Here we go.
I couldn't find my pics in any of my usual folders but I found some on one of the Les Paul forums.

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

Hey BMW, those are really handy posts - thanks.

I didn't know it was the FDP FSR someone was talking about earlier, but it sounds like the one. Elsewhere, someone has just told me that it cost $1100 a shot in 2001, which I'm guessing might be a bit on the steep side for many round here in the current climate. I like ZZDoc's idea of bringing it in somewhere in the MIM price range, which might help some.



That's interesting. I do see that some leadership might be what's required to get this thing to happen - but maybe it sort of feels a bit undemocratic for the Fender Forum? Be great if we all could just agree on something between us without the "inner circle" part of it (earlier someone mentioned "key members" - yuk!!).

But after 26 pages it don't seem to be coming together, does it?

I sure ain't any kind of a leader or key member or anything. But for what it's worth, I hereby promise to commit to buy an Ensenada Blonde Bigsby'd Esquire with a Forum logo under the lacquer somewhere on the headstock and an XX/XX style limited edition number scheme.

Seems to be the only spec sheet on this thread that's had more than about two takers. Anyone else feel like putting their money on the table...?

Cheers - C

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I'm jes sit'in here on the bank watch'in the river flow.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Doc, I liked those things too, just thought of the Esquire 'cause it's pretty basic so maybe easier to place the custom "Lounge trademarks" on it and then Brad and Mike could work some Fender magic into it for us. I mentioned MSRP only because this photo above is just over 1K.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

My pleasure


Sorry, I can't remember exactly how much it was but $1,100 feels a little high to my spidie senses. Maybe after shipping and taxes a guy might have had $1,100 into it.


That was me.
And I suggested you and Mike as the principle key members.

Nervous yet? I'm gonna get the members to vote on it, ya know.... then you'll be in over yer head!

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

"Pass me some more o' dat lemonade, would ya?"

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You dig?

Oops! Hahahahaha!

Well, I take it as a huge and generous compliment - but unlooked for and undeserved.

Mike, of course - that's a different matter. Mike is in every way THE key member, and our glorious leader. I vote we all do what Mike says. Mike for president.

Hey, Mike...?

Cheers - C [Ceri slips red-faced from the room.]

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I think the key thing here is the more spec'd this guitar gets, the more debate about what should be on it= the more time wasted and the likelyhood of the project being dropped. Taking the previous forum Strat as an example, Looking at the simplicity is this is why the project decision making was fairly swift?

Personally I think this should be the same. If is kept simple, then we can customise it ourselves. Not saying I'm not in favour of the Bigsby bear trap, I like the idea. But the logo.. It doesn't need to be fully advertised on the pickguard. Its too bold for some. The headstock logo and neckplate I'm in favour for. That's my opinion and I'm sure I'm not the only one with it. It's a clincher for me, otherwise I'm confirming an order if it can happen in my part of the world.

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Are these fine guitars ready for purchase? Where do I sign up?

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I Can't Explain

[ [/quote]
Can't see anything more simple than this...with room for a logo on the scratchplate, dressed up a tad with a Biggy and a tweaked circuitry. Buries the FDP guitar IMHO.

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"Another day in paradise!"

That is what I was thinking too Doc, simple Esquire design with the magical power on the inside. With Brad and Mike in our corner the electrical circuits/hardware/components will make the Fender Lounge guitar one very desireable instrument. I really do love that original Telecaster/Esquire vibe

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

I'd prefer a lighter tint on the neck. The neck on my old '58 was never THAT yellow.

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"Another day in paradise!"

I tend to agree it would be too bold (for me) but I have to point out that a pick guard can easily be replaced if someone doesn't want a logo on it. Some folks might like to have the logo on the guard. I wouldn't be one of them but that doesn't mean nobody would want it. If it was there then at least people who do want it would have the option and those who don't could change it to whatever they like for a few dollars.

As far as cosmetics go I think whatever we can do to broaden the appeal with easily changed pieces like a scratch plate or neck plate then the more likely we'll be able to arrive at a concensus. Just a thought.

The style, colour, configuration and hardware aspects will obviously be harder to pin down. I'm still chewing on the Esquire idea. Hasn't really bitten me yet but I'm mulling on it.

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

What appeals to me about the Esquire is it's simplicity.
Basically it would represent Leo's original invention.

The Bigsby scared me at first, but I have since played one and enjoyed it. It wouldn't suit everyone though, which is why I previously suggested the non permanent mount.

It's encouraging to see Ceri and others are interested in the Esquire.

(Ceri, whether you know it or not, your combined genius and humility make you very much a "key member")

I'd love this to happen. I guess I just assumed that Brad had not been inspired by all this. I do realize that he's a busy man.

Needless to say, I'm fully committed to the Esquire.

Goodonyaz ...Mark.

Here's my "wrench in the gears":

I like the whole Esquire thing but I require my guitar(s) to perfectly intonate on each string. Thus, the three barrel bridge is right out. No, and based on first hand experiences, the new "compensated" stuff does not universally work other than where some simply may get lucky.

As always, this is merely IMO where YMMV.

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You dig?