History by Fujigen HJS1P (Made in Japan 2000)

[frail]

Hello everybody, long time reader first time poster!

historyfront by Alexandros G, on Flickr

historyback2 by Alexandros G, on Flickr

historyneck by Alexandros G, on Flickr

I play mainly rock and blues stuff, and had some (not a lot) jazz lessons.

Consequently my main guitars are solid bodied BUT it's 2 year now that I have in my possession this Archtop guitar, which I love but gets neglected from time to time.

It is made in Japan in around 2000 in the Fujigen Factory.

- 648 mm scale
- flame maple back
- 3 piece neck (not sure but I am guessing maple?)
- (pretty sure it has) lacquer finish

(originally had the finger style tailpiece and wooden bridge - but I got it with these parts changed), I also include a photo of the catalog I found (anyone here can translate the specs?)

HJS1Pcatal by Alexandros G, on Flickr

Since I know so little about full hollow bodies, I would like to ask, is this to be considered an L5 style guitar? a SUPER V style ?

What other characteristics could I find out about it?

Thanks for your time and its nice to post in this lovely forum!

[Arnesto]

Nice!

[BigMikeinNJ]

Welcome !!!

Very nice !!

[john_a]

First thing, welcome to Jazz guitar forum -- this is the correct place to discuss your instrument as someone here is likely to have knowledge of that model. I'm not at all familiar with History guitars, I just googled it and first results were from your inquiries on mylespaul forum apparently when you first purchased this. So it might be down to you getting some details measured, and then the English speaking world can have a reference (catalog was not translated.)

That guitar looks nice, I'd say it follows form of L5, but really that distinction might depend on what size it actually is (L5 is smaller than Super, and a Super neck has it's own shape with longer headstock.) Details like the stylized f-holes and the curved end of fretboard make this distinct from a straight Gibson copy, but the overall shape appears to be like an L5.

What is the width across the lower bout?
What is the depth measured at the rim?
Have you ever removed a pickup and viewed the cut edge of the top to see if this is laminate vs solid wood?
Do you know how much it weighs ?

Thanks for sharing pics!

John

[Woody Sound]

Whatever the specs are, it's a really nice looking archtop, traditonal, but with a few modern flaires.

[frail]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

The width across the lower bout is 17 inches (433mm)
The depth at the rim is about 3 1/4 inches (81,5mm) -- for these two I hope I measured the correct spots
The weight is 6.97 lbs (3.162 kg)

I have never removed the pickups when I do I will try to check if its laminate or solid wood

This is the only other History Archtop I have seen online, but its an earlier model and seems more of a replica, (open book headstock proper F- holes etc). Reported at the description as Gibson Super V style
"History is the boutique brand of Shimamura Music. The guitar was made by Fujigen factory with solid spruce top and flame maple back and side."

[john_a]

The width across the lower bout is 17 inches (433mm)
The depth at the rim is about 3 1/4 inches (81,5mm) -- for these two I hope I measured the correct spots
The weight is 6.97 lbs (3.162 kg)

At 17" width, with that 25.5 scale length, you are like an L5
The Gibson Super 400 would be 18" wide.

That's a nice light weight (6.97 lbs), makes for comfort.
All of these specs are important to how the guitar fits you, but can only be a rough guide to how it might sound. Guitars are very individual, certain combinations of woods and construction are generally expected to produce certain results, but by no means is that absolute! Listening tells you what it sounds like (duh!) much more than specs alone. That said, from the pics and the description I'd wager it will sound pretty good, and of course if you wanted to experiment with changing pickups or pots, you might be able to tweak it even more to your liking. The video of the predecessor model certainly sounds great.
Cool guitar !

[Gustavo Eiriz]

It is not carved and you can see the back is laminate because is one piece. Usually you can buy them in japan for 2000 dolar approx. Being made in japan i am sure it flawless

At 17" width, with that 25.5 scale length, you are like an L5
The Gibson Super 400 would be 18" wide.

