Yamaha SG500, made in Japan 1978, black. This is a very cool guitar indeed. The Yamaha SG series made some serious waves in the 70s and 80s; they were famously played by Carlos Santana among others. The body shape only sort-of similar to a Gibson SG: it has the horns, but it's full depth, chambered, and has a carved top and a body cut contour in the back. It's instantly recognisable as a Yamaha shape, and it's one of the few Yamaha shapes from the 70s to still be in production now. The SG500 is a little less famous (and significantly more affordable) than it's well documented brothers, the SG1000 and 2000, but it still packs a huge amount of mojo. This one is sporting a flash candy apple finish; combined with the ebony board, black headstock and aged cream binding, it's a slick and bold look with a villainous charm. The neck has plenty of miles on the clock, as evidenced by the finish wear, but gee... it feels great. It's slim and quick and perfectly balanced against the body; a perfect example of vintage MIJ mojo. The tone is not far from a Les Paul, but with extra snap, definition and brightness. This is one of those guitars that'll happily change gears from smooth jazz to raucous punk with unnerving ease. Proper cool! 

Model: Yamaha SG510
Made: Japan, 1978 (serial 002406)
Finish: candy apple red, cream binding
Body: asian mahogany, chambered
Neck: asian mahogany, ebony board, slim 60s-esque profile
Weight: 3.9kg approx
Mods: pickguard removed
Pickup: original Yamaha uncovered humbuckers, PAF-voiced
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a few little marks and chips around the end and sides. The neck has a bit of rash down the nut end as pictured, it looks interesting but isn't that noticeable during play. The back has no major marks, just some light buckle rash scratches and dimples. The sides have a few marks; a reasonable dent on the top near the shoulder carve and a couple of smaller marks around from the knobs. The front is pretty clean; just some rash around the back edge near the rear strap pin, a couple of dimples near the bridge and some light play scratches on the horns and guard. Overall: 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. Frets have some minor wear, they're looking pretty tidy though, 7.5/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s.