Fernandes Files for Bankruptcy

[Dave W]

Fernandes Guitars Files for Bankruptcy

They haven't been much of a factor in the US in a few years, no doubt due to competition, but it's still sad. They're an old, respected company. And they still have the Gibson style Burny basses and guitars. I wish Gibson had that much variety!

[gearHed289]

Wow, that is too bad. Kind of surprising to see Fernandes failing while companies like Schecter and ESP carry on.

[ajkula66]

Sad news indeed. I like their older stuff for the most part, haven't had much exposure to the instruments made in this millennium.

[hieronymous]

My second bass was a Fernandes copy of Paul McCartney's Ric - here's a pic from the catalog:

[Dave W]

Hi Harry!

Those were really good basses.

Whenever I think of Fernandes, it reminds me of a notorious former Twin Cities music store/pawn shop owner. He was a Gibson dealer but couldn't get Fender. But he did carry Fernandes and used to tell customers in all seriousness that Leo Fender stole all his ideas from Fernandes.

In the mid 90s he was busted in a sting by a local TV station over a consignment guitar sale. He sold out a couple of years later, supposedly after being beaten up by an angry customer.

[Grog]

Aabes?

[Dave W]

Aabes?

Yep!

[Alanko]

An interesting brand that, from my experience, didn't get a big foothold in the UK. Some budget guitars were available (those Les Paul copies with the scalloped body edge) and a few other things, but they were rarely to be found in shops. This would be circa 2005 or so, so I associate them with Nu Metal as a lot of their guitars were black or gunmetal grey.

The sustainer pickup is popular still, so hopefully somebody picks that up and continues production.

[uwe]

My Gene Simmons Punisher was built by Fenandes - a very well-made bass.