Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends
archtop.com
1984 Fender D'Aquisto Elite
Price and Status: For pricing and hold status of this instrument, please check here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold. To be notified of examples of this or any other model in the future, please email your specific requests to [email protected].
Serial #: E524503
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16"
Materials: Bookmatched arched spruce top, bookmatched arched flame maple back and sides; three-piece solid maple neck with adjustable truss rod; solid ebony fingerboard; mother of pearl fingerboard and peghead inlay; triple bound body, headstock and fingerboard, bound f-holes.
Hardware: 100 % original gold plated hardware includes Schaller D'Aquisto humbucking pickup; sealed tuners with ebony keys; contoured ebony tailpiece; adjustable compensated ebony bridge; triple bound ebony pickguard; solid ebony volume and tone knobs; D'Aquisto signature headstock inlay.
Notes: Jimmy D'Aquisto was the last and most celebrated apprentice to the legendary John D'Angelico. In an abbreviated career of just three decades, D'Aquisto created a peerless body of work, instruments that are now the most costly and sought after archtops ever made. Working in collaboration with Fender Musical Instruments, he also created a number of more accessibly priced instruments that have become highly prized by serious players to this day.
The single pickup Elite was produced in limited quantities in a single run in 1984, then reissued from 1989 to 1994 only. The deluxe Elite version features a solid ebony fingerboard, single neck pickup, and gold hardware. The Elite is the most highly prized by jazz players, and the hardest to find. This example is from the original series, and features the two point bound ebony pickguard, and Jimmy's specially designed Schaller pickup, found on this debut year only. With dimensions similar to the ES-175, the 16" body is comfortable to hold, with a sleek 2 3/4" body depth, and the 24 3/4" scale makes fast runs and stretch chords fall more easily under the hand. The laminated construction resists feedback at higher volumes and assists sustain as well.
This example is in superb condition, without pick, buckle or thumbwear, and showing only a bit of light scattered checking in the 100% original sunburst finish. Action is smooth and low over freshly dressed original medium jumbo fretwork. Jimmy's gift to the gigging musician, the D'Aquisto Elite is a superbly designed instrument at a working player's price.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound nickel strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe black arched plushlined hardshell case.
