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!
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.
@@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!
@@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.
@@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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Leo is my GOAT. Designs that stand the test of time. Also, I got to see the Boss rock his Esquire on the Born in the USA Tour. He ripped it hard on the opener. Great solo. Great show. Changed my life really.
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.
The irony is not lost on me that the man whose byline is (basically) "how to get the most, out of the least gear" is also the person that fuels my GAS more than anyone on UA-cam (and that's saying something). 🤣🤣🤣 You're the best, Keith. It's been a pleasure to witness your journey here. 🔥❤👊
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.
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.
It doesn't matter what the subject is, Klon, early pauls or Marshalls 5 watt world delivers quick clear and concise fact.Truth & accuracy is a necessity for resolution and advancment this channel does this better than any other.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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.
Ok. I get to watch this twice. Forgive me, I'm busy! So much t learn. I was raised Gibson. Zac Childs! A legend in the world of lore! Thanks Keith, for helping me properly fill out the empty rooms in my still, and ever beginner's musical brain. P.s. My 5Watt Hoodie is perfect!!! Minnesota cold you know! Sooo needed.
Great episode! I love the Esquire so I've been waiting for this one for a long time. A few important Esquire players who didn't make it into the episode: Roy Montrell, the guitarist for Fats Domino and Little Richard, played an Esquire. Paul McCartney played an Esquire on the sessions for "Revolver" and "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by the Beatles. Joe Walsh of the Eagles also occasionally played an Esquire. Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch played an Esquire on their hit song, "Born To Be Wild." Both Brian May and Roger Taylor of the band Queen played an Esquire on the songs "Sheer Heart Attack" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."
I try not to search for Esquires on Reverb too, lol! Yet I seem to often, waiting for that perfect deal to show up on a vintage one. I like Zac Childs’ videos about his Esquire, adding a neck pickup and suddenly you basically have a pre-CBS “Telecaster” ! Great vid, as always, Keith!
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.
Thanks, that was fun! I did an esquire build a few years ago based off the black guard era, 4 piece offcuts pine body finished badly by me and a wonderful pickup made by South Australia's Mick Brierley that is a work of sonic art, it rings like nothing else, and it's surprisingly versatile, totally dadrocks as well as absolutely dooms and all points in between
Having seen Roy Buchanan at the Park West in Chicago at least twice, I'm glad you corrected my impression that he was using a Tele. I didn't know esquires used 2 pickups at one point. So seeing him play, I thought it was a Tele. My brother and I were basically watching him play in amazement. He got so much tone and feel from the guitar(with no pedals), we were just mesmerized. I didn't check the headstock for the brand of Fender he was using. Thanks for the correction.
I love my Squier CV 50’s Esquire. I have a DiMarzio chopper T in it with the switch wired for series, split, and parallel. I get mini-humbucker, p90 and classic tele bridge sounds all out of one pickup. It’s “vintage white” which is somewhere between a custard and tv yellow, so I stuck a black pickguard on it to make it look a little more like a Les Paul junior. I’ve played American fenders that don’t feel and sound as good as that $400 Squier sounds.
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 😁
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! 😁
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.
Single pickup Fenders are incredible. I've got a '78 Bronco and a 2002 Custom Shop '59 Esquire (top load bridge - extra bright). Rich Robinson played an Esquire a ton in the early 2000s.
Heya From The Roc! Gawd, I always loved Joe's Tele sound. Saw The Clash w/ David Johannson & The Who @ Rich Stadium in '82 & they killed it. Thanks for the vid! May your 'Plates (only Rochester people will get this...) always be hot, tasty & cheap! ps...Hope you get your Esquire back...
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!
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 UA-cam didn't notify me before 20 minutes into it, shame on UA-cam.
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.
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
I played a show years ago with Rick Neilson at the House of Blues in Chicago, he showed up with an Esquire and a modified Fender Deluxe Reverb and rocked it!!
