Fernandes FST Identification (Moved)

[scrumpymanjack]

Amazing thread. Thank you for putting all of this together.

I have just come across an old Fernandes strat, tobacco burst and with serial number stamped on the fretboard (63XXX from memory, perhaps I've missed an additional number in the middle . Maple neck. The decal has been scrubbed off so no other obvious visible clues about its age or what sort of pick-ups it would have. Any telltale signs beyond taking the pickguard off (which is going to be impossible)? Also, and related to that, any idea what I should expect to pay for it - it's got ware comensurate with age (ie. looking great!) and non-original softcase. Thanks in advance!

 

[Sigmania]

Sounds like it was made in 1976.

Does it have the smaller pre CBS headstock, or the larger CBS headstock?

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Sounds like it was made in 1976.

Does it have the smaller pre CBS headstock, or the larger CBS headstock?

It has the smaller one. Four-bolt neck plate. I should have taken a picture of it. Really silly of me.

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Sounds like it was made in 1976.

Does it have the smaller pre CBS headstock, or the larger CBS headstock?

I'm assuming, like Tokai, that Fernandes produced guitars back then at different price points. Is that true? And, if so, how on Earth do I go about trying to work out where this particular guitar sits? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sigmania]

Yes. There were models at different price points.

This catalog is supposedly 1977, but I would bet it is earlier based on the logo.

I’m definitely not a Fernandes expert. Just trying to help until one shows up.

 

[Sigmania]

FST-85

The biggest feature of the FST-85 model is the body material, which is made of two types of wood: Fernandes’ custom-made mahogany and Fernandes' own silver heart wood.

Both trees are large, measuring about 1.5m in diameter, but Fernandes imports them as logs, and under consistent quality control, saws and seasons them to make body materials.

The body specification is no ply, 2-3 piece, and well aligned.

The paint is made of cashew finish and Fernandes

There are two types of unique old-style finishes.

The wood grain is used as much as possible. The neck is one piece of maple with a rosewood fingerboard. The head is an old type.

Old type FST-80 Special finished (Cashew ¥80,000)

 

[Sigmania]

FST-90

The FST-90N is made of silver heart wood with a natural finish, and the FST-90MC is made of mahogany with a clear finish. Both are types that allow you to see the bare wood as it is, so we paid special attention to the selection of wood and the finish of the bare wood.

As for parts, we use high-quality, reliable switches (FST-85 and above).

FST-100,105

The top-of-the-line FST series models, the FST-100 and 105, use two types of completely one-piece body material, silver heart wood and mahogany. They have an old finish that uses a painting method developed from the method established for the Les Paul series.

The FST-100 comes with a sunburst-style paint job as seen in the photo, but the FST-105 can be finished with a full old-style, elaborate paint job (available on a special order).

This model also maintains the same basic approach of emphasizing "total balance" as the Les Paul series. It also has excellent response time, allowing the musician to accurately express their intentions as sound.

Even in areas that cannot be seen with the naked eye, we have paid attention to each part and implemented various unique ideas that cannot be found anywhere else.

Specification

Body, silver heart wood, Mahogany, full one piece neck, maple one piece, (Rose Saka principal, pickup Alnico single coil, 1 volume control, 2 tone control, switch lever, switch, roll, tomock type, color VOYS old) *Still working on this section. Hard to translate. Very faint and blurry image.

FTE and FST series left-handed special orders are 20% more expensive

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Incredibly helpful, as always. I'm very grateful for all of this information.

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Ok, so I went back to the store today and bought the guitar. They had cleaned it up a little in the two days since I saw it, and they set it up. I plugged it in and it rang out like a bell - that beautiful, clear strat tone. Felt great and looked even better - at least, to my eye.

The pickguard is missing a screw, and it has definitely been opened up. Seller said he thought they were the original pups but he wasn't sure. The nut has been replaced (brass or something now!?). I think everything else is in order but, since I know nothing about these guitars, I'd appreciate it if someone with expertise could chime in.

Anyway, here are some pics together with a slice of the Tokyo autumn. Could resist!

I still don't know what I bought, so if anyone can shed light from the images, I'd be very thankful.

 

[scrumpymanjack]

One more thing: seems pretty clear that the original decal was this one....not sure if that helps to identify model better.

 

[Sigmania]

Very cool! Congratulations.

Made November 22, 1976.

Is the body 1 piece?

Looking at the back where it is worn makes me wonder if that is cashew finish.

Fernandes were the first to use cashew finish on guitars. Tokai used it on the most expensive models.

Cashew finish has a sort of yellow or amber tone. It really stands out under different lighting like LED.



Cool guitar.

 

[Sigmania]

If you can tell if the body is 1, 2 or 3 pieces that will help in narrowing it down.

FST85 and apparently FST90 had a 2-3 piece body.

FST100 and FST105 specifically had 1 piece bodies.

I’m still not clear on how their finish colors differ.



Great find.

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Hi Sigmania. Thanks for all of this input. I'm pretty sure the body is two piece - can you see the join at the height of the tremolo arm socket running to the bottom of the body? That's a join, right? No others visible, so I would say two piece.

I took a chance on this because, on the second viewing, it just "spoke" to me. I know that sounds super corny but it looked ultra cool as soon as I took it out of the soft case it came in. It also helped that they were asking $250, including tax etc., which felt more than reasonable to me. I jumped at it.

I'm not sure about the cashew finish, but I'd love to think that you're right!

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Anyone know where I could get a replica Fernandes spaghetti decal like in the picture I posted? Thanks.

 

[Sigmania]

Ok. So 2 piece.

My understanding of the catalog translation is that the FST85 had cashew finish. The FST90 had “clear” or “natural “ finish.

Again, I’m not clear on the distinctions of the finishes on these. So sounds like either the FST85 or 90.

I think you did good. Especially since it speaks to you. Congratulations again.

And not sure where you might find a decal. There is a Fernandes group on Facebook if you’re on there. Probably a good place to ask.

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Amazing. Thank you again. I've donated to your excellent work in the past, and I also it again. Much appreciated.

 

[Sigmania]

Glad that some of that was helpful. As I said, I’m not a Fernandes expert. I just started gathering info on them on here because of the tie-in with Tokai and was curious.

Hope you find a decal. Keep us posted.

And thanks for the donation. I know it helps keep the site running.

 

[scrumpymanjack]

Just as a follow-up, and for anyone reading this and wondering, it's an FST-85.

 

[Sigmania]

Very cool.

Any luck finding a decal?