(SOLD) Fernandes MG-80X Hide Signature Black 1991
Fernandes Hide signature MG-80X, black, made in Japan circa 1991. Hide, born Hideto Matsumoto, made his name as lead guitarist for Visual Kei waymakers X Japan. Both X Japan and Hide's subsequent solo project sold millions of records, and he was such a big deal that at certain points in the 90s he had not one signature model, but a whole catalog double page of them. This is based pretty closely on the classic BC Rich Mockingbird, so it's got the classic body shape and headstock design, but with a few key differences. The pickups are standard, the mismatched visuals are part of the thing. The neck pickup is an overwound PAF style, so it's got plenty of punch and heaps of singing brightness, whereas the bridge pickup is a big ceramic HB with a massive crunchy growl. It's a really great sounding guitar, it really took me by surprise how balanced and articulate it can be given it's shred-tendencies. The neck is also awesome: flat, slim, straight and super, super quick. The cloud inlays look awesome too. Being such an unusual shape, you can't exactly call this a 'quiet achiever', but it packs a huge punch and definitely counts as dark horse. Awesome.
Model: Fernandes MG-80X
Made: Japan, 1991 approx (no serial)
Finish: gloss black
Body: mahogany
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 13.75" radius
Weight: 3.320kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Fernandes SH-1x humbucker (neck), DH-1 humbucker (bridge)
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dents along the back edge, a chip out of the plastic cavity cover and widespread light scuffs around the body. The sides have some dimples in the elbow area, a couple of blacked out small chips near the rear strap pin, a couple more little chips and dimples near the jack, and some dimples on the bottom horn. The front has a couple of scratches near the pickup switch and around the tailpiece, some dents on the top horn up from the neck pickup and widespread light scuffs around the whole body. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets are in good shape, 8/10 for fret life left. All electrics tested and working properly. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.