Esquire, buy it or not?

[hylo]

There's a two pickup Esquire in a shop i visited yesterday. It's quite amazing. It's like, seriously amazing. Plays like nobody's business. It's a Telebration-model and therefore only 60 made globally. It's as light as a feather and has a mojo I haven't found on any guitars since my Nocaster (and I've sold everyone except the Nocaster).

One of the reasons I'd like to buy it is that I'd like to buy myself a birthday-gift, which I haven't had the chance to in several years (been working every birthday and never gotten around to).

The only downside is the price, which is $6288 (converted from Norwegian currency).

On the other hand, I doubt I'll ever see one of those again. It's just ******* sweet.

What would YOU do? Please don't comment if you're suggesting to buy something a bit cheaper.
It's this one, btw:

[robt57]

I would buy a 60s Tele if I had that budget personally.

[Yodhan]

I am always looking for something to fill a void that I don't have, or to better a guitar that I have and could replace. For me, that guitar would be perfect because I love Esquires but don't have a traditional tele with a neck pickup. If you think it will be an addition to what you have and the mojo is awesome, go for it.

[73Fender]

Without knowing your financial status it is hard to say. For me that is a lot of money but for some it is not. Are US guitars very expensive in Norway? Have you played a bunch of comparable guitars? If it is mainly high $ due to rarity that is kind of a collector's piece. You may be able to get a great Tele type for that much as well as several other good guitars, amps etc. Really your choice.

[hylo]

Well, it's some money, but I'll get by if I buy it. Financially I can afford it.

US guitars aren't that expensive, but it's more or less a collectors item - no trussrod, gigantic neck, 60 made globally and so on.

God, I want that guitar, but I also want several other things. Oh well, I got my beloved Nocaster, at least.

[BoogerRooger]

It really is very sweet indeed! What would I do? If I thought it was the one for me and I could afford it I'd get it. These opportunities are rare. It's a limited edition and will probably hold it's value as a collectors piece. The guitars I regret are the ones I regret not getting when I could have done.

[hylo]

That's exactly what's bugging me. What if it's MY guitar?

[73Fender]

In the interest of enabling and as you can afford it...go for it and give it a spank for me.

[hylo]

It spanks, it almost does that by itself!

[telejoseph]

If you can afford it, go for it! If only 60 have been made, chances are you won't see another until it's vintage and worth over 20 grand.

[Esquire59]

Buy it!!!

[telex76]

If you can swing it, get it.
"The One" doesn't come around everyday.

[oramac7891]

I say buy it quick

[KC]

If you've got the money and you love the guitar, go for it. Be aware, though, that if you decide to sell it a year or two down the road, you'll likely take a beating on it. If "collectability" and resale value mean a lot to you, I'd go for something that has an established value, like a mid-60s tele with an issue or two.

[hylo]

I don't care much for the resale-value. My mindset when looking for a guitar this time is "I want something that'll last and stay mine for many years to come.".

I couldn't care less if it's a collectible or a rare guitar. It's cool that it is, but it's not the main factor of the purchase.

We'll just have to see tomorrow. Gonna go have a couple of beers at the pub and talk guitars with an enabler/good friend.

[Guitarmadcat]

Leave it. You'll get over it when the next "good thing" comes along.

Speaking personally, it has the two main things that I DON'T want in a guitar - pine body & no truss rod. Had a very bad experience with a pine body and no rod is asking for trouble down the line.

Sorry if I sound disparaging but it doesn't even look much. There'll be others, trust me.

[JDRNoPro]

You like what you like and it sure sounds like this one is calling you.

Beautiful guitar for sure. I love vintage guitars and true to vintage specs but the one reservation I'd have about this one ( while ackowledging the vintage historic significance) is a neck with no truss rod. Leo Fender added the truss rod for a reason ( early necks warped considerably, so I've read) and I have to wonder what shape this neck will be in 5, 10, 25+ years from now. Does this neck have any internal reinforcement? If it warps over time, what would you do with it?

[chipbutty24]

If the bills are paid and the kids are fed, buy it. You obviously want it badly.

[deadllama]

The lack of a truss rod would be the only thing that kept me from doing it if I were in your position.

[boris bubbanov]

Originally Posted by deadllama

The lack of a truss rod would be the only thing that kept me from doing it if I were in your position.

+1

Maybe also it is a 2 pickup version. I want that Esquire decal, but now the guitar is too expensive/precious to pull the neck pup and make a proper Esquire of it.

No Sale. Look for a FEIC Esquire.