Yamaha SGV300, candy apple red, made in Taiwan 2000. The 'Flying Samurai' line of guitars are somewhat of a cult classic amongst surf players; they've got all sorts of 60s Japanese weirdness going on. This one dates to the slightly ill-timed reissues of the early 2000s; they probably needed to come out earlier to hit the grunge market or later to hit the surf revival, but hey... what a guitar company to do? The look is spectacular: a kind of reverse super offset with a hockey stick headstock and some unique hardware, all wearing a flashy coat of candy apple red. The unique controls offer a master volume and tone as well as a 'blend' control that dials in the middle pickup when the switch is in the middle or bridge position, allowing for either a two singles or humbucker type tone... very cool. There's a heap of jangle and spank on offer, this really is perfect for surf and psych styles. Stick this in front of your nastiest fuzz pedal and a rude slapback delay and go bananas... good times!

Model: Yamaha SGV300
Made: 2000, Taiwan (serial QIY259298)
Finish: candy apple red
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: switch replaced
Weight: 3.715kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coils x3
Case: basic Yamaha gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and bottom edge. Neck has some rub wear and dimples on the back, no major marks and it's smooth in the hands. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some norml wear, there's no major buzz issues and plenty of height but there is some minor pitting, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11-49 Moonshiners strings.