Yamaha SG-30, made in Japan 1974. When I first saw this guitar, I liked it, but when I first played this guitar... I loved it. This, quite frankly, is fantastic. The Yamaha SG series is long running and attracted some big name players over the decades, and this comes from the very iteration of that whole line; the forerunner to the famed SG1000 and SG2000. The look is pretty striking; the symmetrical double cut and unique textured black guard offer a different take on the classic HB-equipped solid body. The body is light in weight and rings like a bell; there's an airy clarity and warmth to the tone that lends body to the bridge pickup and crispness to the neck. This really does sound great, it's got that lovely vintage mellowness that's very difficult to find without several decades on the clock. The neck is divine: the satin finish over the rich red mahogany looks great and feels even better; you don't get bits of wood like that on a new guitar. The rosewood board is similarly blessed; the dark choc colour is streaked with vibrant red lines and radiates class. You don't see a lot of these around the neighbourhood, as Carlos Santana hadn't yet arrived to stir up a production frenzy. This is niche-MIJ-coolness at it's best.

Model: Yamaha SG30
Made: Japan, 1974 (serial 26571)
Finish: natural, black textured guard
Body: katsura
Neck: mahogany, slim 60s-esque profile, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, satin finish
Weight: 3.2kg approx
Mods: none
Pickup: original Yamaha humbuckers, PAF-voiced
Case: vintage vegan leather gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some marks on teh end and a faded logo. Neck is pretty clean. Back has some widespread but light buckle rash dings and scratches, nothing nasty. Sides have a few dimples basically all the way around, nothing really nasty or noticeable though. The front is pretty clean, just a chip up from the bridge , a few marks on the back edge, some rubbing and light scratches from play and a handful of minor dimple.s Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, they're not in need of immediate attention, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.