Fernandes Bass Serial Number

I'm creating this guide because Fernandes guitars, particularly their 1970's and 1980's Fender clones, are becoming very popular collector's items on eBay, and because there is some confusion about the dates of the guitars among eBay sellers. Many of the eBay sellers simply don't know how to date the guitars they have, and a few, unfortunately, may want to mislead bidders as to the actual age of the guitars. My hope is this article will serve as a general guide to those either buying or selling Fernandes guitars.

Jan 01, 2010 Dating a Fernandes Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by jonathon41uk2, Jan 1, 2010. I have a fernandes Bass guitar that is made in japan and has a serial number, but no model number. I am trying to sell my bass guitar to a shop/on ebay/on craigs list. The Vertigo X brings the power of the Deluxe with an affordable price tag. It features an Alder body, bolt-on Maple neck, 22-fret Rosewood fingerboard, high-output dual humbuckers and more!

The guitars I'm most interested in dating are the 'Burny Olds', 'Limited' and 'Revival' series produced in the 1970's and 1980's. Later guitars such as the Sustainers and other newer models are not my area of focus.
First, a quick note about the term 'lawsuit guitar': You may often see this term used in relation to Fernandes guitars, but the truth is that Fernandes was never sued by Fender over the shape or quality of its guitars. It's a story that's been around a long time, since it was told to me by the store owner who sold my my first Fernandes strat clone back in 1985 (pictured below). The truth of the matter, however, is that Fender never sued anybody. Gibson did sue Hoshino Gakki, the company that marketed guitars under the Ibanez brand name, but in the end, Hoshino did not lose the suit, even though they (and other Japanese guitar companies) did end up changing the designs of their guitars slightly to avoid further litigation. Fernandes only began changing its headstock shapes in 1985, as you will see below. Another thing I've found out recently is that many Fernandes guitars were made at the Fujigen factory in Japan, which also made the legendary vintage Ibanez, Greco, and even the first Japanese Fenders (under the Squier brand). So their pedigree is guaranteed.
I'm basing my findings below almost entirely on catalog scans of 1970's and 1980's catalogs that can be freely accessed and viewed at the Fernandes Japanese corporate web site, at www.fernandes.co.jp. The headstock images I've used here are captured from those catalogs, and, unless noted below, copyright on all images I use in this article should be assumed to be owned by Fernandes. When catalogs are not available, I've attempted to use scans of Fernandes magazine ads, when they can be dated with certainty. I do not guarantee the date ranges I show, they are just my best, educated guess. In particular, the oldest catalog I have access to is from 1973, so I can't tell you if those headstocks/logos were in use prior to that date.

What I recommend is that you look at the shape of the headstock of the Fernandes guitar you want to date, taking note of the design of the logo as well, and then match it as closely as you can to one of the images below. This can be difficult when dating guitars made close to the end of the 1990's as Fernandes started using a different logo shape on guitars with black-painted headstocks (FERNANDES is all caps) before it began using the same logo on guitars with natural-stained headstocks. So take note.

1973 - 1977

The Fernandes logo at this time was similar in font and style (particularly the 'F') to the Fender logo. I'm not saying they were purposely copying the design. It's just my personal observation. (Covering my legal butt here.) The headstock shapes themselves were clones of the Fender strat and tele shapes.
(1977 Catalog scan)
(1977 Catalog scan)

1978 - 1981

The Fernandes logo shifted to its own design, preceded by a stylized icon that sort of looks like an F, I guess, and followed by 'Fernandes Corporation LTD' and lots of tiny writing above that. Headstock shapes remain clones of Fender shapes.
(1978 Catalog scan)

1982 - 1985

The icon thing disappears, and the tiny writing after 'Fernandes' reads either 'LIMITED EDITION' or 'REVIVAL SERIES'. The tiny writing below 'Fernandes' reads 'Electric Sound Research Group'. The shapes remain Fender clones.
('The Limited' model, 1985 Catalog scan)

