The Fernandes ZO-3 is a long-running mini guitar with a built-in amplifier, and its elephant-like shape earned it the nickname Zo-san (Mr. Elephant) in Japan. It came in many variations, but it’s best known for its countless collaborations. This guide covers what the ZO-3 is and the collabs worth knowing. For the company behind it, see the Fernandes Brand Guide.
Fernandes ZO-3 Quick Facts
- Launched: 1990
- What it is: a compact electric guitar with a built-in amp and speaker (5 W, 22 frets)
- Nickname: Zo-san, from zo (elephant)
- Scale: short, about 609 mm
- Sales: over 350,000 units
- Known for: collaborations with global brands, anime, games and tokusatsu
Prefer to watch? This article is based on my own short video below.
What Is the Fernandes ZO-3?
The ZO-3 arrived in 1990: a speaker-equipped electric guitar shaped like an elephant. In Japanese, zo means elephant and san is a friendly honorific, so ZO-3 reads as zo-san. The round speaker sits in the elephant’s “head,” and the headstock forms its trunk.
Its looks and the convenience of a built-in amp you can carry anywhere made it a runaway hit, with over 350,000 sold. The short scale, about 609 mm, makes chords and stretches easy, which is why the ZO-3 suits beginners, travelers and anyone who wants a guitar by the sofa.
The standard model keeps it simple: one volume knob, a power switch and a 5 W amp in the 1997 catalog. Step-up versions added more, as the variations below show.
ZO-3 Variations: From Flag Paint to a Bass (1997 Catalog)
Before the big anime tie-ins, the ZO-3 was already a whole family. The 1997 catalog alone lists ten versions, from flag paint jobs to a fretless bass:
| Model | 1997 price | What’s different |
|---|---|---|
| ZO-3 | ¥29,800 | The standard model: 609 mm scale, 22 frets, 5 W amp, six solid colors |
| ZO-3GF | ¥36,000 | Graphic flame-maple look |
| ZO-3 Geitatsusha | ¥42,800 | “Multi-talent” model: tremolo, built-in clean/distortion switch, send/return jack |
| ZO-3P | ¥32,800 | Flag paint jobs: UK, USA, Italy, Germany and more |
| ZO-3A | ¥42,800 | Acoustic-electric version with a piezo pickup |
| TORA-ZO / Kyozo | ¥32,800 | Licensed Hanshin Tigers and Yomiuri Giants baseball models |
| ULTRAMAN-ZO | ¥32,800 | The Ultraman tie-in |
| PIE-ZO / PIE-ZO FL | ¥39,800 | Bass versions with a 648 mm scale and 10 W amp; FL is fretless |
Fernandes ZO-3 Collaborations: From Pikachu to Ultraman
That catchy body plays nicely with tie-ins, and collaborations are what made the ZO-3 famous. Some are instantly recognizable even outside Japan; others are firmly rooted in Japanese pop culture. Here’s how they group:
| Category | Collaborations | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Global icons | Pikachu, Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, Coca-Cola, Hello Kitty | Recognizable anywhere, so these are the easiest to spot outside Japan |
| Anime | Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Re:Zero, K-On! | K-On!, a series about a high-school band, is a natural fit for a guitar |
| Games | Guilty Gear, PaRappa the Rapper | From fighting games to the original rhythm game |
| Tokusatsu | Ultraman, Kamen Rider | Japan’s live-action special-effects hero shows; the most “only in Japan” corner |
Global Icons: Pikachu, Star Wars and Coca-Cola
These are the ZO-3s non-Japanese fans recognize at a glance: designs featuring Pikachu, Mickey Mouse, Star Wars and Coca-Cola, plus Sanrio’s Hello Kitty. They carried the Fernandes name to people who don’t even play guitar.
Anime and Games: Attack on Titan, K-On! and Guilty Gear
The ZO-3 also appeared in collaborations with major anime and game titles such as Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Re:Zero and K-On!. The Attack on Titan pair (2023) wears the Survey Corps and Marley warrior emblems. It even reached niche titles like the fighting game Guilty Gear (a Guilty Gear -Strive- ZO-3) and PaRappa the Rapper, the PlayStation rhythm game.
Tokusatsu: Ultraman and Kamen Rider
Then there are the tokusatsu tie-ins. Tokusatsu means Japan’s live-action special-effects shows, home of heroes like Ultraman and Kamen Rider. These are the designs most firmly rooted in Japanese pop culture, and the hardest to find abroad.
Buying a ZO-3 Today
Fernandes stopped trading in 2024, so every ZO-3 is now a used guitar. Collaboration models were limited runs, so condition of the printed graphics and an original box matter for collectors. Whatever you buy, plug in the headphones or turn up the built-in speaker before paying: the amp is the whole point of a ZO-3.
Final Thoughts
The ZO-3 is probably the Fernandes most people have seen, even if they’ve never heard the name. From Coca-Cola to Ultraman, few guitars have worn so many costumes. So, which design is your favorite? Tell me in the video comments.
FAQ
What is the Fernandes ZO-3?
The ZO-3 is a compact Fernandes electric guitar with a built-in amplifier and speaker, launched in 1990. Its elephant-like body earned it the nickname Zo-san (Mr. Elephant) in Japan.
Does the ZO-3 have a built-in amp?
Yes. The amp and speaker are built into the body, so you can play it without a separate amplifier.
Why is it called ZO-3?
Zo means elephant in Japanese and san is a friendly honorific, so ZO-3 reads as zo-san. The body and headstock are shaped like an elephant’s head and trunk.
What ZO-3 collaboration models exist?
Collaborations include designs inspired by Pikachu, Star Wars, Coca-Cola and Hello Kitty, anime such as Attack on Titan, Re:Zero and K-On!, games such as Guilty Gear and PaRappa the Rapper, and tokusatsu shows such as Ultraman.
Is the ZO-3 good for travel?
Yes. Its short scale, small body and built-in speaker make it one of the easiest electric guitars to carry and play anywhere.
Is the ZO-3 still made?
No. Fernandes stopped trading in 2024, so ZO-3s, including collaboration models, are now only available used.
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