Guitar Gear Gems: Fernandes Guitars Bankrupt!
Dean Guitars wins a retrial against Gibson and new 5-string Strandberg guitars are coming
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This week on Guitar Gear Gems, we look at Fernandes Guitars’ recent bankruptcy announcement in Japan and how Dean Guitars has just won a retrial in the trademark dispute with Gibson. Finally, we peek at the new Strandberg Jacob Collier 5-String guitar this summer.
Guitar Gear Gems
Fernandes Guitars Bankrupt
Founded in 1969, Fernandes Guitars quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality replicas of popular American guitars at competitive prices.
Below is the statement posted on the company’s Japanese website over the weekend.
“Fernandes Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as ‘Fernandes’) is currently owed a considerable amount of debt to multiple creditors, and unfortunately, it has become impossible to continue business. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to creditors and related parties, but in light of the total amount of debt, Fernandes plans to file for bankruptcy proceedings as soon as possible. Creditors and business partners who have claims or debts against Fernandes will be contacted in writing by the attorney representing them in the bankruptcy proceedings… We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patronage over the years.”
Famous Fernandes Users
Their Burny line offered exceptional Gibson replicas, while the main Fernandes line focused on Fender models.
These guitars became favorites among beginners and professional musicians alike. Players such as Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Kirk Hammett of Metallica have famously used Fernandes guitars throughout their careers.
Sustainer System
They are also famous for creating and selling the Fernandes Sustainer pickup system, which offers guitarists infinite sustain at the flick of a switch. I own two guitars with this system, and it is a lot of fun to use live and in the studio.
This is the Sustainer neck pickup in the Fender Ed O’Brien Signature Sustainer Stratocaster.
The Rise and Fall of a Guitar Giant
Despite its initial success, Fernandes struggled against the growing second-hand market and fierce competition from other brands. The company’s financial health declined, prompting them to withdraw from the US market over a decade ago. This financial pressure ultimately led to their recent bankruptcy filing over the weekend.
I’m guessing that a larger company could purchase them. Many well-known musicians have used their guitars and basses over the years, so the Fernandes brand carries much weight.
Dean Guitars Wins Retrial in Trademark Dispute
Dean Guitars, owned by Armadillo Enterprises, has been in a fierce legal battle with guitar giant Gibson over the use of certain iconic guitar body shapes and headstock designs. In a significant turn of events, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a previous ruling and granted Dean a retrial.
Gibson claims that Dean’s use of the V-shaped and Z-shaped guitars and the Dovewing headstock infringes on its trademarks. These designs are iconic and strongly associated with Gibson guitars.
In the initial trial, the Texas District Court restricted Dean’s evidence to prove that these shapes had become generic in the eyes of consumers. Armadillo argued that decades of use by other guitar companies had diluted the distinctiveness of these shapes. However, the court limited them to using evidence only from after 1992.
The 5th Circuit Court disagreed with this limitation. They ruled that Dean should be allowed to present evidence from before 1992, including the history of other guitar brands using similar shapes. This broader range of evidence could strengthen Dean’s case in the retrial.
The retrial is a significant victory for Dean Guitars. However, the 2022 injunction preventing them from using the disputed shapes remains in place.
Dean is still advertising many of these guitar styles on its site. We will keep you updated with more details as this story progresses.
Strandberg Jacob Collier 5-String Guitar
This limited edition Boden JC 5 and JC 6 Djesse signature models have just been announced for Jacob Collier.
The 5-string Boden JC 5 Djesse is a first for Strandberg, offering players new ways to explore music with its unique DAEAD tuning and innovative string/fretboard layout. The 6-string Boden JC 6 Djesse delivers familiar tonal possibilities for those who prefer the standard tuning.
Headless
Both models share Strandberg’s signature headless design, comfortable neck-thru construction, and eye-catching features like custom multi-colored hardware, unique inlays, and a vibrant yellow finish.
The guitars are equipped with blue Lace Alumitone pickups, known for their clear and bright tones, which are ideal for modern music genres.
Coming This Summer
The Boden JC 5 and 6 Djesse Limited Edition guitars will be available in small batches later this summer.
MSRP – TBC
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