FGN SG Copies

**FGN** is the brand name for guitars produced by Japanese manufacturer Fujigen. Fujigen was a contract builder for several famous brands for decades (most notably Ibanez and Greco). They started selling guitars under their own name in the 1990s, before re-branding as FGN in 2009. Their production of SG copies has been sporadic, almost never appearing on their official website or catalogs.

A unique selling point of FGN guitars is their "Circle Fretting System". This involves giving each fret (and the nut) an almost imperceptible radius to compensate for variation in scale length and improve intonation.

Fujigen also produces guitars for retailer Shimamura under the "History" and "Cool Z" brands which are similar to their FGN models.

## NCSG-10R

* 2010-2013
* **2010:** 110,250 Yen MSRP

**Body:**

* Beveled African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyester finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* Generic headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl FGN logo
	+ "Neo Classic" silkscreen
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Fujigen humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo 8 magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
	+ Coil tap capability
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" or "Batwing" pickguard
* FGN style truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry
* Black w/ Batwing (2010 limited run, 24 units)
* Candy Apple Red w/ Batwing (2010 limited run, 12 units)
* Walnut w/ Batwing (2010 limited run, 12 units)
* Canary Yellow w/ Batwing (2010 limited run, 12 units)
* Ice Blue Metallic w/ Angel Wing (2011-2013 limited run)
* Candy Apple Red w/ Angel Wing (2012 limited run)
* Walnut w/ Angel Wing (2012 limited run)
* Lake Placid Blue w/ Angel Wing (2012 limited run)

## NCSG-KT-LIMITED

Signature model for artist Kato Taro. Production limited to 18 units; 12 Black and 6 Vintage White.

* 2010
* 126,000 Yen MSRP

**Body:**

* Beveled African Mahogany body w/ Maple cap
* Angled heel
* Polyester finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* Generic headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl FGN logo
	+ "Neo Classic" silkscreen
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Fujigen humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo 8 magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
	+ Coil tap capability
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
* FGN style truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-103B bridge
* Through-body string anchors

**Finishes:**

* Black
* Vintage White

## NSG-100

* 2016 Limited Run
* 123,000 Yen MSRP

**Body:**

* Beveled African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyester finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Kalimantan Ebony fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* Generic headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl FGN logo
	+ "Neo Classic" silkscreen
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Fujigen humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo 8 magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
	+ Coil tap capability
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" or "Batwing" pickguard
* FGN style truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry
* Walnut
* Snow White

## JSG-5R

* 2011-2012

**Body:**

* Beveled Basswood body
* Angled heel
* Polyester finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* Generic headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl FGN logo
	+ "J-Standard" silkscreen
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Fujigen humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo 8 magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
	+ Coil tap capability
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" or "Batwing" pickguard
* FGN style truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
	+ "Circle Fretting System" hot stamp
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry
* Black

## NCDC-10R

    This model was designed for export with an altered body shape, it was not sold on the Japanese market.

* 2016-2022
* **2022:**
	+ £949 Street (UK)
	+ $1,299 Street (Singapore)
	+ €1,368 Street (Germany)

**Body:**

* Beveled 2-pc African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyester finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* C profile
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* Generic headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl FGN logo
	+ "Neo Classic" silkscreen
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Fujigen DRY-VW4 humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo 8 magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
	+ Coil tap capability
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
* FGN style truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Wine Red
* Black
* Antique White

## History ZSG

This guitar was part of the Cool Z series, which later became its own brand.

* 2001-2005
* 66,000 Yen MSRP

**Body:**

* Beveled Mahogany body
* Polyurethane finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn Maple
* Bolt-on construction
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic dot inlays
	+ ??? radius
* 6-Inline headstock
	+ Silk-screened History logo
	+ Body color matched
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale?
* 1 21/32" nut width?

**Electronics:**

* Two SB-2 dual-rail style humbuckers
	+ ??? magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
* Mini-switch
* 1 Vol, 1 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Gotoh SG-38 Magnum Locking tuning machines
	+ 1:16 ratio
	+ Metal Schaller-style buttons
* 3-ply white pearloid pickguard
* Black Speed knobs
* Tremolo

**Finishes:**

* German Black

## Cool Z ZSG-1

* 2007-2015
* **2009-2013:**
	+ 78,000 Yen MSRP (tax included)
* **2014-2015:**
	+ 74,300 Yen MSRP
	+ 80,244 Yen MSRP (tax included)

**Body:**

* Beveled African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyurethane finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic split trapezoid inlays (2007-2009)
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* History/Cool Z headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl Cool Z logo
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* Cow Bone nut
* 1 21/32" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Louis BH-1 humbuckers
	+ Ferrite ceramic magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Batwing" pickguard
	+ Wide bevel
* Bell-shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
	+ "Circle Fretting System" hot stamp
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101Z Zinc tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry
* Black
* White

## Cool Z ZSG-2/M

    Limited run for winter 2012. "M" stands for "Modern".

