Fender Jazzmaster, candy apple red, made in Japan 1995-6. Well, it's pretty safe to say this one is a fine looking instrument. The candy apple hits the classic curves of the offset body just right, and when you add in some aged plastics, a super dark rosewood board and a rare plain headstock... it's fairly scrumptious, no? I really enjoyed playing this one too. The tone is very percussive: typically a JM has that sparkling clarity and bright zing, but there's a certain extra 'plonk' and snap to the attack on this one that's a lot of fun to hear. It's a delight played clean, but that same precise eloquence means it's still speaking clearly even when smattered with gain and effects. The neck is a lovely piece of maple and rosewood, it really looks classy with a bit of natural yellowing on the headstock and feels superbly comfy and sturdy in the hands. These Fender Japan Jazzies are in a lot of demand domestically in Japan, so it's becoming harder to source them for a decent dime, plus this one being an earlier Fujigen-made example further heightens it's relative scarcity. Don't wait too long if you're tickled, these seldom last long.

Model: Fender Jazzmaster (JM66-85)
Made: Japan, 1995-6 Fujigen plant (serial U012969)
Finish: candy apple red,  3-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.800kg
Mods: knobs and saddles replaced
Pickup: Fender Japan JM-Single x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a few scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and dimples around the body, mostly in the middle and on the back edge, no major marks though. The sides have a few little scuffs and dimples in the waist area on the top edge, in the elbow area and near the jack and on the bottom horn, nothing too nasty. The front has a few dimples around the tailpiece and in the elbow area as well as some play wear on the guard and hotns. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear; they look pretty good with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.