History SZ-1MG, sonic blue, made in Japan 2003. 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. There was a couple of versions of this model, this one is the full 25.5" scale with a set of hot HSS pickups. The pickups look and sound similar to a Duncan Quarter Pound, with the big chunky flat pole pieces and a moderately hot wind. The single coils are awesome: plonky and full with a beefy bass response and a whole lot of midrange nuance and clarity. The middle pickup is especially tasty... it's so responsive and full while offering heaps of snarky attack. The bridge pickup is fairly aggressive and does it's best work with a generous dose of dirt, offering a pronounced midrange with heaps of poke and zing. The neck is comfy and slick and blessed with a gorgeous slab of rosewood for the board, it's very easy to get around on. The faded sonic blue finish is such a good look, paired with the contrasting pickups and mint green guard, this offers a slightly meaner twist on a classic summery look. This will seriously scare guitars at three times the dime, so nab yourself a fun 'sleeper' and riff the winter sads away.

Model: History SZ-1MG
Made: Japan, 2003, Fujigen plant, (serial H030015)
Finish: sonic blue, 3-ply cream guard
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 12" radius, 25.5" scale, modern C shape
Weight: 3.690kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fujigen single coil x2, humbucker (bridge)
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs around the body as well as some dimples along the belly carve and back edge. The sides have scuffs on both horns as well as some dimples and scuffs int he elbow area and near the jack. The front has some surface scratches behind the bridge, dimples around the jack, scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horn. It's worth noting the finish has yellowed/faded significantly around the whole body. 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 some normal wear including the start of some pitting, but they're fairly even with no major buzz issues and plenty of height, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.