History SZ-1HM Candy Apple Red 2003
History SZ-1HM, Candy Apple Red, made in Japan 2003. History is a house brand for major Japanese music retailers Shimamura Gakki, kicking off in the early 00s and still around today. The guitars are made at the legendary Fujigen Gakki factory, the home of Fender Japan from 1982-96 as well as Ibanez Prestige and many other delightful specimens. This model is awesome: a slightly scaled down Strat, with a medium scale neck and a great HSS pickup set. The neck is 24.75" scale, like a Les Paul or SG, but with a slim 40mm nut like a Mustang and a fast C shape akin to stuff by ESP. It feels fantastic: if you've got small hands you'll love it, but even as a comically lanky specimen I find this super comfy and fun to play. The single coils are a slightly overwound 60s style, which deliver a pleasing Strat-spank with a generous weight low end kick and an expansive treble. The humbucker is fat, creamy and rich; a super handy addition. The shimmering red finish, along with matching headstock, angled pickups, dark rosewood board and crispy white plastics make for a very fast look. I reckon these are wildly good value... it's best described as kick-ass.
Model: History SZ-1HM
Made: Japan, 2003, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: G030748
Finish: Candy Apple Red, gloss poly
Body: alder, 7/8th size
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, 40mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.390kg
Mods: none
Pickups: VSA-1 x2, VHA-1 humbucker
Accessories: none
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 scuffs on the top horn and bottom edge, as well as a surface scratch between the trem cavity and rear strap pin. The sides have dimples near the rear strap pin and jack. The front has dimples on the top horn and around the bridge and some light scuffs along the back edge and near the jack and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
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: 9/10, minor wear only