A Deluxe-style Reimagining of the Humble Esquire
Representing the median between an early ’50s Esquire and a ’70s-era Telecaster Deluxe, the Squier Paranormal Esquire Deluxe is a no-nonsense solidbody with an aggressive humbucking edge. From the classic big-pickguard-equipped okoume Tele body to the 6-saddle hardtail bridge, this guitar is clearly inspired by the Tele Deluxes of the ’70s, but with a utilitarian twist: a single bridge-position Fender-designed Wide Range humbucking pickup. It’s a fierce set of specs that excels in all manner of loud, heavy 6-string applications. However, Sweetwater guitarists find the distinctive 3-position rotary knob grants the Paranormal Esquire Deluxe far greater flexibility than your typical 1-pickup instrument, taking you from all-out humbucking firepower to subtle split-coil sonics. A comfortable maple-on-maple “C” profile neck completes the Paranormal Esquire Deluxe with top-class playability that’s all but guaranteed to inspire fervent fretwork.
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Fender-designed Wide Range Humbucker provides a dual-coil punch
A single Fender-designed Wide Range Humbucker pickup powers the Squier Paranormal Esquire Deluxe with all the punch of a humbucker and all the sparkle of a classic single-coil. Modeled after Fender’s first humbucker pickup — the original Wide Range Humbucker — this pickup beautifully captures the inherent warmth and depth of a classic dual-coil design without ever coming across as flubby. It’s an ideal setup for players who value simplicity and raw power above all else — who needs a second pickup, anyway?
One pickup, three positions
So, if the Squier Paranormal Esquire Deluxe has a single pickup, what’s the deal with the 3-way switch? Similar to the original Fender Esquire, the 3-way switch found on the Squier Paranormal Esquire Deluxe is not a pickup selector, but a unique tone-shaping utility with three distinct tones to toggle between:
- Position one: In the first position, the Paranormal Esquire Deluxe frees your humbucker from its tone-control shackles. In less poetic terms, it gives you the humbucker completely bypassed from the tone control for a brighter, more articulate response.
- Position two: This is your typical pickup setup, providing you with the unaltered bridge pickup paired with both the volume and tone knobs.
- Position three: If you’re seeking that classic single-coil snap, you’ll be sure to love the shimmering sound of this position’s coil-splitting tone.
The epitome of ’70s Fender style
It may be part Esquire, but the truth is that the Squier Paranormal Esquire Deluxe looks like it came straight out of a ’70s Fender catalog. The full-body pickguard, large Strat-style headstock, and witch hat knobs are all hallmarks of the classic Telecaster Deluxe, boasting a touch more style than your typical Tele. Moreover, you also get a comfortable belly cut contour on the guitar’s back, plus a 6-saddle string-through-hardtail bridge for superior intonation and sustain.
Squier Paranormal Esquire Deluxe Electric Guitar Features:
- Lightweight okume body, with a sleek visual aesthetic inspired by ’70s-era Telecaster Deluxes
- Fast-playing maple neck in a comfortable “C” shape
- Maple fingerboard studded with 21 narrow tall frets in a 9.5-inch radius for smooth bends and slick playability up and down the fingerboard
- Single Fender-designed Wide Range humbucker delivers an onslaught of full, rich humbucking tones
- 3-way rotary knob gives you a trio of distinct tones to experiment with, including split-coil and tone-pot-bypass options
- 6-saddle string-through-body Telecaster bridge with bent steel saddles provides exceptional sustain and superior intonation adjustment
