Yamaha SG-500B, cherry, made in Taiwan 2000. Yamaha's SG series guitars debuted in the early 70s and are still in production today. This example dates to somewhere in the middle of that story, made in that baggy-jeans-Y2K-numetal era of a couple of decades ago. The basic shape of a Yam SG has been consistent for many decades now, so this gets the pointy horns and Batman curves, with a sleek bound carved top and a rich red finish making for a mean look. It's one of the more basic models from it's day, so it gets a bolt-on neck, which adds some rasp and attack to the tone. It's a great sound: snarlier and brighter than a Gibson SG, but with more sustain and midrange fullness than a Fender style typically delivers. The hardware is sturdy and the neck is comfy; it has that typical why-are-these-so-good Yamaha quality that seems to trickle down to even their most basic offerings. Heaps of guitar for not much cash.

Model: Yamaha SG-500B
Made: Taiwan, 2000
Serial: QL23109
Finish: transparent cherry red, gloss poly
Body: mahogany/agathis
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape, bolt-on
Weight: 3.370kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Yamaha humbucker x2
Accessories: basic non-original hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end and some scuffs on the front around the posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has dimples around the cavity and middle of the body, widespread light scuffs around the whole body and some rub wear along the back edge and elbow area. The sides have a surface scratch on the top horn and some dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has scuffs behind the tailpiece, in the elbow area and along the back edge, dimples near the knobs and along the top edge and some play wear on the horns.
Overall: very 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. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only