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Fernandes VS-1 / L-5001 Vintage Single-Coil Pickup Pair
I am offering a pair of vintage Fernandes VS-1 single-coil pickups, also designated the L-5001 Vintage. I removed both pickups from the same 1986 Fernandes FR-65 guitar.
The period Fernandes pickup catalog identifies the VS-1 as the “VINTAGE STRAT” model. The VS-1 was also used in 1980s Fernandes RST-80 guitars. RST-80 examples I have examined used a different style of lead-wire insulation, but they share the same basic VS-1 / L-5001 model designation.
Both pickups retain their original black covers. Mounting screws and springs are not included.
Condition
These are used vintage pickups with age-appropriate cosmetic wear. The black covers have visible scuffs and handling marks, and the pole pieces show oxidation and natural aging. Please examine all photographs carefully for their exact cosmetic condition.
The measurements confirm DC continuity and a clear unloaded electrical resonance in both pickups. I did not assign the pickups to particular guitar positions, so they are identified below by their lead lengths and DCR readings.
Important Installation Note
VS-series pickups use solid-core lead conductors rather than stranded wire. Solid-core conductors are more vulnerable to breakage if they are repeatedly bent, twisted, pulled, or stressed during installation. I recommend having these vintage pickups installed by a qualified guitar technician who is familiar with handling solid-core pickup leads.
Electrical and Magnetic Measurements
| Measurement | Longer-Lead Pickup | Shorter-Lead Pickup |
|---|---|---|
| DCR and temperature | 7.277 kΩ at 24.8°C / 76.6°F | 7.264 kΩ at 26.0°C / 78.8°F |
| Series-equivalent Ls / Q at 100 Hz | 2.890 H / 0.250 | 2.839 H / 0.245 |
| Series-equivalent Ls / Q at 1 kHz | 2.907 H / 2.40 | 2.860 H / 2.31 |
| Approximate unloaded electrical self-resonance | 11.80 kHz | 11.78 kHz |
| Provisional peak impedance at resonance | Approximately 1.55 MΩ | Approximately 1.6 MΩ |
| Estimated effective capacitance | Approximately 63 pF | Approximately 64 pF |
| Black ground lead | 20 cm / 7.87 in | 14 cm / 5.51 in |
| White hot lead | 19.5 cm / 7.68 in | 13.5 cm / 5.31 in |
| Top magnetic polarity | South | South |
| Average of peak readings from all six pole pieces | 117.43 mT / 1174.3 gauss | 111.99 mT / 1119.9 gauss |
Measurement Methods and Interpretation
I measured DCR, series-equivalent inductance, and Q with a DER EE DE-5000 LCR meter. I recorded DCR together with the ambient temperature and measured Ls and Q at both 100 Hz and 1 kHz.
I measured unloaded impedance and phase with REW V5.40 Beta 132 at 48 kHz / 24-bit after open, short, and reference calibration. The resonance values shown above are unloaded electrical impedance self-resonances. They are not magnetically excited pickup-output frequency responses, playing-response measurements, or output levels.
The resonant peak impedance figures are provisional approximations because the peaks greatly exceed the 100 kΩ reference range and an unshielded single-coil pickup is sensitive to external electromagnetic interference. The resonance frequencies were repeatable across repeated sweeps.
The closely grouped DCR, inductance, and resonance readings indicate closely related electrical behavior between the two pickups. Actual installed response will also depend on the guitar’s controls, cable capacitance, pickup height, strings, amplifier, and other parts of the signal chain.
Included
Mounting screws and springs are not included.
About Me and My Store
I have more than 30 years of experience with vintage guitars and parts and have been an eBay member since 2004. I personally own, inspect, photograph, describe, pack, and ship every item I sell. I do not use drop-shipping, stock photographs, or third-party fulfillment.
Visit VINTAGE VIBES: GUITARS AND GOODS.
Shipping and Import Charges
To the USA: I ship via Japan Post or eBay SpeedPAK with full tracking. For qualifying merchandise shipments under current U.S. postal-import rules, I prepay the applicable import duty through the required DDP procedure. In other words, the applicable tariff is already covered, so you should not receive an unexpected import-duty bill at delivery. eBay may still collect state sales tax at checkout, and separate carrier or customs-processing fees may apply in some cases.
To other countries: I ship from Japan with tracking. Unless collected at checkout, import VAT, customs duties, customs-clearance charges, and compliance with local import regulations are the buyer's responsibility.
Returns
I accept returns within 30 days. The buyer is responsible for return shipping when the return is based on a change of mind or another buyer-side reason.
Cutting or extending the lead wires, soldering, installation, disassembly, removal of the covers, magnet replacement, or any other modification changes the condition of these vintage pickups and may affect return eligibility or the amount refunded, within the limits of eBay rules. This does not restrict the buyer's rights if an item is not as described.
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product may contain lead, nickel, and other materials that can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Trade-Policy Transparency
The business operating this store has independently placed on the public record its support for evidence-based, product-specific treatment of musical instruments and parts under HTSUS Chapter 92. This statement reflects the seller’s own views and does not imply endorsement by eBay or any manufacturer.