Fernandes / Burny Thunderbirds

stiles72 · February 14, 2012, 11:50:16 AM

These look promising- chrome hardware, Gibson shaped pups, and maybe even a vintage sized headstock. If they are MIJ and have a 1.5" nut, I bet they are really nice.

http://www.fernandes.co.jp/products/burny_bass.html

Aussie Mark · February 14, 2012, 03:15:43 PM

US$880 including free shipping from Japan .....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BURNY-Fernandes-TB-65-CREAM-WHITE-/280762138924?pt=Guitar&hash=item415eba412c

dadagoboi · February 14, 2012, 03:43:34 PM

From the description:
"This item could be back ordered. Please feel free to contact us through the question form before you bid it, then we will inform you the specific date for delivery. Please note that the pictures of the brand new items are samples. The actual wood grain differs between each individual items."

Pickups appear to be the crap ones used on bolt on Epiphone TBirds. I'd think you could buy a used Gibson through neck TBird in the US for around $1k. And it would keep its value, something I'm not sure a "Burney" could.

TBird1958 · February 14, 2012, 04:25:56 PM

But by the time I put chrome parts on a Gibson.....I'm spending lots.
I can tell by looking those aren't Epi's pups, tho they'd still need replacing

I like the chrome 3 point and clover tuners, it's a maybe for me.

Dave W · February 14, 2012, 04:43:40 PM

Earlier thread here: http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=5042.0

IMHO way too expensive for what you would be getting.

Quote from: dadagoboi on February 14, 2012, 03:43:34 PM
From the description:
I'd think you could buy a used Gibson through neck TBird in the US for around $1k. And it would keep its value, something I'm not sure a "Burney" could.

Agreed.

FrankieTbird · February 14, 2012, 05:00:29 PM

Nice... but one too many pickups.

Denis · February 14, 2012, 06:55:52 PM

The tuners on the natural one are perpendicular to the neck, unlike the others which have angled tuners. Useless information, I know...

stiles72 · February 15, 2012, 10:57:46 AM

The pickups are most likely the same ones going in the Epi Pro series - they have the TB+ shape and the three screw holes, similar to Barts. I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I actually really like the neck pup on my bolt on Epi-Blue Bird. I roll the tone off on it 90% of the time and use the Lull bridge pickup (set for treble) to add bite or sparkle.

For someone who wants a white Bird with chrome hardware, I think it's a fair deal even factoring in the cost of a set of Thunderbuckers. Epiphone Elitists ran around $700-$1000, and post '88 white Gibsons (with black hardware and pups that would need to be swapped out) are hard to find these days and usually fetch more than a grand. Then add in the cost of the chrome goodies.

TBird1958 · February 15, 2012, 02:18:20 PM

I guess we'll find out a bit more in a week or so.......

I have a white one on the way.

Dave W · February 15, 2012, 03:06:04 PM

Hope you got it at a good price.

stiles72 · February 15, 2012, 03:23:31 PM

I just got an email from Ishibashi confirming that they do have a 1.5" (38mm) nut, and are made in China. Look forward to seeing what you think of it!

Aussie Mark · February 15, 2012, 07:06:57 PM

Quote from: stiles72 on February 15, 2012, 03:23:31 PM
I just got an email from Ishibashi confirming that they do have a 1.5" (38mm) nut, and are made in China. /quote]

If that's the case, they must be the most expensive instrument ever made in China, by around 200% - usually Chinese guitars and basses sell for no more than $300.

Chris P. · February 16, 2012, 03:15:05 AM

Chinese Fenders are around 500 dollars in the US?

dadagoboi · February 16, 2012, 06:58:25 AM

Quote from: Chris P. on February 16, 2012, 03:15:05 AM
Chinese Fenders are around 500 dollars in the US?

A 'Made in China' Epiphone Pro IV Thunderbird (with through neck) is $499 delivered in the USA.

Dave W · February 16, 2012, 08:15:19 AM

Aren't the Wankwick Rockbasses made in China? Most of them are over $500.