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Pricing and availability
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Description
The Fernandes LE-1 is a solid body electric guitar that seamlessly marries classic design with modern innovation, making it a versatile choice for both aspiring musicians and seasoned pros. Known for its Sustainer System, the LE-1 delivers infinite sustain, allowing your notes to resonate endlessly, creating a rich tapestry of sound. Whether you're crafting soaring solos or laying down rhythmic landscapes, this feature empowers you to explore new sonic territories with ease.
Crafted with an alder body and a maple neck, the Fernandes LE-1 offers a balanced tonal foundation with a bright and articulate sound. The rosewood fretboard provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience, making it easy to glide across the 22 frets. This guitar is equipped with a trio of single-coil pickups that offer a diverse range of tonal possibilities, from warm, vintage-inspired tones to sharp, cutting leads. The five-way pickup selector switch lets you effortlessly tailor your sound to fit any genre or style.
Adding to its allure, the LE-1 includes a vintage-style tremolo bridge, allowing you to add expressive vibrato to your playing. The combination of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge technology makes the Fernandes LE-1 a standout choice for guitarists looking to push the boundaries of their musical creativity.
Key Features:
- Solid alder body with a maple neck
- Rosewood fretboard with 22 frets
- Sustainer System for infinite sustain
- Three single-coil pickups for versatile tones
- Five-way pickup selector switch
- Vintage-style tremolo bridge
Videos
J-Guitar Music Shop
Fernandes LE-1 Stratocaster made in Japan
Fernandes LE-1 Stratocaster made in Japan
J-Guitar Music Shop
Fernandes LE-1 Strat Guitar Made in Japan 1990’s
johnnyangel69
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fernandes LE-1.
Comparisons
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Considered better than Mexican Strats, comparable to ESP 400 series Strats and Teles from the same era for quality and hardware.
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Owners emphasize that Japanese-made Fernandes LE-1 guitars are comparable to USA custom shop Fenders, at a fraction of the price, especially highlighting their superior craftsmanship over Korean and Taiwanese versions.
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Features and functionality
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Early models feature a vintage 7.25" radius or a 14" radius, distinguishing them from later models with re-shaped bodies.
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User experience
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Known for high-quality control, matching or exceeding that of Mexican Fender Strats, offering a reliable playing experience.
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Use cases and applications
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Noted that Kirk Hammet used a similar model with a bridge humbucker and Floyd Rose, implying versatility for rock or metal genres.
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The Fernandes LE-1 is recommended for players seeking a Strat-style guitar with comparable quality to higher-end models without the hefty price tag, especially suitable for those who appreciate Japanese craftsmanship.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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This Is and Always was a 1991 Fender Made in Japan Strat Black pickguard, 2 white single-coil sized pickups and a black full-sized humbucker in the bridge, Serial # I 006414. The bridge humbucker was a Seymour Duncan '59. The last tone knob had come off. It was first used in June 1991, and by August 1991 Kurt added the sticker, "Vandalism: Beautiful As A Rock In A Cop's Face" and "Courtesy of the Feederz: Office of Anti-Public relations" (In Which Kurt got this Sticker from the Arizona Punk band The Feederz 1986 Album "Teachers in Space" which the Vinyl came with 1 of 12 Different Bumper Stickers, as Kurt had the Vinyl which came with the Vandalism Sticker) The neck was replaced with a Fernandes LE-1 neck for the 10/31/91 Seattle Paramount Theater show where it was broken off again and replaced with a Kramer Neck. Seen at the 11/25/91 Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands show and the guitar was smashed on 12/07/91 Salle Omnisports (Trans Musicales) Rennes, France. On the last show of the Nevermind European Tour. This was the last time Kurt used the Vandalism Stratocaster... Sometime In 1992 Earnie Bailey (Kurt's Guitar Tech) added a New Fender Neck onto the Vandalism Stratocaster. It is or was on displayed in the EMP (Now Called MoPoP) in Seattle with an original Fender neck back on it.. During the Nirvana Exhibit "Bringing Punk to the Masses"
Note on Kurt's Kramer Strat necks: "we had about 5-6 of those necks, that one was still on that guitar at Reading. The others appeared on the Vandalism strat, white strats, and endless nameless strat, and the sunburst strat. In early to mid 1992 we got a batch (5-7?) of Japanese made fender necks, the sao paulo strat, sunburst and both white ones had necks changed from Kramers to Fenders per Kurt's request. The leftover kramer necks were given away in 1992 and 1993"
Billie Joe Armstrong used a Fernandes LE-1 for his "Blue" replica guitar in 1997, which was modified by Bill Schneider. This is evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
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 LE-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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