Recommended Pickup For An Esquire?

[Jim622]

My Eldred mod/treble bleed is-
(Position 1)-volume only
(Position 2)-volume and tone
(Position 3)-volume only/cocked wah. Sounds similar to a Strat in positions 2 or 4

I'm set up the same. Definitely a keeper.

 

[Jim622]

Why mod a guitar to make it less versatile?

I don't see an Esquire as less versatile. The best way to say it is you play different with an Esquire. Your attack, use of the controls...etc.. I really don't know if there is anything to that no magnetic pull from the front pup, but an Esquire is just different and for me it is not less versatile, it is a different instrument. I built my partsquire 4 years ago and I when I play it I still think I can't believe I went so long without one.

 

[2HBStrat]

I use my 'Esquire' without a switch but have a no load tone pot which still gives 3 distinct sounds with a quick roll of the tone knob, vol only, vol and tone engaged and tone rolled all the way which with a .22uF capacitor still leaves enough top end to be usable....

I agree. I like the no load tone pots too. All an Esquire is is a single pickup guitar with three tone options selectable from the switch, all sounds which can be accomplished just by using the tone control. But on a Tele you still have neck/middle and neck alone options for additional tones unavailable on an Esquire.

 

[regularslinky]

I have a DiMarzio Pre-B1 in my Esquire. It's a bit fatter than a standard tele pickup - more P-90ish to my ears - and not super expensive. I've never felt the need for fancy switching, just volume and tone. You can get a lot of sounds out of that setup.

 

[colchar]

So my plan has changed a wee bit.

I have a Partscaster Tele, a Schecter PT Tele, and a Squier Classic Vibe. That CV is the one I was going to Esquire, but I also really like it as is so today I ordered a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire.

This way I will have two with maple fretboards (Classic Vibe and Schecter) and two with rosewood fretboards (Partscaster and Esquire).

This is the one I ordered:

Fender Musical Instruments - FSR Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire Electric Guitar - Black

Fender Musical Instruments - FSR Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire Electric Guitar - Black

www.long-mcquade.com

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I use my 'Esquire' without a switch but have a no load tone pot which still gives 3 distinct sounds with a quick roll of the tone knob, vol only, vol and tone engaged and tone rolled all the way which with a .22uF capacitor still leaves enough top end to be usable.

Always wanted to try one of Rob's tapped pickups in an Esquire, one of those or his Holy Grail Nocaster would be very usable.

I have a Hydra with 6.2k, Fat & Huge. A5 & it's a great pup.

 

[2HBStrat]

So my plan has changed a wee bit.

I have a Partscaster Tele, a Schecter PT Tele, and a Squier Classic Vibe. That CV is the one I was going to Esquire, but I also really like it as is so today I ordered a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire.

This way I will have two with maple fretboards (Classic Vibe and Schecter) and two with rosewood fretboards (Partscaster and Esquire).

This is the one I ordered:

Fender Musical Instruments - FSR Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire Electric Guitar - Black

Fender Musical Instruments - FSR Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire Electric Guitar - Black

www.long-mcquade.com

That's cool. I ordered the first Squier Esquire 50's style. I wish I had waited for this one!

 

[schmee]

I might have a rec for a Count or Baron, but not for a lowly Esquire.....

 

[drmordo]

I prefer a hot PU in my Esquire because the Eldred mod seems to drop the level just a bit.

Oh, wait, I just remembered I always prefer a pretty hot PU in my Tele bridge...

BTW, the Eldred mod is def worth it IMO.

 

[Jim622]

BTW, the Eldred mod is def worth it IMO.

I agree. It’s a great set up

 

[colchar]

Another slight change...while checking out the chain's website today I realized that my local store has a Squier Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire in sunburst finish in stock, so I cancelled the black one I had ordered and went with the sunburst.

Fender Musical Instruments - FSR Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire Electric Guitar - 3-Colour Sunburst

Fender Musical Instruments - FSR Classic Vibe '60s Custom Esquire Electric Guitar - 3-Colour Sunburst

www.long-mcquade.com

When I had my Parstcaster Tele put together I used a '60s Custom Telecaster body as the base, so this will be the exact same as my Partscaster except the Esquire version.

 

[birv2]

I used a Fender OV (Original Vintage), which was great as well as affordable.

 

[eggman]

I recently picked up a Classic Vibe Tele with the intent of Esquiring it (I know there is a CV Esquire but there were none in stock and I got a really good deal on the Tele).

I was wondering if there is a 'recommended' pickup for an Esquire, or will any vintage style Tele bridge pickup do the job?

Howdy,
DiMarzio's excellent Twang King (bridge, of course) is the Honda Civic of Tele pickups. Great for everything from Streets of Bakersfield to Exiles on Main Street. You'll spend twice as much for a better P/U.

 

[DavidP]

FWIW, I recently picked up a 60s Custom Esquire, and was rather surprised (shocked actually) by the stock pickup in it -- much better than expected... I have a Guitar Fetish Repro 60s Hot Alnico in the spare pickup drawer that I was thinking of trying, but not just yet.