SOLD - Fender Custom Shop '59 Esquire Journeyman Relic - USA 2003

Here is a 1959 Fender Esquire Time Machine Journeyman Relic, a faithful re-imagination of Leo Fender’s original single-pickup design philosophy—“simplify and amplify.” This Esquire captures the spirit of the early Telecaster platform while blending vintage aesthetics with modern Fender Custom Shop craftsmanship and playability. Finished in a carefully aged Journeyman Relic lacquer, it presents the look and feel of a well-preserved vintage original with tasteful, authentic wear.

This example features a two-piece select ash body paired with a maple neck and comfortable “C”-shaped profile, delivering classic Fender resonance and snap. The maple fingerboard is paired with a modern 9.5” radius and 6105 frets, offering smooth, contemporary playability while retaining vintage-inspired tone and feel.

It is fitted with a hand-wound ’58 Tele bridge pickup, delivering raw, articulate, and dynamic single-coil tone with strong response and classic Esquire bite. The wiring layout provides full-range tonal versatility, capturing the signature simplicity and directness that defines the model.

Playability is excellent, with a fast, comfortable neck and refined fretwork that makes it equally suited to stage or studio use. The guitar responds with clarity and immediacy, offering that unmistakable early Fender snap with enhanced modern stability and feel.

Condition is excellent, with the Journeyman Relic finish providing a naturally aged aesthetic that enhances its vintage-inspired character. It includes vintage-style hardware such as a 3-way switch, parchment single-ply pickguard, bone nut, wing string tree, and vintage-style tuners, along with the ashtray bridge cover and original case.

Specifications: 

Year: 2003
Country: USA
Model: Stratocaster
Finish: Translucent White
Body: 2-Piece Select Ash
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25.5"
Pickups: Custom Shop Hand-Wound '58 Single-Coil Tele
Bridge: Type: 3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele with Threaded Steel Saddles
Tuners: Original Single Lined Kluson Deluxe
Case: OHSC