(SOLD) Yamaha SG500 Black 1978
Yamaha SG500, made in Japan 1978, black. This is a very cool guitar indeed. The Yamaha SG series made some serious waves in the 70s and 80s; they were famously played by Carlos Santana among others. The body shape only sort-of similar to a Gibson SG: it has the horns, but it's full depth, chambered, and has a carved top and a body cut contour in the back. It's instantly recognisable as a Yamaha shape, and it's one of the few Yamaha shapes from the 70s to still be in production now. The SG500 is a little less famous (and significantly more affordable) than it's well documented brothers, the SG1000 and 2000, but it still packs a huge amount of mojo. The neck is superbly comfy; it's perfectly weighted against the chambered body. The body is very resonant, it's a pleasure to play and feels great in the hands. The two original humbuckers crank out a bright, balanced, thick tone; it's a bit more defined than a Les Paul and has a thicker, creamier midrange than a Gisbon SG. The well-worn black finish and cream binding are looking very rock-and-roll indeed with 40 years on the clock, this has a certain Batman-ish aesthetic that absolutely radiates 'cool'. This is a superb guitar, it's a different take on the set-neck-with-humbuckers genre that really packs a heap of punch and charisma. Holy smoke, Batman!
Model: Yamaha SG500
Made: Japan, 1978 (serial 002406)
Finish: black, cream binding
Body: asian mahogany, chambered
Neck: asian mahogany, slim 60s-esque profile
Weight: 3.9kg approx
Mods: pickguard removed
Pickup: original Yamaha uncovered humbuckers, PAF-voiced
Case: period-correct non original hardcase, good quality and condition
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The original finish on this would've been a high-gloss black, with age and play it's softened to almost satin black. There's a heap of minor marks but nothing major. The front has a lot of shallow play scratches and a some rub wear in the high-contact areas, as well as extra small holes where the pickguard was once attached. The back has some buckle rash and sticker marks as well as a handful of minor dents. Pitting and clouding on the chrome parts. Neck and headstock pretty clean. 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 normal wear, they're not in need of immediate attention, 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.