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Lespecial guitarist/lead singer Jonny Grusauskas
Tucked into a cozy corner of a Tokyo guitar shop, these two Carl Thompson Scroll Basses offer more than jaw-dropping curves—they tell a story of luthiery legend. Known for crafting each instrument by hand in his Brooklyn workshop since the 1970s, Carl Thompson is revered among bass enthusiasts for his boundary-pushing scroll design, distinctive long upper horns, and luxurious tonewoods. The pair on display here—one fretted, one fretless—feature lush cocobolo tops that shimmer under shop lights, contrasting elegantly with the natural mahogany bodies and multi-laminate necks.
The Scroll Bass design is instantly recognizable: part sculpture, part sonic weapon. The dramatic scroll at the upper horn is as functional as it is aesthetic, helping to balance the instrument physically and visually. No two Carl Thompson basses are ever the same; each piece is a singular work of art with its own quirks and voice. That’s what makes spotting two in one place such a unicorn moment for collectors and players alike.
Positioned against an exposed brick wall and flanked by vintage Fenders, these basses seem almost regal in comparison, an architectural flex of organic form meeting function. The slatwall display contrasts their fluid silhouettes, while the mirror adds a burst of depth—revealing not just the instruments, but the joy of discovery from the person photographing them. Priced in the ballpark of 2.2 million yen used, they’re not casual purchases—they’re lifelong companions.
If you’re chasing a bass with history, soul, and design bravado, it doesn’t get more "insider" than this.
Welcome to low-end heaven. This tightly packed display of Bacchus bass guitars, spotted in a Tokyo music store, reads like a love letter to boutique craftsmanship at accessible price points. Made in Japan by Deviser, Bacchus is a brand celebrated for delivering hand-finished instruments with tonal punch, custom-shop looks, and smooth-as-butter playability—all without the eye-watering price tag of some boutique luthiers.
At the heart of this display are numerous Bacchus Handmade Series and Global Series basses, each flaunting its own distinct finish—from charcoal burst to natural ash and deep aqua quilt tops. The headstocks gleam under recessed lighting, while the gloss finishes play with reflections from the polished wood floors. There's a heavy lean into 5-string and 6-string territory here, a clear sign that this shop caters to serious players who need versatility, extended range, and modern tonal flexibility.
Architecturally, the display itself is an efficient labyrinth of sonic sculpture. The basses stand tightly packed but thoughtfully arranged, forming a visually rhythmic grid of tuner pegs, fingerboards, and tonal variety. The shop’s lighting design—cool ceiling spots over warm floor tones—gives the entire room a curated gallery feel.
This isn’t just a retail moment—it’s a snapshot of a culture that reveres craft. In Japan, even production-line instruments get attention to detail usually reserved for custom shops elsewhere. Whether you’re a slap-happy funk monster or a fingerstyle explorer, Bacchus offers a gateway into the boutique world that feels both grounded and elevated.
A Fender Mustang takes a break. A new album drops this Friday; 10 songs influenced by rock and roll of the 1970s & 80s. A full discography streams on all platforms at: hypeddit.com/pennanbrae/discography
This extraordinary electric guitar is a rare blend of music, fine art, and Japanese cultural heritage. Displayed proudly in a Tokyo boutique, this Telecaster-style guitar features a meticulously detailed body graphic inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji", specifically the lesser-seen “South Wind, Clear Sky” or "Red Fuji" print. The bold gradient from indigo sky to volcanic crimson peaks is rendered with remarkable precision, transforming the guitar into a playable canvas.
While the body retains classic Telecaster hardware and electronics—two single-coil pickups, a control plate with chrome knobs, and a three-saddle bridge—the real showstopper is the custom finish. The wood grain subtly shows through the edges, grounding the art in natural tonewood craftsmanship. The juxtaposition of a centuries-old ukiyo-e masterpiece with a modern electric guitar form speaks volumes about the intersection of tradition and innovation in Japanese design.
