Fender Japan Jazzmaster, made in Japan 2010/11, candy apple red. First up, gee this looks good. Candy apple hits the offset body just right; it's a visual delight. The tort guard makes a nice change from the more common white option and ties in well with the rosewood board. The pickups have been replaced with a RetroTone set, which are great. They're a more vintage-correct pancake style wind than the originals, so you get a sweet singing clarity and an articulate, responsive voice that's very appealing. RetroTone isn't a brand with a large profile outside Japan, but they fetch a similar sum to DImarzios or Duncans; they're a good quality option. The neck has been refinished in satin, which feels brilliantly smooth in the hand. Combined the supremely comfortable offset shape, this is a brilliant player that really has a lot to give. There's nothing quite like a JM to stack up with gain and ambience and dole out some walls of noise to the sweaty masses... proper cool guitar!

Model: Fender Jazzmaster '66 reissue (JM66)
Made: Japan, 2010/11 (U042741)
Finish: candy apple red,  3-ply dark tort guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, sanded to satin finish
Weight: 3.8kg approx
Mods: pickguard replaced, CTS pots installed, pickups exchanged
Pickup: RetroTone JM-59 pancake-wound single coils
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: There's a couple of marks around the edge of the end of the headstock. The neck is pretty clean, note that it's been sanded to a smooth satin feel. The back has a few dimples and scratches around the place, mostly concentrated near the neck plate, body carve and rear strap pin. The front is fairly clean, just a few marks above and behind the bridge and some normal play scratches. 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. Frets have some normal wear, no major buzzing, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.