Fernandes PJR-45 Boxer – Vintage White, Golden Era, 1986

Fernandes PJR-45 is a Japanese instrument manufactured in 1986. It was designed based on a PB/JB pickup layout, which allows combining the characteristics of both types of pickups. The Vintage White finish (originally Olympic White) has naturally yellowed over the years, taking on a cream shade. The instrument does not have a pickguard from the factory. The bass underwent a full luthier service in our workshop, including fret dressing and electronics circuit shielding.

Technical specification

Manufacturer: Fernandes

Model: PJR-45

Year of production: 1986

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Frets: Vintage (Condition: 100% – after dressing)

Pickups: 1x Fernandes PB Split-Coil, 1x Fernandes JB Single-Coil

Electronics: Passive (2x Volume, 1x Tone)

Visual condition: 8 out of 10

Finish: Vintage White

Body and construction The body is made of alder. It features slimmer edge routing than traditional 1960s bodies. The absence of a pickguard exposes the uniform lacquer coating. The bolt-on construction is responsible for the proper transfer of vibrations from the neck to the body. In our workshop, the lacquer was polished and protected with wax.

Neck and ergonomics The maple neck features a "Slim C" profile. A 38 mm nut is used (a dimension typical for JB models), which makes playing easier for people who prefer narrower necks. The rosewood fingerboard has been cleaned and conditioned with lemon oil. The Vintage size frets underwent dressing (leveling and crowning), which allows for setting an appropriate string action without buzzing.

Sound The passive PB/JB pickup system offers a wide range of tone adjustments directly from the instrument.

Characteristics: The Split-Coil (PB) pickup delivers an exposed mid-range and strong bottom end, while the bridge Single-Coil (JB) adds a brighter, focused attack.

Dynamics: The passive electronics respond uncompressed to the force of a finger or pick attack. Shielding the cavities with copper foil isolates the signal from external electromagnetic interference.

Additional information

This series was a Japanese response to the demand from musicians seeking lighter and more ergonomic instruments than the traditional, heavy designs produced in the 1970s.

There are drilling marks on the body. They indicate that one of the previous owners may installed metal pickup and bridge covers (so-called ashtrays) to give the instrument the look of classic models. The covers are currently removed.

The instrument underwent an advanced luthier service: fret dressing, electronics shielding, body polishing and waxing, fingerboard conditioning, metal hardware cleaning, and intonation setup.

The use of classic chrome hardware (including open-gear tuners and a bridge with spiral saddles) refers to traditional American solutions from the 1960s, providing an interesting contrast to the modern PJR body shape.

Hardware

Bridge: Vintage Style with spiral saddles – a steel construction allowing for precise string spacing adjustment and proper intonation.

Tuners: Vintage Style Open Gear – open, classic mechanisms. The chrome metal hardware has been cleaned, is fully functional, and shows signs of natural patina.

Instrument condition

Technical condition: 10 out of 10 – the equipment is fully functional mechanically and electronically, with a properly working truss rod.

Visual condition: 8 out of 10 – the instrument shows signs of use appropriate for its age. Dings are visible on the lacquer, as well as the aforementioned cover holes and a small hole on the rear electronics cover plate.

Setup and Modifications: Fret dressing, electronics shielding, wood and lacquer conditioning, hardware cleaning, and precise intonation setup were performed.

Why choose this instrument

JB Neck Profile: The 38 mm nut width makes the instrument more comfortable for individuals with smaller hands compared to standard PB necks.

Versatile PB/JB Layout: The use of two different pickups allows for blending tones without using additional external effects.

Ready to Play: After a comprehensive service and shielding, the instrument requires no further workshop investments from the buyer.

Japanese Craftsmanship: Fernandes instruments from the mid-1980s are characterized by reliable material selection and precise component fitting.