1985 - 1986

The dates get a little blurred here, since I know for a fact I bought my strat clone (LIMITED EDITION) in 1985, but the headstock does not show up in catalog scans until the 1986 catalog. The change here is not one of logo design or wording, but of headstock shape. This is the first change to the shape. The rounded 'nose' of the strat-clone headstock is replaced with a kind of hook-shaped nose, and the tip of the tele-clone gets a bit of a point to it:

(Photo by Chuck Evans)
(Photo by Chuck Evans)

1987 - 1996/1997

The next major change to the headstocks took place in 1986-1987, when both the headstock shapes (for the strat and tele clones) changed again, and the logos changed slightly. Note how the tele 'pointed nose' got even pointier. This headstock change is the important one, as you'll see LOTS of Fernandes guitars with these shapes offered as 1970's or 'early' 1980's models on eBay. To the best of my knowledge, this particular logo design was discontinued circa 1997 in favor of the modern, 'All Caps' version of the logo described next.
(Strat model)
(Tele model: Photo by Chuck Evans)

Fernandes Tremor Bass

1990's and Beyond

As I said above, Fernandes' use of their logo and the various designs began to vary among models beginning in the early 1990's, which is when their 'all caps' FERNANDES logo began to appear in advertising, and on some guitars:
(Ad scan)
A note about 'non-US market' Fernandes guitars: Recently someone sent me a picture of a Fernandes strat with a very modern logo (as shown in the image directly above this paragraph) but a decidedly 'Fender' shape to the headstock. Since the person was in Brazil, all I can think is that Fernandes may have been selling non-altered headstocks in the non-US markets well after the mid-1980s and possibly into the 1990s. Certainly, other guitar brands kept Gibson-style headstocks long into the 1980s, including Tokai, Greco and Burny. So anything is possible, I suppose. That's the only 'late' Fernandes I've ever seen, though.
I hope this guide helps you in your selling or buying decisions. Thanks for getting this far.
Oh, and one more note: This is the total extent of my knowledge of Fernandes guitars. I really can't help you date other models or offer you opinions on value, etc. They are fantastic guitars, easily of the quality of MIJ Fenders and other brands, and I love the few of them I've owned and had the pleasure of playing.
-Chuck Evans (cevans999)

Sort:

View:

Fernandes FRB-70 Revolver Bass 1986 Pearl White Made in Japan + Gigbag
This was the first year of production for these basses and is possibly a prototype style model. Alder body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard with 350R and 34' scale. Plays nicely without problems and is a bargain at the price I am asking.
Brand: Fernandes
AU $145.00 postage
Fernandes Revolver Sustainer Guitar, Japan 90's, Active - Black Dot Music
1990's Fernandes Revolver guitar with sustainer active pickup. The sustainer pickup sounds fantastic! You can get crazy effects with this guitar. Fernandes built this guitar for shredding. Where do you hear another pickup that sounds like this?.
Brand: Fernandes
or Best Offer
Fernandes Monetery Deluxe (Ocean Camo)
Deluxe model boasts Black/White binding and Abalone split-trapezoid inlays in an ebony 22-fret fingerboard, EMG-81 and 60, black hardware. MONTEREY® DELUXE. 22 Jumbo Frets, 14' Radius, Abalone Trapezoid Shape Inlays.
Brand: Fernandes
or Best Offer
Fernandes Vortex Deluxe Limited with hardcase
Vortex® Deluxe Limited. Colors: Red Bevels. Bridge: Tune-O-Matic W/Stop Tailpiece.
Brand: Fernandes
Fernandes LD-85KK Love Driver L'Arc-en-Ciel Stratocaster
Fernandes LD-85KK Love Driver L'Arc-en-Ciel Signature Model Golden Glitter. The overall playing condition is good and without any problems. Frets are in great shape.Truss rod can be adjusted. All electronics works fine.
Brand: Fernandes
or Best Offer
Star Wars Storm Trooper Guitar SW-85ST w OHSC
2001 Fernandes SW-85ST Star Wars Storm Trooper Electric Guitar with Official Hard Shell Case. This item is listed as Used but is in Excellent Condition! Perfect item for collectors and Star Wars enthusiasts! This Fernandes SW-85ST guitar was made in Japan under license in 2001 and has been beautifully preserved. Inside the case is also the owner’s manual (in Japanese), cardboard tag and a Star Wars collectible guitar pick in mint condition. Perfect for displaying as a Star Wars centerpiece in your home, office or shop! May the Force be with you!
Brand: Fernandes
or Best Offer
Fernandes Explorer, The Function, Black, MIJ, 1985
1985, Made In Japan serial. BX-75, “The Function” model. Flat and fast 12” modern radius fretboard. Alder body finished in high gloss black. Big tones, 3 way switching option. ITEM CONDITION.
Brand: Fernandes
0 bidsEnding Today at 16:36 AEST4h 1mLocal pickupBrand: Fernandes
fernandes function guitar 1985
Fernandes function guitar 1985. Condition is Used. serial number L025538 RST 70 54 built by Tokai japan odd and rare revival series that couples with a '54 style body with a '58 style rosewood neck that is vintage style in this case decalled as the function series which is a modern style instrument. Pickups are a vintage style alinco.Tuners are a vintage Kluson style nickle plated.Jack is US switchcraft.Strung and set up for a 10-46 gauge with floating tremlo,action,neck and intonation.Buyers can arrange their own postal
Local pickup
or Best Offer
Brand: Fernandes

