Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $499

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Dive into the vintage charm and robust versatility of the Yamaha SBG-500, a solid body electric guitar that marries the past and present with its classic design and modern playability. Crafted for the musician who appreciates a blend of legacy and innovation, this model stands out with its unique double symmetrical cutaway and powerful exposed humbuckers. Whether you're shredding solos or crafting rhythmic chords, the SBG-500 offers a smooth playing experience that's hard to put down. Its Agathis body not only contributes to its lightweight feel but also adds a warm, balanced tone, making it a versatile choice for any genre. A piece of music history that's still striking chords today, this guitar is a testament to Yamaha's dedication to quality and musicians' desires for distinctive sound and comfort.

Key Features:

  • Double symmetrical cutaway: Offers easier access to the higher frets for a more comfortable playing experience.
  • Exposed humbuckers: Deliver a powerful, rich tone that can handle a wide range of musical styles.
  • Agathis body: Ensures a lightweight feel while providing a warm, balanced tone.
  • 24.75 inch scale length: A classic scale length that offers a familiar feel and excellent playability.

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SBG-500
Finish Brown Sunburst, Burgundy
Year 1981 - 1983
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha SBG-500?

The Yamaha SBG-500 features a comfortable set-neck construction with a smooth maple neck and rosewood fretboard, providing a classic feel and easy playability suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Yamaha SBG-500's pickups?

The Yamaha SBG-500 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups (HH configuration), delivering rich, warm tones ideal for rock and blues, with enough versatility to handle clean and overdriven sounds effectively.

Is the Yamaha SBG-500 suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Yamaha SBG-500 is well-suited for both intermediate and advanced players, offering a solid build and versatile sound that can accommodate a wide range of musical styles and performance settings.

How does the Yamaha SBG-500 compare to other solid-body electric guitars?

The Yamaha SBG-500 stands out with its double cutaway body, set-neck construction, and high-quality Japanese craftsmanship, offering a unique blend of classic design and modern performance features.

What are the available finishes for the Yamaha SBG-500?

The Yamaha SBG-500 is available in two finishes: Brown Sunburst and Burgundy, both featuring a gloss finish that enhances the guitar's visual appeal.

alexvivat

alexvivat

Yamaha SBG500 guitar

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SBG500 guitar by alexvivat

Yamaha SBG500 guitar

alexvivat

alexvivat

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SBG500 (Tommy Tedesco's Guitar) by Mooseboy08

Yamaha SBG500 (Tommy Tedesco's Guitar)

Mooseboy08

Mooseboy08

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SBG-500.

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha SBG-500 is likened to an SG but with a more substantial build, reminiscent of the Ibanez models associated with Carlos Santana in the 70s.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A hard case included with the Yamaha SBG-500 can independently be valued around €50, highlighting the exceptional deal on the overall purchase.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express nostalgia and attachment to earlier Yamaha SBG models, indicating a lasting positive impression despite being entry-level guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SBG-500 is praised for its versatility, fitting well with a variety of musical styles, similar to the adaptability of a Blues Junior amp used from Floyd to death metal.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Chris Poland uses Yamaha SBG-500

Chris Poland

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

In his interview with Vintage Guitar, he said "Mostly a Yamaha SBG Santana-style guitar with a Floyd tremolo. At the time, it had EMGs, and sounded great. I had my system set up for those pickups. But now I’m using Yamaha pickups, which are basically PAF copies." Furthermore he can be seen in several live videos with his group OHM playing an SBG style guitar with a tremolo, for example in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgrACYkXFqY performing OHM's "Peanut Buddha"

See how Duane Denison uses Yamaha SBG-500

Duane Denison

Guitarist

Silver Jews

...
Verified via Photo

Duane used a Yamaha SBG-500, according to this Guitar Geek rig diagram.

See how Michael Bruce uses Yamaha SBG-500

Michael Bruce

Singer, Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I’ve also got a Yamaha SBG-500 on which I added a roller bridge and a locking nut. There are two things I need from a guitar – for it not to feedback, and not to break strings a lot.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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