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Description
The Stratocaster "Blue" by Fernandes
This is a Fernandes Stratocaster that has a slanted Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 in the bridge, and a Sperzel locking tuners (Was replaced in 1994). Owned by Billie Joe Armstrong.
The Fernandes Stratocaster “Blue” refers to a rare blue-finished Strat-style electric guitar made by Fernandes Guitars, best known as the iconic instrument associated with Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. It is typically a Japanese-made Strat copy from the 1980s–1990s Fernandes lineup, often modified heavily over time and originally finished in a bright blue that can fade with age. The guitar is valued for its classic Strat-style feel combined with the solid build quality of Fernandes’ “lawsuit-era” instruments. Most versions feature traditional Stratocaster ergonomics, making it comfortable and versatile for rock and punk playing. Because of its association with a famous signature instrument and its limited original finish, the “Blue” versions are highly sought after by collectors.
Specs
• Model: Fernandes Stratocaster (commonly RST/Revival-series Strat copy)
• Finish/Color: Blue (often Sonic Blue / Daphne Blue-style, can fade over time)
• Body: Alder or similar tonewood (varies by production year)
• Neck: Maple, bolt-on construction
• Fingerboard: Typically rosewood or maple (model-dependent)
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Frets: Usually 21–22 frets (varies by model)
• Pickups: Usually SSS configuration (some modified versions vary heavily)
• Bridge: Vintage-style tremolo system (Strat-type)
• Controls: 1 volume, 2 tone, 5-way selector switch (standard Strat layout)
• Origin: Made in Japan (Fernandes “lawsuit-era” Strat copies)
Videos
Secrets of Rock
Billie Joe Armstrong “Blue” Guitar History Green Day | Guitars of the Gods
Billie Joe Armstrong “Blue” Guitar History Green Day | Guitars of the Gods
Secrets of Rock
Building Billie Joe Armstrong's Guitar 'Blue' - Alegree Idolcaster S1 E2
Alegree
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fernandes Stratocaster "Blue".
Comparisons
Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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The Daphne Blue finish is specifically sought for creating a replica of Billie Joe Armstrong's iconic guitar.
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Mods and upgrades
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Billie Joe's Blue uses a 500k volume pot directly wired to the jack with no tone pots, and the other pickups and switch are disconnected.
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The Seymour Duncan SH-4 pickup is specifically used in replicas to achieve Billie Joe Armstrong's tone, indicating a popular mod choice for this guitar.
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Setup and maintenance
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Graph Tech saddles are retained; Sperzel locking tuners and Schaller strap locks are part of the setup for stability and ease of use.
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Features and functionality
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It's reported that achieving Billie Joe's tone requires a medium gain tube Marshall amp turned up loud for the characteristic deep crunch sound.
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Other
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There's a discussion on whether the volume and tone pots have been physically switched or just the knobs, indicating a focus on authenticity in replicas.
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Build quality
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The RST-80 model is noted for its nitrocellulose finish, which suggests higher quality materials and craftsmanship compared to other models.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 17 Ratings
history
had this guitar since i was 8 years old, the craziest thing is i've tried to make it look like blue (Billie Joe from green day's guitar) and ive used masking tape and a sharpie and ive taped over the tape to stop the marker from fading.
Artist usage
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In this Rig Rundown video of Billie Joe Armstrong’s guitars and gear, his tech Hans shows one of Billie Joe’s most famous guitars, the Fernandes Stratocaster copy named Blue. The guitar shows a lot of wear and is covered in stickers. Starting at the beginning of the video, 0:30 in:
“The guitar everyone likes to hear about most is Blue, Billie’s guitar he got many years ago for his birthday. And it’s the same guitar, he’s still playing it. There’s a pic of him there on the back.”
The interviewer asks if there are any modifications Billie Joe Armstrong has done to it, to which his tech replies:
“I replaced - it’s a Seymour Duncan SH-4, which just sounds great, and… not really much. This is the biggest mod, having the pickup angled like that. It’s a completely different sound than having it just straight, like in a Les Paul. I’m still trying to figure it out in my mind, why it sounds that way, but it just does. Eddie Van Halen - same thing, his guitar has the pickup angled. ”
The tech then confirms that Billie Joe Armstrong uses this guitar to perform Green Day’s older material live, which is all Eb. He also confirms that guitar is strung with Ernie Ball .010 - .046 strings.
Blue's official model is a Fernandes The Revival RST-50 '57 - dating from early 1980. The official color is "Sonic Blue" - which is the same one Fender Japan used on their guitars as the guitar was manufactured by Fuji Gen Gakki (whom made Ibanez and the Fender Japan instruments).
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Tre Cool can be seen using Billie Joe Armstrong's Fernandes Stratocaster "Blue"
Album Usage
The Fernandes Stratocaster "Blue" has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fernandes Stratocaster "Blue", it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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