Fender Highway One Jazz, daphne blue, made in USA 2006. This is very cool. The Highway One series was the most basic USA-made offering from Fender in the mid 00s, so they were a whisker cheaper than an American Standard when they were new. But... in a weird twist, these H1 models kinda sound and feel better than an Am Std, at least in my opinion. I suspect that's why the model was discontinued in due course. The X-factor on this is the thin satin nitrocellulose finish. Being thin, you can see some of the grain of the alder body showing through on the back of the body, it wears quickly and allows the wood to breathe and resonant more truly than a thick coat of polyurethane. That translates to a lively, responsive feel in the hands and a rich, snappy tone through the amp. There's a plump low end on offer, balanced by a sweet, articulate top end, accentuated by the high mass bridge. It's a fairly modern, slightly scooped take on the classic J-growl, and it sounds great. The nitro finish also makes for a slick neck feel, which combined with the slim neck shape, makes for an easy play. The finish has mellowed and yellowed to a subtle spearmint green, with a decent but subtle smattering of play wear around edges to add some depth and mystery to the look. These are far more common in sunburst or red, but I'm very much onboard for the coastal cool of the daphne blue. Lots to love here!

Model: Fender Highway One Jazz Bass
Made: USA, 2006 (serial Z6242389)
Finish: daphne blue, satin nitro, 3-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 9.5" radius, 34" scale
Weight: 4.245kg
Mods: bridge replaced with Badass Bridge II
Pickups: Fender JB-Single single coils
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the bottom edge and end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks, just some rub wear from play. The back has a couple of dents in the back edge and bottom horn, some dimples near the neck plate as well as widespread minor dimples and light scuffs around the body. The sides have minor scuffs and dimples around the whole body, as well as some shallow dents in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has minor dimples around scuffs around the whole body, a dimple up from the bridge pickup, a sticker fade mark on the guard and some standard 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 electrics tested and working properly. The frets have some very minor wear but are looking excellent, 9/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.