Very happy for you Zac. Sometimes the gear finds us. Excited for the episodes to come. Headed to askzac.com right now to see the photos.

[@StandbyCymbalist]

i’m beyond stoked for you zac. great to finally hear it in your hands. enjoy

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!!

[@MichaelDeFillippo8889]

So glad you're back Zac. Your channel is by far without a doubt my favorite channel on KZbin. Enjoy the Esquire dude. She's beautiful !!

[@AskZac]

Thanks a ton!

[@curtishansen7270]

ALWAYS great stuff!! You are one of my favorite channels!!

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@cletussea-ray944]

Congrats Zac...can’t wait for part 2!

[@guitareveryone]

That guitar looks great Zac! I was really looking forward to this episode. What a great refin! Great story too. I would sure love to plug that guitar hands on into a deluxe myself. Congratulations! Looking forward to part 2!

[@jamesmurphy915]

Fantastic stuff, Zach! Thanks for sharing an awesome journey.

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@bigpike08]

From Montréal Canada. What a story teller you are ! Love it.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BGreat2]

A dream come true. I'm so happy you found this guitar and are sharing the story. This is a dream for some of us that can't spend the money on one. I can't wait for " The rest of the story" I was 4 years old in 57. I can relate to the emotional roller-coaster in your relationship with your new pride and joy. Thank you. Wishing you peace.

[@jimlupino6923]

Best video I’ve seen (and looked forward to) in a while. Looking forward to more! Cheers!

[@AskZac]

Wow, thanks!

[@Chrosa]

Man I was waiting with great anticipation for this one and it did not disappoint 🙂

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patrickstover8766]

What a beauty, cant wait to see the re-hab video!

[@rdmkeytohwy]

Wow.....what a story! Can’t wait for the rehab process. Such a cool thing to own a guitar that was once just a dream. I love hearing these stories and so glad that someone like you has it who can play it and appreciate it for what it is which is a piece of history. I hope you have many years to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

[@AskZac]

You are so welcome!

[@WillyMcCoy50]

Congratulations Zac! I was born in '57 and love Esquires! I couldn't think of a better pair of hands to have that Esquire!

[@j.d.smokingpipes6227]

Congratulations Zac. That is a beautiful guitar. I'm looking forward to seeing the rehab video and getting the rest of your story. Merry Christmas my friend.

[@AskZac]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you

[@guitargallery2375]

Looking and sounds great! You did an amazing job. Please bring it with you next time through. Merry Christmas!

[@AskZac]

Merry Christmas to you! I can't wait to bring it in and show you guys! Thanks again for a fantastic guitar safari!

[@THEItchybruddah]

Been waiting for this. Oh HOW it was worth it! Best part for me: Saw the ad on my birthday!! Second best part: Apparently those guys are pretty solid cats. They educated the guy and didn’t offer to “trade him even” for the Schecter! Next time I find m’self in Tuscaloosa.... As always, THANKS for the time and care you put into sharing. Big love from Knoxville.

[@mikefromusa6902]

I am so happy for you Zac

[@tonywhetham8165]

What a great episode and story. After the music intro, upon your first words, I could see you beaming with pride and joy. I could feel the excitement that you experienced as you drove down to the store. Awesome. We don’t know each other but I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait for the rest of the tale.

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it! More soon.

[@gregmize01]

Headed over after watching your 5 Watt World Esquire live stream.!!!!!

[@AskZac]

Thank you! It was a ton of fun!

[@davegallagher7428]

Great story Zac! Looking forward to part two.

[@michaelbuchanan3212]

Zac... Out of this world! Thank you so much.

[@michaelbuchanan3212]

Love the sound... Has this beautiful woody sound with a sweetness to it. Not shrill at all.

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@alden3105]

As a newly wed there was a fantastic piece of advice in this vid "like most smart men, I talked to my wife.." truer words have never been spoken, much appreciated Zac. Lesson learnt!

[@AskZac]

Of course!

[@AndyH2O]

What a great story! I'm moving straight on to the rehab story now.

[@slowjames6904]

What great story,, and so well told Zac.

[@middle_pickup]

Last comment. I swear. Just wanted to say congrats on the Esquire! Great story, and I love that it's from T-Town. Props to you for restoring that guitar. Instruments should be played and enjoyed. I like what you did with it.

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!

[@hybridnoisebloom]

What an amazing instrument, and it's funny how the intro kinda says it all. You can just hear how alive and dynamic it sounds.

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

It certainly is a killer guitar. It sounds great. I look forward to part 2 of the origin story. Thanks for sharing that super cool Esquire.

[@qwe10poi]

Been looking forward to this one!

[@donhall-aquitania1025]

Congrats on your new guitar! Thanks for the great story.

[@AskZac]

Thanks for watching!

[@lambert1702]

I lived in Tuscaloosa for 10 years and visited Guitar Gallery many times. Great story Zac!

[@hellogoodbye353]

sounds great! super happy for you!

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!!

[@Sellarmusic]

There is just nothing better than a guitar find story for us guitar nuts. The restoration looks and sounds great. Can't wait for part 2 to hear how it was done.

