Fernandes P-Project Lightweight-J Honeyburst c1995 Fernandes

P-Project JB-style, made in Japan circa 1995, honeyburst. P-Project is branch of Fernandes, one of Japan’s biggest bass brands. These days, P-Project offer a handful of very high end signature models as well as a custom order service, with prices starting around ¥300000…. well over $3000aud. This one is an early example, although the lack of serial numbers and it being a non-catalog model, there’s a decent dose of mystery involved. Here’s what I can tell you: holy guacamole, this is an extraordinary bass. The body is made from what appears to be figured ash, one piece with no cap and no joins… dang, that’s serious wood. The neck is a slim and quick shape, carved from some quartersawn maple and rich dark ebony to a slim C and finished in smooth satin. It’s lightweight and extremely lively in the hands, the natural resonance is immediately apparent at the lightest touch. Plugged in, the glory continues: it’s crisp, defined, thick, punchy and full. A light touch brings out the melodic side, or under heavy attack it growls with the best of them. The honey finish with matching headstock looks classy too, it lets the grain do the talking. It’s unconventional, but heck… someone must’ve forked over an absolute fortune to custom order this at some point, and their loss is absolutely your gain.

Model: Fernandes P-Project Custom Bass
Made: Japan, 1995 approx (no serial)
Finish: honeyburst
Body: figured ash, one piece (species not verified)
Neck: maple with ebony board, 34″ scale,  12″ radius, slim-C shape
Weight: 3.560kg
Mods: none
Pickup: EMG single coil x2, active pre-amp
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread minor dimples but no major marks. The sides have minor dimples and scuffs around the whole body, nothing nasty. The front has dimples in the elbow area and near the knobs, plus some play wear on the horns. Overall: very good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets are in good shape, 8/10 for fret life left. All electrics tested and working properly. Setup with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.