The middle latch was stuck shut, making it hard to free the guitar. Apparently that latch took a direct hit during shipping, but it could still be convinced to let go. Thankfully that's where the bad news ends.The guitar still has plastic on the pickups and pickguard, and not a scratch anywhere.
The neck felt longer than it is - I'm used to that effect with offsets, but this felt different from my Jazzmasters. I even measured, and yes, it's 25.5" scale just like them, so I can't account for that feeling. I got used to it and just enjoyed playing it. The roller bridge turns out to be a good match for this trem (vibrato). After a few string stretches, it stays in tune well.
In most respects, it strikes me as a well done, but basic Jazzmaster type. It's simplified, but not compromised. The satin neck feels like it has no finish at all, but it feels good. I think I'd prefer a Gibson type 3-way switch, but all the rest is good. The choice of 1 volume and 2 tones is unusual, but I think I can find utility in that, time will tell.
Now the pickups, that's where this guitar really differs from any other offset I've played. They are obviously unpotted mini humbuckers, a bit microphonic, but hum cancelling. I can work with that! They are almost as bright as single coils, but warmer. The unpottedness I like in pickups as it adds texture I just don't hear from potted pickups. And these are clean, crisp. It's easy to get nuances with them, but they tend to show off mistakes just as well. That's a good kind of challenge to my thinking.
Bottom line, I have a couple other offsets I still like more, but for the money the Argus is awesome, and something a bit different. Keeper. It's better in every way than the CNZ Audio JM, but below the bar set by the DiPinto Galaxie IV. Price-wise, the Argus punches well above its weight class.