[@RCGC01]

Awesome story Zac...bout fell out of my chair over the poker game

[@skinnykarlos710]

Never bet what you can't afford to lose, eh? I'd never have bet that one, that's for sure. Great story, Zac.

[@iannicholls7476]

Great episode Zac! I’m looking forward to part 2. The Esquire and the Harvard were made for each other.

[@bryantcoleman5619]

That was Cropper’s rig. 👍🏻

[@iannicholls7476]

Play it Steve!

[@skrewflanders]

Been waiting for this one!

[@spacejamgoliath]

Oh yeah

[@bobbaumeister5243]

You nailed it Zac! What a fantastic guitar with an unbelieveable story! I'm smiling and happy for you Zac! :-)

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!

[@nickangelo3283]

Zac, you are an excellent storyteller. I’m sure your kids will one day appreciate that if they do not already. You have stoked the fire that buns in me for a ‘65 Strat. I’m a lefty, so unfortunately these are hard to find, but hearing stories like this reminds me that anything is possible. Come on fans of vintage guitars and Zac Childs- where can I find a pre ‘66 Lefty Strat? I would even do rehab work if needed, like Zac has done here. That’s part of the fun...

[@AskZac]

They are out there. You just have to get the word out with shops that deal more in left handed guitars.

[@nickangelo3283]

@@AskZac Thanks Zac. I’m “on the list” with a handful of vintage dealers and lefty shops to call if one ever comes in. If you have any you’d recommmend, I’d love the referral. Thanks very much and have a great weekend.

[@surfneptune]

How fantastic! You are doing a good job reining in your stoke! Getting "that" guitar is the most amazing feeling. I have a similar story about my old Stratocaster. Say what they will about the price of vintage guitars, even in refinished state, it is a time machine, same thing with vintage bikes and cars. If you dig history, playing some is pure joy. Well done again sir!

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!

[@surfneptune]

@@AskZac and it is a most wonderful Esquire, redone with taste. Forgot to say that.

[@dunxy]

Such a special guitar! To me nothing is better than a traditional Tele into a nice tweed! Funny because very far from my start, close to realising my dream of owning nice specimens both, had a nice MIJ Tele in the past but life forced me to part with it. I picked up a nice AO 50’s Tele couple months ago and just waiting for my boutique 5e3 clone to be built. Can’t afford the period stuff but im getting as close as possible! Amp will get nos tubes and a nice vintage alnico speaker. When I first plug my Tele in it will be a special day & I don’t see myself parting with either of these ever!

[@miketaylor7057]

Great story Zac. Thanks for sharing

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@Dogdickdale]

This is definitely my favorite episode yet

[@hearpalhere]

Congratulations on a beautiful guitar Zac! The rehab came out great - that neck and middle position sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing the back story too, I love hearing these kinds of things because truth is stranger than fiction :-p

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!

[@mkii1964]

Dan & Scott are good dudes! They’ve moved the store a few times in Tuscaloosa and I’ve seen several cool old guitars come thru there. In the mid 90’s a guy brought in a “from under the bed” ‘63-‘64 Strat, I got to check out! They also had a killer old ‘68 GT LP that was beat but sweet, I had a first year Murphy painted R9 that I should have traded for it...... Love the story Zac!!

[@AskZac]

Great shop

[@maxwhitten8376]

I noticed the amp change.♥️ Another great video. Thanks Zac!

[@AskZac]

Enjoying the combo. Thanks!

[@davidmurphy4844]

Great story! I knew how it would end but the journey was a hell of a ride!

[@gregjohnson6329]

Happy you got what you want. Looks like all the other Danocasters out there. Love hearing about your family as well. You’re a good dude.

[@AskZac]

Dan does the best mid 50s blonde because he owns a 57/58 Tele. That is what the neck and finish on his Danocaster white guard's is based on.

[@Bunkymark]

We are only caretakers of these instruments, and some have been taken care of more than others. The backstory to yours is great, so many others have undoubtedly been lost. If you ever get the opportunity, I recommend Accordion Crimes by Annie Proulx (nod to my buddy Al Schlimm) a story about a meager accordion as it passes through the hands of many people after arriving on a boat to New Orleans. Great book. If guitars could only talk they would say, get me out of this case!

[@AskZac]

I will check that out.

[@andrewmiller2868]

I know that I'm late to the video Zac but that's a great back story for the '57 Esquire. When ever I go looking to buy a particular style of guitar it's always the neck that gets me hooked. I'm really not bothered about the condition or colour of the body. I'm paraphrasing Paul Reed Smith now as he has stated in the past that "people buy guitars with their eyes". I buy guitars with my hand around the neck and fretboard. If it feels right then that's the one for me 👍

[@AskZac]

It's all about the neck

[@49VinCom]

Great story and congratulations!

[@christianboddum8783]

Man that neck pickup woke me up!! What a great sound!

[@jaymichaels5187]

Great story about your 57 Esquire, Zac....that Ron Ellis front pickup sounds really fantastic.

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

I found a 1963 Duo Sonic at a pawn shop that is near a casino. It has a dead neck pickup. The price was so good I never plugged it in until I got it home, LOL. Nice restoration. Thanks for the video.

