Bacchus BLS-120 LP Standard style, cherry sunburst, made in Japan circa 1995. Bacchus guitars launched in 1994 and enjoy a very loyal following amongst MIJ nerd circles, as well as those of us who just like really, really good guitars. They're built to an incredible standard completely by hand by a small team in Japan, and early examples like this are all the more special. This is a take on the famed Les Paul Standard, and it's really quite a magical unicorn indeed. My understanding is that at this point in the Bacchus story, master luthier Yasuo Momose trained all the building staff and handpicked all the wood for the guitars himself... and the guy knew what he was looking for. It's got a gorgeous two-piece book-matched plain maple top capping off a tasty lightweight chambered premium maghogany body, and it rings like a bell at the lightest touch. The neck is a 1960 style slim profile, it's a very intuitive shape and just sits perfectly in the hands. The pickups were replaced at some point with a tasty set of Dimarzio Air Classic humbuckers, which are a nice take on the PAF genre. Plugged in, it's a dream. The neck pickup is full, bright, percussive and tight, with a tidy little shimmer through the top end. The bridge pickup is growly, punchy, warm and complex with a creamy fullness and a rich snap to the treble. The best LPs have an almost Tele-twang-esque clarity to them, and this is absolutely in that genre... proper 50s style hifi glory. If you get this into your hands, you won't want to put it down.

Model: Bacchus BLS-120
Made: Japan, 1995 approx (no serial on these early ones)
Finish: cherry sunburst, gloss nitro topcoat
Body: mahogany, maple cap, lightly chambered
Weight: 4.045kg
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: pickups and tuners replaced
Pickups: Dimarzio DP191/DP190 Air Classic humbucker x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor marks on the end as well as some extra holes from previous tuners. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light dimples and scuffs, no major marks. The sides have a few dimples near the jack and in the elbow area as well as a surface scratch on the top horn. The front is nice and tidy, just a few dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area and some light play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.