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Description

The Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar is a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern versatility, crafted for the discerning musician seeking both style and substance. This semi-hollowbody marvel is constructed entirely from tone-rich maple, delivering a resonant sound that is both warm and articulate. Its set maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, ensuring comfort during extended sessions.

What sets this guitar apart is its unique switching system—a dual 3-way selector setup that allows for any pickup combination, including reversed-phase humbucking options. This feature gives you an expansive tonal palette to explore, from crisp cleans to gritty overdrives. The guitar's three soapbar-style single-coil pickups ensure a diverse range of sounds, making it a versatile choice for any genre.

Adding to its vintage charm is the chrome pedestal bridge coupled with a licensed Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability. Whether you're channeling the raw energy of Queens of the Stone Age or crafting nuanced soundscapes, this guitar offers the tools to elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with an all-maple construction
  • Set maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard
  • Three soapbar-style single-coil pickups
  • Unique dual 3-way selector switch system for versatile pickup combinations
  • Chrome pedestal bridge with licensed Bigsby vibrato tailpiece

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Yamaha SA503 TVL's soapbar-style pickups?

The Yamaha SA503 TVL's soapbar-style single-coil pickups deliver a versatile tone palette ranging from warm, full-bodied cleans to gritty, articulate overdrive, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and alternative.

How does the dual 3-way pickup selector system work on the Yamaha SA503 TVL?

The dual 3-way pickup selector switches on the Yamaha SA503 TVL allow for a wide range of tonal combinations by enabling you to activate different pickups individually or in various combinations, providing greater flexibility in sound shaping.

Is the Yamaha SA503 TVL suitable for players who use a lot of tremolo effects?

Yes, the Yamaha SA503 TVL features a Bigsby Tremolo tailpiece, which is ideal for players looking to incorporate smooth, vintage-style vibrato effects into their playing.

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha SA503 TVL?

The Yamaha SA503 TVL features a set maple neck with a comfortable profile and a rosewood fingerboard radius of 14", providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Yamaha SA503 TVL a good choice for semi-hollowbody enthusiasts?

Yes, with its maple semi-hollow, arched-top body, the Yamaha SA503 TVL offers the resonant, airy qualities typical of semi-hollowbody guitars, appealing to players who enjoy a blend of acoustic warmth and electric clarity.

Sami Saarinen

Sami Saarinen

Yamaha SA503TVL

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SA503TVL by Sami Saarinen

Yamaha SA503TVL

Sami Saarinen

Sami Saarinen

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Troy van Leeuwen Guitar TVL by redjetfirebird

Yamaha Troy van Leeuwen Guitar TVL

redjetfirebird

redjetfirebird

Video thumbnail for Струнодер 2.0 - Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen by volksemen2

Струнодер 2.0 - Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen

volksemen2

volksemen2

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SA503TVL Troy Van Leeuwen - Guitare Village by Guitare Village

Yamaha SA503TVL Troy Van Leeuwen - Guitare Village

Guitare Village

Guitare Village

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TVL SA 503 demo and review by Foxy's Guitar Show

Yamaha TVL SA 503 demo and review

Foxy's Guitar Show

Foxy's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Test de la guitare Yamaha SA 503 TVL  micros P90 Seymour Duncan by Jean-Christophe Dissard

Test de la guitare Yamaha SA 503 TVL micros P90 Seymour Duncan

Jean-Christophe Dissard

Jean-Christophe Dissard

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha SA503 TVL features a full maple construction with a maple laminate top, providing a bright and snappy tone.

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  • The guitar is known for its comfortable neck, described as one of the best by owners, along with the heft and feel reminiscent of a Les Paul.

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  • Despite its unique qualities, some users wish for a more visually appealing headstock design from Yamaha.

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  • The switching options on the Yamaha SA503 TVL are noted for significantly expanding its tonal range, making it versatile for various styles.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners modify the guitar with a Vintage Bill Lawrence L550 bridge pickup and a MojoTone Quiet Coil hot P90 in the neck for enhanced sound.

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  • Emerson treble bleeds are recommended by owners for maintaining high-end clarity when rolling off the volume.

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  • The guitar benefits from a Tonepros bridge and Bournes 500k volume pots for improved tonal control and sustain.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners sometimes replace the Reverend's Bigsby spring with a softer one for improved playability.

