Fernandes Guitars began in Tokyo in 1969 and driven by a passion for innovation and deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, rapidly evolved into Japan's largest guitar manufacturer. At a time when the major brands were stumbling, Fernandes quickly became synonymous with high quality Fender styled guitars while their second brand, Burny, gained cult status for their high-quality Gibson style replicas.

Fernandes' legacy eventually grew far beyond being simply known for building incredibly high-quality copies of famous brands. Ultimately, Fernandes proved that they could build guitars at a level that matched what was considered the world's best and eventually, began forging a unique identity with their own line of guitars.

Fernandes eventually found their own identity with a range of electric guitars, basses and electronic innovations that redefined the boundaries of quality and design.

The revolutionary Sustainer system was a Fernandes innovation and, finally, here was an electric guitar pickup that allowed notes to ring endlessly - reshaping how artists approached sustain, feedback and tone.

By the mid-1990s, artists like Kirk Hammett, Billie Joe Armstrong, Robert Trujillo, Brad Gillis, and even Keanu Reeves trusted Fernandes on stage and in the studio. In Japan, Fernandes became a staple of the visual kei movement, endorsed by icons like hide (X Japan) and Hotei.

Throughout its history, Fernandes maintained a rare balance: combining vintage sensibility with future-forward design. From accessible beginner models to custom-built artist guitars, Fernandes met the needs of players across generations, genres, and continents.

For a myriad of reasons, Fernandes officially ceased operations in July 2024. It marked a difficult moment for a brand that had not only redefined modern guitar innovation, but had inspired a generation of players.

Despite the setbacks, Fernandes' legacy remains strong. The quality of their guitars is unquestionable and they remain highly sought after by players and collectors alike.