Cool Z ZLC-1 Dignity, black, made in Japan in 2012. Because we all need some Dignity, right? Cool Z is a house brand for major Japanese instrument chain Shimamura, who have stores all over Japan. They're made at the legendary Fujigen Gakki plant, the very same factory that made all those famous Fender Japan guitars from 1982-96, the famed Epiphone Japan models from the mid 2000s as well as producing Ibanez Prestige and other tasty biscuits to this day. These 'Dignity' LP style models aren't cheap new, they listed for around double the ¥ that you'd pay for a Fender Japan Standard model, if that gives you the idea. It feels amazing in the hands. The quality of build and finish on offer would make any Gibson blush, it's seriously well executed. Fujigen's 'Circle Fretting System' means the frets are very slightly curved into a parentheses type shape, which allows a fretted note a straighter string path from nut to bridge, increasing sustain and clarity. It all adds up to a brilliant feel in the hands: the neck is straight and stable and feels instantly familiar, the body is lively and loud unplugged, the weight and balance feels right and there's no little niggles to stop you enjoying yourself while you play. The tone on offer is mammoth: there's an expansive, deep low end with a fast attack, mile-wide mids that add colour and girth to every note and a joyous sweetness on the top end to make sure you're never lost in the mix. The gold hardware, seven-ply binding, quirky Dignity headstock motif and the block inlays make the gloss black really pop... buy a good quality microfibre cloth though, you're gonna want to keep it clean. You know, for the sake of your dignity.

Model: Cool Z ZLC-1 Dignity
Made: Japan, 2012, Fujigen plant (serial F120302)
Finish: black, thin gloss poly
Body: mahogany, maple cap
Weight: 4.800kg
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim 60s profile
Mods: none
Pickups: History BH-1n/b humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of tiny dimples on the top horn. The sides have a couple of small dimples in the elbow area. The front has some minor play wear on the guard and horns, no major marks. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minimal wear, 9/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks. Setup with fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.