Yamaha Studio Lord SL500, red sunburst. The Studio Lords were made from 1976-1980 approx; they're some of the best quality and value Gibson-style guitars going around. This one dates to 1977, and while there's a bit of wear on the finish, it's still looking pretty fly. The gaudy red sunburst shows off some tasty plain maple grain, and paired with the aged plastics and gold cupcake knobs, it's got a certain 70s swagger to it. The tone is nice and round, with a disarming warm plonk through the lows and plenty of warmth and width in the mids. The neck is straight and an unassuming moderate '59 style profile, and with all the play on the clock it really feels great. These are a firm favourite around here, they're just such awesome guitars and can be had for a steal of a dime. Long live the Studio Lord!

Model: Yamaha Studio Lord SL500
Made: Japan, 1977 (serial 001530)
Finish: red sunburst over plain maple, gloss poly
Body: agathis/asian mahogany, sandwich style
Neck: maple, 2-piece centre join, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 4.255kg
Mods: strap pins replaced
Pickups: Yamaha PAF-style covered humbuckers
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some chips on the end and some scuffs on the front and back, plus a couple of tuner caps are missing. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and dimples all around the body, as well as a decent chip on the bottom edge near the cavity and some dents in the elbow area on the edge. The sides have some dimples and scuffs and dimples around the whole body as well as some dents near the jack. The front has dimples near the knobs, on the back edge and in the elbow area as well as widespread scuffs from play. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some minor wear, they're in awesome shape for their age, 8/10 for fret life left. The tuners on the bass side are a little stiff, but they work fine. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.