Yamaha SL500 Studio Lord, made in Japan 1978, brown sunburst. We love vintage Yamaha stuff around here; they're some of the best playing and best value guitars going around. The Studio Lord series was Yamaha's take on the Les Paul Standard, made between 1976-82 out of Japan. You can feel the precision and love that's gone into the build when it's in your hands, these were made completely hand hand to an amazing standard. The neck is moderately slim and very comfy, still straight and stable after all these years and blessed with a gorgeous dark streaky rosewood board. The tone on deck is awesome. The neck pickup is fat, full and spanky, with a sweet sparkle on the top end, while the bridge offers a pronounced midrange with heaps of depth and grit. The sunburst finish has a few marks around the place from honest play, but it's looking very dapper in a streetsmart sort of way. I'm a fan!

Model: Yamaha Studio Lord SL500
Made: Japan, 1978 (serial 002138)
Finish: brown sunburst over plain maple
Body: 2-piece agathis/mahogany sandwich style, plain maple top
Neck: maple, 2-piece, rosewood board
Weight: 4.270kg
Mods: none
Neck pickup: Yamaha covered humbucker x2
Case: no case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor chips on the end and some scuffs on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs, small dents and dimples around the whole body, but no major marks. The sides have minor scuffs, dents and dimples around the whole body, but again nothing too nasty. The front has some dimples near the knobs, on the back edge and in the elbow area, as well as widespread light scuffs and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (6.5/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have some minor wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.