Yamaha SG-2A, sunburst, made in Japan 1967. The Flying Samurai debuted in 1967, so this is first year example in terrific shape. 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. These were made entirely by hand, as CNC machines weren't used in Japanese guitar making until the 80s. The slim, soft-V shaped neck is straight and stable, with a nice tight pocket and precise fretwork... it's held up admirably over the decades and feels great in the hands. Plugged in, this sounds a little like a Mustang, a little like a Strat, and a little like... nothing else but a Samurai. It's got a naturally short sustain and a strong fundamental note, with a tasty balance of snap and fatness. I'm not usually a big one for sunburst, but in this case... I'll absolutely allow it. The red is rich and bright, the yellow is mellow with plenty of tight and tidy grain on show... it's somehow both vibrant and understated at the same time. This one includes the two things you always want but seldom get: the trem arm and the original Yamaha case. Go find a cooler looking guitar, I'll wait.

Model: Yamaha SG-2A
Made: 1967, Japan (serial 6735)
Finish: sunburst, gloss urethane
Body: nato
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 22 frets, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Mods: none
Weight: 3.320kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coil x2
Case: basic vintage Yamaha hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a dent and some scuffs on the end, dimples on the bottom edge and some scuffs on the front and back; no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, discolouration on the binding and dimples on the back only. The back has a dent on the belly carve and bottom corner, as well as widespread light scuffs and surface scratches around the whole body; nothing too nasty. The sides have light scuffs on both horns and a few dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has dimples around the tailpiece and elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets are pretty low from the factory, but they're pretty even with no major buzz issues, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.