Up for auction is the Fernandes FST-55 The Function Strat produced in Japan in the mid to late 80’s - this model has been long out of production. Note that the headstock on this particular model is a copy of the Fender Stratocaster guitars known as the “pre-lawsuit” models (Fernandes started to change the headstock on these guitars in the 80’s due to a threat of a lawsuit by Fender and Gibson for Fernandes Burny line of Les Paul copy guitars). This model (FST-55) is part of a series called “The Function” (there were numerous variations produced under these series) this particular one has the HSS pick up configuration and locking nut and 2-point pivot tremolo (non-locking) with fine tuners on top of the block. The specs for this one were based on Fender Japan very popular STM Stratocaster series but the difference being the lower price point (15% to 20% cheaper) and additional standard features such as the locking nut and the bridge with fine tuning. The tone pot has also a push-pull function that allows the humbucking pick up in the bridge position to be split to a single coil (coil tap) giving additional 2 different tonalities in position 1 and 2 of the 5-way selector switch.

For some of you that are not aware of this guitar company, they have been in business since the 60’s and made great faithful copies of Fender and Gibson famous guitars and basses. They eventually started production of their own designs and variations of the classic models. Several famous guitar players did help endorse this brand throughout the years (Brad Gillis, Jeff Watson, Craig Goldie, Adrian Vandenberg, Mick Taylor, John Mayall, Rick Derringer, Neil Schon, etc).

The body (Alder) color is white now more off-white due to aging. I received it with gold hardware but since they were tarnished and with issues, I replaced them with brand new equivalent black hardware (I added a photo showing it stock). 

I upgraded the original bridge with a Floyd Rose style locking tremolo which I think helps the tuning stability.

I imported this guitar from Japan a while back, never played it much and never took it outside the house. It stayed in a hardshell case for the most part. I like it a lot but I need to “downsize” my guitar collection.

The neck shape is a “U” shape – thin and fast. It has 24 ¾” scale like a Gibson Les Paul so there is less string tension improving playability.The width at the nut is about 1 5/8” (on the narrow side). There is almost no visible wear on the frets (medium jumbo) and the radius on the fretboard is a modern 14” (although it does not feel as flat) and now it has new D'Addario 9 - 42's.

There are a few scratches and nicks on the body - the larger one being a crack in the finish - it appears that someone put down the guitar too hard on a hard floor causing the paint and clear coat to crack– I tried to show in the close up photos. All the electronics are original and in proper working order but I had to replace the tone pot that was seized with a new push pull type. This guitar has long have been out of production and it is becoming very, very difficult to find! The fit and finish of these guitars are excellent (I own a few other Fernandes guitars from the 80’s / early 90's and they are all great guitars) rivaling other more famous brands that costs way more. As a comparison I added a photo side-by-side with a similar Fender Japan Stratocaster from the 80's which is the STM-65 FR.

Since I'm starting the bid low and without reserve, it will be sold "as is". But bid with confidence - this is a very rare and great sounding guitar.

Payment method preferred is Paypal and it is expected within 48 hours (e-check will have to clear my paypal account before I can ship the guitar) after the end of the auction. Note that the actual shipping charges shown do not include insurance – if you would like to add insurance or signature confirmation please contact me so I can re-calculate and add these services to the shipping charges.

Sorry but no international bidders for this one and I'm not interested in trades at this time! If you don't have a feedback profile of 10 positive or more or if you have negative feedback don't bid on this auction - I will cancel the bid.

Good luck and happy bidding! Please check my other auctions.