Fernandes FEG-160 — Eagle Copy Model (1980)

The Fernandes Eagle copy model, FEG-160, first appeared in the 1980 catalog.
The late 1970s to early 1980s was truly the height of Japan’s “copy war” era.
Guitars from this period—whether faithful reproductions or original offshoots—were consistently high in quality, with many original models showing distinctive character and craftsmanship.

For Fernandes guitars of this era, the first digit of the serial number stamped on the back of the headstock is believed to indicate the year of manufacture.
This guitar bears a “0”, identifying it as a 1980 model.

Between 1982 and 1984, the model name prefix “F” was dropped,
and it is thought that around this time serial numbers ceased to be stamped,
and the wing wood transitioned from koa to monkey pod.
The wings on this guitar are unmistakably koa,
while another Eagle I own lacks a stamped serial and shows brown-to-dark-brown striped wood with large pores, clearly monkey pod.
Considering the economic pressures within the Japanese guitar industry of the period,
it’s reasonable to infer that more affordable tonewoods were gradually adopted.

During the peak of the band boom, choosing a B.C. Rich–style guitar was something of an eccentric statement.
Although it later became associated with heavy metal imagery,
in the era when this guitar was sold it was actually favored by more traditional, serious guitarists.

Those drawn to these novel instruments were often mature musicians and collectors,
fascinated by their through-neck construction—the first of its kind in the world—
and by the aesthetic artistry achieved through the natural color and contrast of the woods.
Given that these guitars were priced roughly twice as high as a Gibson,
their buyers were likely people of both refined taste and financial means.
To me, B.C. Rich has always represented a minor but high-quality brand,
admired by a select few who truly understood guitars—
and the same could be said for those who sought out these Fernandes copies.

The finish is polyurethane, and the position markers are made of pearloid celluloid.
It comes equipped with the classic DiMarzio Dual Sound humbuckers and Grover 150C Imperial tuners.
Weight: 3.71 kg (including strings).
(Updated October 25, 2025)