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1960 Fender Custom Esquire
The Custom Esquire is a bit of an oddball in the world of Fender guitars. Until the introduction of the Custom series, the single pickup Esquire had been intended as a budget friendly alternate to the dual pickup Telecaster. With the 1960 price list tagging the standard Esquire at $169.50, the Custom Esquire at $199.50, and the standard Telecaster at $209.50, the Custom Esquire sat in a somewhat awkward position; one could have a dual pickup professional model for only $10 more, whereas players on a budget could save $30 and buy the base level Esquire. As a result, pre-CBS Custom Esquires are particularly few in number and quire rare on the vintage market.
A wonderful example of a Custom Esquire built in the model's first year of production, this May of 1960 build features the most desirable appointments: a "slab" rosewood fingerboard with clay dots, a black bobbin pickup, 250K pots, and a celluloid pickguard. Boasting a beautifully aged Sunburst finish with a celluloid pickguard that has faded to a soft greenish hue, this '60 Esquire is undoubtedly among the most attractive vintage Fender instruments that we have ever encountered. The guitar is completely original and without modification. Every solder joint appears to be factory original and untouched, an impressive feat on a 66-year-
old guitar that was played for many hours throughout its life. The original black bobbin pickup (5.9K) sounds otherworldly, offering classic Telecaster bite and brilliance supported by an exceptional low midrange presence, resulting in a response that is both articulate and full-bodied. The neck carve is a remarkably comfortable C profile with a first fret dept of 0.817", twelfth fret depth of 0.955", and a 1-5/8" nut width.
Neck pencil date of "5-60," body pencil date of "5/60," tone pot dated to the 19th week of 1960.
All said and done, this slab board Custom Esquire is among our favourite Pre-CBS Fender guitars to have come through the shop in recent years.
With original hardshell case, original “ashtray” bridge cover, and original strap.
