(SOLD) Cool Z ZST-1R Lake Placid Blue 2012
Cool Z ZST-1R, shiny blue, made in Japan 2012. Cool Z (I believe it's pronounced Coolzies) is the house brand for major Japan music retailers Shimamura Gakki, made down the road at the famed Fujigen Gakki factory. Fujigen make some of the best production model guitars going around, including the top end of Ibanez. This one is their take on the classic Strat genre, so it gets some classic stuff like three single coils and the standard trem bridge, as well as some modern touches like an easy-access neck join, 12" radius and overwound pickups. It's great in the hands: the neck is quick and slick, the body is lightweight and balanced, the hardware is sturdy and there's plenty of natural resonance. The tone is convincing too: fat, warm, spanky and defined, with a great balance between body and bite. The blue finish has a bit of natural play wear and yellowing, it's looking pretty suave and ready for all your pool parties this summer. Coolzies!
Model: Cool Z ZST-1R
Made: Japan. 2012, Fujigen Gakki plant
Serial: B121171
Finish: lake placid blue, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.325kg
Mods: none
Pickups: History STD-FAT single coil x3
Accessories: Cool Z gig bag, no trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs and rub wear on the back only. The back has minor scuffs along the belly carve, dimples in the elbow area and bottom horn and some dents and scuffs along the bottom edge. The sides have dimples in the elbow area and near the jack and a decent chip on the bottom horn. The front has dimples around the jack and in the elbow area, a dent on the top horn 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 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, normal wear with minor pitting but no major buzz issues