Fernandes The Revival R-8 | Part 1

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Introduction

Fernandes "The Revival" electric guitars were featured in the company's catalogs from 1981 to 1990. At a glance, these instruments appear to be fairly accurate reproductions of vintage '50s to '70s-era Fender Stratocasters. For more information on this series, do visit the Fernandes Catalog Archive. And now, allow me to present a metallic red "The Revival" S-style. It belongs to a very nice Kemaman chap who, in his own words, "owns a few guitars." He's had it in storage for years, and believe me; it shows.

Fernandes The Revival R-8

Metallic Red Finish

Headstock

The headstock face is adorned with a gold "Fernandes" logo, and smaller decals that read "The Revival," "Electric Sound Research Group," and "Original Custom Body." Other appointments include six-in-line Kluson-style tuners, a single "butterfly" string retainer for the E and B strings; and a walnut truss rod plug. On the back of the headstock is a large black-and-white paper sticker with "Fernandes," the serial number "011199," and "Made in Japan" printed on it.

Front of R-8 Headstock

Back of R-8 Headstock

Kluson-Style Tuners

Serial Number Sticker

Maple Neck

Now we shift our focus to the maple bolt-on neck, the measurements of which are listed below. 

• Width at 1st Fret: 1,70"
• Thickness at 1st Fret: 0.89"
• Width at 12th Fret: 2.06"
• Thickness at 12th Fret: 0.96"
• Width at 21st Fret: 2.22"

This is definitely a one piece neck with no separate fretboard. The back of the neck features a "C" profile, tinted gloss poly finish, walnut skunk stripe and rather attractive figuring. Meanwhile, the neck heel bears an "R-8" stamp, which is the closest I've gotten to identifying this guitar. The neck heel is also where the truss rod adjustment screw is located.

One-Piece Maple Neck

Walnut Skunk Stripe

R-8 Neck Pocket

"R-8" Neck Heel Stamp

R-8 Truss Rod Adjustment Screw

Maple Fretboard

The fretboard, like the back of the neck, is also finished in tinted gloss poly. It features a 25.5" scale length, 7.25" radius, 21 vintage-size frets; and black dot position markers. The width of the nut as measured is 1.69 inches. As to what material it is made of, do take a closer look at the file marks. Sure looks like bone to me.

Bone Nut

Fretboard Radius is 7.25"

Vintage-Size Frets