Fender Esquire. Made In Japan

[John Kalament]

Just trying to figure out what I should ask for my Fender Esquire before I put it up for sale.It has a beautiful Clear Blond finish with a Maple Neck. Plays great and is pretty close to Mint condition. Can't seem to find the Serial number on it although it says Made In Japan. I believe I purchased it from Rodger Rettig many years ago. Thank you for any help in identifying it's age or value.

[Mark Nason]

The serial number should be at the heel of the neck, where it meets the body (if it is indeed made in Japan).

[John Kalament]

Can't see any Serial # but it does say Made In Japan

[Mark Nason]

Look at the bridge pickup plate. It's possible some early MIJ telecasters had the serial number stamped onto the bridge plate..

[John Kalament]

The only numbers I see are AQ25056 or A025056 doesn't seem like thats enough numbers to be a serial number, It's an Esguire, not a Tele.

[Doug Beaumier]

Here is some info on Fender MIJ serial numbers: https://www.guitarinsite.nl/serienummer ... g.php#japI

When you get to the page click on the box that says “Serials Japan”

[Mark Nason]

According to that site, here's what the A025056 says for dating. That IS the serial number for you Esquire.

Production year: 1985 or 1986 (Made in Japan)
Made by Fuji-gen,Japan

Production year: 1997 or 1998 (Crafted in Japan)
Made by Tokai Gakki, Japan

[John Kalament]

Thank you so much Doug and Mark, I really appreciate your time in helping me out. Now I have to figure out what it's worth
John

[Mark Nason]

I can't wait to see it! I've had a dream for a while to get a Tele or Esquire and trick it out with TK Smith pickups/pickguard/armrest.

[Doug Beaumier]

Yeah, yours would be 1985-86, "A" plus 6 digits. In those two years, all Fender guitars were made outside of the USA. In 1985 CBS sold the company to a group of investors and the deal did Not include the factory or any of the machinery. It took them a couple of years to get the USA production going again.

Reverb.com has a "price guide" but I think you have to sign in to access it. You might also check the guitars for sale there to see what the asking prices are. I think you can also see the selling prices if you sign in. Keep in mind that asking prices are usually sky high and selling prices are more realistic.

[John Kalament]

That's so true Doug with the asking price vs the selling price, good thing is I really don't have to sell it so that's in my favor. I actually just purchased a used Mint Godin xtSA which supposed to arrive tomorrow, can't wait to play it Doug, I remember meeting you many years ago at that VFW in I believe Pittsfield MA There were so many really good Steeler's there that afternoon. Jim Cohen, Bobby Seymour(Playing finger style)Smiley Roberts,just to name a few and of course watching you play something really fast and I was sitting right in front of you Great memories of that day for sure !

[Doug Beaumier]

Wow, that was a long time ago, John. Funny how time slips away!

[Bill Fisher]

That's why Willie Nelson wrote the song.

Bill.

[D Schubert]

Telecaster Forum TDPRI.com is another good source of info.

[Mark Nason]

Here's pics of John's Esquire

[Andy Volk]

The 8os Fender Japan guitars are great instruments. I
had a 62 reissue custom Tele that was terrific. Got sold to fund a steel.

[Bob Carlucci]

Seems like only a few years ago, that was a $300 guitar, and they were not an easy sell... Times have changed.. That is a VERY high quality guitar, and many sellers are asking for $1000-$1200;
They are ASKING those kind of prices, most likely not getting it... It all depends on how bad you want to sell it I suppose, and where you try to sell it... IMHO, it will sell at about $750-850, perhaps a tad higher. They sit unsold when guys ask $1000+ ... bob

[Donny Hinson]

I agree with Bob, most of the ones that I saw that sold went for $600-$900.