Fernandes RST ’59 Model (R-8) Stratocaster The Revival MIJ 1990's - CAR

Up for sale is a Fernandes R-8 Stratocaster from the “The Revival” series, made in Japan, likely in the early 1990s.

This is a very attractive vintage-style Stratocaster with a Candy Apple Red finish, basswood body, and a rosewood slab-board fingerboard. Based on the neck stamp, I am listing this guitar as an R-8 model.

Because this guitar has a slab-board rosewood fingerboard, it is best described as a ’59 Model style Stratocaster rather than a ’64 Model. The exact catalog designation is not listed in the Japanese domestic Fernandes catalogs, and this model appears to have been an export-market model, likely aimed especially at the European market.

Fernandes model names and specifications from this period can be difficult to identify precisely, especially for export models that were not shown in Japanese domestic catalogs. For that reason, I am describing this guitar based on the actual markings, construction, parts, and specifications of the instrument.

One especially interesting point is the pickup and electronics assembly. The pickups and electronics appear to be the same type as those used on Fender Japan ST series guitars from the same early 1990s period. I have also compared the sound and playing feel with similar Fender Japan ST-style guitars from that era, and the response, clarity, and overall single-coil character feel very close.

The body appears to be made of basswood, which is also consistent with many Japanese Strat-style guitars from this period. Considering the construction, materials, parts, and overall feel, this guitar may have been manufactured by Dyna Gakki, one of the well-known Japanese factories associated with high-quality Fender Japan-style instruments. I cannot confirm the factory with absolute certainty, but the specifications and build style strongly suggest that possibility.

The guitar has a clear, lively, and balanced Strat sound, with the bright attack and smooth response expected from a good early-1990s Japanese S-style guitar. It works very well for clean tones, blues, funk, rock, and classic Strat-style playing.

The saddles have been replaced with Fender-stamped saddles. The tremolo arm is also non-original. Other than the saddles and tremolo arm, the guitar appears to retain its original parts, including the pickups, electronics, pickguard, tuners, and most hardware.

The electronics have been checked and are working properly. All pickups are functioning as they should, and the 5-way selector works properly.

The frets show very little wear and still have plenty of life remaining. The neck is in good playing condition, and the guitar has been checked and tested before listing.

Cosmetically, the guitar is in clean overall vintage condition. There are some small dings, scratches, age-related marks, a small ding on the edge of the headstock tip, and some touch-up areas on the body. There is also a visible finish chip / touched-up area on the body edge. Despite these minor cosmetic signs, the guitar presents very well overall, and the Candy Apple Red finish still looks beautiful.

A Fernandes gig bag is included.

Please review all photos carefully, as they are an important part of the description.

(Specifications)

• Body: Basswood
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, slab-board style
• Pickup Configuration: SSS
• Pickups: Original Fernandes single-coils, appearing similar to early-1990s Fender Japan ST-series units
• Electronics: Original, working properly
• Controls: 1 Volume, 2 Tone, 5-way selector
• Nut Width: 42 mm
• Scale Length: 64.5 cm / approx. 25.4 inches
• Overall Length: 99 cm / approx. 39 inches
• Weight: 3.52 kg / approx. 7.76 lbs
• Frets: Very little wear, plenty of life remaining
• Saddles: Replaced with Fender-stamped saddles
• Tremolo Arm: Non-original
• Finish: Candy Apple Red
• Country of Manufacture: Japan
• Estimated Period: Early 1990s
• Case: Fernandes gig bag included
• Possible Factory: Likely Dyna Gakki, based on construction and parts

(Condition)

• Clean overall vintage condition
• Frets show very little wear
• Electronics tested and working properly
• All pickups are working properly
• Normal scratches, small dings, and age-related marks
• Small ding on the edge of the headstock tip
• Some touch-up areas on the body
• Visible finish chip / touched-up area on the body edge
• Candy Apple Red finish still looks very attractive
• Saddles replaced with Fender-stamped units
• Tremolo arm is non-original
• Other parts appear to be original
• Fernandes gig bag included
• Please review all photos carefully for full condition details

(Sound / Playability)

This guitar has a clear and lively vintage-style Strat sound.

The pickups have the bright attack, smooth midrange, and balanced output often associated with Japanese ST-style guitars from the early 1990s. After comparing it with similar Fender Japan ST-series guitars from the same period, the sound and playing feel are very close.

It works very well for clean tones, blues, funk, rock, and classic Strat-style sounds.

The frets show very little wear, so it still has plenty of life left as a player’s guitar.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

■ Our Vintage Guitar Policy

We specialize in Japanese vintage and used guitars and have extensive experience handling and shipping instruments worldwide.

All items are physically in our inventory and personally inspected before listing.

Before shipment, each guitar receives basic maintenance including cleaning, fret and fingerboard care, neck adjustment, and electronics check.

As most instruments are vintage, additional setup may be required depending on the buyer’s playing style and local climate.
Final detailed setup is recommended to be performed by the buyer or a qualified technician.

■ Shipping

All guitars are securely packed for international export and shipped fully insured from Japan.

Shipping carriers may include FedEx or Yamato Transport International, depending on destination and package size.

Additional charges may apply to remote areas. We ship only to the address registered with the payment provider.

Delivery delays may occur due to customs or carrier circumstances beyond our control.

■ Customs & Import Duties

Import duties, VAT, and local taxes are not included in the item price or shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer.

Customs fees are determined by your local authorities and are typically collected upon delivery.