Yamaha Studio Lord SL700S, made in Japan around 1980, brown sunburst. The Studio Lord was Yamaha's take on the Les Paul, made between 1976 and 1981 in the famed Matsumoku plant. These are some of the best vintage Japanese LPs going around; they're unsung legends, and as word slowly gets out they're gaining a cult following. This is a higher end model in the SL line, so you get the deluxe splittable humbuckers with cool little push/pull tone knobs, but the best thing is the absolutely top notch quality of wood that's gone into this little honey. The lower end models use agathis in a sandwich-style construction, but this is a legit two piece mahogany body, joined in the traditional lengthways style, featuring some beautiful tight grain. The maple top is also stunning, there's some lovely contrasting grain patterns on show below the remarkably well-kept sunburst. The slim 3-piece neck is perfectly comfortable, it's a breeze to play feels exactly how you'd hope it might. The tone is bright and open, but balanced with an exceptional warmth and body. The single-coil option is surprisingly enjoyable too; these pickups really deliver the goods. It's remarkable how excellent this is; it'd easily compete with guitars 5-10 the price.

Manufacturer: Yamaha
Model: Studio Lord SL700S
Made: Japan, Matsumoku factory1980-81 (serial 002714, 1980 best estimate by serial and catalog)
Finish: brown sunburst over plain maple
Body: high grade mahogany, plain maple top
Neck: maple, 3-piece
Mods: none
Neck pickup: original covered PAF-style humbuckers, splittable
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a couple of very shallow scratches on the back, and the front has a few minor marks and dimples. The plastics have yellowed with age, and one tip of the tone knob is missing. Overall: excellent 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 great, there's very little wear to speak of, 9/10. She'll treat you very nicely indeed.