History ZMS-CFS, brown sunburst, made in Japan 2003. History is a 'house brand'; a collaboration between major Japanese music retailer Shimamura and the iconic Fujigen Gakki factory. Fujigen make Ibanez Prestige to this day and have produced all sorts of excellent instruments over the years for Gibson, Fender and many more. This one is an unusual one: it's semi-hollow, but with a solid carved rounded mahogany back. It's a whisker wider across the face than a regular Les Paul, but not as deep in the sides. At 3.00kg, it's featherlight too: the thing is superbly comfy, I love it. The neck is an agreeable rounded shape akin a Gibson slim 60s profile, with a lush rosewood board and some quality mahogany in the back. The neck pickup sounds more like a 339 or 335, it's bright an open with a lovely airy midrange. The bridge pickup is a bit more assertive, akin to an LP and keen to push your amp into a creamy breakup with plenty of bite and snarl. The finish looks great, like a warm butterscotch pudding. This is an unusual guitar, but it's very enjoyable. IYKYK.

Model: History ZMS-CFS
Made: Japan, 2003, Fujigen plant (serial K031788)
Finish: brown sunburst over plain maple top, dark brown stain back/sides, gloss poly
Body: solid carved mahogany back, laminate maple top, 355mm across, 40mm deep
Neck: 1-piece mahogany with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.000kg
Mods: output jack replaced
Pickup: 'Louis'  BH-1 humbucker x2
Case: History gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has a dent on the top horn, dimples in the middle of the body, elbow area, back edge and near the cavity and some scuffs near the neck join. The sides have dimples and scuffs in the elbow area, near the jack and bottom horn. The front has light scuffs along the back edge, surface cracks in the topcoat only around the jack, dimples around the top F-hole and some play wear on the 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, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.