FGN J-Standard, lake placid blue, made in Japan 2013. FGN is the 'house brand' for legendary Japanese builders Fujigen Gakki. The nerds among us will recognise the name: they made all those famous Fender Japan models from 1982-96, as well as building Ibanez Prestige and other high-end models to this day. The FGN brand is sold mostly domestically in Japan, although they're making some headway in Australia too. This is a brilliantly crafted instrument, it feels superb. The neck is a slim, round classic 1962 style Jazz Bass shape, carved from a tasty slab of streaky rosewood and rock maple and finished in a gloriously slick satin clear coat. It's fretted using Fujigen's 'Circle Fretting System', so the frets are ever so slightly concentrically curved towards the body, offering superior clarity and intonation... it sounds nerdy, but it adds up to a brilliant feel in the hands. The pickups dole out a mildly modern take on the classic Jazz tone: heaps of low-end thump with a tasty zest on the top-end and an understated but assured midrange with just enough growl to cut through nicely. This arrived with no pickguard, so we added a crispy fresh mint green guard, which really makes the deep oceanic sparkly blue pop perfectly, it looks awesome. I really enjoy playing this one, it's a lightweight, snappy, responsive J that looks as good as it sounds. It's fgn great.

Model: FGN JJB-5R J-Standard
Made: Japan, 2103, Fujigen plant (serial K130116)
Finish: lake placid blue, 3-ply mint green guard
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.880kg
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 34" scale, 7.25" radius, 38mm nut, C-shape
Mods: pickguard replaced
Pickups: Fujigen 62J single coil x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has a couple of light scuffs in the elbow area and bottom horn, no major marks. The sides have some minor scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front is also nice and tidy, just some minor scuffs on the top horn from play. Overall: excellent condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life. All electrics tested and working properly. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners Strings.