Fernandes RST-50 '64 Revival 1982 Near Mint Unpeeled Pickguard Film MIJ Sunburst

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ITEM DESCRIPTION

This is a near-mint, all-original Fernandes RST-50 "'64" Revival model in a classic Sunburst finish. It is an exceptional, very lightly played example with excellent wood and a lovely vintage feel. Actual weight: 3,336 g (≈ 7.35 lb).

The neck heel carries the date stamp 22005. Following the documented Fernandes/Revival dating format (first digit = year, next two digits = day, final two digits = month), this reads as 1982 / day 20 / month 05, giving a build date of May 20, 1982. The earliest RST series guitars date to 1981, so this one is from the very next year, squarely within what I consider the golden era of the line (roughly 1981-1984). Every part, including the tremolo arm, is original.

The single most remarkable feature is that the original factory protective film is still in place (never peeled) over the pickguard. The printed star mark, the "The Revival" script, and the "The Revival RST-50 '64 Model" Fernandes "Ishi" (stone) logo are all still visible on the film. In many years of handling Fernandes guitars, this is the only example I have personally seen with this film still intact.

Because peeling the film would be required to photograph the pickup cavities and wiring, I have chosen to leave it untouched. I can personally assure you that the originality continues underneath.

A note on the logo

There is an interesting story behind the logo on these guitars. Every RST left the factory wearing a genuine Fernandes decal, and in the early years that decal was a thin water-slide transfer with no clear coat over it, which made it easy to remove. This was a deliberate change. The earlier FST series had always sealed its logo beneath the finish, but the Revival chose a bare, easily-removed decal in the manner of the pre-CBS Fenders it was modeled on, whose water-slide logos were likewise left uncoated and prone to wear. The stated reason was authenticity. But there was probably another reason as well, something I came to understand through my own research, including conversations with staff at long-established shops. In the early 1980s a small number of shops would peel that Fernandes logo off and apply a replacement Fender logo before the guitar reached the buyer. It was the same longing that runs through the whole history of these instruments, the appeal of a distant America that, at the time, could be reached most easily through a name on a headstock. In later years those Fender logos were often removed in turn, and this is likely one reason so many surviving RSTs are now found with bare headstocks where a logo once was.

As the series ran on toward the end of the 1980s, the logos gradually shifted back to a clear-coated type. As a side note, the RST-50 was eventually renamed the RST-48, a change tied to the introduction of Japan's consumption tax in April 1989, so the guitar could still be bought for 50,000 yen with the tax included.

All of which is what makes this example quietly remarkable. Its original Fernandes Revival logo was never peeled and never replaced. It remains exactly as it left the workshop, completely un-faded, which after more than forty years is no small thing.

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Condition

Overall this is a near-mint vintage RST-50 "'64". The guitar appears to have barely been played: the frets show essentially no wear, and overall cosmetic wear is minimal.

There is a little surface rust on some screws and on the pickguard pickup pole pieces, which I have intentionally left as-is. I have also left the frets unpolished and kept cleaning to a minimum, as these things can always be done later by the next owner.

Key Specs

• Model: Fernandes RST-50 "'64" Revival model (S-Type)
• Build Date: May 20, 1982 (neck heel date stamp 22005)
• Finish: Sunburst
• Scale: 25.5" (648 mm) / Frets: 21 vintage style, essentially no wear
• Pickups: Original L-5000 gray bobbin single coils (three)
• Electronics: Original; protective film left in place, originality assured underneath
• Bridge: Original 6-screw "Revival" tremolo with original arm
• Tuners: Kluson-style with "DELUXE" engraving and brass posts
• Logo: Original Fernandes Revival decal, fully intact and un-faded
• Weight: 3,336 g (≈ 7.35 lb)

Tone

Classic '60s S-Type character from the original L-5000 gray bobbin pickups: open and articulate, with clear highs, a sweet midrange, and a woody low end.

What's included

• Fernandes RST-50 "'64" Revival guitar (all original)
• Original tremolo arm
• Original 1980s brown gig bag

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Shipping & Customs

This item is not drop-shipped. I personally own, photograph, set up, and ship every instrument. Worldwide insured shipping via EMS with tracking.

eBay member since 2004, with over 30 years around vintage guitars and parts.

To the USA: Under current US regulations, shipments from Japan must be sent with import duties prepaid by the seller (DDP). In short, the tariff is already covered, so there will be no surprise duty bill on delivery. Please note that state sales tax collected by eBay, or a small customs clearance or handling fee charged by the carrier, may still apply in some cases. These minor charges are outside of my control.

To all other countries: Import VAT or duties may be charged by your country, and the buyer is responsible for any local import rules and fees.

Tip: If you have a broker or special instructions, message me before purchase and I'm happy to coordinate.

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Model names are used for identification only. Not affiliated with Fender Musical Instruments Corp. "S-Type / Strat-style" is used solely to describe the body shape and control layout for SEO clarity. All photos are of the actual item for sale; please review photos for exact condition and dating details.