1984 Fender D’Aquisto Standard opinions

**Chris236** · 01-09-2023, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by markb

I am mulling over the early 80's Epi Emperor F a member has for sale. Thoughts/comparisons?

I’d prefer the Epi to the Daquisto sound-wise for sure….it’s going to be a warmer more mellow box, like a 175. That said there are plenty of lawsuit 175’s out there for quite a bit less, they sound great and play great. If I was in your shoes I’d probably be looking for one of those.

**Jimmy blue note** · 01-09-2023, 11:54 PM

Originally Posted by markb

I am mulling over the early 80's Epi Emperor F a member has for sale. Thoughts/comparisons?

I've tried quite a few of them but personally, I never felt a connection. I get the feeling that the top was just a little thicker and less responsive than I needed for the light touch of my fingerstyle playing. Good workmanship and a beautiful instrument, but with the two pickups in a larger top, it's built heavier than the Fender D'A which I felt a good affinity with. I felt a more articulate and responsive feel with the D'A, but could definitely see someone being able to get more drive out of a larger Epi. Are you a 16" or 17" player?
Personal taste for sure. They're not that similar in my book so it would depend on your playing style and hardware. Heavier pick and more of a strum player, you may be able to get more of the potential out of the Epi than I did. I've always felt a better match with a single 16" so really, it's a match up with who you are as a player.
Both are good and both will be best with the right match with the player.

**markb** · 01-10-2023, 01:04 AM

Thanks for the replies folks. @Jimmy blue note. Great insight. I'd probably be more comfortable with a 16 vs.17" and a shorter ~24.75"scale length than the 25.5" Epi. That's what drew me to the Fender DA. My Collings I35 has the perfect scale length for jazz chording with smallish hands. I do fine with my fender scale solid bodies but I play less "stretch" chords with those. I've played for years but only recently got back into jazz seriously. I'm a finger picker trying to get back to using a pick. Im using very heavy mandolin picks. They seem to work for me.
@Chris236. I like your "lawsuit" suggestion. I played late 70's Ibby 175 years ago that played wonderfully. I'm a bit partial to the Venetian cutaway over the Florentine though. Not a game changer by any means.

**Sam Sherry** · 01-10-2023, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by markb

I'd probably be more comfortable with a 16 vs.17" and a shorter ~24.75"scale length than the 25.5" Epi.

Mark, that word "probably" reflects that you are speculating, which in turn suggests that you don't have personal experience on point.
I hear that. I feel that.
I've bought a bundle of guitars online. Some have worked out even better than planned and some have sucked eggs.
But I'm willing to pay to learn.
Many people don't see it that way. For them, what I do isn't 'paying to learn,' it is 'losing money on used guitars' a/k/a "idiocy."

How do you get past speculation based on lack of in-hand knowledge?
The only two ways I can think of are either 'paying to learn' or putting your hands on enough guitars to develop a current preference.

The watchword is, "Caveat emptor -- buyer beware."
Here, that's not so much 'beware of getting rooked' (although that is a thing).
Rather, 'Be aware, there is usually a cost to guessing.'

All the best in your quest!

**markb** · 01-10-2023, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sam Sherry

Mark, that word "probably" reflects that you are speculating, which in turn suggests that you don't have personal experience on point.
I hear that. I feel that.
I've bought a bundle of guitars online. Some have worked out even better than planned and some have sucked eggs.
But I'm willing to pay to learn.
Many people don't see it that way. For them, what I do isn't 'paying to learn,' it is 'losing money on used guitars' a/k/a "idiocy."

How do you get past speculation based on lack of in-hand knowledge?
The only two ways I can think of are either 'paying to learn' or putting your hands on enough guitars to develop a current preference.

The watchword is, "Caveat emptor -- buyer beware."
Here, that's not so much 'beware of getting rooked' (although that is a thing).
Rather, 'Be aware, there is usually a cost to guessing.'

All the best in your quest!

Thank you, Sam. Very well put and appreciated. I should know better. I've been around the block too many times. It's nice to be reminded.

**markb** · 01-15-2023, 03:13 AM

Well folks I made a purchase. I want to thank everyone who shared their knowledge and experience in this thread. I ended up buying a 1984 FDA Elite. I was able to play a Standard and it was very comfortable. Unfortunately it wasn't in my budget and honestly overpriced. Then while pursuing the TGP I saw the Elite in the Emporium. Connected with a great seller and agreed to a deal. Maybe I'll post a NGD post with some pics when I receive it.