* 2012
* 98,500 Yen MSRP (tax included)

**Body:**

* Beveled African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyurethane finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Palisander fretboard
	+ Acrylic block inlays
	+ 12" radius
* History/Cool Z headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl Cool Z logo
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* Cow Bone nut
* 1 21/32" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two Louis FH-1M/2M humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo V magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Gold hardware
* Gotoh SG-301 tuning machines
	+ 1:18 ratio
	+ Metal Keystone buttons
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
	+ Wide bevel
* Bell-shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
	+ "Circle Fretting System" hot stamp
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-103BT bridge
* Gotoh GE-101Z Zinc tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Snow White

## Cool Z ZSG-10

* 2015-2018
* 90,000 Yen MSRP
* 97,200 Yen MSRP (tax included)

**Body:**

* Beveled African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyurethane finish

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn African Mahogany
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* History/Cool Z headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl Cool Z logo
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* Cow Bone nut
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two History FH-6D humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo 8 magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
* 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
	+ Wide bevel
* Bell-shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101Z Zinc tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Heritage Cherry

## History SH-SG

* 2010-2015
* **2010-2013:**
	+ 168,000 Yen MSRP (with tax)
* **2014-2015:**
	+ 160,000 Yen MSRP
	+ 172,800 Yen MSRP (with tax)
* **2016 Clearance Sale:**
	+ 148,000 Yen MSRP
	+ 159,840 Yen MSRP (with tax)
* **2017 Clearance Sale:**
	+ 119,000 Yen MSRP

**Body:**

* Beveled 2-pc African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyurethane finish

**Neck:**

* 3-pc laminated "Heritage Wood" Hard Maple
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* History/Cool Z headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl History logo
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* Cow Bone nut
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two History FH-7D humbuckers
	+ Ferrite ceramic magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
* Switchcraft 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone
	+ CTS pots
* Switchcraft output jack

**Hardware:**

* Chrome hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
	+ Wide bevel
* Bell-shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
	+ "Circle Fretting System" hot stamp
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Heritage Cherry
* Black

## History RH-SG

Limited edition released in 2018 but produced in 2017. "RH" stands for "Rugged History", which denotes the hardware aging treatment.

* 2018-2019
* **2018-2019:**
	+ 147,000 Yen
	+ 158,760 Yen (tax included)
* **2020 Price Drop:**
	+ 127,000 Yen (tax included)
* **2022 Clearance Sale:**
	+ 115,000 Yen

**Body:**

* Beveled 2-pc African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyurethane finish, Nitrocellulose Lacquer top coat
	+ Fine scratching

**Neck:**

* 1-pc quartersawn "Heritage Wood" Hard Maple
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* History/Cool Z headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl History logo
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* Cow Bone nut
* 1 11/16" nut width

**Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two History FH-10D humbuckers
	+ ??? magnets
	+ ~???k Ohms D.C. resistance
* Switchcraft 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone
	+ CTS pots
* Switchcraft output jack

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Aged Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
	+ Wide bevel
* Bell-shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
	+ "Circle Fretting System" hot stamp
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Cherry

## History TH-SG

* 2015-2017
* **2015-2017:**
	+ 185,000 Yen MSRP
	+ 199,800 Yen MSRP (tax included)
* **2018-2019 Price Drop:**
	+ 164,160 Yen MSRP (tax included)
* **2020 Clearance Sale:**
	+ 143,000 Yen MSRP (tax included)
* **2021-2022 Clearance Sale:**
	+ 118,000 Yen MSRP (tax included)

**Body:**

* Beveled 2-pc African Mahogany body
* Angled heel
* Polyurethane finish, Lacquer top coat

**Neck:**

* 3-pc laminated
	+ African Mahogany / "Heritage Wood" Hard Maple / Mahogany
* Medium profile (~.810" / .940")
* Set-in construction
	+ Joins body at 22nd fret
	+ Stepped hangover
* Indian Rosewood fretboard
	+ Acrylic trapezoid inlays
	+ 12" radius
* History/Cool Z headstock
	+ Inlaid Mother of Pearl History logo
	+ Maple veneer
	+ 18o pitch
* 22 frets
	+ Jescar FW47104-NS
	+ Circle fretting system
* 24 3/4" scale
* Oil-soaked Cow Bone nut
* 1 11/16" nut width

    **Binding:**

* Neck, single-ply
* Frets over binding

**Electronics:**

* Two History FH-1D humbuckers
	+ AlNiCo III magnets
	+ ~8k Ohms D.C. resistance
	+ Braided wire
* Switchcraft 3-way switch
* 2 Vol, 2 Tone
	+ CTS pots
	+ Orange Drop caps
* Switchcraft output jack

**Hardware:**

* Nickel hardware
* Gotoh SD90 tuning machines
	+ 1:15 ratio
	+ Yellow Keystone buttons
	+ Single ring
* 4-ply "Angel Wing" pickguard
	+ Wide bevel
* Bell-shaped truss rod cover
	+ 2-ply b/w
	+ Narrow bevel
* Black Reflector knobs w/ pointers
* Gotoh GE-104B bridge
* Gotoh GE-101A Aluminum tailpiece

**Finishes:**

* Heritage Cherry

## References

1. ↑ https://rittor-music.jp/products/2010/06/2256
2. ↑ https://fujigenonline.blog.jp/archives/51984913.html
3. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20071023235529/http://www.shimamura.co.jp/originalbrand/coolz/lineup.html
4. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20151212084559/http://www.shimamura.co.jp/originalbrand/list/index.html?ref=olbft#e\_guitar
5. ↑ https://www.shimamura.co.jp/shop/hiezu/product/20121206/15
6. ↑ https://blog.shimamura.co.jp/entry/20100717/1279340238
7. ↑ https://www.shimamura.co.jp/press/?p=5238
8. ↑ https://blog.history.gt/entry/2018/03/27/120000