Yamaha Lord Player LP400, made in Japan 1984-6, black. The Lord Player followed on from the earlier Studio Lord, and came with some nice changes that push it closer to 'vintage correct' as an LP copy: open-book headstock, vintage style tuners, one piece mahogany neck, mahogany body. They're a classy model, and this is no exception: it feels great in the hands, the quality is obvious. It's quite loud acoustically and pretty light for this style of guitar; all contributing to a lively, open tone that has a great balance of attack and sustain. The pickups clean up nicely with the volume knobs backed off slightly, or you can dime the controls for a bright, creamy lead tone that'll win a lot of friends. The very-yellowed hardware and lightly-beaten black finish look awesome; this is a player's guitar not a museum piece. Were tipping the demand for these to increase steadily as the years roll on, so join the club early and reap the benefits!

Model: Yamaha Lord Player LP400
Made: Japan, Matsumoku plant, 1984-6 (serial 311754, 1985 best estimate by serial and catalog)
Finish: gloss black
Body: mahogany body, maple top
Neck: mahogany, 1-piece
Weight: 3.8kg approx
Mods: none
Neck pickup: original Yamaha PAF-style humbuckers
Case: original Yamaha safari-suit style gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's an extra hole where the strap pin was originally on the neck side and a chip on the end of the headstock, and some chips near the electronics cavity the bottom horn on the back. Aside from that, it's all just skin deep stuff; a bunch of buckle rash scratches, some dents around the edges, a bit of play wear and some dimples on the top and neck, and heavy aging on the plastics and chrome. Nothing nasty, just standard stuff for an older guitar. 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. Frets look good, plenty of height in them and fairly even, 6.5/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.