1,897 items found from eBay international sellers

Fernandes LS-75 Monterey Electric Guitar Made in taiwan 1993/2000 with gigbag
Die Gitarre befindet sich in einem gute Zustand mit wenige optische gebrauchspüren am body. Hals und bünde dagegen sind pracktisch neuwertig. TOP Seitenlage. Sehr guter Humbucker ( original). Hasn't been played in about 10 years!
4 bids
AU $16.10 postage
Ending 13 Jun at 6:12 AEST6d 17hFrom GermanyBrand: Fernandes
GRECO / Les Paul LG-70 / Japan 2002
Gebrauchte E-Gitarre von Greco (Fernandes). Mit dem originalen Greco Humbucker Set. Heavy used Greco Guitar. Original Greco Alnico Humbucker Set. Untouched genuine Greco Electric. A Les Paul Typ LG-70 Model.
From Germany
Free postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES / Revolver Deluxe EMG + Case
Gebrauchte E-Gitarre von Fernandes. Die Gitarre ist technisch OK und ohne große Reparaturen. Used Fernandes Electric Guitar. EMG 85 am Neck. EMG 81 am Steg. EMG 85 at Neck /EMG 81 at Bridge. Ein Revolver Deluxe Modell.
From Germany
Free postage
Brand: Fernandes
Fernandes Retrorocket made In Japan. Inkl Di Marizio PUs
Japanische Hardware => Funktioniert gut und hält die Stimmung. - Di Marzio PUs Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) Config. Durch die Di Marzios hat sie eine ganz eigenen Sound und klingt nur bedingt nach Strat.
From Germany
AU $26.54 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Used Fernandes RLC 50JS Electric Guitar From Japan
Fernandes RLC 50JS Electric Guitar. We are not responsible for such fees on your countries. Accessories: Non-genuine soft case. Warranty: 3 months. Weight: 3.67 kg.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES THE FUNCTION FST-65 Used
The neck joint: detachable (bolt-on). We are 'East Island Crew' from Japan. Neck Scale: Long. Number of Frets: 22 frets.
From Japan
AU $236.44 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Used Fernandes FR-65 RH White Electric Guitar From Japan
Fernandes FR-65 RH White Electric Guitar. FR-65 of Fernandes has arrived! The contoured body is easy to hold and highly playable. The mini switch is a direct switch. Accessories: Non-genuine soft case, non-genuine arm.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Used Fernandes RAVELLE ELITE FT See Thru Blue Electric Guitar From Japan
Fernandes RAVELLE ELITE FT See Thru Blue Electric Guitar. Ravelle Elite with Sustainer! There is a neck waist broken, but the play condition is good. Color blue. Commodity rank B: There are a lot of wounds & feeling of use but there is no problem in the use usually.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
USED Electric Guitar FERNANDES ZO-3P UK England Union Jack Color
From Japan
AU $7.16 postage
Brand: Fernandes
1987 FERNANDES REVIVAL STR*T BODY - made in JAPAN
Tremolo is included. REVIVAL stamped saddles. finished in candy apple red, worn.
From Germany
AU $16.10 postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES LIMITED EDITION ST TYPE Used
Several minor scratch/mark can be seen. Tremolo: synchro type. Color: White. Number of Frets: 22 frets. We are 'East Island Crew' from Japan.
From Japan
AU $236.44 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Used Fernandes Function Order Model Vintage White Electric Guitar From Japan
