Fernandes
Since 1969
Established in Tokyo, Japan in 1969 as Saito Gakki, Fernandes Guitars is one of the most innovative institutions in Japanese guitar history. Renowned as the corporate parent of the revered Burny vintage-replica line, Fernandes made permanent musical history in the 1980s by developing the world-famous Fernandes Sustainer system—an electromagnetic technology that generates controllable, infinite string feedback and harmonic sustain at any volume level. Championed by icons like The Edge (U2), Steve Vai, Kerry King (Slayer), and Robert Fripp (King Crimson), Fernandes produced both high-tech signature instruments (Ravelle, Vertigo, Dragonfly) and historic 1970s lawsuit-era Fender and Gibson tributes.
57
Years in Business
1.2M+
Guitars Sold
$22M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Fernandes Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Fernandes guitars.
Fernandes Price Overview
Fernandes covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$620
+8.3% vs last year
eBay Listings
480
Active listings
Sold This Month
140
+6.9% vs last month
Price Range
$350-$1,800
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Fernandes Timeline
Saito Gakki Established
Founded in Tokyo, initially producing flamenco and classical guitars before renaming to Fernandes in 1972.
The Stone Logo & Lawsuit Golden Age
Manufactured ultra-accurate Fender and Gibson replicas (The Revival series) partnering with FujiGen and Tokai factories.
Invention of the Sustainer
Pioneered the patented Sustainer pickup driver, allowing infinite acoustic feedback and harmonic octaves.
The Ravelle Debut
Unveiled the bold, sweeping Ravelle body shape, winning Guitar Player Magazine awards and finding a home in hard rock and metal.
Sustainer Kit Standardization
Sold standalone FSK-401 and FSK-101 retrofit kits worldwide for guitar technicians and custom builders.
Cult Vintage & Technology Legend
Fernandes instruments enjoy booming second-hand demand due to their irreplaceable infinite-sustain sonic capabilities.
Complete Fernandes Product Lineup
The Fernandes Sustainer isn't an effect pedal—it is an electro-magnetic transformation that turns a guitar into an infinite sonic canvas.
Sustainer Series (Infinite Feedback Technology)
Equipped with the patented Fernandes Sustainer system offering Standard and Harmonic feedback modes.
Carved maple top, mahogany back, Seymour Duncan JB + Sustainer driver ($680–$1,150 used)
Double-cutaway shredder with Floyd Rose and full Sustainer circuit ($580–$950 used)
Iconic retro-futuristic offset body with dual-mode Sustainer ($550–$900 used)
The Revival & Vintage MIJ Era (1970s–1980s)
Highly coveted pre-lawsuit and lawsuit-era Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster replicas built in Japan.
1954/1957/1962 vintage Strat replicas with nitro finishes ($750–$1,350 used)
Early 1978–1981 production featuring the historic stone-carved headstock emblem ($650–$1,100 used)
Artist Signature & Rock Series (JG, Monterey, APG)
Offset and modern rock guitars designed for alternative rock, post-punk, and heavy metal.
Offset body, HSS or humbucker setups, popular in indie and shoegaze ($420–$680 used)
Modern ergonomic carved singlecut with set mahogany neck ($520–$820 used)
"The Fernandes Sustainer isn't an effect pedal—it is an electro-magnetic transformation that turns a guitar into an infinite sonic canvas."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Quintessential Infinite-Sustain Hard Rock Weapon
Dual-Mode Sustainer System
Standard mode holds notes infinitely at the fundamental pitch; Harmonic mode generates a singing fifth or octave overtone above the played note.
Carved Solid Maple Top & Mahogany Back
Deeply arched maple cap delivers biting pick attack, paired with dense mahogany for massive low-end authority.
Seymour Duncan Bridge Pickup Integration
Factory-fitted with a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in the bridge for searing rock crunch when the Sustainer driver is inactive.
The Golden Age Japanese Pre-CBS Stratocaster Tribute
Accurate 1950s/60s Body Contours
Deep belly and forearm carves closely replicating 1954 and 1962 vintage Fullerton specifications.
Vintage-Voiced Alnico Staggered Pickups
Delivers that glassy, bell-like vintage Stratocaster sparkle with transparent touch-sensitive dynamics.
Rapid Value Appreciation
With vintage Tokai and Greco prices crossing $1,500, Fernandes Revival series guitars remain the smartest MIJ value play.