This guitar wasn’t mass-produced—it’s likely a limited run or one-off custom model, possibly by Fender Japan or a high-end Japanese luthier specializing in art guitars. Japan has a deep reverence for both fine woodworking and musical instruments, and this piece beautifully reflects that harmony.
Guitars like this are rarely seen outside Japan, and when they are, they tend to become collector’s centerpieces. Whether displayed or played, it’s a conversation piece that merges visual storytelling with tonal versatility.
Perfect for photographers, collectors, or musicians drawn to the fusion of aesthetics and sound, this is more than an instrument—it’s a tribute to Japanese culture through a rock-and-roll lens.
What you’re looking at is more than just a guitar—it’s a masterclass in vintage design, modern craftsmanship, and tonal precision. This close-up showcases the unmistakable curves and creamy yellow finish of a Fender Stratocaster, one of the most iconic electric guitar silhouettes in music history. But what truly sets this particular model apart is its maple neck with scalloped frets—a feature beloved by virtuosos for the way it allows expressive bends, subtle vibrato, and effortless speed.
Scalloped fretboards are rare by design. Unlike standard frets, scalloping involves carving out the wood between the frets to create a shallow U-shape. The result is a playing experience where your fingers only contact the strings, not the fingerboard, giving you more control with less effort. Though originally popularized by players like Yngwie Malmsteen in the ‘80s shred era, scalloped necks have become a symbol of elite custom instruments—favored by those who demand finesse and flair in equal measure.
The light, vintage-tinted finish nods to Fender’s golden age in the 1950s and early ‘60s, when Leo Fender’s original vision revolutionized the music industry. The Stratocaster’s contoured body, bolt-on neck, and triple single-coil pickup layout became the blueprint for generations of electric guitars. But this version adds a twist of modernity with its scalloped neck—combining retro style with a highly specialized performance edge.
Whether you're a collector, a tone chaser, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of well-worn wood and chrome, this guitar is a conversation starter and a player’s dream. It’s hanging on display now, but it’s ready to sing in the right hands.
A Fender Tele gets tired climbing & takes a break. A full discography of music influenced by rock & roll of the 1970s & 80s streams at: open.spotify.com/artist/739if2Rc8xE80JwyU3aRcQ?si=hBUscXw...
Spotted against a cotton-candy pink wall in a Tokyo music shop, this Fender Made in Japan Junior Collection Jazz Bass in Satin Shell Pink is equal parts eye candy and serious instrument. With its compact scale, modern feel, and unmistakable Jazz Bass tone, this bass is tailor-made for players who want boutique vibes with rock-solid legacy.
The Junior Collection represents Fender Japan’s deep understanding of ergonomics and playability. Built with a 30” scale length, it’s perfect for players with smaller hands or those seeking a more nimble, less fatiguing experience—without compromising the deep growl and articulate midrange that Jazz Basses are known for.
This particular model blends the timeless design language Leo Fender established in the early 1960s with subtle updates. A lightweight alder body, satin-finished maple neck, and vintage-style tuners stay true to the roots, while modern appointments like narrow tall frets and a slightly updated pickup voice keep it responsive and clear.
Aesthetically, the Satin Shell Pink finish is a masterstroke—soft, matte, and utterly fresh. Paired with the bright maple fingerboard and parchment pickguard, it radiates playful confidence. Set against the mod pink backdrop of the Tokyo shop display, this bass almost floats—a design object as much as a musical tool.
For players who appreciate form, function, and flair, this Jazz Bass proves that sometimes, smaller is smarter.
This eye-popping Fender Jazz Bass in custom retro orange delivers a clean, confident twist on a time-honored classic. Displayed in a boutique setting with subtle overhead light and a black-and-white photo mural behind it, this bass strikes a dynamic pose—equal parts modern minimalism and vintage swagger.
Originally introduced in 1960 by Leo Fender, the Jazz Bass was a sleek, ergonomic response to the beefier Precision Bass, offering a slimmer neck and enhanced tonal clarity. This particular model leans into those original proportions but dresses them in a vibrant orange finish reminiscent of 1970s sunburst muscle cars and vintage surfboards. It’s a bold color choice, softened by the vintage cream pickguard and matching split-coil pickups.
