Description

80s MIJ Fernandes RB80 Fackenbacker, player grade. $1499!

The Fernandes RB-80 is a vintage bass guitar from the 1980s, renowned for its solid construction, versatile tone, and classic aesthetics. Fernandes, a Japanese guitar manufacturer, gained a reputation for producing high-quality instruments during this period, and the RB-80 is no exception. This bass is particularly appreciated by players who seek a reliable instrument that delivers both in sound and playability.

Key Features

Body and Construction

  • Body Shape: The RB-80 features a traditional, double-cutaway design, offering comfortable access to higher frets and a familiar, balanced feel.
  • Body Material: Typically crafted from alder, the body of the RB-80 provides a well-rounded tonal foundation with a good balance of lows, mids, and highs. Alder is known for its resonance and sustain, making it a popular choice for electric basses.
  • Finish: The RB-80 was available in various finishes, often with a high-gloss coating that adds durability and enhances the wood grain’s natural beauty.

Neck and Fingerboard

  • Neck Material: The neck of the RB-80 is made from maple, which adds brightness and clarity to the overall sound. Maple necks are also favored for their stability and resistance to warping.
  • Fingerboard: The fingerboard is usually made from rosewood, providing a smooth playing surface and contributing to the bass’s warm tonal characteristics. Rosewood is commonly used for its ability to add warmth and richness to the sound.
  • Neck Profile: The RB-80 features a slim, comfortable neck profile, allowing for fast and smooth playing. This design is suitable for various playing styles, from fingerstyle to slap bass.
  • Scale Length: With a standard 34-inch scale length, the RB-80 offers a familiar feel and balanced string tension, ideal for players transitioning from other standard-scale basses.
  • Frets: The bass typically comes with 21 frets, providing a full range of notes with easy playability across the neck.

Hardware

  • Bridge: The RB-80 is equipped with a vintage-style bridge, which provides solid tuning stability and good sustain. The bridge design is straightforward, allowing for easy adjustments to the action and intonation.
  • Tuners: The bass features open-gear tuners, known for their reliability and smooth operation. These tuners ensure that the instrument stays in tune even during long playing sessions.
  • Pickguard: Depending on the specific model and finish, the RB-80 may include a pickguard that complements its vintage aesthetic while protecting the body from pick scratches.

Electronics

  • Pickups: The Fernandes RB-80 is typically equipped with two single-coil pickups, designed to capture a wide range of tones from warm and smooth to bright and punchy. These pickups offer clarity and definition, making the RB-80 suitable for various genres.
  • Controls: The RB-80 usually features a simple control layout with one volume knob, one tone knob, and a three-way pickup selector switch. This straightforward setup allows players to easily dial in their desired sound.
  • Output: A standard 1/4-inch output jack connects the bass to an amplifier or effects pedals, ensuring a clean and reliable signal.

Sound Characteristics

  • Versatile Tone: The RB-80 is known for its versatile sound, capable of producing everything from deep, resonant lows to crisp, articulate highs. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, including rock, jazz, funk, and blues.
  • Punchy and Clear: Thanks to its single-coil pickups and alder body, the RB-80 delivers a punchy, clear tone that can cut through the mix in live performances or studio recordings.
  • Warm Low End: The combination of the rosewood fingerboard and alder body adds warmth to the low end, giving the bass a rich, full-bodied sound that is ideal for both rhythm and lead bass playing.

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