That's a nice light weight (6.97 lbs), makes for comfort.
All of these specs are important to how the guitar fits you, but can only be a rough guide to how it might sound. Guitars are very individual, certain combinations of woods and construction are generally expected to produce certain results, but by no means is that absolute! Listening tells you what it sounds like (duh!) much more than specs alone. That said, from the pics and the description I'd wager it will sound pretty good, and of course if you wanted to experiment with changing pickups or pots, you might be able to tweak it even more to your liking. The video of the predecessor model certainly sounds great.
Cool guitar !

[frail]

The playing and the sound is lovely for me, and has me playing some simple jazz standards all afternoon (it's so nice when an instrument inspires you to play something outside of your usual repertoire again).

I have only played one full hollow body and 3-4 ES-335 style guitars so that's the reason I am asking for opinions and specs since I have no real means of comparison.

[frail]

It is not carved and you can see the back is laminate because is one piece. Usually you can buy them in japan for 2000 dolar approx. Being made in japan i am sure it flawless

I am not sure you are right about the 1 piece back. On the top it looks like it is one piece but on the bottom I believe you can see the bookmatching line.

[Arnesto]

Fujigen it's the same factory who makes Ibanez high end archtop guitars like pm200, as200, jsm and GB, surely it sounds awesome

[john_a]

It is not carved and you can see the back is laminate because is one piece. Usually you can buy them in japan for 2000 dolar approx. Being made in japan i am sure it flawless

In the first post, the pic of the back shows two pieces.
I'd still assume this is laminate back but there's a definite line down the center between two distinct wood sections (veneer or solid, that top layer is not one piece covering the back.) The video link to the earlier model states "solid spruce top" but of course that's no guarantee either truly is. How did you determine it was not carved? I'm guessing that's true, even if solid it would likely be pressed, but just curious what basis there was for the remark?
When and if the owner (frail) does have the pickup removed, it would be great to see photo evidence posted to answer solid vs plies. Carved vs pressed solid is harder to determine from posted pics, you have to find other clues like thickness variations.

I'm digging these Japan built guitars, in the last few months I've bought two semi hollows, one a modern solid spruce top Seventy Seven and another laminate vintage Greco, both have excellent workmanship.

John

[frail]

Fujigen it's the same factory who makes Ibanez high end archtop guitars like pm200, as200, jsm and GB, surely it sounds awesome

Even today (and 2000) high end Ibanez archtop are made in Fujigen?
Thats nice to know

[Gustavo Eiriz]

You are right, it is two pieces. Sorry about my mistake. About the top i remember researching in japan about them as a possible sustitute for an L-5.i will check the information about if it is pressed or carved.

In the first post, the pic of the back shows two pieces.
I'd still assume this is laminate back but there's a definite line down the center between two distinct wood sections (veneer or solid, that top layer is not one piece covering the back.) The video link to the earlier model states "solid spruce top" but of course that's no guarantee either truly is. How did you determine it was not carved? I'm guessing that's true, even if solid it would likely be pressed, but just curious what basis there was for the remark?
When and if the owner (frail) does have the pickup removed, it would be great to see photo evidence posted to answer solid vs plies. Carved vs pressed solid is harder to determine from posted pics, you have to find other clues like thickness variations.

I'm digging these Japan built guitars, in the last few months I've bought two semi hollows, one a modern solid spruce top Seventy Seven and another laminate vintage Greco, both have excellent workmanship.

John

[Gitfiddler]

Very beautiful and unique archtop.

I was not aware of Fujigen or FGN making 17" solid wood archtops, but the Japanese market may get some special models not available to the rest of the world. No matter what guitars they make however, FGN insists on the highest level of quality, as shown in this Fugijen Factory Tour video...

[frail]

Looked inside the f holes.
It is clear that there is flame from the inside also plus you can see the seam in the center.
I don't know if this mean it's a solid back or many flamed laminates

[citizenk74]

1) 2) Nice guitar!

[Greentone]

Let me echo citizen 74's comments.