Samick SAN-450

4.0 (2)

2 Reviews

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Page last updated Aug 15, 2025

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Description

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The Samick SAN-450 is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern reliability. Known for its versatile tonal range, this instrument is a favorite among musicians who appreciate both jazz warmth and rock edge. The SAN-450 is crafted with a maple top and mahogany back, delivering a rich, resonant sound that is both full and articulate. Its dual humbucker pickups offer a wide spectrum of tones, from mellow, clean jazz to a more aggressive rock punch.

The SAN-450’s set neck construction provides enhanced sustain and playability. Musicians will appreciate the comfortable neck profile, which makes intricate fingerwork feel effortless, whether you’re strumming chords or navigating complex solos. The classic f-hole design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its acoustic resonance, making it an excellent choice for both live performances and studio recordings.

Designed with both style and functionality in mind, the Samick SAN-450 is equipped with quality hardware that ensures tuning stability and durability. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, this guitar offers a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern features that cater to a wide array of playing styles.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for versatile sound
Maple top with mahogany back
Dual humbucker pickups for diverse tonal capabilities
Set neck construction for improved sustain
Comfortable neck profile for effortless playability
Classic f-hole design for enhanced resonance and aesthetic appeal
Quality hardware for reliable tuning stability

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SUYGtv

Samick SAN 450 1997 Sunburst w/ 57 Seymour Duncan Pickups

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Samick SAN-450.

Setup and maintenance

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The truss rod nut on the SAN-450 may require a 7mm wrench, not the standard Gibson 5/16 size, for adjustments.
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User experience

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Owners have experienced difficulty in finding the correct tool to adjust the truss rod due to the unique nut size on this model.
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Produced in the same Korean factory as 90s Dean guitars, offering decent quality despite some generic features.
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Build quality

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The SAN-450 features a Gibson-style truss rod nut, which is atypical for its Korean construction and could pose maintenance challenges.
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The SAN-450 is known for low-quality electronics, particularly the pots, which can result in scratchy or bad sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend upgrading the stock electronics, including pots and pickups, to significantly improve sound quality.
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Comparisons

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The SAN-450 is often likened to the ES-335 in style, making it a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking a similar aesthetic.
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Value and pricing

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New pickups could cost more than the guitar itself, suggesting the SAN-450's affordability but emphasizing the need for upgrades.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

luiskleiser

360

about 7 years ago

Excellent guitar; cheap electronics.

This Korean made one is one of the best 335 copies I have ever played. It was my first guitar and I never sold it. Great wood and excellent quality. If it had binding on the neck it would be as good as the expensive versions you're thinking about. The neck is quite comfortable and has very flat radius which makes it excellent for slide licks. Anyway, you can play whatever you like on this. From jazz to punk rock; it will do the job well. Weak points? Electronics and hardware. Original pickups and pots are and sound cheap. The bridge and tuners will get rusty and ugly with time. Changing pickups, knobs, bridge and tuners you have a really well built guitar but bear in mind that you'll have to invest and upgrade those to have the sound you're thinking of. After that, it goes from 3 stars to 5.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Alternative rock

jimmarchi1

40991

7 years ago about 7 years ago

for the first 6 months or so 335s didn't have bound necks

bittle

271

almost 8 years ago

Amazing 335 style copy

I have this guitar for about 12 years now (she's from 1992) and plays and sounds like a charm. I've upgraded some hardware in her, both pickups are Seymour Duncan Seth Lover SH55, and has a bigsby V7 with the vibramate adition to not drill holes in the body. Very nice neck, D type shape, it plays fast and stays in tune with the stock tuners.

Artist usage

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Chuck Berry

Singer, Guitarist

Chuck Berry & His Combo

Verified via Photo

In a late 1990s photo, Chuck Berry is seen playing a Samick SAN-450 semi-hollowbody electric guitar. Additionally, this guitar is displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, as shown in the linked image: https://pin.it/1MHAb2v3j.