Cool Z ZST-M10R Ocean Turquoise Metallic 2015
Cool Z ZST-10MR, ocean turquoise, made in Japan 2015. This is a very enjoyable little guitar. Cool Z is a house brand for major Japan music retailers Shimamura Gakki, made at the iconic Fujigen Gakki factory that produced Fender Japan for many years and still makes high end Ibanez models today. This model is a medium scale take on the classic Strat, so it's got a 24.75" scale neck and a slightly undersized 7/8ths body. This sort of offering has long done well in Japan, as they're that little bit more comfortable to play, especially if you're on the smaller side or have small hands... but even as a lanky lurch, I love the feel of this guitar. It's responsive and lively in the hands, the neck is effortlessly comfy and it holds tune convincingly. The pickups are voiced on a 1962 style set, but with a little extra wind for enhanced fatness. It's a great sound: percussive and punchy, creamy and warm through the mids and glassy on top. The shorter scale means the tone is a little darker and the sustain a little shorter than a regular Strat, so it has a very pleasing gooeyness to it. The finish is great too, it's a classy deep green. This is about the same dollars as you'd pay for Fender's lowest end Strat out of Indonesia, and in terms of build quality, sound and feel, it's no contest: Cool Z all day.
Model: Cool Z ZST-M10R
Made: Japan, 2015, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: A150085
Finish: Ocean Turquoise Metallic, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 42mm nut, 12" radius, slim D shape
Weight: 3.235kg
Mods: back cover removed and missing
Pickups: History VS62-FAT single coil x3
Accessories: basic gig bag, trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has scuffs in the elbow area and some dimples in the bottom corner. The sides have minor dimples on the top horn and elbow area and some dents and a chip near the jack. The front has dimples near the jack and along the back edge and some 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. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only