(SOLD) Yamaha SGV300 Flying Samurai Sonic Blue 2000
Yamaha SGV300, sonic blue, made in Taiwan 2000. We absolutely love these around here, they're absolutely an underrated gem. The Flying Samurai line launched in 1967 and were some of Yamaha's first-ever electric guitars. Surf rock was beyond massive in Japan in the sixties, so it made sense for the local builders to build guitars accordingly. This one was part of the ill-timed reissues of 2000... it's amazing to me Yamaha hasn't brought this shape back for another round in this decade. We've had a few of these through, but this is the first example in the gorgeous sonic blue hue we've managed to score. The shape is wacky, but it balances really well and feels very natural in the hands. The neck is very agreeable, halfway between a Jag and a Jazzmaster in scale and slim and quick in profile. The bridge and tailpiece look strange, but it's super smooth to use and doesn't cause any of the hassles sometimes experienced with offset trems. The electronics are fun: the neck and bridge pickup are controlled by the three-way switch, and then the second tone knob blends from single coil to humbucker to two out-of-phase singles by adding and reversing the middle pickup respectively. As such, Tele, Strat and LP style tones are all on deck... mental. These seldom last long in the store, and rightly so: what an outrageously cool guitar!
Model: Yamaha SGV300
Made: 2000, Taiwan (serial QK25210)
Finish: banana yellow, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape
Mods: none
Weight: 3.590kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coil x3
Case: basic Yamaha gig bag inc trem arm
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has a few light scuffs near the neck plate and along the top edge, nothing nsaty. The sides have some scuffs along the bottom edge, no major marks. The front has a couple of light scuffs near the knobs and in the elbow area, nothing major. 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 have some norml wear, there's no major buzz issues and plenty of height but there is some minor pitting, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11-49 Moonshiners strings.