Bacchus Surf II, made in Japan 2012, brown oil finish. What a delight, right? This is a Handmade Series offering, so that means the body and neck are totally shaped by hand without assistance from CNC routers and other such mechanical wizardry. That means the wood needs to be carefully selected, and oh boy: the ingredients, and the quality of workmanship, is exceptional. The body is a (fairly) light piece of ash, with some big wavy grain on show, joined to some super classy hard rock maple capped with streaky rich rosewood. The natural resonance is immediately apparent in the hands; the thing rings like a wedding bell. The body is stained brown and then finished in oil, so it's designed to rub up pretty quickly and show some natural wear, like a favourite pair of jeans. The looks is awesome, it's unassuming and classy at the same time. The neck feels great in the hands, it's a great piece of maple carved to a super comfy C shape and finished in a super slick satin, so you can get around quickly and reach the higher frets with ease owing to the ergonomic neck joint. The pickups are relatively hot passive humbuckers, so this has plenty of punch. The ash body and hardtail bridge lends it some midrange focus and a warm articulation, paired with a rounded creamy bass. Big juicy chords come out in singing detail with a pleasing growly edge, it's very satisfying. Bacchus are a shop favourite for good reason, this is going to make someone very pleased indeed.

Model: Bacchus Handmade Series Surf II
Made: Japan, Aska workshop, 2012 (serial J05583)
Finish: brown oil
Body: ash
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 11" radius, modern C profile
Weight: 3.725kg
Mods: clear pickguard removed
Pickup: Bacchus Alnico 3 Power humbucker x2
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some light scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has some surface scratches along the bottom and back edges and the belly carve, as well as some rub wear around the neck joint and elbow area. The sides have some rub wear in the elbow area and bottom horn and some dimples near the jack. The front has some scuffs in the bottom corner and back edge, dimples and rub wear in the elbow area and around the tailpiece, rotary surface scratches around the bridge posts, holes from the removed pickguard and some play wear on the 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 look good, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 12/54 Moonshiners strings and in drop C, just drop us a line if you want it setup differently.