Fernandes FTV-70 Natural Gloss 1979
Fernandes FTV-70, Natural finish, made in Japan 1979. This has so much swagger, I love it. Fernandes were one of Japan's most successful guitar brands for many decades, they've made a whole bunch of terrific stuff over the years. By the 80s, the Gibson-style models were branded 'Burny', but for certain periods you can get the cool Fernandes headstock with the mission statement on the front. This model references the classic 1958-style Les Paul Junior Double Cut, so the recipe is super simple: slab of mahogany, one pickup, simple electronics. There's no tricks to hide behind in that formula, so it rises or falls on the quality of the woodwork: this one rises very convincingly. The mahogany on show under the natural finish is gorgeous: dark, consistent dog-hair grain, the ribbon effect when it catches the light right... amazing. The pickguard is non-original, and in a cool little twist it's very slightly transparent; it looks cool. The original tone knob has been switched for a 3-way tone switch, which offers three degrees of bright to dark and works a treat. The neck is a comfy slim C shape and feels perfect, it's got plenty of play on the clock and feels like an old friend straight away. The tone is fantastic: complex and bristling through the mids, open and expressive up high, fast and tight on the bass. Into the shop's JCM800 combo, it's extraordinary. This is made with more care and conviction than just about any recent USA-made example we've had through, so as long as you don't mind a decent dose of quirk, it's a brilliant guitar.
Model: Fernandes FTV-70
Made: Japan, 1979
Serial: 90503
Finish: Natural, gloss poly
Body: mahogany
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, 43mm nut, slim C
Weight: 3.375kg
Mods: pickguard replaced, adjustable bridge installed, tone control replaced with 3-way tone switch
Pickups: Fernandes dog-ear P-90 single coil
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs on the front and sides and dimples on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and play wear on the back only. The back has a hole from a removed strap pin near the neck join, dimples along the bottom side and around the control cavity, scuffs on the horns and back edge and elbow area and a dent on the top edge opposite the jack. The sides have dents near the front strap pin and dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack . The front has a dent on the top horn, dimples around the bridge and elbow area, scuffs around the controls and play wear on the guard and horns. The guard looks slightly rough around the edges if you look very closely.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 7/10, minor wear only