Fender Hojin Egawa Jazz Bass, white blonde, made in Japan around 1995. When this first arrived in the store, I initially assumed it was a Marcus Miller model. But... it turns out it's a little more unusual than that. Hojin Egawa played bass for legendary Japanese borderline-comedy-rockers Bakufu Slump, who rose to fame in the early 1980s. In a weird twist, the band's biggest hit, 'Runner', released in 1988, was written about Hojin's departure from the band over creative differences, so by the time this model hit the shelves, he had moved on to a solo project. This particular example belongs to a local player who moved here from Japan. He apparently was a huge fan, and queued up outside a major guitar retailer in Japan on the day of release to make sure he scored this beauty and has kept it ever since. It's a hell of a bass: ash body, USA pickups and a high mass bridge make for a thick, juicy snappy tone. There's heaps of presence and clarity with a lovely weighty roundness on the bottom end. The transparent finish, oversize Marcus-style guard, matching headstock, block inlays and gold hardware make for a loud look; it will surely look outstanding on stage and match your gold teeth and white suit perfectly. These pop up on the used market once in a blue moon, so don't wait for the next one if you're hankering. Heck yeah!

Model: Fender Japan Hojin Egawa Jazz Bass
Made: Japan, Fujigen plant, 1995 approx (serial N032702)
Finish: white blonde, gloss poly, 3-ply pearl guard
Body: ash
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 7.25" radius, 34" scale, 38mm nut, slim U shape
Weight: 4.930kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Fender USA JB-Vintage single coil x2
Case: nice gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge and a scuff on the top edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a couple of dimples on the back and a small chip behind the nut only. The back has a couple of scuffs on the horns, a decent scratch in the middle of the body towards the bottom edge and some scuffs along the belly carve and back edge. The sides have some dimples on the elbow area, bottom corner and bottom horn. The front has some dimples around the bridge, scuffs in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns.  Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.