History SH-BP4/R, candy apple green, made in Japan 2012. History is a house brand for major Japanese instrument chain Shimamura, who have stores all over Japan. This was made at the famed Fujigen Gakki plant, the very same factory that made all those iconic Fender Japan guitars from 1982-96, as well as producing Ibanez Prestige and high end offerings to this day. By 2012, History's offerings had taken a turn towards being high end, so this one sold new for ¥170000, around three times more than a Fender Japan Standard Precision would have gone for at the same time. There's a bunch of cool little innovations in the way they made this: easy access neck joint, 'Circle Fretting System' frets that are slightly parenthetical for increased sustain and accurate intonation, 'elite finish' rolled fretboard edges... they thought about the little details, and it shows. There's some tasty vintage style appointments too: two piece centre joined alder body, CTS pots, unbleached cow bone nut, spiral saddle bridge and an alnico V pickup. The biggest thing to note about this one is the 'Heritage Wood' neck: the maple used comes from formerly submerged old growth North American hard rock maple salvaged from the river system. The maple has a super dense, consistent grain pattern, which feels great in the hands, looks beautiful, and translates to more resonance in the sound. Paired with Fujigen's 'smooth grip' satin finish and a slightly slim 40mm nut, it makes for a truly outstanding neck to play. The tone on offer is rounded and warm, with a lovely spread through the low frequencies and a tasty dash of spice and sugar on the top end. It covers classic-P punch, but with a tuneful fatness that will fill out the mix perfectly. And, let's not forget: it's dressed to kill in gorgeous metallic rich forest green. I would personally take this over just about any production model Fender for feel and tone, but hey, high end niche Japan stuff is kinda my thing, especially if it's green.

Model: History SH-BP4/R
Made: Japan, 2012, Fujigen plant (serial C120689)
Finish: candy apple green, 3-ply cream guard
Body: alder, 2-piece centre join
Neck: 'heritage wood' maple with rosewood board, 10" radius, 34" scale, 40mm nut, slim C shape, 'smooth grip' finish
Weight: 3.975kg
Mods: none
Pickup: History HPB-1 alnico V split single-coil
Case: History branded hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has some light scuffs in the middle of the body and in the bottom corner. The sides have some dimples on the top horn and elbow area and some scuffs on the bottom edge near the controls. The front has what appears to be a deliberate rub mark on the edge in the elbow area and up from the pickup, a chip behind the bridge, dimples around the bridge and some paly wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for life left. Set up with fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.