History Z2-CFS, galaxy black, made in Japan 2001. The History brand is a collaboration between legendary builder Fujigen Gakki and Shimamura Gakki, one of the major music store chains in Japan. They do very well in Japan, but were never sold elsewhere in the world. Fujigen made all those iconic Fender Japan guitars from 1982-96, most of the 'lawsuit' Grecos, all the valuable vintage Ibanez models as well as their current Prestige series, so they don't faff about. This looks and feels beautiful. The finish is black with a nice pearl through it, so it looks charcoal grey, navy blue or dark green sometimes depending on how the light catches it. Paired with the matching headstock, pearl guard and body binding, it looks as classy as wildly overpriced canapés. The neck is a quick, slim C shape, with an easy-access body join and a lovely streaky dark rosewood board; it feels awesome. The pickups are great too: the neck pickup is glassy and snappy with a percussive low end, while the bridge pickup sings with clarity and brashness, poking your amp in the ribs so it really gets going. This one counts as smart money I reckon: it's a delightful guitar, built with a lot of love and better than stuff at twice the dime.

Model: History Z2-CFS
Made: Japan, 2001, Fujigen plant, (serial I010395)
Finish: galaxy black, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 12" radius, 25.5" scale, slim C shape, access join
Weight: 3.515kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fujigen ST-1 single coil x2, SB-1 humbucker (bridge)
Case: basic gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples and dents on the end and both edges and some scuffs on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has some widespread light scuffs and dimples, as well as some surface scratches along the back edge and top horn. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body and some dents in the elbow area. The front has some dimples around the edge near the knobs and in the elbow area, as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

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, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.