Quest Black Magic 1985
Quest Black Magic ST-style, made in Japan 1985, very black. Quest was a brand under the Vantage umbrella, who were building some pretty innovative guitars out of the famous Matsumoku factory in the 70s and 80s. Looking through the Quest catalog, they did some pretty wild shapes, so this one is relatively conservative as their offerings go, but it's very cool in it's own way. It's basically a Strat-style model, painted up in black with a stained dark rosewood board and red highlights... perfect for Dark Mofo or whatever gloomy festival full of gloomy graphic designers and IT goths you're attending this winter. The build quality is pretty good: the neck feels great, the hardware is sturdy and reliable and it plays very convincingly. The pickups are hot, with heaps of output and a mid-scooped sound that loves kicking a dirty amp into gear. You could easily spend twice this kind of cash and get a much less enjoyable guitar, this is a lot of fun. All the best on your Quest.
Model: Quest Black Magic
Made: Japan, Matsumoku factory, 1985
Serial: B500188
Finish: black, satin poly
Body: laminated mahogany
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard (stained dark), 25.5" scale, 12" radius, slim C
Weight: 3.685kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Vantage single coil x3
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the end and top and bottom edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has a lot of scuffs, rub wear and surface scratches along and below the belly carve, as well as scuffs on both horns and the back and bottom edges. Some of the scratches on the back appear to have been 'blacked out' with a black marker pen. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, surface scratches on the elbow area, dents and scuffs near the jack and rub wear and scratches on the bottom horn. The front has a crack in the finish only up from the rear strap pin, extending around to the side, as well as scuffs and rub wear in the elbow area, dimples near the jack and 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 electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only