History ZSG-CFS German Black 2001
History ZSG-CFS, German black, made in Japan 2001. It's cool as heck, don't argue. History is the 'house brand' for major Japan music retailers Shimamura Gakki, who team up with the well renowned local Fujigen Gakki factory to offer a line of excellent guitars available only through their stores. This one dates to 2001, early in the history of History, and was a short lived model. I've missed a couple of these, so when this one came up, I had to get it for the shop, the thing radiates swagger. It's got an SG-style body, but a little thicker, which means it balances beautifully. That's paired with a bolt-on Strat-ish neck, with an angled join for easy access, a swish two-point tremolo bridge and two rails-style pickups smooshed together into one giant hum-hum-bucker-bucker, because of course. The finish is called German black, which is like regular black, but more sparkly and slightly green with age... such a Kreuzberg vibe. If you've got this far, chances are you agree with me: the thing looks severely awesome. Being a Fujigen-made guitar, the same hands behind the best of Fender Japan and Ibanez, it's very well executed and plays brilliantly. It's balanced, responsive and holds tune, which is more than can be said for many SG style models. The neck is super comfy too, it's a slim C style shape and will feel familiar to many Fender fans. The mini toggle switch gives you either a single rails pickup, which is snarly and sizzling with heaps of attack and clarity, akin to an Esquire, or both pickups, which is fatter and rounder with a bit more weight through the low end and midrange. Either option sounds terrific, it's very fun indeed with a dirty amp. Certainly weird, also wunderbar.
Model: History ZSG-CFS
Made: Japan, 2001, Fujigen Gakki plant
Serial: K010253
Finish: German black, gloss poly
Body: mahogany
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, XX scale, 12" radius, slim C 'smooth grip' shape
Weight: 3.605kg
Mods: tuners replaced
Pickups: History SB-2 rails style humbucker x2
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and some rub wear on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back and a small dent behind the 7thg fret only. The back has scuffs on both horns, the elbow area and back edge. The sides have scuffs in the elbow area and along the back edge and some dimples near the jack. The front has scuffs on the top horn and around the bridge, dimples near the knobs and some play wear on the guard and horn.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 9/10, minor wear only