The Esquire was a truly fine ax! I had a chance to play one only once, but it was absolutely a guitar you could fall in love with in roughly two seconds flat! Leo really had his licks down when it came to the Esquire. It was a guitar you’d either love virtually immediately, or NEVER! Just the way it felt in your hands had the word “GREAT” written all over it, or it didn’t. There was no middle of the road here - either it was one of the greatest guitars EVER, or it didn’t do a thing for you. Man, I’ve been kicking myself for parting with it ever since I did!!! It was one of the greatest guitars to ever come out of Fullerton, or you didn’t know enough to realize what you had! Leo and company really knew what they were doing when they made it.
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.
Keith, thanks so much for rounding out what I believe to be the final stories of all the main 6 strings of my musical life. Driving quickly by a Music Store in Burlington,N.J. around 1973 I spotted an Esquire from about 100 yds. away ( with a matching Fen. amp to match.Guy in the store wanted $300.00 for the set.Bought before II could finish breathing.After passing through many hands of the crew,it turned out to be the one that got away. Thank you again,hypes. Merry Christmas and a successful New Year. Rocky
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 👍
The Esquire, at least to me, is the epitome of "less is more" when it comes to guitars. I'm throwing together a guitarfetish partscaster special with a slight modern twist and with the Eldred wiring layout, it'll be a good exercise to see what I can pull out of a single bridge pickup.
Any day that Keith puts out a short history video is a good day.
Amen Brother! ☮️ 2 U
Absolutely!
Any day Keith puts out a video is a very good day!
You are preaching the truth borther!
truth
We finally did it! Thanks for having me on the channel buddy the video turned out so good.
Thank you so much Robert! I keep learning stuff from you man.
Do you still have the 70th anniversary edition Esquire? Been looking for one on the used market...
Good to see you here!
Hell yeah Robert!!!💪🎸
Too cool, I knew that was you right away
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!
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.
@@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!
@@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.
@@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!
Any chance Gilmour may have it?
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.
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
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
Hardly unwanted...
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 😂😂😂
@@_-_Michael_-_ I was...
Yeh, they and Mustangs were easy and cheap to buy. Just not desirable then.
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.
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.
Not 100% sure, but I think that Esquire was the same guitar Paul played for the solo on "Taxman" for the Revolver album.
The taxman solo was definitely Paul’s Epiphone Casion. He used the esquire on his Helter Skelter solo.
He used the Esquire in Good Morning Good Morning
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.
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.
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.
I want to find Syd's Esquire. Somebody must have it and I'm guessing they're unaware of what they have.
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!
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.
Leo is my GOAT. Designs that stand the test of time. Also, I got to see the Boss rock his Esquire on the Born in the USA Tour. He ripped it hard on the opener. Great solo. Great show. Changed my life really.
Esquire tip: Try balancing the switch between 1&2 to get the Capacitor WITH the Tone Knob. 2 kinds of great mud.
Your documentaries are so great, I watch every one! MORE BASS please!!
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.
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!
Yay for the Robert Baker clip!
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.
I've been waiting for this one. Thank you!
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!
The irony is not lost on me that the man whose byline is (basically) "how to get the most, out of the least gear" is also the person that fuels my GAS more than anyone on UA-cam (and that's saying something). 🤣🤣🤣 You're the best, Keith. It's been a pleasure to witness your journey here. 🔥❤👊
Once again, great job, Keith. Thanks for your efforts on our behalf.
Fabulous story about the Esquire!
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.
Keith, your taste in Esquires is exquisite. I absolutely adore those MIJ Esquire Customs. Oh, and I love these Short History videos!
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.
It doesn't matter what the subject is, Klon, early pauls or Marshalls 5 watt world delivers quick clear and concise fact.Truth & accuracy is a necessity for resolution and advancment this channel does this better than any other.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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.
