Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,248

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Yamaha SG 1820 is a masterclass in craftsmanship and tone, offering guitarists a rich palette of sounds and precision engineering. This solid body electric guitar is crafted in Japan, embodying Yamaha's commitment to quality and attention to detail. Its hand-selected premium materials provide a resonant and balanced sound, while the set-neck construction ensures superior sustain and playability.

The SG 1820 is fitted with powerful Seymour Duncan pickups, delivering a dynamic range that suits a variety of musical styles, from blues to rock. The guitar's mahogany body and maple top contribute to its warm, full-bodied tone, while the rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The carefully designed neck profile enhances playability, making it perfect for both stage performances and studio sessions.

With its classic aesthetic and modern functionality, the Yamaha SG 1820 remains a favorite among discerning musicians. Its robust hardware includes a TonePros bridge and tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and precise intonation. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring guitarist, the SG 1820 provides the tools needed for exceptional musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with a classic design
  • Made in Japan with hand-selected premium materials
  • Seymour Duncan pickups for dynamic tonal range
  • Mahogany body with a maple top for warm sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • TonePros bridge and tailpiece for stable tuning and intonation

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SG-1820
Finish Black, Brown Sunburst, Vintage White
Year 2010 - 2025
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Yamaha SG 1820 best suited for?

The Yamaha SG 1820, with its HH pickup configuration and mahogany body, is well-suited for rock, blues, and metal genres. Its warm and powerful tone is ideal for players seeking rich, sustaining sounds.

How does the neck profile of the Yamaha SG 1820 feel for different playing styles?

The Yamaha SG 1820 features a set-neck construction that provides a comfortable and smooth playing experience, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of tonal characteristics can I expect from the Yamaha SG 1820's pickups?

The Yamaha SG 1820 is equipped with humbucking pickups that deliver a full, warm tone with excellent sustain, making it versatile for various styles, from clean to overdriven sounds.

Is the Yamaha SG 1820 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Yamaha SG 1820 offers professional-grade features and build quality, its playability and comfortable neck make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about their music journey.

What makes the Yamaha SG 1820's construction unique?

The Yamaha SG 1820 features a solid mahogany body with a maple top, providing a balanced tone with clarity and depth. Its set-neck design enhances sustain and resonance, making it a standout choice for serious musicians.

JazzGuitarAcademy by Prof. Michael Sagmeister

JazzGuitarAcademy by Prof. Michael Sagmeister

Michael Sagmeister plays his new Yamaha SG 1820 limited

Video thumbnail for Michael Sagmeister plays his new Yamaha SG 1820 limited by JazzGuitarAcademy by Prof. Michael Sagmeister

Michael Sagmeister plays his new Yamaha SG 1820 limited

JazzGuitarAcademy by Prof. Michael Sagmeister

JazzGuitarAcademy by Prof. Michael Sagmeister

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SG 1820 by GregsGuitars

Yamaha SG 1820

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SG 1820 by Paul Yee

Yamaha SG 1820

Paul Yee

Paul Yee

Video thumbnail for My New Yamaha SG 1820 by Chanan Hanspal

My New Yamaha SG 1820

Chanan Hanspal

Chanan Hanspal

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SG1820 2014 Black by SUYGtv

Yamaha SG1820 2014 Black

SUYGtv

SUYGtv

Video thumbnail for DEMO - YAMAHA SG1820 Made in Japan in Suhr Hombre "BrownFace" Head by Begnis Music

DEMO - YAMAHA SG1820 Made in Japan in Suhr Hombre "BrownFace" Head

Begnis Music

Begnis Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SG 1820.

Build quality

  • The SG1000 features luxury finishes and gold hardware, while the SG200 is more budget-friendly with no binding and chrome hardware.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the SG1820 find it plays beautifully and lives up to its reputation as a "Les Paul Killer."

    Source
  • An owner with both a 70s SG1000 and a 2024 Les Paul experienced resistance when comparing the SG's features favorably on a Les Paul-focused group.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some enthusiasts note the SG2000 and above models are considered the "real deals" in vintage collections.

    Source
  • Some owners compare the Yamaha SG1820 to Les Paul models and note that certain features on the SG could enhance a Les Paul, though these are not always welcomed by Gibson enthusiasts.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SG200 has been praised as a gigging workhorse with reliable pickups that maintain their quality over time.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Yamaha SG guitars, despite their quality, face challenges in the US market due to a preference for American-made instruments.

    Source

Other

  • The Yamaha SG1820 is still produced but is not widely available in the US, often requiring purchase from international sources or second-hand markets.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bill Kelliher uses Yamaha SG 1820

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via YouTube

In the TC Electronic video titled "Bill Kelliher TonePrint 'The Shriller'," Bill Kelliher is seen playing a Yamaha SG 1820 electric guitar.

See how John Dyer Baizley uses Yamaha SG 1820

John Dyer Baizley

Singer, Guitarist

Baroness

...
Verified via reverb.com

From 2011 to 2013 this was one of my main touring guitars. Since then, i have switched to primarily single-coil guitars, and i would like to put this instrument in the hands of someone who will play it more often than i do. It is an amazingly playable, great-sounding guitar. Extremely well made, and was custom built to order when Pete and I were with Yamaha. I have switched out the Seymour Duncan pickups for a set of custom Mojotone "Black Magic" pickups:

(mojotone.com/Pickups_x/HumbuckerPickups_x/Mojotone-Black-Magic-Humbucker-Pickup)

Check out the attached video of both of us playing SG 1820s in Sydney, Australia, at our side-show on the 2010 Metallica AUS tour. These guitars were absolute workhorses, and whenever i needed a thick, humbucker'd sound on the "Yellow & Green" album(s), we used these. Specs below:

YAMAHA / SG 1820

Pickups: Mojotone "Black Magic" Humbuckers Frets: 22 Scale Length: 24 3/4" (628.6mm) Radius: 13 3/4" (350mm) Body: Maple Top / Mahogany Back Finger Board: Rosewood Construction: Set Neck Tuners: Grover Locking Tuner Pickups Switch: 3-Way Toggle

See how Andra Ramadhan uses Yamaha SG 1820

Andra Ramadhan

Guitarist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video he mentioned the Yamaha 1820 guitar in description.

See how Soren Andersen uses Yamaha SG 1820

Soren Andersen

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Playing Yamaha SG 1820 in this video.

See how Steffen Israel uses Yamaha SG 1820

Steffen Israel

Guitarist

Kraftklub

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from the 2015 Rock im Park festival, Steffen Israel is seen playing a Yamaha SG 1820.

See how Joshua Ray uses Yamaha SG 1820

Joshua Ray

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified

"Joshua Ray, Guitarist, songwriter and music producer was chosen over 4000 other guitarist's to reach the national finals of Guitar Centre King of The Blues contest. Since then not only has he become Shania's lead guitarist but he has also toured with Koshi Inaba and Beth Hart. Joshua plays a number of SG's examples being a Black SG1820, a Tobacco Burst SG1820, a Gold Top SG1802 along with various other Yamaha models."

N

Niko Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Tagada Jones

...
Verified via Getty Images

On peut voir Niko utiliser sa Yamaha sur cette photo, elle date de 2018

Album Usage

The Yamaha SG 1820 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha SG 1820, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha SG-1802
Yamaha SG-1802 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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