
I admit that the Fender Esquire is one of my favorite guitars ever, and I find its sound and simplicity very appealing.
I admit that the Fender Esquire is one of my favorite guitars ever, and I find its sound and simplicity very appealing. Most people think of it as a poor man's Telecaster or a forerunner to the Tele, but this is simply wrong. Yes, the Esquire sports only a single bridge pickup, while the Telecaster has two pickups, but the Esquire is not a Telecaster with a missing neck pickup, but rather a distinct model with its own sound. This is because of its unique wiring and also because the lack of a neck pickup causes less magnetic pull on the strings. This reduced pull gives the Esquire a more percussive attack, more harmonic overtones, and makes it more responsive than a Telecaster.
Some great players have chosen an Esquire for exactly these reasons. Steve Cropper played a '62 Esquire on all his early recordings, including the classic āGreen Onions." Up until his untimely death in 1968, Luther Perkins used an Esquire to create his trademark āboomchicka- boom" sound while backing Johnny Cash. Bruce Springsteen played a heavily modified '53/'54 Esquire that he bought in the early '70s and used on Born in the USA and many more of his famous recordings.
The Esquire (or to be precise, an Esquire prototype painted black) first appeared in the No. 2 Fender catalog in the spring of 1950, and was shown to the public at the Chicago NAMM show in July of that year. It had a list price of $139.95, plus $39.95 for the case. The original Esquire was built until late 1969, when CBS dropped it from the production line, very shortly after taking over Fender.
The Esquire was Leo Fender's first stroke of genius and an important step in his restless efforts to transport steel guitar tone to a standard electric guitar. The bridge pickup was very similar to the pickup he developed and built for his lap steel guitar, and the Esquire's electronics clearly show this influence, too. As you may know, like the Tele, the Esquire has a 3-way switch, plus a master volume and master tone configuration. But on a single-pickup guitar, how do you use a āpickup selector" switch? Leo's idea was to use the 3-way switch as a kind of tone-shaper.
Here are the specifics:
- Position #1. This corresponds to the solo bridge-pickup position on a Tele. On the Esquire, however, the pickup is routed through the volume control only, with the tone control bypassed for a hotter and louder lead sound with even more high-end.
- Position #2. In this middle setting, the Esquire's pickup is routed through the volume and tone controlāidentical to position #1 on a standard Telecaster. It sounds a bit warmer compared to the Esquire's #1 position.
- Position #3. Here, the tone control is again bypassed and the Esquire's pickup is routed through the volume control and a fixed ātreble roll-off " capacitor/resistor network for a very dark tone that also has a slightly decreased output. Leo intended this as a ābass preset" that would allow the '50s guitar player to enter bass territory by simply flipping the 3-way switch.
Until the production of the Esquire was halted by CBS in late 1969, switching positions #1 and #2 stayed the same, but the value of the pots were changed several times. Switching position #3 was modified several times with different values for the caps and resistors, and the Esquire even had a ācapacitor only" version for some time. This clearly indicates that #3 was not very popular among Esquire players, which is still the case today. Only a few players will find this option useful, but in the early '80s Mike Stern and several other jazz players discovered that old Esquires and Telecasters (which had the same preset in the '50s) were great workhorses and a good alternative to the well-known ājazz box." Suddenly the old Fender preset wiring was something desirable, as it worked perfectly for those dark tones a lot of jazz players were looking for and a new hype was born. So if you are a jazz cat, this preset option may be worth a try.
In closing, Fig. 1 shows the wiring of the original 1950 Esquire as a reference. Next month, we'll start modifying the Esquire circuit, so study up on this schematic and stay tuned. I think you'll be surprised how many different tones you can coax from a single bridge pickup. Until then, keep on modding!
[Updated 1/12/22]
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With advanced controls, full MIDI integration, and expression pedal compatibility, the Elipse is designed for guitars, bass, synthesizers, vocals, and vintage keyboards.
Powered by Kernomās patented Analog Morphing Core technology, the Kernom ELIPSE isnāt just another modulation pedal. With the innovative MOOD control, musicians can seamlessly morph between iconic modulation effects, from rhythmic tremolos and lush choruses to jet-like flangers and swirling phasers. The addition of the SWIRL control introduces a unique phaser-blend for rich, multidimensional textures.
Key Features
Iconic effects and more
The ELIPSE offers a wide range of modulation effects, including tremolo, harmonic tremolo, rotary speaker, vibrato, chorus, tri-chorus, flanger, phaser, and Univibe.
Innovative controls
MOOD Knob: Seamlessly transition between effects, creating rich, hybrid sounds.
SWIRL Control: Blend a slow phaser with other effects for multidimensional textures and get that āfat tonesā youāve always dreamed of, enhanced by an analog drive circuit for reacher harmonics.
Creative Modulation Tools
Advanced controls like SHAPE, MIX, and DEPTH let you tailor waveforms, blend dry/wet signals, and adjust intensity to craft your perfect tone.
Full MIDI integration
Save up to 128 presets, control all parameters via MIDI CC (including Tap Tempo and MIDI Clock), and sync with your DAW or MIDI controller.
Manage your presets and settings with the MIDI Controller Companion software.
Expression pedal
Morph between presets in real time for unparalleled dynamic expression during performances or studio sessions.
Perfect with other instruments
Built for versatility, the ELIPSE excels with guitars, bass, synthesizers, vocals and vintage keyboards. Its input stage is designed to handle both instrument and line-level signals seamlessly.
The rugged aluminum casing ensures reliability in any environment.
The Kernom ELIPSE will be available starting January 21, 2025, at a retail price of $369 (MAP). ELIPSE will be available globally beginning January 21, 2025.