Its rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of warmth—both visually and tonally—contrasting beautifully with the glossy orange body. The control plate and dome knobs retain that unmistakable Jazz Bass offset aesthetic, offering tonal versatility with a look that never goes out of style. While the body suggests 60s-era Fender craftsmanship, the matte display surroundings and backlit mural give this presentation an upscale, museum-like vibe.
This is the kind of bass that turns heads before it’s plugged in. Whether it’s a Japanese-market exclusive, a custom shop one-off, or part of a short-run color series, it embodies everything Jazz Basses are loved for: balanced lines, gutsy tone, and timeless cool.
Displayed against a warm wood backdrop in a Tokyo boutique guitar shop, this vibrant Fender Jazz Bass immediately pulls focus with its rare combination of color and cultural detail. Dressed in a vivid custom green finish, the bass features a bold diagonal southwestern motif along the lower bout—evoking desert hues and vintage textiles—offering a fresh visual take on Fender’s most versatile workhorse.
Introduced in 1960, the Jazz Bass was Leo Fender’s follow-up to the Precision Bass, designed to feel more familiar to guitar players with its slimmer neck and offset body. This model celebrates that heritage with dual white Jazz Bass single-coil pickups, a clean white pickguard, and three cream control knobs mounted in classic offset alignment.
The gloss-finished maple neck and fingerboard pop against the saturated body color, showcasing dot inlays, tight fretwork, and a stunning ambered tone that hints at vintage warmth. Paired with the sleek body shape and ergonomic contours that made the Jazz Bass a staple across funk, jazz, indie, and rock genres, this instrument looks as smooth as it plays.
But what truly sets it apart is the detail—the southwestern stripe adds a hint of visual storytelling. It’s more than custom—it’s expressive, adventurous, and unmistakably boutique. Whether it’s a one-off custom from Fender Japan or a rare regional edition, this bass makes a statement.
This is the kind of gear that feels just as at home on stage under spotlights as it does under glass—built to be seen, heard, and felt.
A Hofner bass practises perfect posture.
A Fender Bronco gets ready to call it a night.
An electric guitar reflects on the last days of summer.
The Fender Flagship Store in Tokyo is more than a retail experience; it's a tribute to music legends and an immersive journey for any guitar enthusiast. As you ascend the store's staircase, you're surrounded by an impressive gallery of iconic musicians who have shaped rock, blues, and jazz—each proudly wielding a Fender. This visually dynamic display gives visitors a sense of the brand’s storied history and influence, from vintage rock stars to contemporary virtuosos, capturing Fender's impact on music across generations.
The staircase itself is a masterpiece of clean, modern design, with white walls and strategically placed lighting that highlight each framed image. The mix of color and black-and-white photos creates a visual rhythm that feels as curated as a museum exhibit. Fender’s branding is subtly embedded throughout, adding authenticity and reinforcing the connection to Fender's legendary reputation. You’ll spot famous faces and Fender icons like the Jazz Bass and Stratocaster, each frozen in unforgettable performances, underscoring the emotional and cultural ties between the artist, the instrument, and the fans.
On the ground floor, the store even includes a stylish take-out coffee counter—perfect for fueling your browsing experience. This unique addition emphasizes the relaxed, welcoming vibe of the space, inviting you to linger and explore. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just discovering the world of guitars, Fender's Tokyo flagship store offers a rich, immersive experience that celebrates the artistry, history, and culture surrounding the Fender brand in a city known for its cutting-edge style and deep appreciation for music.
A Fender Mustang & Ludwig drum discuss the next session. A full discography of 1970s & 80s influenced rock & roll streams on all platforms via the profile link.
A Fender Mustang pulls up by a classic car mural. A full discography of 1970s & 80s influenced classic rock streams on all platforms via the profile link.
A Fender Mustang takes a break against an Ampeg amp. A full discography of music influenced by rock & roll of the 1970s streams on all platforms via the profile link.
A Fender Mustang has nowhere to go in East Van.