Seeking to confirm what the body wood is on this 90's Fernandes. I just assumed it was alder but recently saw descriptions of same model in ash. Thanks --
Really hard to guess wood based on a photo of a finished instrument, but that doesn't look anything at all like ash to me. Alder would be believable but there are a lot of other species that it could be. If you had to pick between alder and ash, alder it is.
Also doesn't look like some of the more typical woods from the west coast factories. If I recall Fernandes was a west coast shop, right? Anyways, I think those shops often used western cedar and poplar just due to availability, which neither match that grain. I'm leaning towards Alder as well.
Although I believe they did have an American division at some point, Fernandes is a Japanese company and this bass was made in Japan. It’s an excellent copy of a Fender jazz bass.
If those are the two choices, alder. It could possibly be something native to the factory’s location (Japan?) that’s similar to alder and was labeled alder for marketing.
I always assumed Fernandes basses were manufactured in Mexico. I sort of desired one because of that. I don't know why
I nearly bought a Fernandes Jazz in the early 80's. It was a great bass but the seller was asking a Fender price for it and I passed on it.
Looks like "paint grade" Alder to me. I have several body sets in stock that pretty much look like that. I personally woodn't (soz) use it for a burst, I prefer ash for bursts. However...if I was to make a sparkle flake paint finish then this is the type of wood I'd use.
Whats the weight? Isnt ash generally heavier than Alder? I have a Warmoth Jazz and that body is HEAVY.
Ash weight can be all over the map. I've had ash bodies that were among the heaviest I've ever weighed and others that were among the lightest I'd ever weighed. Alder tends to be kinda middle of the road for weight IME and more consistent. It's not light but it's not super heavy.
I'm curious as to why you're asking. Simple curiosity? Something to do with changing out hardware? Something to do with redoing finish? Listing it for sale and want to be accurate?
Just be careful with curiosity. It breeds more curiosity. The deeper you dig, the more questions you uncover. And before you know it,.... Ancient aliens.