Yamaha SG-2A, bright red, made in Japan 1968. The 'Flying Samurai' was a Yamaha original shape that debuted in 1967; they were made for five or so years before disappearing into the evening mist... In 1960s Japan, surf music was huge, so the local makers were doing all sorts of funky shapes and twangy tones. This one is in remarkable shape, it's weathered the decades superbly and even managed to hold on to the original trem arm and hard case. The vibrant fiesta red finish looks amazing; it's got a few scuffs to show for it's five decades of play but looks all the better for it. The neck... oh boy, check out that flame! The entire neck is blessed with outrageous natural vibrant flame, which looks amazing. It's a tasty halfway between a C and soft V shape; comfy and slim with just enough meat to wrap your hand around comfortably. The wacky shape balances nicely; it's very well weighted either sitting or standing and the body is nice and resonant. Plugged in, you're in for a treat: heaps of thick, punchy attack and plonk and a natural short sustain, matched by a certain richness and delicacy through the mids that mean this cleans up beautifully. Add a bit of reverb and you're away; it's pure vintage offset glory. Everyone has a dang Jazzmaster these days, so if you're wanting to deviate a little further off the beaten path and nab yourself a genuine 60s offset that's beautifully built and dripping with cool, nab yourself a Samurai and mash out some stanky riffs.

Model: Yamaha SG-2A
Made: 1968, Japan (serial 8075)
Finish: fiesta red
Body: nato (not verified)
Neck: flame maple with rosewood board, 22 frets, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: bridge replaced
Weight: 3.500kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coils x2
Case: original Yamaha hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and minor dimples, no major marks. The sides are pretty clean, just some dimples near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front is also tidy, just some minor dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack and some play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets are pretty even with minor wear only, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.