Edwards E-MA-98 Aloha Ken, made in Japan 2007. Bored of the standard sunburst/black/cherry options on an LP? Well, here's a dang solution. The 'Aloha Ken' model is a signature offering for Ken Yokoyama of famed Japanese punk lords Hi-Standard and later BBQ Chickens. It looks awesome: the lightly yellowed hibiscus print top pops perfectly against the amber knobs, aged plastics and streaky rosewood board. It's definitely a loud look, but dang... it works. The headstock is also weird and wonderful, but hey, why be boring, right? Aside from the styling, this is a superb instrument. Edwards is the vintage style division of ESP and they're all made in Japan to an outrageously high standard. This feels superb: lively and resonant in the hands with a cooperative, sensible '59 style neck that never makes you work too hard. It's got sturdy set of Gotoh hardware and some Duncan humbuckers, which sound great. This has a heap of grunt and a fat low end with a lively, singing midrange... it loves a dirty amp and balances the warmth and cut nicely. These were pretty expensive new and certainly not something you see around these parts often; it's a hell of an LP. Remember that scene in Garden State where his Mum makes him a shirt that matches the wallpaper? Here's the guitar to match both perfectly.

Model: Edwards E-MA-98 Aloha Ken
Made: Japan, 2007 (serial ED0746331)
Finish: blue hibiscus top, ochre stained gloss mahogany back/sides/neck
Neck: 1-piece mahogany, rosewood board, slim 60s profile, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Body: mahogany 3pce, plain maple 2pce cap
Weight: 3.970kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Seymour Duncan SH1N '59 Model (neck) and SH4 JB (bridge)
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a pair of minor chips on the end, nothing nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has no major marks, just some widespread light scuffs and minor dimples. The sides have a few dimples near the jack and on the elbow area, nothing nasty. The front has a little dent below the bridge pickup, aside from that it's just minor play wear on the horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets are nice and even, minor wear only; 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.