So - after an hour of cleaning, sanding, wetsanding with oil, steel wool with oil, and buffing, I got it looking better. Still got a huge light area on the high strings: http://i.imgur.com/VQyZjxW.jpg Overall, the dusty look is almost gone. It's still covered in file marks (you can see the high E ed...

Yep. I have to stop taking photos on that charcoal grey carpet, it makes everything look weird. Renting so not what I would have chosen. The XII looks rosewood-y but could use an oil.

Well for now -

Thomann were very decent about it and offered me a discount around 15%. Since it’s fully functional and can likely be made better looking, I’ve accepted that.

Yeah, not one of my wiser moves. It’s been a weird year.

For comparison, here's the XII headstock (same lighting same phone camera). The fit and finish are spectacularly good - high end Fender quality, just about.

Thomann sent me a Paranormal JM XII and a Charcoal Frost CV 60s Jaguar. Arrived today. Here's the Jag fretboard.

That burst and body finish really is beautiful, I wish I could buy these in Australia just for that.

Wow - that is fantastic work on the neck. End result looks great! I’d be interested to see a white or off-white pickguard on it.

daaaamn
My favourite Macbeth is Toshiro Mifune.

Raining shortscales here lately:

MIJ trinity complete, levelling up.

By coincidence I'm pretty sure it was 95% beer and sweat, as soon as I rubbed at it it came right off. Alfoil and water trick: http://i.imgur.com/AWFoRdU.jpg http://i.imgur.com/p9VlMI9.jpg New set of 12s: http://i.imgur.com/tBeRXpj.jpg Furniture oil for the fretboard: http://i.imgur.com/YozOme5.jpg ...

Everyone’s gonna hate me because it cleaned up too well

I love 90s red MIJ tort and will fight anyone who disagrees

oh and here's why the box was large and heavy, and tripped the threshold for paying import duty ...

Well it turns out the photos were a little harsh. But it sure is yellowed! http://i.imgur.com/GnjhLxO.jpg http://i.imgur.com/2ol4uoV.jpg http://i.imgur.com/616Ev3R.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Xrs1jQA.jpg http://i.imgur.com/xJ8TxpV.jpg Rather unique bridge setup ... http://i.imgur.com/1LP1zVa.jpg But I pl...

Authentic it’s not, but a 10k single coil is its own thing, and sounds very woody and breathy which I love. If I need deeper bass there’s always the Squier 50s P or the HARD PUNCHER.

I really love it, despite my Fender bias. Thanks!

Also sounds a lot like an acoustic bass which I’m really enjoying.