Atelier Z Buddy of Life, bright yellow, made in Japan, recent model. Atelier Z kicked off in 1989, initially specialising in custom basses but later expanding into guitars as well. They're mostly known for modern J style basses with active electronics and great woodwork. This little cutie is a signature model for KenKen, bassist for Japanese Alt/Nu-Metal band Rize. It's got a slightly undersized body and a 30" scale neck, and at 3.2kg, it's light as a feather. The neck is really good: it's a moderately fat D type profile with a traditional 38mm Jazz size nut, carved from a gorgeous piece of tightly grained maple. It feels awesome in the hands, it has the integrity of a proper boutique piece. The gaudy yellow finish and mirror chrome guard make for a fun look, it's quirky but still classy. The tone on offer is suitably thumpy, being a short scale, but the two J-style pickups mean you can dial a few different sounds and get a bunch of good results. It's always warm and rounded, but you can get a surprising amount of clarity and snap out of it too. I'm a big fan of this one, it's just so much fun to play.

Model: Atelier Z KenKen 'Buddy of Life' Mini Bass
Made: Japan, recent model (serial 252616)
Finish: yellow, gloss poly, mirror chrome guard
Body: ash
Neck: maple with maple board, 9.5 radius, 30" scale, 38mm nut, vintage D shape
Weight: 3.165kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Atelier Z single coil x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has no major marks, although it's been signed by KenKen on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has some light scuffs on the elbow area and the middle, no major marks. The sides have no major marks. The front has some light scuffs near the jack and a little crack in the guard near the neck join, plus some play scuffs on the guard and horns. 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. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 strings.