Yamaha SG2000 Cherry Burst - Japan 1986

When Yamaha introduced the SG2000 in 1976, it set out to build one of the finest solid bodies in the world, and it succeeded. The design was inspired by Carlos Santana’s SG-175, and the SG2000 went on to be played by artists such as Al Di Meola and Steve Cropper. It’s still one of the most respected Japanese guitars of its era.

The construction is what sets it apart. It has a neck-through design, with the neck running the full length of the body and carved wings on each side, topped with a maple cap. Under the bridge there’s a brass sustain block, and the guitar’s long, singing sustain owes a lot to both. The bound ebony fingerboard carries big pearl split-wing inlays, and the black headstock has a pearl Yamaha logo, a floral inlay and an SG2000 truss rod cover. Multi-ply binding runs around the body, and the gold hardware and the black pickguard complete the look. Even from behind, the centre stripe of the neck-through laminations is a handsome detail.

It’s a guitar that feels as serious as it looks. The neck-through build gives it a long, even sustain with a sweet, clear tone, and it handles everything from smooth blues and jazz to hard rock with ease. It’s currently fitted with 2022 solderless 490R and 490T pickups, with the 490R at the neck for a warm, rounded voice and the 490T at the bridge for extra punch. The original pickups come with the guitar in the case, so it can be returned to its factory setup. This example is from 1986, and it’s amazing condition for its age, super clean from top to bottom. It comes in its original Yamaha hardshell case with a tan plush lining.

Yamaha’s SG2000 earned its reputation in the 1970s, and a clean one is still one of the best-built guitars of the era.

Specifications:

Weight: 4.38kg / 9.65lb

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.5mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.19mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.01mm

Nut Width: 43.07mm

Width at 12th Fret: 53.06mm

Model: Yamaha SG2000

Year: 1986

Serial Number: SNJJ051

Origin: Japan

Finish: Cherry Burst

Construction: Neck-Through

Top: Carved Maple

Body Wings: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Bound Ebony with Pearl Split-Wing Inlays

Binding: Multi-Ply

Headstock: Black Face with Pearl Yamaha Logo and Floral Inlay, SG2000 Truss Rod Cover

Pickups: 490R Neck, 490T Bridge, 2022 Solderless - Originals in case

Controls: Two Volume, Two Tone, 3-Way Switch

Bridge: Tune-O-Matic Style with Brass Sustain Block

Tailpiece: Stop

Pickguard: Black

Hardware: Gold

Tuners: Gold

Case: Original Yamaha Hardshell - Original Pickups Included