Ok. I get to watch this twice. Forgive me, I'm busy! So much t learn. I was raised Gibson. Zac Childs! A legend in the world of lore! Thanks Keith, for helping me properly fill out the empty rooms in my still, and ever beginner's musical brain. P.s. My 5Watt Hoodie is perfect!!! Minnesota cold you know! Sooo needed.
Great episode! I love the Esquire so I've been waiting for this one for a long time. A few important Esquire players who didn't make it into the episode: Roy Montrell, the guitarist for Fats Domino and Little Richard, played an Esquire. Paul McCartney played an Esquire on the sessions for "Revolver" and "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by the Beatles. Joe Walsh of the Eagles also occasionally played an Esquire. Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch played an Esquire on their hit song, "Born To Be Wild." Both Brian May and Roger Taylor of the band Queen played an Esquire on the songs "Sheer Heart Attack" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."
Great list. Thanks man!
Thanks Keith! I love Esquire 's
I try not to search for Esquires on Reverb too, lol! Yet I seem to often, waiting for that perfect deal to show up on a vintage one. I like Zac Childs’ videos about his Esquire, adding a neck pickup and suddenly you basically have a pre-CBS “Telecaster” ! Great vid, as always, Keith!
Short History. Long on enjoyment. This is a gooooood one Keith!
14:21 that pickguard is almost shaped like a modern metal guitar
Indeed... a Fender Esquire is a fine machine...
One of my biggest influences was Steve Cropper, and he played an Esquire on those early Sattelite/Stax recordings.
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.
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.
Thanks, that was fun! I did an esquire build a few years ago based off the black guard era, 4 piece offcuts pine body finished badly by me and a wonderful pickup made by South Australia's Mick Brierley that is a work of sonic art, it rings like nothing else, and it's surprisingly versatile, totally dadrocks as well as absolutely dooms and all points in between
Good Job... Excellent source of Fender Musical Instruments history. Rest in peace Leo Fender.
Well done Keith! I agree about Zac and his wealth of knowledge that he shares so willingly
Having seen Roy Buchanan at the Park West in Chicago at least twice, I'm glad you corrected my impression that he was using a Tele. I didn't know esquires used 2 pickups at one point. So seeing him play, I thought it was a Tele. My brother and I were basically watching him play in amazement. He got so much tone and feel from the guitar(with no pedals), we were just mesmerized. I didn't check the headstock for the brand of Fender he was using. Thanks for the correction.
An Esquire with two pickups is known as a double Esquire. They are, essentially, Teles.
"Amazing content,Thank you for all you do"
I love my Squier CV 50’s Esquire. I have a DiMarzio chopper T in it with the switch wired for series, split, and parallel. I get mini-humbucker, p90 and classic tele bridge sounds all out of one pickup. It’s “vintage white” which is somewhere between a custard and tv yellow, so I stuck a black pickguard on it to make it look a little more like a Les Paul junior. I’ve played American fenders that don’t feel and sound as good as that $400 Squier sounds.
I just wanna say Keith, I really like how you write your scripts! That’s another detail of the time and quality of these amazing videos!
Thanks. I spend about half the production time writing.
Thank you, again, for your much loved Short Histories.
I forgot to give credit to Nacho Banos and Deke Dickerson for the Junior Barnard info I shared with you.
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 😁
Awesome beard, even more awesome video.
I do love your videos on the “history of”. For me they make me want to know more. Next stop an Esquire
Howdy Keith. As always, top shelf content. I appreciate you turning me on to Mr. Childs.
Do love the Fender Esquire. Big fan, and glad to know they're still available.
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! 😁
Excellent as always, I’m now shopping for an Esquire
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.
Single pickup Fenders are incredible. I've got a '78 Bronco and a 2002 Custom Shop '59 Esquire (top load bridge - extra bright). Rich Robinson played an Esquire a ton in the early 2000s.
Another excellent video 👍
Robert Baker!
Thanks for featuring him, Keith!
Heya From The Roc! Gawd, I always loved Joe's Tele sound. Saw The Clash w/ David Johannson & The Who @ Rich Stadium in '82 & they killed it. Thanks for the vid! May your 'Plates (only Rochester people will get this...) always be hot, tasty & cheap! ps...Hope you get your Esquire back...
