Rabbit Is USA-KO Natural Korina 2021
Rabbit Is USA-KO, natural gloss, made in Japan 2021. Is this the weirdest brand of guitar we've had through the shop yet? I mean, Brian was a contender, but this might be the new gold standard. The brand is a project started by Kikuo Yoshioka, the president and founding luthier behind Topshelf favourites Crews Maniac Sound, and kicked off in 2019. They basically offer two shapes: an LP Special DC style, and a 1961 SG style, each in either mahogany or korina. Yes folks: this one is made of genuine solid African korina. A quick search at time of writing showed that if you want a G-branded guitar made of this stuff, you're not getting any change from A$10k, and that would be a deal. Korina has a distinctive look to it: it's a vibrant golden colour with detailed, fine dark 'dog hair' style grain lines; it catches the light beautifully. The body is a three piece build, a departure from the centre joined two piece builds of Crews' KTR series, but there's a reason: it's got a special 'Kittiri joint', where the neck piece extends underneath the neck pickup, much deeper into the body than a regular long tenon, which maxmises contact, strength and resonance. At 2.6kg, it's stupendously light, and somehow,... still well balanced, seated or standing. Korina guitars are famous for their bright, open, clear tone, and this is exactly that: shimmering expansive highs, glorious complex and pithy midrange, and a tight and punchy low end to keep it all together. The neck pickup is warm and rounded with a gooey vocal-like quality, while the bridge pickup is snarly and fat with bristling clarity and cut. It looks clean and classy, and there's a dang cartoon rabbit on the headstock... ask for more, I dare you. The matching gig bag is a quality item and also blessed with the bunny. Life is grand.
Model: Rabbit Is USA-KO
Made: Japan, Terada factory, circa 2021
Serial: none
Finish: natural gloss, 'thin urethane'
Body: African korina, 3-piece
Neck: African korina, Indian rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, Kittiri join
Weight: 2.625kg
Mods: pickguard replaced, black original guard included
Pickups: Crews Maniac Sound Vegas P-90, USA-Humbuckin'
Electronics: CTS J-Curve pots, NOS oil capacitor
Accessories: Rabbit Is gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: used electric guitar with very minor cosmetic wear. On the headstock we have a few light scratches on the front and back with a dimple on the top-left 'ear'. Tuners are in good order. Neck is smooth with one very minor dimple around the 4th fret. No noticeable damage on the fretboard. Around the edges of the body, there's a small ding by the top horn and a dimple around the elbow area. The front presents well. There's some play wear on the guard, light scratches and a dimple below the bridge, all quite subtle and unnoticeable except under the right light. The same goes on the back with only a few light scratches and dimples. Near new in appearance.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings.
Fret Life: 9/10, played on with no noticeable wear.