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There's at least two of us!

no, I don't

I think it's a curse.

I must admit to liking Ian Martin Allison’s online content, and it was on his recommendation that I bought the Jad Freer Capo. So naturally, when Ian started posting about this I was interested. However, having watched a couple of videos, I don’t see me adding this to my roster of preamps. It’s not the price, I’m the wrong side of 60 years young so disposable income alleviates that restriction, but I just think it’s too subtle. As others have said, the eq is clever, but as a user of HPF’s, I like a separate controls for this and for the bottom end. I do, however, like the styling - it looks very Cold War military hardware and therefore cool in my books.

So if Neeps buys it, they decide they won't make it?

I really enjoyed the write-up and the gig sounded great. Am I the only person on Basschatt who doesn't do Spotify though?

Packing my gear to head off from the NE to Grimsby for a double header!

I'm sure we have members who are knowledgeable about that era of Fernandes (et al) but until they reply this is what AI has to tell us... --- If you’re trying to figure out what this Fernandes P‑bass actually is, here’s a breakdown based on the features you’ve described. The serial number **5021593** on the neck plate unfortunately won’t tell you much by itself. Fernandes didn’t use a consistent or date‑coded serial system during this era, and neck‑plate numbers in particular are basically production or batch numbers rather than true date markers. The real clues are on the **headstock**. The combination of: - **“Fernandes Limited Edition”** - **“Electric Sound Research Group”** - A classic **P‑Bass layout** with a single split‑coil pickup …points very strongly to a **mid‑1980s Made‑in‑Japan Fernandes**, most likely from around **1984–1987**. This was the period when Fernandes was producing high‑quality Fender‑style instruments through Japanese OEM factories, and the Limited Edition line fits right into that timeframe. Your bass lines up closely with models like the **PJR‑45** and other Limited Edition Precision‑style variants from that era. Typical specs for these include an alder body, maple neck with rosewood board, 34" scale, and standard P‑Bass electronics. Regarding the **snakeskin covering**: Fernandes did *not* offer factory snakeskin finishes on P‑bass models in the mid‑80s. They did experiment with snakeskin‑style finishes on some later guitars (mostly Revolver and Vertigo models), but not on Precision‑style basses from this period. In the 1980s, snakeskin wraps and coverings were a very popular **aftermarket mod**, especially during the glam‑metal era. Many players or retailers applied vinyl snakeskin, faux leather, or patterned wraps to otherwise standard instruments. It was common enough that a lot of Japanese‑market Fernandes basses from this era show up today with custom coverings that were added either by the original shop or a previous owner. If you want to check whether yours is a wrap or a full refinish, look for seams along the body edges, or check inside the neck pocket or pickup cavity—if you see the original paint underneath, it’s definitely an aftermarket wrap. If you want to pin down the exact year, the most reliable method is to **remove the neck**. Fernandes often stamped dates or model codes on the **neck heel** or inside the **neck pocket**, and those markings will give you a much clearer answer than the neck‑plate serial ever will.

Please share.

Great choice, I love an unmarked fretboard

As others have said, it reminds me of the old SWR Workingman’s stuff, a look I was never a fan of, and this new Aguilar does nothing to change my opinion.

….and second to tonewoods, the characteristics of various bridges animates most of us way more than should be the case with otherwise sane humans 👍

I think there may be some confusion as to saddle groves for the string and base plate groves for the saddle height adjust screws to rest in... I likes the Fender High Mass, Sleek 'n Meaty

Steady now. They've had some serious innovation. They did a new colour about 5 years ago. Thats serious innovation.

Frankly it does look rather beautiful 👍

Mate, it’s a bass forum, you never have to defend a bass purchase, we’re just nosy 👍

Why

Will do, later when I can be arsed to take em... I'll post on here. What am I defending my choice of bass bridge?, it's only, a bloody bridge for god sake...

I think it's my first time posting in here..if not for a long time. First gig in about 10 years (stopped when my first kid came along and somehow didn't start again...) Studied jazz at Birmingham conservatoire about 20 years ago and a guitarist on my course plays professionally and now lives fairly near. Always say we should do something. He messaged me a week ago saying his regular bassist wasn't available and did I want to do a gig at a pub in Adderbury. 2 country/blues sets. Mix of original's and their own tunes. About 30 to learn in total. Whilst trying to finish one work contract and prepare for another. Mild panic set in as I wondered if I still had the ears to learn that many so quick. Cur Spotify playlist on loop whilst I went about the week. 3 core band members (2 guitar/vocal and drummer) play together but keys were from a jam Jimmy the guitarist plays at and well, I was the random. Setup. Fairly small but nice size side room. Banging pub with loads of spaces all filled with families, solo drinkers, younger ones (people saying they don't drink...) and older groups. Extra bonus was Chris from Fairport Convention was going to sit in...turned up and did every song for both sets. Goes without saying he is an absolutely outstanding musician with big ears and chops. Setup in minutes with those new iPad driven PA systems. No rehearsal or soundcheck just straight into it. I know they are players and heard their recordings but hearing ripping country blues licks from them both was a delight which makes you want to play even better. I remember laughing at one point at the licks being pulled out The new TRB6 from Bass Bros and Aguilar AG700 w/SL212 sounded so nice in the room. Maybe being right in the corner helped. Also had a couple of admirers in the audience as a friend at the back overheard them when they came in ogling it. Bringing a 6 string to this felt a bit like bringing the whole Japanese army to a gun fight, but its what I feel more comfortable on. Left the SL112 in the car as the ful stack would have been overkill. Many a compliment from Chris about the sound and feel, which made my day. He was like 10 inches in front of me and the cab. Audience liked it. The dogs liked it. Bar staff liked it. We liked it. Can't ask for more than that. Look forward to the next one in less than 10 years hopefully. A sample of their regular band to give you an idea of you're into that sort of thing:

And let's not forget Fender's extraordinary achievement of having offered 7526 different versions of the exact same model each and every year for the Namm show since your 15 years of absence...

Would be god to see a better photo 👍