Cool Z ZST-V/R Black 2016
Cool Z ZST-V/R, gloss black, made in Japan 2016. Cool Z is the house brand for major music retailers Shimamura Gakki, who have a few shops around Japan. They're made at the exceptional Fujigen Gakki factory, who used to build for Fender Japan but these days are best known as the home of Ibanez Prestige. This model is their vintage style Strat offering, and I'm a big fan: easy to play, very well executed, sounds great. The neck is a moderately chunky D style shape, carved from some tight and tidy maple and dark streaky rosewood, with a handy easy-access neck join for extra fun. It feels awesome in the hands: resonant, responsive and stable. The pickups are a slightly overwound vintage style alnico V single coil, and they're awesome for all that Jimi/SRV type stuff especially. This example has been de-badged, just like your Skyline/WRX/Integra, so it must be extra fast and streetsmart, right? This is cheaper than a Squier Classic Vibe Strat at the big shop around the corner and in my mind represents wildly good value. Black goes with everything, right?
Model: Cool Z ZST-V/R
Made: Japan, 2016, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: I160885
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 648mm scale, 42mm nut, 250mm radius moderate D shape
Weight: 3.410kg
Mods: headstock logo removed
Pickups: History STD-FAT single coil x3
Accessories: no case or trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and a fade mark on the front from the removed decal. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only. The back has minor scratches around the cavity cover and some scuffs along the belly carve, elbow area and back and bottom edges. The sides have rub wear in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has dimples around the jack and knobs and a sanded bald patch in the elbow area, as well as sanding/rub wear in the elbow area and top horn.
Overall: good condition (7/10)
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: 9/10, minor wear only