History ZS-1HM Strat style, candy apple red, made in Japan 2006. The History brand is a collaboration between legendary builder Fujigen Gakki and Shimamura Gakki, one of the major music store chains in Japan. They enjoy a brilliant reputation for quality in Japan, but seldom venture outside the local market, so we mostly miss out on these little gems in the rest of the world. Fujigen Gakki 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... they've been building exceptional instruments for decades now and don't look like stopping anytime soon. This is a really fun guitar: it's a Strat, but with a few twists. First, it's a medium scale length, so 24.75" like a Les Paul. The neck, being a little shorter in length as well as a slim, quick profile, is a dream. It's superbly easy to move up and down on and feels absolutely effortless. The body is slightly undersized too, so if you're a person of smaller stature you might appreciate that too. The medium-scale thing pushes the classic Strat tone in a slightly darker, punchier direction, with enhanced natural bass and a shorter sustain. The slanted single coils add a little snap back to the top end, they offer an eloquent and refined tone with plenty of grit and punch when you dig in. The humbucker in the bridge position works a treat too, it's great for punk rhythm parts or big obnoxious lead lines as it's got a lovely full midrange and plenty of attack and bass. The candy apple red looks especially cool with the matching headstock, it'll surely do it's best work on stage. Heaps of guitar for the cash, but even that aside, heaps of guitar full stop. 

Model: History ZS-1HM
Made: Japan, 2006, Fujigen plant (serial A060094)
Finish: fiesta red, 1-ply white guard
Body: basswood, 7/8th size
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 9.5" radius, 24.75" medium scale, modern C shape
Weight: 3.135kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fujigen VSA-1 single coil x2, VHA-1 humbucker (bridge)
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and some dimples and a dent on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs around the whole body but no major marks. The sides have light scuffs on the top horn and some dimples on the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some dimples along the back edge and in the elbow area and some play 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. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.