Yamaha SGV300, sonic blue, made in Taiwan 2000. These are possibly the coolest guitars ever... right? 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 is a reissue model from 2000; why Yamaha doesn't still offer these new is beyond me. The tones on offer are many, varied and excellent. The second tone knob provides some wizardry that allows you to dial in single coil, Strat-style in-between tones and full LP style humbucker tones from the varying positions, which is amazing given the original circuit design came from the sixties. There's a lovely percussive bark to the tone that flavours all the options, somewhere between an SG and a Mustang, but with plenty of variation at your fingertips. This one is wearing a gorgeous coat of lightly faded sonic blue and is in remarkable condition for two decades on Earth. I'm a huge fan of these and they seldom last long around here, so spice up your life Samurai-style and thank me later!

Model: Yamaha SGV300
Made: 2000, Taiwan (serial QIZ319176)
Finish: sonic blue, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape
Mods: none
Weight: 3.810kg
Pickups: Yamaha single coil x3
Case: basic non-original gig bag, trem arm not included

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end and a dimples on the bottom edge near the truss cover. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some surface scratches on the top horn, scuffs around the trem cavity and some dimples along the back edge and elbow area. The sides have some scuffs on the top horn and minor dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some dimples near the bridge and standard play wear on the guard and horns. Note the blue finish has fade marks and light rub wear around the whole body. 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. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11-49 Moonshiners strings.