Yamaha SL500 Studio Lord, made in Japan 1978, brown sunburst. We love vintage Yamaha stuff around here; they're some of the best playing and best value guitars going around. The Studio Lord series was Yamaha's take on the Les Paul Standard, made between 1976-82 out of Japan. The build quality on offer here is outstanding; this feels excellent in the hands, you can really feel the precision and care that's gone into it. The pickups offer a nice balance between brightness and warmth; they're responsive and clear with a really pleasing body and fullness to the tone. This one also scored a really pretty plain maple top; the grain on show under the beautifully aged sunburst finish is quite divine. This is classy, if you've got an LP-shaped hole in your collection, this will fill it brilliantly.

Model: Yamaha Studio Lord SL500
Made: Japan, 1980 (serial 006106)
Finish: brown sunburst over plain maple
Body: 3-piece agathis/mahogany, plain maple top
Neck: maple, 3-piece, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 4.46kg
Mods: pickup covers removed
Neck pickup: Yamaha PAF-style humbuckers
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a couple of minor marks around the edge of the headstock. Neck is fairly clean, no major marks. The back has some light, mild buckle rash, as well as some little marks around the edge, mostly on the shoulder area and opposite that around from the knobs. The sides have some minor marks, mostly near the input jack, rear strap pin and top edge in the shoulder area. The front is pretty clean, just a nick near there rear strap pin, some tiny marks on the shoulder area 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 look good, there's minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.