Yamaha SGV300, pearl green, 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, and the British-racing-green style hue is an absolute delight. 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 QJ03101)
Finish: pearl green metallic
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: switch replaced
Weight: 3.6kg
Pickups: original Yamaha single coils x3
Case: very basic Yamaha gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock and neck are pretty clean. The back has no major marks, just a handful of very light buckle rash scratches. The sides are pretty clean save for a couple of dimples on the shoulder area and near the rear strap pin. The front is pretty clean, just a few dimples behind the bridge and on the shoulder and some normal play scratches on the guard and top horn. 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 minor wear, there's no major buzz issues and plenty of height, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.