FERNANDES electric guitar 'FUNCTION Order model' is! Enjoy dynamic arming play and powerful sounds! We can confirm nick and abrasion and have a feeling of use. There is a repair mark of the head chipping.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Fernandes The Function Flying V Electric Guitar - Black Red Trim
The frets and fretboard are in good condition with light wear. Guitar works perfectly and sounds great.
From United States
AU $84.39 postage
Brand: FernandesCustoms services and international tracking provided
Used Fernandes APG-55 TRB Electric Guitar From Japan
Fernandes APG-55 TRB Electric Guitar. We are not responsible for such fees on your countries. Accessories: Non-genuine soft case. Weight: 3.88 kg. Residual fret: about 60%.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Fernandes Stone Logo Electric Guitar Ref No 2182
Fernandes Stone Logo Electric Guitar. Model: Fernandes, similar to Stratocaster. Unknown, no string. Stone Logo. Dents, scratches, and paint peelings are seen on body, head, and other parts. This applies only to products that originally have hard case.
From Japan
AU $181.99 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Fernandes RLC-85S 2011 BLK Electric Guitar Burny Sustainer Fast Ship Japan EMS
MPN: RLC-85S 2011 BLK (RLC 85S 2011 BLK). Series: Burny. Equipped with 2 mode sustainer light system and 'FTR-11 Tremolo'. The latest technology. Features: Equipped with lock type tremolo and sustainer.
From Japan
Free postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES APG STANDARD Electric Guitars
・ NECK: Mahogany, 628 mm Scale Set-Neck. The state has a dent near the head 6 strings, but overall it will be a good product with less feeling of use.
From Japan
AU $42.99 postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES PAINT-ZO hide Paisley mini Travel Electric Guitar Built-in Amp Nomad
OUTPUT: for Amplifier Jack x1, for Headphone Mini Jack x1. COLOR: BLK/PAINT. BRIDGE: ORIGINAL.
From Japan
AU $173.32 postage
Brand: Fernandes
1984 Fernandes Stratocaster Contemporary 'The Function' Made in Japan FST-65
From United States
AU $207.78 postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES FR-65 RH White Electric Guitar Used good condition from Japan
You may not get your favorite guitar when you order it from this reason. Sorry for your inconveniences in this case and I hope you will get this guitar by your early decision. Includes: Soft Case. There is no problem with the performance.
From Japan
AU $71.65 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Late 1990's Turqoise Blue Fernandes Decade S/S/S Electric Guitar in Gig Bag
Up for sale is a Late 1990's Turqoise Blue Fernandes Decade S/S/S Electric Guitar in Gig Bag - weighs 7.6 lbs.
From United States
AU $82.30 postage
Brand: FernandesCustoms services and international tracking provided
From United States
AU $138.80 postage
Brand: FernandesCustoms services and international tracking provided
Fernandes APG-100 Mahogany USA Design Transparent Black Made in Japan
APG-100 is designed by Fernandes USA Team and made in JAPAN. FERNANDES APG-100. BODY : MAPLE TOP 17mm MAHOGANY BACK 28mm. FRETBOARD : ROSEWOOD. NECK: MAPLE. WIDTH : 42.5mm at nut, 35mm at E to E. COLOR : SBL (TRANSPARENT BLACK).
From Japan
AU $197.75 postage
Brand: Fernandes
mocking bird shape Target by fernandes guitar same model used by xjapan & Hotei
