1984 Orig Fender Flame Elite like Robben Ford Played

1984 - first year model. Fairly rare model--especially with Fender post-production Kahler, getting more and more scarce as the years go by; only the 3rd Master Series I ever got in...

The Esprit/Flame was the predecessor to the Robben Ford Signature Model, which was basically the same guitar in a custom shop version (see pic of Robben with Esprit Ultra).

Fender had been trying to steal a portion of Gibson's market for many years, namely a guitar with dual humbucker's on a double-cutaway body; guitars like the Coronado, Wildwood, Starcaster, etc., and all failed.

In the mid-80's Fender's effort was the "Master Series", which included the semi-solidbody Flame and Esprit , and the D'Aquisto hollowbodies, with 3 models in each line, priced according to cosmetic appointments. The Flame, very similar to the Esprit but in a slightly smaller (13" vs. 14") and slightly asymmetrical body, made of alder with tone chambers and a spruce top. They came in 3 different models with the top of the line being the Ultra, followed by the Elite, and finally the Standard. The Elite (this model) featured upscale appointments such as snowflake fretboard inlays, multi-layer binding on body, bound neck, multi-layer headstock binding, pearloid tuner buttons, and on the headstock, inlaid pearloid logo and "fan" inlay with "Flame" written in cursive black. Other features of the Flame Elite include asymmetrical chambered Alder body with Spruce top and set-neck, 3-pc maple neck with rosewood fretboard, 24 3/4" scale (same as Gibson), special Schaller humbuckers and Schaller hardware including roller-saddle bridge and tailpiece with fine tuners. Rather than the Schaller tailpiece, this one features an original Kahler locking tremolo which was post-factory, installed at Fender after the guitar arrived in the USA. My guess is that the locking trems were just starting to take off in a big way and this was Fender's way of hopefully grabbing some of this market as well as the Gibson market.

The Schaller humbuckers are controlled by 3-way switch and coil splitter switch to allow choice of humbucker of single coil toes. The Master Series had a brief run, with the Flame officially produced from ca. '84 to '86 but actual production run was less than 2 years. Total production for all models is said to be only around 4,000 units.

Click on link for more info on the master Series

Click on link for more info on the Master Series as from Vintage Guitar Magizine

All Master Series have become highly prized guitars, due to both their quality and versatility - and due to their rarity. This one is in beautiful condition and a great find! Includes original case with key and fancy Kahler trem arm. Case is better than average - all latches intact but one of the three hinges is loose.