Great video, Keith.
The pic at 18:16 is actually Gilmour, not Barrett.
Sigh, really!
Great video thanks. Been away from the channel for a while, glad I found this to rekindle my viewing.
thanks
I always loved the slick look of Esquire with bridge cover present. That is absolute clean and killer looking thing.
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!
Thank you for the great video, Keith!
great guitar with great sounds. roy Buchanan was amazing.
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 UA-cam didn't notify me before 20 minutes into it, shame on UA-cam.
Beautifully done.
Great video as always learned alot
We really enjoy these. We'll pull them up and put 'em on the smart tv with the surround sound
Was really looking forward to this one & it did not disappoint! Thanks Keith!!
What a killer wirey tone in the intro! Amazing! I'm amazed at just how well intonated it sounds at 11:30.
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.
Excellent detail. Many thanks from the UK.
I play an Esquire because Syd Barrett, though I think most of the tones I associate with it are actually probably a danelectro and Selmer amp
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
I played a show years ago with Rick Neilson at the House of Blues in Chicago, he showed up with an Esquire and a modified Fender Deluxe Reverb and rocked it!!
I gotta thank you for all your programs. They are fun n well done n informative.
So stoked. Thank you for your content, sir. I love Esquires and I love your short history videos.
Great video Keith, some awesome playing and what tone!
Super-informative video, Keith. Thank you. 👍🎸😀
Very cool yet once again Keith! Thanks for sharing man!
Thank you sir
I love these informational videos about guitar history!
So good! The ultimate minimalist guitar! Now I want one....
The Esquire was a truly fine ax! I had a chance to play one only once, but it was absolutely a guitar you could fall in love with in roughly two seconds flat! Leo really had his licks down when it came to the Esquire. It was a guitar you’d either love virtually immediately, or NEVER! Just the way it felt in your hands had the word “GREAT” written all over it, or it didn’t. There was no middle of the road here - either it was one of the greatest guitars EVER, or it didn’t do a thing for you. Man, I’ve been kicking myself for parting with it ever since I did!!! It was one of the greatest guitars to ever come out of Fullerton, or you didn’t know enough to realize what you had! Leo and company really knew what they were doing when they made it.
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.
Keith, thanks so much for rounding out what I believe to be the final stories of all the main 6 strings of my musical life. Driving quickly by a Music Store in Burlington,N.J. around 1973 I spotted an Esquire from about 100 yds. away ( with a matching Fen. amp to match.Guy in the store wanted $300.00 for the set.Bought before II could finish breathing.After passing through many hands of the crew,it turned out to be the one that got away.
Thank you again,hypes. Merry Christmas and a successful New Year. Rocky
Another great video put out by all who are involved! Keith...keep the beard. Looks badass. Cheers!
That beard 🧔♂️ rocks ! Best facial hair expression yet, Keith!
Like that Beard Keith 👌. Seems like all of you youtubers know each other, that's nice to see collaboration and not competition ✌️
Love the video. I've got a recent Squier Esquire that I've modded and it's a beast of a guitar.
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 👍
Always informative, entertaining...Thanks!
Once again, nice work, Keith! Always some good information…
Thanks Fred
The Esquire, at least to me, is the epitome of "less is more" when it comes to guitars. I'm throwing together a guitarfetish partscaster special with a slight modern twist and with the Eldred wiring layout, it'll be a good exercise to see what I can pull out of a single bridge pickup.
My man! Great upload! And that beard is rocking! Keep it (all) up!
Great episode!!! I'm a fan of the underlings to Fender and Gibson so I appreciate the histories of these guitars!!
Another great history lesson! Thanks Keith, big fan!
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.
Thanks Keith! I have learned a lot from you over the past year! Another great SH video. 😊
First response, long time viewer. Stay with this format. Doin’ good.