Which one is a better unit

[garyreal]

A p/j fernandes bass made in 1985 or a recently manufactured SX bass?

Please advise.

 

[puddin tame]

so it's all boiled down to a bunch of guys comparing their units

 

[hoshbrown41]

so it's all boiled down to a bunch of guys comparing their units

/thread

 

[garyreal]

Hi, im not actually comparing, someone is offerring me his 26 year old bass. Coz i told him im thinking of buying a replacement bass when my son broke my bass. I was thinking of getting a new sx as i dont have the budget for a good branded bass.

 

[lowphatbass]

Some of those old Fernandes' are pretty nice. If it's in good order and you like the sound I would get the old bass over the new one. I like the "classic" looking models from that period but personally don't care for the "glam rockish" looking models, (unless maybe they're way over the top).

 

[Johnny Crab]

Take the Fernandes if it's been taken care of and no major issues.
I'm partial to Japanese basses anyway...
A few other folks like them too
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernandes_Guitars

 

[Growly Lytes]

Ive heard the SX bass is good to start off with `as is` but needs work.
If you have enough cash you can then start to change parts slowly or at once like
Bone Nut
Tuners change
Change pickups
Get a New Bridge
Some Fretwork if needed for a better feel
Ive seen some of them SX basses `after mods` look & sound like a million bucks man...!

 

[embellisher]

I would check out the Fernandes, and if it is in good shape and you like it, go for it.

I disagree with the previous post about SX basses needing a bunch of mods. I bought a P copy, and it was great stock. All it needed was some sharp fret ends filed in the upper register. Did that myself and wound up with a gig worthy P copy for $99!

 

[garyreal]

I agree with embelisher, also had one sx jazz, the only thing i changed was the strings and scraped the paint. Sounds fantastic. Sold it to buy an acoustic bass tjat was later broken by my son :-(

 

[garyreal]

I agree with embelisher, also had one sx jazz, the only thing i changed was the strings and scraped the paint. Sounds fantastic. Sold it to buy an acoustic bass tjat was later broken by my son :-(

 

[A-Step-Towards]

I had 3 SX jazzes. 2 sucked, one was amazing and I recorded a music video with it.

Still i'd probably take the Fernandes

 

[mazareth]

If it's in 1/2way decent shape, the Fernandez. Some great instruments came out of Japan in the 80s.

 

[WackoStu]

As a Fernandes owner, I would advocate for the Fernandes. Under appreciated quality bass. All conditions apply however as in good neck, pots work, etc. Play it first, but it will suprise you.

 

[Growly Lytes]

Im not trying to say all SX` basses need work but if you do mod it, it can be a much better bass !

 

[Labi]

Im not trying to say all SX` basses need work but if you do mod it, it can be a much better bass !

Well, if you mod it, any bass can be a much better bass

 

[garyreal]

Just got the unit, and i dont think it is the same Fernandes PJR45 that was issued in 1985. This one have active P/J pickups. Not sure about the details but will appreciate if someone can help me id the bass.

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[garyreal]

Was able to do a research about the bass.

It was made by Fernandes Japan, website is Link Removed , same manufacturer of those greco burny guitars.

The bass details are as follows:

Brand: Fernandes
Model: FRB65
Year produced: 1988
Body: Basswood
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Rosewood
PickUp: (N) Precision (B) Jazz
Electronics: Active System with active tone contols
PickUp design: FGL sound research group
Price at the time introduced to the market: ¥65000

The advertisement:

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Anyone knows how to read MIJ... just want to know the details of the MIJ chars that describes i think the active tone control system which is a new feature that time.