Original first run of Fernandes Brad Gillis Signature model BG guitar

Its Johnny from the AXN Boutique.I am able to verify this guitar as part of the very first run of Brads Gillis signature Fernandes guitars manufactured for Brads endorsement deal with Fernandes. These signature models were a collaboration with Brad Gillis and Fernandes in 1982-1983. The first signature models were released without Brads signature on the headstock .. oh and of course a square input jack on the side of the body. Fact!

Fernandes never manufactured anything Fernandes was a marketing brand that outsourced all other facets of the guitar business. In Japan Fernandes used the best luthiers and guitar making companies to manufacture guitars under the brand name Fernandes in the 1980s.

This guitar was manufactured by Tokai in late 1982-early 1983. ( yes right next to thos famous Tokai Les Pauls ) I will authenticate this guitar as being manufactured by Tokai for Fernandes in 1983.

In 1983 ( late in the year 1983 ) Fernandes shifted all manufacturing from Tokai to Kawai. This one predates Kawai taking over instrument production in late 1983.Here is just a few of the details that I’ve used to authenticate this guitar as” the first run of Fernandes BG guitars released for sale by Fernandes”.

* Original and unique BG Fernandes neck specification for 1982 signature ( 100% unique to BG model 1982-1983 )

* Stone Logo Fernandes neck plate

* Fernandes FRT 3 B black single locking tremolo with humpback locking nut

* 1982 Tokai single coil pickups

* 1982 - 1983 volume/tonen pots

* Square side input jack

* No Brad Gillis logo on the headstock

* Tokai truss rod period correct 1982-1983

* 1982 Fernandes logo on the SB3000 preamp/booster

* BG 1 stamped in body pickup cavity

* 4 ply pick guard

These are a couple of the things that date the guitar to late 1982-1983 Fernandes production. I know Fernandes BGs and it is the real deal. This guitar like a super boutique handmade guitar… because it is. It really is the ultimate BG and uber collectible.

As s some of you may know  I am a well-known collector of Fernandes Brad Gillis BG Guitars. Here at the AXN boutique we’ve sold near to 50 original 1980s BG Guitars an a few from the first 100 endorsed by Brad in 1983 and of those first guitars only a few had his signature on the headstock. Most of the BGs with his signature were released in 1984 and there were lots of those made and sold mostly in Japan. Also The later BGs fit into an organized model series for Fernandes BG signature guitars such as the BG80, BG 120 and BG 155 etc.

The neck on this guitar has those unique neck specifications of a BG from the original run of Brad Gillis Fernandes signature 1983 guitars. Again this one has a beautiful choice rosewood fretboard and the ultimate feeling rocknroll neck.

Here at the AXN Boutique we’re over 25 years as a vintage guitar dealer and in my opinion you have a verified BG one that brings the high prices that I regularly get for authenticated and serial numbers BGs and it’s just as awesome!

I am also a well-known collector of Fernandes Brad Gillis BG Guitars. Here at the AXN boutique we’ve sold near to 50 original 1980s BG Guitars

This guitar displayed every detail displayed is it verified as original with one modification the original humbucker has been replaced with a 1980s Seymour Duncan JB. The original factory production line installed humbucker has been removed. This is the only issue that would degrade this collectible guitar from taking top collectability and prices. That said , again this is from the very first run of BGs produced and includes 100% of Brad Gillis’s specifications in every regard without variance !

The 4 ply pick guard, fernandes BG unique pickup selection switching the SB300 booster is in perfect working order and the additional factory BG jack hole on the side of the guitar is visible in photos showing period correct Fernandes/Tokai 1982 manufacturing process.. It’s in great shape with minor digs and scratches that are shown in the pictures and this guitar rocks like a monster in every way and it is equal to  the best Fernandes BG series type guitars I have ever owned.

DELIVERS WITH used Fernandes original HARD CASE

* Neck: Choice Rosewood

* Nut Size: R2 1982 Floyd Rose FRT3b system

* Headstock : Strat

* Pick Guard : Fernandes BG 4 ply

* Frets : 22 jumbo

* Neck Radius : 14”

* Neck Shape : Brad Gillis BG 1982

* Pickup : factory fernandes removed replaced with 1980s JBJ  

* Bridge : Fernandes Floyd  FRT3B from factory

* Scale Length : 25.5

* Body : Alder with markings making it 1982 first run

* Finish : BG unique color

* Tuners : Gotoh 90 degree