1990s Fernandes Japan FGZ-420 Super Strat - Blue Lagoon
1990s Fernandes Japan FGZ-420 Super Strat - Blue Lagoon
Fernandes are (well, as of 2024, were - pour one out for a real OG) one of the most well-known Japanese guitar builders, legendary for their clones of Fender-style instruments under the Fernandes marque, Gibson-style instruments under the Burny marque, and the almost mythical status of their Sustainer pickup system.
The FGZ series electrics introduced by Fernandes around 1997 and are Superstrats which feature a maple neck topped with rosewood board that is bolted to a basswood body which features a Foto Flame or Foto Quilt (or Graphic Flame/Graphic Gradiation, as Fernandes refers to the material in their catalogues) veneer.
The FGZ-420 gets the "Graphic Gradiation" or Foto Quilt Veneer on an arch-topped basswood body, quality gold hardware, HSS pickup configuration, 5-way pickup selector, and volume and tone knobs.
This example is in pretty good condition overall, save for a couple of light chips, and will certainly make a great Japanese Superstrat for someone at just $500!