Yamaha SL450S Studio Lord, made in Japan 1983, cherry sunburst. TThe Studio Lord was Yamaha's Les Paul style offerings, made from 1976-83. This one was made in 1982, one year before they switched over to the Lord Player series instead. As such, you get the 'open book' style headstock and a one piece neck, both cool little touches. It feels great in the hands: the neck is comfy and agreeable, it's naturally resonant and the fret and finish work are all bang-on. The natural sustain translates to a lot of character when you plug it in: it's thick and full but with sweetness and detail on the top end. The burst finish has aged nicely over the decades and has a rich darkness to it, especially on the horns, it looks awesome in the flesh. This won't surprise any longtime Topshelfers: vintage Yamaha still rules.

Model: Yamaha Studio Lord SL450S
Made: Japan, 1982 approx (serial 066592)
Finish: red sunburst
Body: agathis (asian mahogany), plain maple cap
Neck: agathis, 1-piece, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, slim 60s shape
Weight: 4.160kg
Mods: pots and switch replaced
Pickups: Yamaha humbucker x2
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some minor dents in the middle of the body, elbow area and back edge, as well as a surface scratch near the top edge and some widespread light scuffs around the body. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body and some small dents in the elbow area. The front has some scuffs near the knobs, a couple of surface scratches in the elbow area, near the bridge and switch and some basic 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 electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.