TOMOYASU HOTEI - ROCKET DIVE (Live). guitar by Fernandes Guitar. Every piece of the guitar is in original condition. Mint condition! It is a steal for who knows great guitar is. Copy this link into your browser.
From United States
AU $93.77 postage
Brand: FernandesCustoms services and international tracking provided
From United States
AU $147.95 postage
Brand: FernandesCustoms services and international tracking provided
FERNANDES FST-75 From Japan.
It is an electric guitar 'FST-75' of FERNANDES. Hello, I will support your music life from Japan. There are many good quality products throughout Japan.
From Japan
AU $229.28 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Vintage '70s made Fernandes Burny Stratocaster FST-50YS Stone Logo Made in Japan
Fernandes Stone logo. '70s made Fernandes Stratocaster. High quality made Stratocaster. Stone logo series is a high quality Japan made Electric guitar. J.10 Fender Japan JM66. Made in Japan. ・Finger Board.
From Japan
AU $35.82 postage
Brand: Fernandes
FERNANDES LOVE DRIVER
Number of frets: 21 fret. Our Products are 100% Authentic.
From Japan
AU $256.50 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Used Fernandes BURNY FGZ - STANDARD 2011 Silver Sunburst Guitar From Japan
Fernandes BURNY FGZ - STANDARD 2011 Silver Sunburst Electric Guitar. Color sunburst. Basic information. Fret 80% to 70%. Truss rod available.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
80’s Fernandes Stratocaster Electric Guitar Body White Cream Relic Floyd
Up for sale is an 80’s Fernandes Strat Guitar body in cream white. Made in Japan. It's in solid shape. The tremolo hole studs are worn out and need a little work. They're spaced for a Floyd Rose.
From United States
AU $84.76 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Excellent Fernandes the Function Electric Guitar Ref.No 1426
Maker : Fernandes. Model : the Function. No problem in performance. This applies only to products that originally have hard case. Weight: 3650 g. Truss Rod: Unknown.
From Japan
AU $181.99 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Used Fernandes FST-55 Black Electric Guitar From Japan
Fernandes FST-55 Black Electric Guitar. [Country of manufacture]: Japan. [Case]: Soft case / not genuine. It is a model where a gold part shines on a body / head top unified to black. ■ Weight: 3.54 kg.
From Japan
AU $141.86 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Burny/Fernandes RLG55 2009VGT Gold top Les Paul padded gigbag, new waranteed.
There is no added cost for string changeover or reset.
From United Kingdom
AU $25.99 postage
Brand: FernandesCustoms services and international tracking provided
Fernandes Ravelle Std Body Type
Fernandes ravelle std body type, Serial number : FG05040989. Item Title.
From Japan
Free postage
Brand: Fernandes
Edel-STRAT Vintage FERNANDES 'The Revival' Japan1985 Sammlerteil ungespielt Case
Die Hardware war Fender-Blech-Standard (kein Geiz seitens Fernandes, Ziel war ja 'Revival'). Das Blech fiel aber gegenüber der Holzqualität so stark ab, daß mancher sich als Hardware. Holz und Verarbeitungsqualität der Revival-Serie waren TOP .
From Germany
AU $14.33 postage
Brand: Fernandes
Excellent Fernandes FR-55S PPW Sustainer Lite Electric Guitar Ref No 2303
Model No.: FR-55S PPW Sustainer Lite. Normal, no problem. This applies only to products that originally have hard case. You can enjoy playing music.
From Japan
AU $181.99 postage
Brand: Fernandes