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What Fernades Bass is this?

D

Distorted Viola

May 7, 2010
4
0
#1
I just bought a Fernandes bass identical to the one attached (expect mine is metalic blue). I picked it up on Craigslist for $50.00. It plays really well. I can't find out what kind of Fernades Bass this is. The closest I can find is a Fernades FRB-40. However, all the info for that model is in Japanese so I don't know if the US model was called something different.

It has a bolt on neck and P/J pickup config. One tone, two volume controls.

The serial number is: FG02041027 (if that helps)

It sounds and plays great (for the money).

I'm just curious as to what model it is, so if anyone knows please shout it out.


Thanks.
 

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#4
I thought it might be a Gravity as the shape and the headstock are the same. However, what makes me think it might be something else is that the pickup configuration is different. Mine has the P/J config (precision type split pickup in the middle and jazz bass type pickup at the bridge). All the pics I have seen of the gravity seem to have two jazz bass type pickups. That's why I'm confused.

Update: I have just seen pics of Gravity basses with the P/J config. But these seem to all have active electronics and come with four knobs (two volume, one tone and a blend). Mine has passive pickups and only three knobs (two volume and one tone).

The person I bought it from didn't know much about it... it was a gift from an old boyfriend. She thought it was about 6 years old (maybe more).

The mystery continues.

Thanks for the input.
 
#5
OK, I'm getting closer. Now I think it's vintage, circa 1980.

Here is a link to the exact bass on a Japanese vintage guitar site:

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Same bass except mine is metallic blue.

Still want to know what it's called in the US.

Thanks
 
#11
I have an FRB 45; Here it is on the Fernandes Japan website:

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I purchased it in Canada in 1988 or 1989 for Can $450, plus tax. I see them selling new on Ebay for about $700, but they sell for the yen equivalent of about $450 in Japan, from what I can tell. It has a medium-scale neck. Guitar players love it because of the slim neck and compact body. Because, I think, of the small, lightweight body, some low frequencies are missing. Also, it's not sonically ideal for slapping, but it's just fine for finger style and pick work. I used it exclusively in scores of concerts and club engagements over a five year period. It has never needed any major work, except a pickup replacement sometime in the nineties. Currently, I have a pickup from an MIM Fender Precision in the neck position and an inexpensive jazz-style pickup in the bridge position. I own some premium basses (Music Man, Peavey USA Cirrus, Fender Jazz and Fender Precision) , but I still use this bass from time to time, partly because it is so lightweight and comfortable, partly out of nostalgia. It always sits nicely in the mix.
 
#12
Hi TalkBass,
I'm about to buy a fernandes bass for 280$.
Seller says that it is 94-96'MIJ LEB-1 bass. But I can't find anything about LEB series in fernandes' catalog.
Can anyone tell me more about this bass?

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PS: I've read and heard only positive opinions about fernandes guitars and basses.
 

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