The development steps of Fender's first mass-produced electric guitar ranged from Esquire – Double Esquire – Broadcaster – Nocaster to the final model, known as the Telecaster. After the Esquire, introduced in the spring of 1950 with a single lead pickup, achieved initial sales success, a few guitars were produced that summer with a second pickup in the neck position, as Leo Fender believed this would increase market appeal. Nevertheless, the Esquire remained the single-pickup model, while the Broadcaster, introduced in the fall of 1950, was equipped with two pickups.
We liked the example of an Esquire with two pickups shown here so much that we had it built by Fender's Custom Shop in several versions. In addition to a Team Built version, it will also be available from various master builders. (Currently still in stock from Greg Fessler)
This Esquire is modeled after the Esquire 0255 shown on page 87. It's a very early 1950s model. All screws, including the truss rod, are slotheads, the body is made of very lightweight, two-piece ash, and Redd Volkaert said of the neck, "...this Esquire has the best-feeling neck I have ever played, large but not huge, with a full, round feeling shape."
While the model was a "real" Esquire with only one bridge pickup (but with a pre-cut neck pickup), we added an additional pickup to our model in the neck position. These "handwound 50/51 Blackguard" pickups transmit the Esquire's mercilessly good acoustic qualities to the amp with unadulterated clarity and a magnificent sound. Great guitar!
Additional Notes: The Blackguard page 87, very early truss rod guitar, 51 Esquire with additional neck-pu ("Double Esquire"), all slot head screws, also trussrod. Neck (back and front) &headstock really worn & dirty. "Esquire"-decal on headstock.
