Cool Z ZTL-2R, British racing green, made in Japan 2007. We all love this one in the shop, it's such a fun guitar to play. 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 as well as producing Ibanez Prestige and other tasty biscuits to this day. This model is approximately Tele-flavoured, but with a few key differences that make it super playable. First, the classic T stuff: it's got a pair of tasty alnico V single coils, brass saddles and a simple switching setup, all on an alder body. But, there's a few fun twists: most notably, the neck is a Gibson-style 24.75" scale, carved to a slim C shape with a modern 9.5" radius and an 'easy access' heel joint. The body is slightly smaller than a regular Tele and it has both a belly and elbow carve, like a Strat. All that means it's extremely easy to hold and play, it's a whisker more compact and sits in the hands so nicely. The tone is awesome too: it's got plenty of sparkle and twang, but there's a big thick bass response and a slightly shorter sustain, so it has this fun percussive quality to it. It's a breathy, full tone that's very charming indeed. I hardly need to mention the finish really, but just in case: it's a gorgeous rich green, akin to sherwood green but not metallic. Paired with the dark rosewood board and the bound top, it looks super classy. It's a bit different, it's a bit swish, it's a very good time.

Model: Cool Z ZTL-2R
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 2007 (serial I070083)
Finish: British racing green, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, one-piece inc board, 24.75" scale, 9.5" radius, soft-V shape
Mods: none
Weight: 3.245kg
Pickups: Fujigen TLD-FAT F/R single coil x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor marks on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's minor dimples and some light rub wear on the back, no major marks. The back has a couple of dimples on the bottom side and some minor scuffs in the elbow area. The sides have no major marks, just some light scuffs on the top horn. The front has some light scuffs near the knobs, some dimples on the edge in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.