FGN J-Standard, candy apple red, 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, crafted from a glorious piece of quartersawn maple and luxurious dark choc rosewood. 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. The candy apple finish has a certain depth and shimmer to it, it's very pretty in the flesh. You're getting a monster bass for the dime here, it's outstanding.

Model: FGN JJB-5R J-Standard
Made: Japan, 2103, Fujigen plant (serial D130507)
Finish: candy apple red, 3-ply white guard
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.880kg
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 34" scale, 7.25" radius, 38mm nut, C-shape
Mods: none
Pickups: Fujigen 62J single coil x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has minor marks on the end. The neck has no major marks. The back has a few minor scuffs in the middle of the body and around the back edge, nothing nasty. The sides have some scuffs on the elbow area and some minor chips near the jack. The front has no major marks, just some play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: very good 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.