A Piece of 1990s Korean Craftsmanship Worth Playing
You might walk right past a used Samick on the wall and not give it a second look — and that would be a mistake. Samick's Korean factory in the 1990s was producing guitars for some of the biggest names in the industry, and the Artist Series was the best of what they built under their own brand. This 1996 example wears the classic double-cutaway Stratocaster body shape and packs an H-S-H pickup configuration: a humbucker at the bridge, single-coil in the middle, and humbucker at the neck. That's a lot of tonal flexibility tucked into a familiar form.
This Samick Artist Series HSH is in Very Good condition. The guitar is fully functional and will go through a full tech set up prior to shipping. It has a residue from old stockers on back of headstock, this can probably be removed, minor play wear. Please review the photos carefully for full condition.
The Artist Series — Samick's Top-of-Line Korean Build
Officially introduced in 1995, the Artist Series was Samick's flagship Korean lineup — the culmination of decades of manufacturing experience building instruments for major brands. These aren't budget guitars wearing a forgotten name. They were purpose-built to Samick's highest spec at the time, with solid body construction and real attention to fit and finish. Korean guitar manufacturing in the mid-1990s had hit a genuine stride, and the Artist Series sat right at the peak of it.
This guitar's Stratocaster-style contoured body feels immediately familiar in your hands. The bolt-on maple neck pairs with a rosewood fretboard — a combination that offers a nice balance of brightness and warmth — and the overall build quality reflects what made these instruments earn their following among players looking for a working guitar that doesn't cost a fortune.
H-S-H Pickup Configuration — Three Sounds in One Guitar
The H-S-H layout is one of the most versatile pickup arrangements you can get on a Stratocaster-style body. The bridge humbucker handles thick, driven rock tones without the single-coil hum you'd get in high-gain situations. The middle single-coil retains that classic, glassy Strat character — especially useful in the in-between switch positions. The neck humbucker rounds things out with warm, full-bodied clean tones that work well for bluesy playing or rhythm work.
The store notes that it is unknown whether all components remain original to the guitar — review the provided photos carefully for pickup and hardware details. The guitar is otherwise described as fully functional and will receive a complete tech setup before shipping.
Made in Korea — Serial Number S99040727
The serial number S99040727 places this guitar's manufacture at the Samick plant in Korea, consistent with the store-confirmed 1996 production year. No case is included with this guitar.
Product Features:
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Body: Solid body, Stratocaster-style double-cutaway contoured shape
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Neck: Bolt-on maple neck
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Fretboard: Rosewood fingerboard
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Pickup Configuration: H-S-H (humbucker / single-coil / humbucker)
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Series: Artist Series — Samick's top-of-line Korean lineup
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Country of Origin: Made in Korea
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Year: 1996
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Serial Number: S99040727
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Originality: Unknown whether all components are original — see photos
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Case: Does not include a case
This is a used Electric Guitar from our inventory. Pictures are of the actual item you will receive.
All used gear is sold AS IS.
Brand: Samick
Model: Artist Series H-S-H Electric Guitar
SKU: U-S-TRADITIONAL
Condition: Used
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
