Fender D'Aquisto Elite

$2,999.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (2)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 02, 2026

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5.0 (4)

$2,999.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $2,999

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Fender D'Aquisto Elite is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Fender D'Aquisto Elite is a testament to the harmonious blend of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation, making it a standout choice for musicians seeking a semi-hollowbody electric guitar with a rich heritage. This instrument draws from the design expertise of the legendary guitar maker Jimmy D'Aquisto, ensuring an authentic playing experience that resonates with the style and sound of the jazz greats. The D'Aquisto Elite is perfect for players who appreciate the nuanced tones and smooth playability that only a semi-hollowbody can provide.

Crafted with a keen attention to detail, the D'Aquisto Elite features a laminated maple body that contributes to its warm, resonant sound. The maple neck and ebony fingerboard offer a comfortable playing experience, while the distinctive tailpiece and bridge design add both visual appeal and functionality. This guitar is equipped with specially-designed pickups that capture every subtlety of your performance, delivering a full-bodied tone that is both articulate and expressive.

Whether you're exploring intricate jazz chords or delving into bluesy bends, the Fender D'Aquisto Elite responds with precision and clarity. Its elegant design and superior craftsmanship make it not only a pleasure to play but also a striking addition to any musician's collection.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant sound
Laminated maple body with a maple neck
Ebony fingerboard with a comfortable, smooth feel
Specially-designed pickups for articulate tone
Unique tailpiece and bridge design for enhanced aesthetic appeal
Inspired by the renowned luthier Jimmy D'Aquisto

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	D'Aquisto Elite MIJ
Finish	Black, Natural, Violin Sunburst
Year	1984 - 1989
Made In	Japan
Categories	Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Fender Daquisto
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Fender Vintage MIJ / CIJ

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender D'Aquisto Elite?: The Fender D'Aquisto Elite features a set-neck construction with a comfortable profile, making it suitable for smooth playability across the fretboard.
What type of music is the Fender D'Aquisto Elite best suited for?: The Fender D'Aquisto Elite, with its hollow body design and single humbucker pickup, is ideal for jazz and blues, offering warm, resonant tones.
How many frets does the Fender D'Aquisto Elite have?: The Fender D'Aquisto Elite is equipped with 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing.
Is the Fender D'Aquisto Elite suitable for beginners?: While the Fender D'Aquisto Elite offers excellent craftsmanship and sound quality, its features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players.
What kind of finish options are available for the Fender D'Aquisto Elite?: The Fender D'Aquisto Elite is available in Black, Natural, and Violin Sunburst finishes, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences.

Videos

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Calonfula Mercader

Guitarras de Jazz - Fender D'Aquisto Élite

Calonfula Mercader

FENDER D'AQUISTO ELITE 1984/87 Archtop Jazz Guitar

Lothar Trampert

Fender D'Aquisto Elite

James Aston

1984 Fender D'Aquisto Elite.

krispood

1990 Fender D'Aquisto Elite

DjangoBooks

【Brush eight】Fender D’Aquisto Elite Hollowbody Archtop Proto 1980’〜

brusheight

Reviews

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PROS

Crafted in Japan with high-quality materials and craftsmanship
Ebony fingerboard, bridge, and tailpiece enhance aesthetic and playability
Gold fittings and abalone block inlays offer a luxurious appearance
Smaller, lighter body provides comfortable playability
Delivers beautiful, full-bodied sound both acoustically and amplified
Built to D'Aquisto's specs for authenticity and quality
Slim neck is comfortable yet substantial for all playing styles
Affordable pricing for a guitar of its caliber and lineage

CONS

Schaller pickup may not be as mellow as other models
Tiny narrow frets may require a refret for personal preference

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender D'Aquisto Elite.

Comparisons

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The Fender D'Aquisto Elite is noted for its versatility, often compared to other archtops like the Eastman 371 for its punchy jazz sound with flatwound strings.
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The D'Aquisto Elite is said to achieve the "Wes Montgomery" sound effectively compared to other laminate-top guitars such as the Borys and ES-350.
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Use cases and applications

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Known for performing well with jazz amps like a modified Ampeg Gemini or a Dumble ODS clone, emphasizing clean channels for jazz styles.
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Achieving a brighter jazz sound can be aided by using a trebly amp setting and controlling tone through playing technique.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the Elite's tonal clarity, highlighting its suitability for traditional jazz sounds, especially when paired with JBL K-130 speakers.
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Owners emphasize the importance of adjusting amp settings and playing techniques, like thumb picking, to replicate iconic jazz tones with the D'Aquisto Elite.
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Features and functionality

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The Elite serves as a primary instrument for many, with its ability to deliver traditional jazz tones while also being backed up by solid body options like a Telecaster.
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The D'Aquisto Elite's laminate top allows it to achieve a "Wes Montgomery" tone similar to guitars like the ES-350, despite being laminate.
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Setup and maintenance

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Using Labella flatwound strings can result in a crisper sound compared to D'Addario Chromes, with some owners preferring lighter gauges for ease of play.
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Mods and upgrades

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Unpotted pickups, like the Seth Lover humbucker, can add a more open and airy sound, enhancing the semi-acoustic quality of the instrument.
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Critic Reviews

Jazz Guitar Beauties: Fender D’Aquisto Elite – Warren Greig – Jazz Guitar Life

thejazzguitarlife.com

The Fender D'Aquisto Elite is celebrated for its superb acoustic tone and impressive build, featuring an ebony fingerboard and spruce top. However, it wasn't without its quirks; a slight neck twist required adjustments to better suit personal playing styles. Enthusiasts appreciate its quality and versatility, especially after modifications like a refret or pickup replacement. Overall, the guitar is cherished for its craftsmanship and sound, making it a worthy addition for discerning jazz guitarists seeking a classic yet adaptable instrument.

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