Fender Japan Deluxe Jazz Bass V Kazuki Arai for King Gnu bassist
King Gnu bassist gets signature bass
4,0 / 5,0 | 
This Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass V Kazuki Arai is the latest signature model release for the Japanese market and is a reissue of a very limited run from 2021.
Deluxe Jazz Bass V Kazuki Arai
The Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass V Kazuki Arai is an exclusive model for the Japanese market available in both Vintage Blonde and Black finishes.
Kazuki Arai is the bassist of King Gnu and this signature model has some great tonal options available.
Originally released as a limited production in 2021 as the signature model of Kazuki Arai. It is now available once more and has a few unique specifications for the artist.
These include what is described as a dinky body shape and a unique Kazuki Arai “C” Shape neck profile. The neck has a satin urethane finish on the rear and a gloss finish on the front.
Vintage Blonde · Source: Fender
Ultra Noiseless
It comes fitted with a set of Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass pickups and a matching preamp. These are controlled by a Master Volume, a Pan Pot (Pickup Selector), Treble Boost/Cut, Midrange Boost/Cut, Bass Boost/Cut, Passive Tone and an Active/Passive mini toggle switch.
Tone 1 is for the neck pickup and Tone 2 is for the bridge/middle pickup with a Push/Pull Coil select.
Black · Source: Fender
Anodized Pickguard
Interestingly, it also has a thin pickguard of about 1.0 mm that is sandwiched under the gold anodized pickguard that is about 1.2 mm thick. This then adds up to the height of a standard 3-ply pickguard.
There is also a neck plate engraved with the artist’s signature.
Key specifications include an ash body with a maple neck and a rosewood fretboard. The fretboard has 22 medium jumbo frets, abalone dot markers and a bone nut fitted.
Hardware
The bass hardware includes a 5-Saddle HiMass Vintage String-Through-Body or Top-Load bridge and a set of Gotoh GB707E-L-C tuners.
Verdict
Overall, this a great specification signature 5-string bass and one that would possibly do well outside of Japan as well. If you can source one then it could be a great instrument to own.
It sounds like it will work great with modern bass styles, including Jpop, and there are plenty of useful tonal variations with the pickup switching and preamp eq.
MSRP – YEN 231,000 inc Deluxe Fender gig bag
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