Cool Z ZLS-1, lemon drop, made in Japan 2010. This one has a glow about it, that's for sure. Cool Z is the house brand for Japanese music retailers Shimamura Gakki, who used to team up with the always-excellent Fujigen Gakki factory to produce a line of reimagined classics for sale exclusively through their stores. This one is a take on the Les Paul Standard genre, but with a couple of handy updates. First, the headstock angle is increased to 18 degrees, improving tuning stability and resonance, and you also get a smoothed-out heel join for easier access up the neck. Add to that some quality Gotoh hardware, house-made PAF-style pickups and some picky wood selection, and you get a mammoth LP. The woods are truly impressive: gorgeous dark streaky rosewood on the board, a widely patterned bookmatched plain maple top and some dense, tightly grained unchambered mahogany for the body, all brought together with care and skill that USA luthiers ought take heed of. The finish is lovely too, brimming with cheeky warm yellow energy. The neck pickup is round and plump but still cleans up beautifully and happily covers jazz territory. The bridge pickup is creamy and assertive, with a pumping midrange that will slice through a mix with vigour. This is so much guitar for the cash it's silly. Just be thankful you're not paying by the gram. 

Model: Cool Z ZLS-1
Made: Japan, 2010, Fujigen plant (serial C101142)
Finish: lemon drop over plain maple top, walnut stain back/sides, gloss poly
Body: 2-piece mahogany, 2-piece hard maple cap
Neck: 1-piece mahogany with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 10.5" radius, moderate '59 style profile
Weight: 4.980kg
Mods: none
Pickup: BH-1 humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and some minor scuffs on the front around a couple of the posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has some minor scuffs near teh neck join and main cavity, a scratch near the rear strap pin and some dimples in the middle of the body. The sides have some scuffs near the jack. The front has light scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have very little wear, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.