Yamaha Studio Lord SL500 Red Sunburst 1980
Yamaha Studio Lord SL500, red sunburst. We love vintage Yamaha stuff around here, and these Studio Lords are somehow still some of the most underrated Gibson-style guitars out of Japan. This example dates to 1980, so it's a later example of the model. The cherry sunburst finish has yellowed and mellowed over the decades and looks awesome; the subtle grain of the maple has some lovely cloudy detail on show when caught in the right light. The tone on deck is big: clear and full with a singing midrange and heaps of natural sustain, rounded out by a sonorous low end. The neck is straight and stable and carved to an intuitive 1960-style moderate C, which works well without demanding too much concentration. This is a very good vintage LP, it'll bring a grin to your noggin.
Model: Yamaha Studio Lord SL500
Made: Japan, 1980 (serial 005642)
Finish: red sunburst over plain maple
Body: agathis/asian mahogany, sandwich style
Neck: maple, 3-piece
Weight: 4.075kg
Mods: bridge pickup cover and pickguard removed, knobs replaced
Pickups: Yamaha PAF-style covered humbucker x2
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and some light scuffs on the front around the tuning posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread minor dimples and light scuffs around the body, most notable in the centre and elbow areas, as well as a screw hole near the switch cover and a dent near the cavity cover. The sides have light scuffs on the horns and some dimples and dents in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and near the knobs, as well as some scuffs from play on the horns. The guard is missing. 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. The frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners.