Please help me identify my fernandes

[alzebub666]

I recently bought this fernandes from a friend who had it for 10 years, it's a Made in Japan model, no idea how old it is, it looks similar to the new revolver models, anyone have more info please?

[sneakypete]

can`t from those pics.

[VintAxe]

Hey alzebub666.

It is difficult to tell much from your pictures but I'll do my best.

The paper serial number sticker on your headstock indicates your guitar was made in the 1990's. As far as I can tell, no one knows if the actual number has meaning or not.

From what I see your Fernandes looks like this AFR-70S from the 95-96 Fernandes catalog. Compare your guitar to this picture and see what you think.



I've got an extra copy of this catalog available for sale cheap here:
http://www.vintaxe.com/forsale_catalogs_japanese.htm

[Spud1950]

Here's a larger picture of alzebub666's guitar. It's not the same model.



I'm pretty sure it's one of these, page 6 of the same catalog.



Floyd Rose style trem, locking nut, two pickups,two knobs,etc.

[VintAxe]

You have better eyes than I Spud1950.

That guitar looks all black to me. I can't distinguish any specific features.

[alzebub666]

Thanks spud, I now know it's definately an AFR-65X, my model has been refinished dark blue, the original finish was a lighter dark blue like the one in your pic, it's also had a cut switch added to it, in it's original state it's a dead ringer for the one your pic, thanks again

[alzebub666]

I just removed the neck to adjust the trussrod, and there hidden on the butt of the neck it's printed AFR 65 and the date 1997, it also has the letters GBU but I don't know what that means

[sneakypete]

removing the neck is always the first thing I do when I get an older MIJ, often find the answers to questions there or under the pickguard.
GBU...gunmetal blue?

[alzebub666]

yeah, you're probably right sneakypete, the model, serial, origin and year have already been denoted so GBU would more than likely denote the finish

[sneakypete]

yeah based on the MIJs I own I`d bet thats the finish code but when it comes to English thats been Japanized things can get very odd over here, words take on different meanings. Even after so many years in the country it`s hard to say for sure what they mean all the time.