Up for sale, a 2011 Fender Jaguar HH left-handed Kurt Cobain signature model in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Easily the rarest iteration of the Kurt Cobain Jaguar platform, this guitar was part of an exceedingly small run made for Fender Japan in collaboration with the Japanese music store chain Ikebe. Officially model HJG-66KC VI, this Jaguar features USA-made Dimarzio DP103 PAF and DP100 Super Distortion humbuckers, a Tune-o-matic bridge, a reconfigured control array, and a bound rosewood fingerboard.
The Ikebe model had three sub-models: the IV, V and VI. The VI model seen here reflects all of the modifications made to Kurt's Jag, with a three knob control layout and Gibson-style three-way toggle switch on the hexagonal Lead Circuit plate governing the USA-made Dimarzio humbucker pair. The DP103 36th Anniversary PAF in the neck position has a traditional Gibson-style tonal range with excellent dynamics and articulation, handling gain well for a harmonic-rich, powerful sound. The DP100 Super Distortion in the bridge position is Dimarzio's iconic high powered humbucker, designed to kick your amp into overdrive and perfectly tailored to Nirvana-style ripping drive. This Jaguar weighs 8lbs 9oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
The lightly figured flame maple neck has a slender C profile carve with round shoulders, measuring .825" deep at the 1st fret and .925" at the 12th. The bound rosewood fretboard features pearloid dot inlay and pristine slender fretwire, playing cleanly up the 24” scale with a straight neck and a responsive, optimally-adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 1.650“ (42mm) in width, carved from bone for optimal clarity and sustain. On the headstock, the Kluson-style tuning machines turn smoothly and hold accurate pitch, and the “Made in Japan” text and U-prefix serial are present above the four-bolt neck plate.
All of the electronics function as intended, with the Cobain-modified control array governing the pair of USA-made Dimarzio humbuckers. The hardware includes a nickel-plated Tune-o-matic bridge that ensures optimal stability, working in concert with the vibrato unit for subtle warbles and deeper dives. The chrome plating on the control plates, vibrato, and trio of knurled knobs is gleaming, and plastics include a brown four-ply tortoise pickguard.
The Sunburst gloss finish exhibits with just a scant few tiny dings and light finish scratches in the clear coat along the lower bout perimeter. The smooth ambered gloss on the neck profile is flawless, highlighting flame figuring in the maple.
A Gator-brand gigbag is included, along with the original manual and Ikebe hangtag.