Fender Custom Shop Double Esquire 1951 HREL #R128685

The development stages of the first series-produced electric guitar by Fender range from Esquire - Double Esquire - Broadcaster - Nocaster to the final model called Telecaster. After the Esquire, which was manufactured with a lead pickup in the spring of 1950, had initial sales success, a few guitars were manufactured with a additional pickup in the neck position in the summer of that year, as Leo Fender was of the opinion that this could increase market attractiveness. Nevertheless, the Esquire remained the model with one pickup, while the Broadcaster, introduced in the fall of 1950, was equipped with two pickups.
We share the enthusiasm for these very early Esquires with the guys at the Fender Custom Shop and the model shown here quickly shows how much passion they put into building it. The body made of very light ash contributes to the great overall weight of this Esquire of just 3204 grams. The aging of the typical light "Blonde" paintwork was absolutely successful, all screws were used as "slotheads" according to the early year of manufacture and the pickups are hand-wound "50/51 Blackguard" single coils.