Fender Jaguar, limited edition black-on-black finish, crafted in Japan 1999-02. This is a villainous and unusual take on the classic Jag, and oh gosh, it's terribly, unnervingly, unapologetically cool. The usual Fender Japan Jag model from this era is the JG66-85, you see them pop up in sunburst and candy apple regularly and in white and a handful of other finishes occasionally. This one, according to docs it ships with, is a JG66-110; which means it's non-catalog limited edition model, and that it went for ¥25000 more than the standard model in it's day. They're certainly scarce: finding another example of this model and finish for sale anywhere in the world, or even a previously sold listing, proved very difficult; I've certainly never seen one before, either online or in the flesh. The black finish with black with a single ply black guard and black chrome hardware looks... very black indeed. Leaving all that aside, it's very convincing in the hands. The slim neck is very easygoing and agreeable, and the body chimes and rings out with great enthusiasm at the lightest touch. The classic Jag-jangle is certainly on tap, but the tone has an added three-dimensionality and depth to it that only comes from thousands of hours of play. There's some cosmetic wear to show for all that: plenty of rub wear, play scratches and patina on the hardware, but hey; that's all part of the visual appeal. If you're after a Jag that Darth Vader would be proud of, grab this and give yourself to the dark side.

Model: Fender Jaguar (JG66-110)
Made: Japan, Tokai plant, 1999-02 (serial P033559)
Finish: gloss black, 1-ply black guard , black chrome hardware (naturally aged)
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.685kg
Mods: bridge replaced with Mustang style
Pickup: Fender Japan JG-Single x2
Case: basic original gig bag (also included: matching Fender strap, trem arm, original docs and warranty card)

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a couple of marks on the end of the headstock. The logos have faded naturally with age, they're visible up close only. The neck is pretty clean; no major marks, just a couple of tiny dimples. The back has a couple of long shallow scratches from around the rear strap pin, some widespread minor 'buckle rash' scratches, the start of a bunch of checking lines, a bit of general rub-wear and a small chip on the bottom edge. The sides have a few small marks: some little chips on the shoulder area, near the rear strap pin and on the bottom side around past the jack, plus a few minor scuffs. The front has some scratches concentrated around the jack and below the bridge, as well as some play scratches on the guard and top horn, a lot of rub wear on both horns and the shoulder area and a lot of patina on the hardware (all works fine). Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. Frets have some normal wear but no major buzz issues and are fairly even, 7/10 for life left. All electrics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49s.