1998 Fender HJG-66KC IV Kurt Cobain Jaguar, Ikebe Limited Order, DiMarzio PAF & Super Distortion

1998–2000 Fender Japan HJG-66KC IV unofficial Kurt Cobain Jaguar, an Ikebe music shop order. Per the original printed magazine ads, these Jaguars were one of Ikebe's best sellers, available as three “degrees of Cobain”—the IV, V, and VI.

This HJG-66KC IV sports traditional Jaguar controls, but mimics Kurt’s with USA DiMarzio pickups (a PAF in the neck, and Super Distortion in the bridge), factory tune-o-matic bridge, and mid-60's style saturated sunburst finish.

One of only two pre-2015 Fender Japan Jaguar models available with a bound, dot fretboard. The headstock sports a traditional Jaguar decal and shape, compared to the Mexican Cobain reissues.

I've owned many examples of the HJG model, from the first iteration in 1993 to the final 2010's examples, and this is by far my favorite era. It has the most comfortable slim 60's neck shape, and best looking mid-60's burst.

100% fully functional.

History of the HJG-66KC
Ikebe's "HJG" naming appeared as early as 1993, for a Lake Placid Blue HJG-66—the "H" prefix being used for all their Fender Japan custom orders.

The HJG-66KC was launched around November 1995 in its first iteration, essentially just a normal production JG66 with factory humbucker routing and DiMarzios. In 1996, the HJG-66KCII appeared, featuring a factory tune-o-matic bridge and the 2 volume, 1 tone control scheme. (Typically these are order number batches K-689 and K-690(A), the last known orders from the FujiGen-era).

Between 1996–1997, a version was also available in Candy Apple Red (with matching headstock) and Vintage White. In early 1997, a shop reliced version was also advertised, featuring burn marks and excessive finish wear.

In April 1998, the Ikebe ad featured a new version, the HJG-66KC'98—with the updated mid 60's sunburst and bound neck. This is where the Fender Japan order number changed to DK-203, with the JG66-98D model code update. (Note: shop naming conventions for marketing are frequently different than the production codes used by Fender Japan.)

In May 1999, a limited HJG66KC-Neo Vintage model was advertised, featuring an "ultra-thin" lacquer finish and 3-knob control scheme.

Between 2000–2005, the sunburst changed to have less gradation and saturation—yet otherwise remained the same until the model was discontinued.

The February 2000 Ikebe ad sums things up best: "The KC model has become the face of Ikebe Original Fender Japan, so there's nothing more to say about it."