James D'Aquisto Signature models were designed by Master Luthier James D'Aquisto, following his initial designs for the Master Series (1984-1985). James D'Aquisto Signature Series models were handcrafted in Fender's Custom Shop.
In 1984, Fender contacted D'Aquisto to design three arch top guitar models to be produced in Japan under the Master Series designation. The top-of-the-line Ultra was an acoustic model with a 17 in. body width, carved spruce top, carved figured maple back and sides, 25.5 in. scale, and an optional floating pickup attached to the raised pickguard. The Elite has a 16 in. body width, 24.75 in. scale, arched spruce top, one humbucker, and ebony tailpiece/bridge/fingerboard/pickguard. The Standard model has a laminated maple top and back, and features two humbuckers and rosewood instead of ebony. All Japanese-built Master Series models feature a "Designed by D'Aquisto" headstock engraving. It is estimated that only thirty Ultra models were built, and 1,000 Elites and Standards. For the D'Aquisto Ultra model see the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars.