Yamaha SL550C LP Custom style, black, made in Japan 1977. These Studio Lord models are such awesome guitars, we love them around here. The Standard style models are a lot easier to get hold of than the Custom style models as a rule, so I was pleased to score this one. There were no CNC machines in the major Japanese guitar factories in 1977, so this beautiful item was made entirely by hand. The execution is excellent, all the little details are impressively spot-on and it really feels like more than the sum of it's parts in the hands. The neck is a relatively slim and agreeable 60s style profile, it's easy to move up and down on and is conducive to big lead runs. The chambered body is a workable moderate weight and resonates truly unplugged, which translates to a certain woodiness and openness plugged in. The pickups are bright and sweet, offering a sparkly clarity and a wide midrange balanced by a punchy, juicy low end. The seven-ply binding has yellowed nicely and the black finish has a decent dose of natural play wear to take the edge off it's shininess, so it's looking right and ready to party while maintaining plenty of suave sophistication. I love and seek these out for a reason: they're such satisfying guitars, you'll love it.

Model: Yamaha SL550C Studio Lord
Made: Japan, 1977 (serial 001950)
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, sandwich style, maple cap, chambered
Neck: 3-piece maple, rosewood board, slim 60s shape, 12" radius
Weight: 4.245kg
Mods: knobs replaced, truss cover removed, guard removed
Neck pickup: Yamaha covered PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some marks on the end, some dimples on the back and some light scuffs on the front; no major marks but the truss cover is missing. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only including a little dent near the 12th fret markers. The back has some small chips on the bottom edge near the cavity, as well as widespread light scuffs and dimples around the whole body. The sides have small dimples around the whole body as well as some scuffs near the jack and on the bottom horn. The binding has a lot of discolouration/fading but is in good shape functionally. The front has a few dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area, as well as widespread light scuffs and some normal play wear on the horns. Note the guard is missing. 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. The frets look pretty good, minor wear only, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.