TEJ-55G MMK

Price

£995

Familiarization will obviously be required to remember how these tones are obtained, but it really does soon become intuitive. We always favour a simpler aesthetic and stealthy functionality. The fundamental tuners are original to the guitar, but the buttons have been replaced to match the fabulous Gotoh 510-T tremolo that is a vast improvement over the original Fernandes Knife-edge unit. These Gotoh units are fitted to very premium luthier built MIJ guitars (and some mega-bucks USA makes too). They are eye-wateringly expensive, but with these, you get what you pay for. Not only is the tremolo action smooth, the fancy block provides a bucket load of sustain that the original aluminium block was incapable of giving. It can do a great impression of a lap-steel although the action is a bit low for a bottleneck. Black and Gold strap locks complete the hardware upgrades, and the road-worn finish still polishes up nicely - just add to the ring-dings that pepper the top, and are a testament to how this guitar has plied its trade. Due to the fact that you can hide a packet of JPS ciggies on this guitar, it was very close to joining our Lotus Classic Team series representing the JPS era, but this is just too amazingly good to be a case-queen / show-case guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRcbzEzsuT0

The Fernandes TEJ-55 was a rare model even when new, and was essentially a TEJ-70 without the FGI-T active pick-ups, and G models had the gold hardware. These were a whole quality level up from the more basic TEJ models - as soon as your hand meets the neck, this will become apparent. Premium models with cheaper pick-ups are our favourite as we can recreate an instrument that retains the premium feel and then add amazing pick-ups and functionality. The LH-1 humbucker is now replaced by a Kent Armstrong HSDE model (predecessor of the Grinder model) which packs an almighty punch in series mode, but has enough strength and presence in the individual coils to let them be voiced individually and provide some shimmering clean tones. The guitar retains a simple look with the pick-up selector and master volume and tone controls, but both chickenheads are governing premium CTS push pull knobs to enable 4 distinct modes. Mode 1: (Volume and Tone pushed in) This is Power Tele mode with the neck single coil, the neck and bridge humbucker in parallel, and the bridge humbucker available from the toggle selector. Ideally suited for driven tones, the humbucker will struggle to stay clean even on a solid state Fender amp. But stamp on the OD-3 or change to the drive channel and this guitar packs an almighty punch. Mode 2: (volume knob pulled up) This is metal mode - the middle and lower selection on the toggle voices just the full humbucker, and by flicking the toggle between neck and middle positions enables a kill switch function. Great fun and no need for another button. Mode 3: (Tone knob pulled up) This is sweet mode. The 3 single coils behave as individual units - the middle position voices all 3 in parallel for the sweetest Strattiest tone possible; and the bridge position voices the Kent Armstrong in parallel configuration which retains a huge presence but increases the clarity and definition. Amps will break up less and you'll get a P-90 type of aggression but never losing the treble response. Mode 4: (both knobs pulled up) Country Clack. 2 tones to choose from here - the bridge single coil for a hot Tele bite, and the neck position provides a tone most associated with Gretches and Rickies. Some partial phase trickery is taking place as all 3 single coils are connected into series. It's very unusual and not found on any stock guitar we have ever heard (Parker Fly got close).