Fernandes Guitars Declares Bankruptcy Again 🎸
- On July 9, 2025, the Tokyo District Court approved new bankruptcy proceedings for Fernandes Guitars, after the company accumulated about ¥730 million (~$4.98 million) in debt to around 60 creditors Wikipedia+9Guitar World+9Gear Gods+9.
- This marks a second bankruptcy move following an earlier filing and business halt in July 2024 Guitar World+1Gear Gods+1.
- Declining sales were blamed on a saturated second-hand market and fierce competition Guitar.com+1X (formerly Twitter)+1.
Iconic Player Lineup
Fernandes has long punched above its weight, thanks to:
- Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) and Kirk Hammett (Metallica), who both used Sustainer-equipped guitars early in their careers Wikipedia+1Gear Gods+1Gearnews.com+4Guitar World+4Guitar World+4.
- Heavy-hitters like Robert Trujillo, Steve Hackett, Robert Fripp, Brad Gillis, Dave Kushner, and even Keanu Reeves, among others Guitar World+2Guitar World+2Wikipedia+2.
Trademark Transferred—With Big Caveats
- Ahead of the court’s ruling, part of the “FERNANDES” trademark was sold to another company Gear Gods+3Guitar World+3Yahoo+3.
- But a trademark sale does not mean the guitar designs, Sustainer tech, or storied lineup will survive.
- There’s no guarantee the new owner will reissue instruments, embrace the Sustainer pickup, or honor artist relationships.
- The sale may simply be a brand rewrite—not a revival of what made Fernandes famous.
Final Take
Fernandes Guitars’ name may formally live on, but the odds of it preserving its legacy as a guitar-maker—rather than just holding a name—are uncertain. Fans should stay hopeful but realistic: a trademark doesn’t preserve a tone.