Fender Jaguar in sunburst, custom order model, made in Japan 1994/5. Two or three decades ago, the legendary Fujigen Gakki factory was producing some truly exceptional Fender instruments, and if you were a local Japanese customer and asked nicely enough, they'd customise their standard offerings according to your wishes. Some young upstart in Japan might've had heard a little album called 'Nevermind', and ordered a Jaguar accordingly. This has a few fun differences from a normal Jag. First: the neck pocket has a handy easy-access carve, so getting to those last few frets is a breeze. Second, it's got some Kurt-style electronics: disengaged rhythm circuit and a pair of Dimarzios. The tone out of this is truly exceptional; it's the best sounding offset we've had through in ages, possible ever. There's a thick, juicy body with a full and singing midrange, all balanced by the signature Jag-jangle and a sparkly, crispy top... it really does sound brilliant. The factory fitted adjust-o-matic bridge is easy to adjust and lends some precision to the tone, it's a bit easier to work with than the standard spiral bridge. It's nice to score a guitar with these specs from the factory instead of something that's been re-routed for the different pickups and bridge; this is very tidy 'under the hood'. The sunburst finish looks all the better for a handful of minor marks, it's fitting for a guitar like this to have a few stories to tell. This pre-dates the official (and slightly differently appointed) Mexican made Kurt Cobain signature Jag by a lot of years; the serial dates it possibly to 1994 when Nirvana were the biggest band in the world. Long live rock and roll!

Model: Fender Jaguar '66 reissue, customised by factory (JG66-85)
Made: Japan, Fujigen  plant, 1994/5, (serial U018174)
Finish: 3-tone sunburst (3TS), 3-ply red tort guard 
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.8kg approx
Mods: none, custom order model with unusual specs
Pickups: Dimarzio DP100 Super Distortion (bridge), DP103 PAF (neck)
Case: basic non-original gig bag (note: no trem arm, sorry!)

Cosmetic condition notes: Minor finish wear. There's a couple of marks on the end and bottom edge of the headstock. Neck is pretty clean, just a couple of minor nicks, nothing you can really feel. There's quite a few little marks on the back, but nothing nasty; note the scuffs around the neck joint, chips around the edges and some slight buckle rash scratches and dimples. The sides have a few nicks on the bottom edge near the jack and a couple of little chips directly up from the bridge. The front is moderately clean, just a few dimples on the top horn, shoulder area, behind the bridge and near the jack. You wouldn't want it too pristine though, right? Overall: good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. There's some normal fret wear, 7/10 for life left. All electrics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49s.