Fernandes-ab180 like series 1

[goran]

Is it really 1979?

https://www.mercatinomusicale.com/mm/a_fernandes-ab180-alembic-msb-copy-1979_id7225223.html

[matbard]

Yes it is.


And it's way overpriced, too.

[edwardofhuncote]

Well. I don't know about that anymore. To be right upfront, I don't want one, but devil-his-due, these are pretty well made direct copies, clones, what have you. That one in particular is in perfect condition, all there, even has the power supply and the cable in the original hardshell case. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of these I've seen in that shape.


So looking at it purely from a pricing perspective... that's half or less what a real Alembic will cost in 2022 money on this silly little ball of molten iron whirling through space. I still don't want it. 77-621 would never speak to me again.

[lbpesq]

The Fernandes Alembic copies were indeed very well made as far as the woodwork goes.   Where they fell short was in the pickups/electronics.   Not bad at all, but not Series I Alembic.   One of my main players is a Fernandes MH-110 Masterhand guitar.  Though the body shape is not a direct copy (more Strat-like), it is otherwise an ”Alembic” style.   I replaced the PU/electronics with the real deal and added RMC piezo saddles and a 13 pin output for hooking it to a Roland guitar synth.

You can see it here:  https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=20043.msg205426#msg205426

Bill, tgo

[gtrguy]

Yes, they must have put a ton of effort into making such close copies. I get a kick out of my Fernandes FAG guitar. However for me, pristine clarity is not what I look for in guitar electronics.

[goran]

Is there a story behind Fernandez copies, why they copied Alembics? I mean did guys at alembic knew what was going on?

[lbpesq]

It seems there were several manufacturers who made Alembic-like instruments in the late '70s to early 80's in Japan and Korea.  The Fernandes copies and the Aria Pro II RS850 sported low impedance active PUs with a dummy hum canceller, filters and Q switches.   Several others, like the Ibanez Musician series, some Cort guitars, Westone, Daion, Fresher, Greco, and others made hippie sandwich instruments that were very much influenced by Alembic. 

Bill, tgo

[gtrguy]

I think there was an Aria that actually had Alembic PUPs, wasn't there?

[lbpesq]

I think there was an Aria that actually had Alembic PUPs, wasn't there?

I believe that was the Aria Rudy Suarzo bass.  And, IIRC, Wolf (Sonicus) has one.

Bill, tgo

[bigredbass]

Rudy had an endorsement with Aria in those days, and had several of the two-pickup SB basses modded with AXY's to replace the stock units.

A quick look around Japanese basses in the 80's reveals a huge influence and reverence for Alembic.  Any cursory look at OG Ibanez Musician basses, the Aria SB's, the Yamaha BB's, and even the Daion Mk XX would leave no doubt to an experienced eye who they were reflecting in these designs.

[lbpesq]

I love it!  A reference to the Daion Power Mark XX - my all time favorite production line guitar.  I have one in each color and a couple of the basses, which are also outstanding, as well as several of their other instruments including the Headhunter H-555, a Gibson ES-335 type semi-hollow with a wide Omega cutout at the bottom.

Bill, tgo.