Do I Want This '78 Fernandes Strat Copy?

[Forest Lemon]

There is this Fernandes Strat copy listed locally as a '78 FST-60. It has the large 70's style headstock and "stone logo", but the truss adjust at the heel and apparently it has a V shaped neck. I know nothing about the vintage Fernandes copies other than rumors they can be well made, so any info or opinions on these are appreciated.

Vintage 1970s Fernandes '60s Stratocaster MIJ Vintage Cream -...

Great sounding, excellent build quality and playing guitar from later 70s made in Japan. It's aged appropriately with some desired discoloration in the vintage cream finish/paint. It sounds...

asheville.craigslist.org

 

[rolandson]

Yes
Now stop asking stupid silly questions.

(Better made than anything produced in the states at the time, and some might add...still. Japanese quality is absolutely superior)

 

[Toppalini]

I want it so you probably want it. I am not familiar with Fernandez or their factory, models, or reputation. But. I like that dark rosewood board, and the body looks sweet. I don’t like the big headstocks, but it’s not like it rules it out.

The question isn’t whether you want it, it’s whether it’s a good deal for you! I’m sure that’s what you mean in the question. I can’t tell you that though

 

[3bolt79]

If it’s all original, keep it that way. Nothing quite like picking guitars that are from our yester years.

 

[Forest Lemon]

Yes I guess the proper question is "is this a good guitar for the price", because yes I want almost every Strat I see haha. It seems like a cool guitar but I just don't know what to look for with these old MIJ Strat copies.

 

[Butcher_my_axe]

There is this Fernandes Strat copy listed locally as a '78 FST-60. It has the large 70's style headstock and "stone logo", but the truss adjust at the heel and apparently it has a V shaped neck. I know nothing about the vintage Fernandes copies other than rumors they can be well made, so any info or opinions on these are appreciated.

Vintage 1970s Fernandes '60s Stratocaster MIJ Vintage Cream -...

Great sounding, excellent build quality and playing guitar from later 70s made in Japan. It's aged appropriately with some desired discoloration in the vintage cream finish/paint. It sounds...

asheville.craigslist.org

I have mentioned this in another thread:

Yes, some of the "stone-logo" 70-early 80s Fernandes S-types have been sought after due to their history with Tokai. However, I don't think you can go wrong with any of their MIJ-built models from the 80s-early 90s...

The fact that Fender management from the US, visiting Japan in the 70s, were taken back with the high quality of MIJ guitars built during this period should be indicative of what you're getting into. I assembled a Fernandes partscaster with an 80s ST-40 body and 90s FGZ-400 neck and can vouch for their quality (I'm going to take a jab at saying how much more I love the thin FGZ-400 neck and what Fernandes has to offer as opposed to that 30+ paged PRS SS fanboy thread).

But you know, you should be looking at this from the perspective of how it feels and plays in your hand. Electrics/hardware/setup... these are things that can be addressed down the track.

Compare it to a similar Fender JV, and then ask yourself if you can justify it. Maybe haggle $50-75 less...

 

[FrieAsABird]

Yeah you do want it; post more pics once you have it

 

[rolandson]

Yes I guess the proper question is "is this a good guitar for the price", because yes I want almost every Strat I see haha. It seems like a cool guitar but I just don't know what to look for with these old MIJ Strat copies.

It's a good guitar. Better than good. If it is authrntic and in original condition, it's an outstanding guitar. It would be a "find" at almost twice the price.

Do your homework.
The quality of Japanese guitars was, at the time, superior to what fender was producing here.

Fender, looking to introduce a "budget" line, started having guitars made in Japan. Fender was soon dismayed to discover that these "budget guitars" were better than what the US plants were cranking out. So fender got mad. Took their ball and went home.

I am of the opinion that the trend continues today. But it is a bit difficult to acquire a Japanese strat of current manufacture in the states because they are limited to domestic sales.

Put simply, if I were buying a strat or tele today, I would buy a Japanese made instrument. Regardless of price.

 

[Bane]

If it's a good price, go for it!

 

[Forest Lemon]

I guess my issue is I'm having trouble finding comparable guitars listed so I'm not sure what a good price is for this one. All the other Fernandes I've seen with the stone logo and big headstock have the 3-bolt neck and bullet truss rod, but I may have to just go look at it to decide.

 

[Exhead]

I'd hit that like the last girl at closing time...

Well back in the day anyway.

 

[bluejazzoid]

That looks cool... you should go check it out.

I'm not a fan of vintage frets, but even so my #1 concern with that guitar would be are the frets in good condition, and #2 is the truss rod functional?

 

[Toppalini]

That looks cool... you should go check it out.

I'm not a fan of vintage frets, but even so my #1 concern with that guitar would be are the frets in good condition, and #2 is the truss rod functional?

yeah i always ask these two things

 

[Willmunny]

Beautiful git. What is the ask?

 

[bluejazzoid]

Beautiful git. What is the ask?

$775... and trades considered, so that sounds negotiable to me.​

 

[Forest Lemon]

That looks cool... you should go check it out.

I'm not a fan of vintage frets, but even so my #1 concern with that guitar would be are the frets in good condition, and #2 is the truss rod functional?

Supposedly the frets are at 80% and he said the truss rod works. My main concern is that the neck is straight, but I'll be able to tell if I see it in person. Waiting for a reply currently.

 

[Exhead]

Supposedly the frets are at 80% and he said the truss rod works. My main concern is that the neck is straight, but I'll be able to tell if I see it in person. Waiting for a reply currently.

Strike while the iron is hot is how I live. Of course get a discount if you can but go see it in the flesh so to speak.

 

[Butcher of Strats]

Should be a great guitar based on my experience with that era MIJ Fender copies.
But judge it as an individual, buy it if you like it, price seems fine and maybe even great.
If it is all good.
I might put an MIM neck in the garage when the frets are done but refret a MIJ neck.

 

[Willmunny]

I might try to haggle a bit, but these certainly don't come up often.
And if it's the one for you, don't lose it over a few bucks
Peace

$775... and trades considered, so that sounds negotiable to me.​

 

[Forest Lemon]

Dude has been really flaky with answering communications. Sporadic answers that are never about the questions I ask. Might have to pass on this one unfortunately.