1984 Fender JAPAN Esprit! SOLD!
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In 1983 Fender introduced its Master Series. Designed by Dan Smith, the Esprit and its sister guitar, the Flame were envisioned to be alternatives to Gibson. Built with the player in mind, these guitars would offer features and electronics not normally available on Fenders. Fender decided to build the guitars in Japan at the highly regarded Fujigenn Gakki factory. Fujigenn also made guitars for Ibanez and other builders and really was the premier manufacturer of instruments in Japan. Super quality and attention to detail. The line soldiered on until 86 when Robben Ford became an endorser for the Esprit and the guitars were then called a Robben Ford Signature. This is a great example of the original Japanese Esprits. Super quality and materials. The body is chambered and made of alder. Some folks report the tops are carved spruce, others carved maple. I would guess craved spruce thanks to its warm tone. The 24.75 inch scale 3 piece maple neck features a bound rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays. Dual Schaller made special design humbuckers dish out a variety of tones. A Schaller made roller bridge and Stopbar tailpiece team up with Fender sealed tuners for rock solid performance. The finish is black and is set off by crème binding and chrome hardware. A really top notch guitar!
This Esprit plays and sounds great. Like most Japanese built guitars of the era it has a slim and comfortable neck. The frets are good and the action is fine. The pickups sound nice and deliver a variety of tones. A nice guitar. Condition wise, this guitar shows normal wear. Light to moderate pick and clearcoat scratches. Moderate belt scratches as well as some indents and dings. Still nice looking. Comes in a hardshell case with a bunch of wacky stickers.
The Esprit is one of Fender's most versatile and unique guitars. Great for a variety of music, it impresses in tone and workmanship. Unfortunately Fender doesn't offer anything like it, the closest being the rare and expensive Robben Ford signature model. Here's a great guitar that will stand head to head with many Les Pauls, 335s, etc at a great price.
