(SOLD) Yamaha SGV300 Flying Samurai Candy Apple Red 2002
Yamaha SGV300, candy apple red, made in Taiwan 2002. The Flying Samurai line of guitars launched in Yamaha's ever catalog in 1966, and they are dripping with sixties surf swagger. This example is a reissue model that popped up briefly in the early 2000s, so you get a slightly more practical bridge and modern wiring paired with the proper wacky shape. Aside from the brilliant shape, Yamaha had a couple of other ideas too. The bridge is smooth and stable, it's a nice little mix between a Mustang style trem and a Bigsby-style roller bridge. The rear pickup is basically two single coils, so with the blend knob in the bridge position you can get three different tones: one single coil, Strat-style two single coils, or a convinving humbucker tone. That's a pretty wild wiring setup now, but in the sixties, that was proper genius. The tone is somewhere between a Strat, a Mustang and a Tele Deluxe, all with a certain surf twanginess and convincing depth. The neck is slim, straight and stable and super easy to play, and the body balances remarkably well weither sitting or standing... it's weridly practical and incrediply playable. So, if you're going to buy a wacky guitar, it may as well be an absolute weapon to boot, right?
Model: Yamaha SGV300
Made: 2002, Taiwan (serial IL23112)
Finish: candy apple red
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: switch replaced
Weight: 3.715kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coils x3
Case: basicnon-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of light scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a minor dimples on the back only. The back has a few surface scratches and scuffs around the cavity cover and in the elbow area. The sides have a couple of dimples near the rear strap pin and input jack. The front has a few minor dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area and some light play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, there's no major buzz issues and plenty of height, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11-49 Moonshiners strings.