Cool Z ZLJ-10 Les Paul Special style, TV yellow finish, made in Japan 2014. This is a little modern-MIJ masterpiece, it's so good. 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. So, as you might've guessed, this is put together with a whole lot of love and precision. The neck is quick and easy, it's a slim-60s style profile that's neither too fat or too thin and it feels very reassuring and comfy in the hands. The body is very loud and resonant unplugged, you can really feel the notes ringing around up against your chest. Fujigen's 'Circle Fretting System' makes for perfect fretwork, and the attention to detail on display in the fit and finish work is exceptional. The pickups deliver that classic 50s P-90 style glory: percussive, driving attack, clear and sparkling treble balanced by an assertive growling midrange and a rounded, confident bass. This is a seriously good sounding instrument, it'll scare guitars selling at two or three times the price. Cool Z stuff still flies largely 'under the radar' outside Japan, so nab yourself a bargain while it's still on the downlow.

Model: Cool Z ZLJ-10
Made: Japan, 2014, Fujigen plant (serial J140197)
Finish: TV yellow, thin gloss poly
Body: mahogany
Weight: 3.805kg
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim 60s profile
Mods: none
Pickups: History SP-90 single coil x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor chips on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few light dimples around the body but no major marks. The sides have a few tiny dimples on both horns, the elbow area and near the jack, no major marks. The front has a couple of dimples in the elbow area and behind the bridge and some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. 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. Setup with fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.