This used Fender D'Aquisto Elite is nearly 30 years old was part of Fender's rare foray to the archtop world - and the D'Aquistos were really something special. This Elite was a higher-end version of the standard, with a single Schaller humbucker reminiscent of Gibson's ES-175. Designed by the legendary Jimmy D'Aquisto, these guitars don't come around often - which is no surprise considering how great they sound and play.
Made with a Venetian cutaway, its top is laminated Spruce with dual bound f-holes, an Ebony pickguard and figured Maple back and sides. It has an Ebony fingerboard with Pearl Block inlays, an adjustable Ebony bridge with Trapeze tailpiece, and Ebony volume and tone knobs - very sharp! Here in Very Good condition, it does have some finish-only cracks on its top (see photo) but nothing structural, nor that affects its wonderful sound. The frets were recently dressed by one of our own luthiers, but due to the original construction, the fret ends are less than smooth. Really an incredible jazz and blues guitar, the Fender D'Aquisto Elite from '85 is a killer guitar you don't often see. Hard case included. Two of the five latches are broken, but it closes and is secure.
Body |
Archtop with Venetian cutaway |
Top |
Laminated Spruce with bound f-holes and Ebony pickguard |
Back and Sides |
Figured Maple |
Scale Length |
24 3/4” |
Neck |
Bound Maple |
Fingerboard |
Ebony with Pearl Block inlays |
Frets |
22 |
Nut |
1 11/16” |
Bridge |
Adjustable Ebony with Trapeze tailpiece |
Tuners |
3-per-side Ebony |
Electronics |
Single Humbucker with Volume and Tone knobs |
Case |
Hardshell Case included, Good condition |