Yamaha SL500 Studio Lord, made in Japan 1978, brown sunburst. These are a Topshelf favourite, and for good reason: this is a brilliant LP in every way and the value is outstanding. The Studio Lord was Yamaha's take on the Gibson Les Paul Standard, made from 1976-82 approximately. The build quality is outstanding... you can really feel the love and care that's gone into every corner of this guitar, it's amazing in the hands. The original humbuckers offer a sweet mix of brightness, cut and body; there's a particularly articulate edge to the tone not always found with an LP. The piece of maple on the top of this one is on full display under the beautifully aged sunburst finish, and there's some lovely grain on show. These old Yamahas age extremely well, and for a dollar that's well under what a good Chinese LP costs new, you can score a beautifully made vintage LP that'll make some very expensive guitars blush. Then you can be Lord of the studio!

Model: Yamaha Studio Lord SL500
Made: Japan, 1978 (serial 002833)
Finish: brown sunburst over plain maple
Body: 2-piece agathis/mahogany sandwich style, plain maple top
Neck: maple, 2-piece, rosewood board
Weight: 4.3kg approx
Mods: none
Neck pickup: original covered PAF-style humbuckers
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a few little marks on the end of the headstock. Neck is pretty clean. The back has come pretty comprehensive but light buckle rash, there's a lot of scratches there. There's some dents around the sides, most notably around from the knobs and up from the bridge. The front has a couple of little marks: up from the bridge, on the edge behind the bridge, up from the neck pickup; all inconsequential. 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. Frets look good, there's a little wear, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.