[@briannacery9939]

I've been trying to hoan my skills on Hideaway. A local guitar player used to play it on his blackguard Broadcaster through a piggyback Vox AC 30 and played the Clapton version note for note. I recorded it trying to get the Beano tone! Not yet! Love your version of Hideaway.

[@robertmayne7484]

Well done Zac! That William Bell bit was awesome 👏

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@captainzeb1969]

Where’s your AskZac hoodie? 😉 Great video and story. Love the way the Esquire sounds. Great tone! Congrats!

[@AskZac]

Thank you, Brent, and I do need to get a hoodie!

[@bmorris2019]

Love this! Guitar Gallery has two locations, Tuscaloosa and Pelham, and I visit both every chance I get. Fine folks! Great story, Zac. Love the channel.

[@AskZac]

They are great guys!

[@guitargallery2375]

@@AskZac Thank you Zac. We are so glad this one fell into the perfect owner's hands.

[@guitargallery2375]

Howdy Brent! Thanks for the heads up and your business!

[@AskZac]

@@guitargallery2375 Thank you so much!!!!

[@stratmagic6893]

Great story.Congrats. can't beat that woody tone.

[@335gc]

That guitar looks and sounds great ,especially through that amp!

[@AskZac]

THANKS!

[@FedeOttalagano]

Really cool story and awesome guitar.

[@periloustemple8290]

This is great, Zac. It is a cool guitar - amazing, but OMG, that Harvard. Wow. What a sound!

[@AskZac]

The Harvard is my favorite tweed.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@AskZac Favorite Tweed. The Harvard is my favorite amp period. Well in my case I own a Victoria Ivy League that will have to do until I find a Harvard. A close second place for me would be a Blackface Vibrolux Reverb or a 63 Brownface Vibroverb.

[@CountryHitsUSA]

Great story!!! I live 20 minutes from there!!! So proud for You!!!

[@AskZac]

Thank you!! 😊

[@Slovy_]

It’s like u read my mind. Yesterday I was listening to every version of hideaway I could find. Well, only by artists I like. I’m usually a Strat player. I’ve also been playing my parts caster esquire I built a lot with a hard V maple neck but it has a pine body. I know that feeling in your stomach about splurging on yourself. I know as soon as u have a family u stop thinking about yourself. But I’m stoked for u to be able to get that guitar

[@chrissflesher]

This is why you shop at a music house and not at some mega-selling online dealer. Even if you go to the Guitar Center. Play the instrument, fall in love with it, and buy it. Then you have a story, and the first injection of your own mojo into your instrument.

[@jimpage601]

As always, an entertaining and informative video! Thanks, Zac! A request prompted by your wall poster: Could you perhaps come up with a video on Ry Cooder's amps? His sound is always impeccable.

[@AskZac]

I can't play like Ry, but would happily talk about him.

[@jimpage601]

@@AskZac HAHAHAHA!!! I've never heard anyone play much like Ry! He has an unusual style; almost like a marching or parade gait. Love it!

[@jeffwyatt7199]

Glad your back Zac. Missed your videos. Great story and your esquire looks and sounds fantastic. You should put some christmas lights on that Harvard. Just to get in the spirt....

[@AskZac]

Great idea!

[@matthewwiebe5460]

Looks and sounds great! Dan did fantastic as always!

[@AskZac]

I think so too!

[@saltwatersaddletramp7229]

Very cool guitar. Looking forward to the next update!

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@RCGC01]

Awesome...another episode...

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice, Zac. I love how this turned out. God Bless Wives :) Mine's steered me right more than once. Liked seeing The Harvard. Read a GP interview with Randy Rhoads where he said his Harvard was his favorite amp.

[@sammyrabon7736]

Great guitar and a great video Zac

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@WillyKidd]

Incredible story Zac, this guitar was meant to be with you. I believe Redd Volkaert's '58 Esquire was acquired by his Dad way back when in some kind of card game...

[@AskZac]

Sounds right! Thanks, Will.

[@James_RC]

When you get that fever for a guitar - oh yeah I know that feeling! 😂 Really enjoyed this episode and pleased for you!

[@AskZac]

Yes! Thank you!

[@brendantully8006]

Love these guitar hunting stories, it reminds me that I'm not the only one afflicted

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

Chip would be a good name for that beauty...Poker Chip

[@AskZac]

Love it

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

Wow...I’d love to get one... you are so lucky Zac...good story and storyteller

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@joeldowdy404]

Like that amp!! and the tele as well :)

[@ZacCostilla]

You’re inspiring me to build a partscaster. Using a flagpole vintage-style bridge and an underwound Firebird neck pickup.

[@lthumser]

Great back story!

[@Kris-P343]

Wonderful Guitar and story! Congrats to you sir...I dream of owning (caretaker) of a vintage guitar...someday.

[@AskZac]

Best of luck!

[@MrRandyrugar19]

I was getting excited when he was talking about getting the blessing and making the trip lol I know exactly how it feels. Had great and bad experiences but always learn something

[@roundpatty]

Great story, cool guitar. Congratulations!!

[@AskZac]

Thanks a lot!