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Fernandes L-5001 Vintage / VS-1 Single-Coil Pickup
I am offering a vintage Fernandes L-5001 Vintage single-coil pickup, also designated the VS-1. I regard the L-5001 as part of the Fernandes L-5 pickup family that developed from its earlier FST-era designs.
The former owner told me that this pickup was removed from an early-1980s Fernandes Revival guitar.
Identification
Staggered-pole gray-bobbin pickups were also used by Tokai. However, the comparable Tokai examples I use for reference carry ink stamps and did not use glass-fiber-insulated lead wires.
By contrast, glass-fiber-insulated lead wire was used on Fernandes RST-80 pickups. This pickup does not have a Tokai-style ink stamp, and a removed section of the glass-fiber-insulated wire previously fitted to it is shown in the photographs.
Considering its vintage-staggered pole arrangement, gray bobbin, absence of a Tokai-style ink stamp, Fernandes-type glass-fiber-insulated lead-wire evidence, and the former owner's provenance together, I identify this pickup as a Fernandes L-5001 Vintage / VS-1.
The reference material shown in the photographs also identifies the staggered-pole L-5001 Vintage as the VS-1.
Condition
This is a used vintage pickup with visible age-related wear. The pole pieces and exposed components show oxidation and natural aging. The white cover has discoloration, marks, and wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.
In my judgment, the matte white cover is original to the pickup. Its low-gloss surface is characteristic of covers used during this period.
The current black and cream lead wires are replacements. Both measure 29 cm / 11.42 in. The black wire is ground, and the cream wire is hot.
Mounting screws and springs are not included.
Measurements and Specifications
| Item | Measurement or Specification |
|---|---|
| Maker | Fernandes, Japan |
| Model identification | L-5001 Vintage / VS-1 |
| Approximate period | Early 1980s |
| Type | Passive single-coil pickup |
| Bobbin and pole arrangement | Gray bobbin with vintage-staggered pole pieces |
| DCR and temperature | 6.693 kΩ at 24.9°C / 76.8°F |
| Series-equivalent Ls / Q at 100 Hz | 2.881 H / 0.270 |
| Series-equivalent Ls / Q at 1 kHz | 2.938 H / 2.53 |
| Top magnetic polarity | South, S-top |
| Average of peak readings from all six pole pieces | 91.32 mT / 913.2 gauss |
| Replacement ground lead | Black, 29 cm / 11.42 in |
| Replacement hot lead | Cream, 29 cm / 11.42 in |
| Cover | Original matte white cover, in my judgment |
| Included | One pickup and its matte white cover |
| Not included | Mounting screws and springs |
Measurement Notes
I measured DCR, series-equivalent inductance, and Q with a DER EE DE-5000 LCR meter. The DCR measurement confirms DC continuity. The Ls and Q figures are the meter readings at the stated test frequencies.
I measured magnetic flux density with a GOYOJO GT129A tesla/gauss meter. The stated value is the average of the peak readings taken from all six pole pieces.
The measured DCR and inductance describe the pickup's electrical characteristics. They are not magnetically excited output-frequency-response measurements. The pickup's installed response will also depend on pickup height, strings, controls, cable capacitance, amplifier, and the rest of the signal chain.
Trade-Policy Transparency
I have placed a formal public comment on the USTR public record concerning the treatment of musical-instrument parts under HTSUS Chapter 92. Regarding the broader treatment of musical instruments classified under Chapter 92, my position is generally aligned with NAMM’s publicly stated position that trade measures should be evidence-based and product-specific.
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 cover, magnet replacement, or any other modification changes the condition of this vintage pickup and may affect return eligibility or the amount refunded, within the limits of eBay rules. This does not restrict the buyer's rights if the 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.