Experience the ELIPSE at NAMM 2025āvisit us at booth #5439.
For more information, please visit kernom.com.
Tone Demo | Kernom ELIPSE Modulation Effect - YouTube
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.Leveraging 3D printing technology, the new Floyd Rose Original locking nuts are designed to deliver unmatched precision and consistency, replacing the traditional ālost waxā casting method that dominated for decades.
The shift to 3D printing allows for intricate detailing and tighter tolerances, ensuring each nut meets exact specifications.
The process begins with powdered metal, which is precisely 3D printed into the desired shape using advanced metal printing technology. After printing, the parts are depowdered and cleaned before undergoing a sintering processāan advanced heat treatmentāduring which the parts achieve full density and hardness. Lastly, the nuts are CNC ākiss-cutā to exacting specifications for consistency and control of the fit before receiving a premium electroplating finish.
āFloyd Rose has always been synonymous with innovation, and by embracing this incredible new technology we are able to continue that legacy,ā said Andrew Papiccio, president of AP International Music Supply of which Floyd Rose is a division. āThe accuracy and flexibility of the new 3D printing method will allow us to make a more consistent piece while also giving us full control of the manufacturing right here in the USA.ā
Initially, the 3D-printed locking nuts will be available in ten classic sizes with a 10ā radius, with plans to expand the range to accommodate various fretboard radii in Spring 2025. This augmentation will offer players more options for customizing their setups to match a wide variety of fretboard curvatures.
To get a sneak peek at the new Floyd Rose USA Series, come visit us at NAMM in booth 5734 in Hall D.
With flexible voltage adjustments, precise control, customizable protection, compact design, and affordable pricing at $299, the Brownie is the ultimate solution for optimizing tone and safeguarding your gear.
AmpRx, the trusted name behind the industry-renowned BrownBox, has unveiled its newest innovation: The Brownie, a voltage-optimizing power supply for modern amps and the first of its kind.
Designed by AmpRx co-owner and CEO Cassandra Sotos (2024 NAMM Female Entrepreneur of the Year), the Brownie provides unparalleled control, flexibility, and protection specifically for modern tube amplifiers by allowing the player to both increase and decrease voltage with volt-by-volt precision.
Priced at $299, the Brownie offers an affordable and essential solution for protecting your investment in your high-quality tube amp. It allows you to optimize your tone and safeguard your gear from variations in voltage by givingthe ultimate advantage: knowing exactly what youāre feeding your amp.
Known as the secret weapon of touring professionals, AmpRx products have been spotted on stage with bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zac Brown Band, Iron Maiden, and many more. AmpRx is now bringing its game-changing technology to an even broader audience with this compact, affordable, and versatile product. Try the Brownie for yourself and discover exactly why artists, amp designers, and technicians rely on AmpRx to provide consistent sound, performance, and extend the life of their gear.
The Brownie will be available January 20th, 2025, presented at NAMM Global Media Day and on display at Booth #5630.
WHAT MAKES THE BROWNIE SPECIAL? Building on the success of the flagship BrownBox, the Brownie offers key innovations tailored for modern amplifiers:
- Flexible Voltage Adjustments: The Brownie is the first in the AmpRx line to both decrease and increase voltage, providing optimal performance for modern tube amps (often at 117-120V).
- Precise Control: Adjust voltage in ultra-precise -1V increments when decreasing, and by +3V or +5Vwhen increasing, allowing musicians to fine-tune their tone with precision.
- Customizable Protection: The Brownie ensures safe operation, putting control directly in the player's hands, and includes two fuse options: 2A for smaller setups and 4A for larger setups, ensuring compatibility with diverse gear.
- Compact and Portable Design: Smaller and lighter than the original BrownBox, the Brownie is perfect for musicians seeking portability, durability, and streamlined functionality. It can even fit on a pedalboard or in a backpack.
- Wide Accessibility: At just $299, the Brownie offers professional-grade voltage control at a price point thatās accessible to musicians everywhere.
Email sales@brownbox.rocks to order and stop by NAMM Booth #5630 to see the Brownie in action, talk with the owners, team and artists, and see exactly why so many people insist onAmpRx products when they make music.
For more information, please visit brownbox.rocks.
Designed by Obeid Khan, this amp is designed to offer versatile tone control for classic amp sounds.
Magnatone LLC has introduced the StarliteReverb, a 1x8ā combo that offers 5 watts of sweet-toned Class A power.
This amp is designed to capture the sound of classic long-pan spring reverb authenticity, thanks to the use of an Accutronics Digi-Log Reverb. Carefully optimized gain stages ensure the reverb seamlessly integrates with the ampās natural sound, preserving the true classic tone of Magnatone amps.
- Output wattage: 5 watts, Class A
- Three control knobs: Volume, Tone and Reverb
- Magnatone Custom 8" Ceramic Magnet, Made by WGS in the USA
- Street Price: $1799
Obeid Khan, Magnatoneās engineer and tube amp guru, designed this model based on the success of the original Starlite model, and it uses the same classic single-ended amp with a 6V6 power tube. Khanās unique tone control knob enables players to achieve classic āblack-panel or tweedā tones with just a single knob.
Ted Kornblum, President & CEO of Magnatone LLC says āThe Starlite Reverb is an amp much bigger than its size and power rating. When you put a microphone on it, itās all you need!ā TheStarlite Reverb blends analog tube warmth and lush reverb resulting in a subtle depth and modulation that adds dimension to your tone.
The Starlite Reverb is available to pre-order now in a 1x8ā combo or with the matching 1x12ā or 2x10ā extension speaker cabinet. Shipping begins mid-2025.
For more information, please visit magnatoneusa.com.