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Comparisons

  • The Yamaha SA503 TVL is compared to a Les Paul for its weight and tonal quality, appealing to players seeking a semi-hollowbody with solidbody characteristics.

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User experience

  • Despite being out of production, the guitar is highly coveted, with enthusiasts actively seeking them out on sites like Reverb for purchase.

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  • Owners report that the Vintage Lawrence bridge pickup offers a tonal sweet spot, with a high output that pairs well with dirt pedals, neither too bright nor too dark.

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  • Owners describe the guitar as having a super clean fit and finish, with perfect intonation and action, even after 15 years.

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  • Despite its age, owners report the guitar plays beautifully and is highly recommended for those seeking a reliable semi-hollow option.

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Build quality

  • The guitar features an oversized center block, adding heft to the semi-hollow design, making it feel more substantial.

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Critic Reviews

Yamaha SA503 Troy Van Leeuwen Signature review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature guitar is a robust, retro-styled instrument that excels in playability and sound. Its ES-335-inspired semi-acoustic build, equipped with soapbar P-90-style pickups, delivers rich, edgy tones with impressive sustain. However, its hefty weight and absence of a master volume control might be drawbacks for some players. Despite these cons, its classy design and stage-ready performance make it a standout choice for musicians seeking character and quality in a mid-priced guitar.

positive

Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Electric Guitar | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Yamaha's SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar is a standout for musicians seeking versatility and vintage charm. With its unique three single-coil soapbar pickups and innovative "all-access" pickup selector, it delivers a broad range of tones from Strat-like clarity to rich Gibson flavors. The maple construction offers a bright, punchy tone, and the guitar excels in both studio and stage settings. While the design might not appeal to purists, its functionality and tonal diversity make it a worthy choice for those who appreciate a blend of classic and modern features.

positive

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Troy Van Leeuwen can be seen playing a Yamaha SA530 TVL in a live performance with Queens of the Stone Age.

See how Duff McKagan uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

Duff McKagan is seen with a black Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Brent Hinds uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Brent Hinds

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified

This guitar was sold on Brent Hinds’ official Reverb.com shop.

See how Miles Kane uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Miles Kane

Singer, Guitarist

The Last Shadow Puppets

...
Verified via YouTube

At the Brian O'Connor benefit concert on August 12, 2010, Miles used Troy Van Leeuwen's Yamaha.

See how Sarah Lipstate uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Sarah Lipstate

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram photo posted by Sarah Lipstate, her collection of guitars includes the Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar, as indicated by the hashtag #yamahasa503tvl.

See how Dave Catching uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Dave Catching

Guitarist, Bassist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Yamaha

"I love it," raves David. "It's a super-great guitar. It has a lot of weight to it, so it has serious tone. The pickups scream. It stays in tune really well even with the tremolo. Josh has been playing one. Obviously, Troy plays one a lot. I got mine about six months ago. I was recording a band from England called the Duke Spirit, and they wound up using it on almost every song. It was perfect for them, because they have a sort of updated Velvet Underground vibe. I recorded the Giraffes, and they used it too. I've been using it a ton with Earthlings. It definitely has an older-guitar tone. I have some old Silvertone amps that sound amazing with it." - excerpt from Yamaha interview done with Catching.

See how Dave Kushner uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Dave Kushner

Guitarist

Danzig

...
Verified via Photo

On his website, Dave Kushner says, "I've also really been into the Yamaha Troy Van…. Aah I dont know how to spell it, but Troy from the Queens of the Stone Age has an awesome signature model from Yamaha. Check it out!!!"

See how Rafael Martinss uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Rafael Martinss

Guitarist, Singer

Selvagens à Procura de Lei

...
Verified

Utilizada poucas vezes em apresentações ao vivo. Pode ser vista em alguns vídeos do Lollapalooza 2014 e no dvd da banda gravado em 2018. Aparece no clipe da música Intuição

See how Chiemi Ishimoto uses Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar

Chiemi Ishimoto

Singer, Guitarist

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs

...
Verified via YouTube

The Exmember Chiemi Ishimoto of the Mass of the Fermenting Dregs, does play here in the PV "『ゼロコンマ、色とりどりの世界』PV MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS" , the Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar , just in a Black Color. You can see it by the three P90 Pick ups and how the holes are designed. Link: https://youtu.be/1RxYmYsa3T4?t=19 Time: 0:19

Album Usage

The Yamaha SA503 TVL Troy Van Leeuwen Signature Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

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Community setups

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