Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,899

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana" is a distinctive and vintage-inspired electric guitar that promises to capture the heart of any musician looking for a unique sound and style. Originally crafted in the 1960s, this solid body electric guitar has made a comeback, revered for its quirky design and unique tonal versatility. The SG-3C features a sleek, double-cutaway body that not only looks striking but also provides easy access to higher frets, making it a favorite among lead guitarists.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, the "Flying Banana" offers a range of tonal possibilities, from bright and crisp to warm and mellow. Its 3-way toggle switch allows for seamless switching between pickup configurations, catering to a variety of musical genres and playing styles. The bolt-on neck provides stability and ease of maintenance, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability and a rich tone.

The Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana" is as much a statement piece as it is a musical instrument. Its distinctive design and impressive sound quality make it a perfect choice for guitarists who wish to stand out on stage and in the studio. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic beginner, this guitar is sure to inspire creativity and elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with a double-cutaway design
  • Three single-coil pickups for versatile tonal options
  • 3-way toggle switch for easy pickup configuration
  • Bolt-on neck for stability and easy maintenance
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability and rich tone

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SG-3C
Finish Blue, Red, Sunburst, Yellow
Year 1968 - 1970
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Blue, Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana"?

The Yamaha SG-3C features a bolt-on maple neck with a comfortable and classic profile that suits a variety of playing styles, making it accessible for both beginner and advanced guitarists.

What kind of tones can I expect from the SSS pickup configuration on the Yamaha SG-3C?

The SSS (single-coil) pickup configuration provides bright, clear tones with excellent articulation, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and surf music.

Is the Yamaha SG-3C suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha SG-3C is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, versatile tone options, and durable construction, making it a great choice for those new to electric guitars.

Does the Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana" have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Yamaha SG-3C is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing players to achieve pitch modulation effects and add expressiveness to their playing.

What finish options are available for the Yamaha SG-3C?

The Yamaha SG-3C is available in several finish options, including Blue, Red, Sunburst, and Yellow, providing a range of aesthetic choices to suit personal preferences.

phostenix

phostenix

Yamaha SG3C Demo - Part 1 Intro / Clean

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SG3C Demo - Part 1 Intro / Clean by phostenix

Yamaha SG3C Demo - Part 1 Intro / Clean

phostenix

phostenix

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SG3C Tour by phostenix

Yamaha SG3C Tour

phostenix

phostenix

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana".

Features and functionality

  • The bottom knob is typically a master tone control, with other knobs likely controlling individual pickup volumes or tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's possible to play this guitar sitting down, although it's easier when seated on a couch due to its unique shape.

    Source
  • King Gizzard's use of Yamaha SG models, including an SG5 and SG3, highlights the guitar's appeal in psychedelic and experimental rock genres.

    Source
  • A humorous reference suggests these guitars are challenging to play while seated, indicating potential comfort issues during long sessions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha SG-3C is compared to the Vox Mark III and Gibson Moderne for its unconventional design, though opinions on aesthetics vary widely.

    Source
  • The Yamaha Flying Samurai is favored by some, suggesting a preference among similar unconventional Yamaha designs.

    Source
  • The Revstar is described as a "Les Paul light," offering a lighter, more ergonomic feel compared to standard Les Paul models.

    Source

Build quality

  • The reverse angle of the neck pickup is noted for potentially unique tonal characteristics, though specific tonal descriptions are not provided.

    Source

User experience

  • Some find the "Flying Banana" design polarizing, with strong opinions on both sides regarding its unique aesthetics.

    Source
  • It’s noted for its quirkiness and charm, appealing to enthusiasts of vintage and unusual guitar designs.

    Source
  • Despite requiring some adjustments, the Revstar is praised for its value and becomes a cherished part of collections.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience fret grinding during bends, resolved using fret polishing pads from StewMac.

    Source
  • A few guitars required nut shimming due to deep cuts, and noisy selector switches are common, prompting replacements.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend replacing stock pickups with Fralin pickups for improved tone, and removing the mid-boost on the push/pull.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hard to Find but Worth the Hunt, Yamaha’s Prized ‘Flying Banana’ SG-3c Is One of the Best Holy Grail Oddball Guitars on the Vintage Market | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana" is a standout guitar that combines unique aesthetics with exceptional playability and sound. Its lightweight, quirky design turns heads, while the slim neck and low action facilitate effortless playing. The guitar excels in delivering vibrant clean tones and punchy distortion, especially from its unique pickup configuration. However, it does have a significant drawback: playing it while seated can be awkward, limiting versatility for some performers. Despite this, the SG-3C offers a delightful blend of quality craftsmanship and distinctive character, making it a worthy addition to any guitarist's collection.

positive

Hard to Find but Worth the Hunt, Yamaha’s Prized ‘Flying Banana’ SG-3c Is One of the Best Holy Grail Oddball Guitars on the Vintage Market

yahoo.com

The Yamaha SG-3C, affectionately dubbed the "Flying Banana," is a rare gem that delivers exceptional playability and sound quality. Its unique design, lightweight build, and versatile tonal range—especially in clean and distorted settings—make it a joy to play. However, it falls short when played sitting down, which might limit its appeal for some. Despite its hefty price tag, reaching up to $2,000 for a mint condition model, its blend of vintage charm and modern playability secures its status as a holy grail for collectors. If you're willing to hunt down this oddball guitar, it’s likely to be a rewarding investment.

positive

Surf with a Space-Age Samurai - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Claudio Narea uses Yamaha SG-3C "Flying Banana"

Claudio Narea

Singer, Guitarist

Los Prisioneros

...
Verified via Photo

Claudio played a red Yamaha SG-3C prior Los Prisioneros first album.

Genre Usage

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

More Yamaha Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    drimo
    drimo

    Gear IQ 1737