Fernandes EX Explorer Special Order SGS Sparkle Green Sunburst MIJ 1984

This is an exceptionally unusual 1984 Fernandes EX-series Explorer, finished in the spectacular SGS / Sparkle Green Sunburst. Dating from the height of Fernandes' Japanese production, it combines the radical Explorer platform with a finish and specification that appear to fall outside the normal catalogue offerings of the period. Fernandes was producing EX-series Explorer models during 1984, but this particular configuration appears to be a special-order instrument rather than a standard production model. Fernandes did accommodate special orders during this era, making unusual surviving examples like this an especially interesting part of the company's 1980s output. The finish is undoubtedly the centrepiece. Sparkle Green Sunburst transitions from a vivid metallic green centre into a much darker outer edge, with the sparkle becoming particularly pronounced as the guitar moves under the light. It's a wonderfully excessive mid-'80s finish and considerably more unusual than the solid colours normally encountered on vintage Fernandes Explorers. Beyond the finish, the guitar has all the character that makes early-'80s Japanese Fernandes instruments so desirable: an angular Explorer body, pointed six-in-line headstock, dual-humbucker layout and distinctly Japanese interpretation of the emerging high-performance guitar formula. This was the period when Fernandes was rapidly moving beyond its reputation for traditional vintage replicas and developing increasingly original instruments aimed at the rock and metal players of the era. The result is a guitar that's difficult to neatly categorise — and that's a large part of its appeal. It's a genuine vintage Japanese Fernandes Explorer from one of the company's most interesting periods, with an extremely rare special-order specification and a finish you're unlikely to see on another one anytime soon. Specifications Model: Fernandes EX Series Explorer – Special Order Year: 1984 Made In: Japan Finish: SGS / Sparkle Green Sunburst Body Style: Explorer Neck: Maple Fingerboard: Rosewood Scale Length: 25.5" Pickups: Fernandes Humbuckers ×2 Controls: Volume / Tone / Pickup Selector Hardware: Gold Modifications: None / Special-order factory specification Case: Free Padded Gig Bag Condition Frets: 8 / 10 Visual Condition: A genuine vintage instrument with cosmetic wear consistent with its age. Please refer closely to the photographs for individual marks, scratches, chips and finish wear.