Cool Z ZTL-M2R, candy apple red, made in Japan 2015. 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 dishes 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. The classic candy apple red pops perfectly under lights, it's a very pretty thing to behold. Ze Coolest.

Model: Cool Z ZTL-2R
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 2015 (serial A150307)
Finish: candy apple red, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 9.5" radius, fat C shape
Mods: none
Weight: 3.355kg
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 end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, there's minor dimples on the back, no major marks. The back has some minor scuffs around the ferrules and along the back edge. The sides have some minor dimples in the elbow and near the jack as well as a minor chip on the top horn. The front has some minor dimples along the back edge and in the elbow area as well as some some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good 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.