The Fender Esprit Elite is one of those fascinating early-’80s MIJ Fender's that never quite entered the mainstream but has since found a loyal following among players and collectors who appreciate its blend of Fender innovation and set-neck, dual-humbucker sophistication. Built at the famed FujiGen Gakki factory and produced only for a short window in the mid-’80s, the Esprit Elite occupies that sweet spot where craftsmanship was superb, design was adventurous and production numbers remained relatively low.
This 1983 example in sunburst showcases all the key features that set the model apart. The chambered Alder body with a carved maple top gives it a lively, semi-hollow character, while the Maple set-neck and Rosewood fingerboard (complete with distinctive snowflake inlays) bring a decidedly upscale feel. The 24.75" scale length and 12" radius place it firmly in the Gibson-leaning camp.
Electronics include a pair of custom Schaller humbuckers with a dedicated mini-toggle for coil-splitting, twin volume controls, and Fender’s TBX tone circuit for both tone knobs, offering a broader sweep and a mid-boost character when opened up. Combined with the 3-way selector, the guitar offers far more versatility than its straightforward layout suggests. Hardware includes a tune-o-matic bridge with a stopbar and a fine-tuning tailpiece, along with pearloid-button tuners and the model’s distinctive “half-open book” headstock.
Condition-wise, it presents very well for a guitar of this era, with the sunburst finish showing nicely and the build quality living up to FujiGen’s reputation. These Esprit Elites remain sleeper gems from Fender’s most adventurous Japanese era and overall they're built to an impressively high standard. A great choice for players wanting an affordable vintage-leaning, set-neck Fender that stands apart from the usual crowd!