The first prototype for the Esquire (and the later Telecaster) was completed by Leo Fender and George Fullerton in the fall of 1949. Although the Esquire was the original model introduced, given the popularity and uninterrupted production of the Telecaster, the limited reissued Esquire models are generally regarded and billed as variants of the Telecaster. Esquire users today prefer the model's increased treble over the Telecaster. The model has since been reissued but remains a relatively 'niche' guitar. Over the following two decades, the availability of other low-cost models saw the Esquire's sales decline and the model was discontinued in 1969.

Once the Telecaster was introduced, the Esquire became marketed as a lower-cost version. The more versatile Broadcaster/Telecaster has since become one of Fender's most popular models with dozens of variations produced. The Gretsch Company at the time marketed a drum set under the 'Broadkaster' name, and at their request, Fender dropped the Broadcaster name, eventually renaming their guitar the ' Telecaster'. It was soon renamed the Broadcaster later that year the single pickup version retained the Esquire name. Shortly after its introduction, a two- pickup version was built. The Fender Esquire is a solid-body electric guitar manufactured by Fender, the first solid-body guitar sold by Fender, debuting in 1950. 1951–1969 (second run), with reproductions available laterġ single-coil (some 1950 examples were equipped with 2 pickups)

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