Fender Japan 5-string Jazz Bass, old candy apple red, crafted in Japan 2006-8. We get asked for these a lot, but finding them is pretty tricky as they weren't made for very long. It's basically a 1962 style Jazz Bass, but with an extra string... instant beef on tap. It's always a bit of a balance with a 5-string between keeping the neck slim enough to get your hand around and maintaining enough string spacing to hit your notes accurately, and this walks that line convincingly. The neck will feel familiar if you've played 5-string Musicman Stingrays and the like, it's a similar shape and tapers in a similar way. Tone-wise, there's a lot to like. It's got that traditional J-growl, with heaps of grit and snap and a punchy, rounded attack; the satisfying immediacy extends all the way down to the lowest notes. The old candy finish is a bit darker and more mysterious than regular CAR, and paired with the tort guard and 60s era decals, it's a classy vintage aesthetic. If you wanted a bass to cover heaps of different genres and always look and feel at home, this is a great contender. Jood, in a word.

Model: Fender Japan Jazz Bass JBV-95
Made: Japan, 2006-8 (serial S023094)
Finish: old candy apple red (OCR), 3-ply tort guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood, board, 9.5" radius, 34" scale
Weight: 4.440kg
Mods: strap pins replaced
Pickups: Fender Japan JB-Vintage-5 single coil x2, passive
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has a few minor marks on the end and top and bottom edges, as well as some marks since from a bunch of little diamonte stickers that were on the headstock near the D post. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has has a decent ding on the bottom corner, as well as widespread light scuffs and surface scratches around the whole body. The sides have a few little dimples in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has as few dimples around the bridge and in the elbow area, as well as some scuffs from play around the pickups and on the guard and horns. Overall: 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. Frets have some minor wear, they're fairly even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Set up with fresh 45/130s.