Fernandes Vortex

[Musician78]

Does anyone have one of these bad boys? I seem to remember someone having one, but can't recall if it was here or not. Anyway, what do you think of it? How is the neck on it? Im thinking of buying one, but noplace in my viscinity seems to have one to try out.....

Thanks.
-Justin

[ken]

I take it that you mean the new version that was released at NAMM? Unless I'm mistaken, the specs have completely changed from the older model.

I am interested in them too, but I haven't played one. As pictures of them are hard to come by, you might appreciate these (taken by a dealer who hangs out at ss.org):

[Musician78]

Very nice. I didn't know that the specs had changed, but since I didn't know the previous specs, I guess it doesn't matter. My main thing is that I want to know how the neck feels in relations to my KV2.

They are pretty sweet though.

[ken]

They look great, don't they? I think that they used to be bolt-on. In fact, they still sell a bolt-on with a reverse headstock in the Japanese market.

If no one who has played one pips in, I'll PM the dealer and ask him about the neck-shape. He was thinking of becoming a Fernandes dealer, so I'm sure he played these at NAMM.

[ken]

I e-mailed Nick from The Axe Palace (who took those photos) and asked him what the neck was like in comparison to a KV2 (I have a KV2, so it was an informative question for me too). Living up to his reputation as a stand-up guy, he sent me a response almost immediately. I'll PM you the full e-mail, but here's the bit regarding the neck:

The necks are actually pretty similar to Jacksons. They're fairly thin and fast, but have just enough of a curve so that it contours to your hands. They play like a dream. Their sales rep brought over some samples for me to try on Friday as well and they were absolutely killer.

Don't know about you, but now I'm more tempted than ever.

[zeegler]

I wish they made a hardtail version.

[Musician78]

I e-mailed Nick from The Axe Palace (who took those photos) and asked him what the neck was like in comparison to a KV2 (I have a KV2, so it was an informative question for me too). Living up to his reputation as a stand-up guy, he sent me a response almost immediately. I'll PM you the full e-mail, but here's the bit regarding the neck:

The necks are actually pretty similar to Jacksons. They're fairly thin and fast, but have just enough of a curve so that it contours to your hands. They play like a dream. Their sales rep brought over some samples for me to try on Friday as well and they were absolutely killer.

Don't know about you, but now I'm more tempted than ever.

I think I really want one now, especially since I'm done with Jackson. Thank you for looking into it... I'm gonna sleep on it for a few days... but I think I'm going to get one.

[ken]

I wish they made a hardtail version.

Do you mean that they don't do a hardtail version of the camo one like your KV1? Or do you not like the tom+stopbar? The tom is definitely the way to go, but they don't get the sustainer. :think:

Damn, but they do look good.

I think I really want one now, especially since I'm done with Jackson. Thank you for looking into it... I'm gonna sleep on it for a few days... but I think I'm going to get one.

You're more than welcome. Ever since I saw those pictures, I've been tempted too. You gave me the perfect excuse to find out what the neck was like. Nick's response hasn't helped my GAS. Damn.

[Musician78]

I would love to have one with the tram/sustainer in that reddish/wine burst.... but since it isn't an option I may have to go with the snow white.

[Drake S.]

I use to have 1 of these, Great neck on them very Light weight awsome tone & the sustainer kicked alot of ass with 2 separate modes to it. Mine was Snow white.

[zeegler]

Do you mean that they don't do a hardtail version of the camo one like your KV1? Or do you not like the tom+stopbar? The tom is definitely the way to go, but they don't get the sustainer. :think:
:

Heh, yeah I meant a stoptail in urban camo. You read me like a book.

[toejam]

They look great, don't they? I think that they used to be bolt-on. In fact, they still sell a bolt-on with a reverse headstock in the Japanese market.

The Vortex Elite was originally a neck-thru model. And when did they change the headstock to 6-inline? I've got their 2001 catalog that shows the 2+4 headstock. Here's a scan. And notice in the bottom, left corner, Juan Garcia from Agent Steel has one with a 4+2 headstock.

[ken]

Zeegs, a hard-tailed camo would be great, but no where near as cool as your KV1.

Hey Joe, thanks for the cataloge scan. I don't know much about Fernandes, but the press release at NAMM 09 for the Vortex implied that the model had been dropped in the past and was being reintroduced. They also claimed that the specs had been heavily revised, but I don't know what from. They say they're set-thru now, as well as having ebony 'boards and abalone inlays. Those photos look like rosewood, but it could have been the camera flash. I've also seen claims that only a limited number will be produced.

[zeegler]

Zeegs, a hard-tailed camo would be great, but no where near as cool as your KV1.

Hey Joe, thanks for the cataloge scan. I don't know much about Fernandes, but the press release at NAMM 09 for the Vortex implied that the model had been dropped in the past and was being reintroduced. They also claimed that the specs had been heavily revised, but I don't know what from. They say they're set-thru now, as well as having ebony 'boards and abalone inlays. Those photos look like rosewood, but it could have been the camera flash. I've also seen claims that only a limited number will be produced.

I'm actually building something to replace the KV-1 right now. I'm not going to go into too many details yet, but it's going to be very similar, but mahogany body, 3 piece maple set-neck, single hum. MUHAHAHAHA!