Here's something you don't see every day. This is a first year Fender D'Aquisto Elite Archtop made in Japan in 1984. The serial # E523956 puts it in the first batch of Elite archtops that Fender made in a close partnership with Jimmy D'Aquisto (considered by some to be the greatest archtop luthier ever).

Unlike some other production guitars featuring the D'Aquisto name, the Fender series are the only ones that really had Jimmy intimately involved and the first batch from Japan had the Master's greatest attention and involvement. People who own these guitars love them, and treasure them even above venerable L5's etc. It's made from laminated woods, but that is actually the D'Aquisto's specification. D'Aquisto had already made several laminated archtops specifically for electric play (such as the famous Joe Pass D'Aquisto), and this is no different. Laminated woods lead to more resistance to feedback and greater sustain. D'Aquisto preferred laminated construction for guitars meant for electric play.

From archtop.com:
"The single pickup Elite is the version most highly prized by jazz players, and the hardest to find. Produced in limited quantities in 1984, the model was reissued from 1989 to 1994. This guitar is from the first series, and features a number of D'Aquisto's signature designs, including the two point bound ebony pickguard, and Jimmy's specially designed Schaller pickup. 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. ... Jimmy's gift to the gigging musician, the D'Aquisto Elite is a superbly designed instrument at a working player's price."

The timbers themselves are simply stunning - flame maple back, maple sides, 3-piece maple neck, rosewood bridge, carved rosewood tailpiece, ebony tuner knobs,  rosewood tone & volume knobs, finely grained spruce top, (almost iridescent), ebony fingerboard with big block mother-of-pearl inlays, carved ebony pickguard, and ebony headstock veneer.

The guitar is in excellent A++ condition, setup to perfection and plays and sounds like a dream come true. There are a few little top nicks and indents but the sides, back and neck are essentially very close to new. Comes in OHSC. A stunning Jazz guitar for ridiculously little money.