Yamaha SG-2A, bright red, made in Japan 1967. The Flying Samurai debuted in 1967, and this is a crispy clean first year example... what a score! Surf music was huge in Japan in the sixties, so the local makers made guitars to scratch that itch; these early SG models are a wild shape and were only made until around 1972. It's beautifully made: the neck pocket is super tight, the fretwork is bang-on, the neck is still straight and sure all these decades later and the finish quality is bang-on the money too. CNC machines didn't hit Japan's guitar industry until the eighties, so this would have been completely made by hand, and the love that has gone into it is obvious. The condition is staggering for a guitar that's well over fifty, there's really barely a mark on it, and while it's missing the original case, the elusive trem arm is still attached. But, you ask, how does it sound? Ace, in a word. This delivers a Jaguar-ish punchy attack with short sustain and plenty of natural low end heft, balanced by a snappy midrange with a real woody warmth to it and an understated, eloquent treble. The neck pickup is lush and thick, while the bridge pickup is articulate and angry... there's really a lot to love. I reckon it's only a matter of time til some trendy player with a lot of Instagram followers 'discovers' these and they become super collectable, so get in the game and score yourself a genuine 60s offset for barely a dime while you still can!

Model: Yamaha SG-2A
Made: 1967, Japan (serial 7145)
Finish: fiesta red
Body: nato
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 22 frets, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: none
Weight: 3.470kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coils x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread minor dimples and dents, no major marks. The sides have no major marks, minor dimples on the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has no major marks, just a painted chip near the jack, some dents in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horn. 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 are freshly polished and pretty even with minor wear only, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.