Japan · Est. 1969
Fernandes Guitars
The Japanese brand known for its Sustainer pickup system, which allows infinite sustain and unique expressive possibilities unavailable on other instruments.
About the brand
Fernandes Guitars was founded in 1969 in Tokyo, Japan, initially as an acoustic guitar manufacturer. The brand pivoted to electric guitars in the 1970s and became well known in Japan before gaining international recognition through its Sustainer pickup system.
The Sustainer — developed in the late 1980s — is a unique electromagnetic driver built into the neck pickup position that feeds back energy into the strings, producing infinite sustain without the volume levels required to achieve natural feedback. The system has been used by artists including Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood and Steve Howe of Yes.
Fernandes also produced high-quality copies of Fender and Gibson designs during the 1970s, some of which are now highly collectible vintage items. The brand continues to operate but with a reduced international presence compared to its peak in the 1990s.
Key facts
- Founded in 1969 in Tokyo, Japan
- Sustainer pickup system enables infinite sustain at any volume level
- Sustainer used by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead and other innovative players
- 1970s Japanese-made instruments now collected as high-quality vintage guitars
Iconic models
Fernandes Sustainer
The most famous guitar with a built-in electromagnetic sustainer system, capable of sustaining notes indefinitely through a unique active circuit.
Fernandes Ravelle
An offset body model from Fernandes, popular in Japanese alternative rock and adopted by various artists for its unique aesthetics and available sustainer system.
Fernandes Dragonfly
A solid-body guitar from Fernandes known for its quality construction and the option to incorporate the brand's sustainer system.
Fernandes APG
Fernandes' acoustic-electric guitar with a piezoelectric system, which expanded the Japanese brand's catalog beyond electric guitars.