Yamaha SG-40

$805.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated May 16, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 16, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$805.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $805

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Yamaha SG-40 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Dive into the realm of sonic exploration with the Yamaha SG-40, a solid body electric guitar that stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Crafted with precision to meet the demands of both seasoned guitarists and ambitious beginners, the SG-40 is celebrated for its versatile tone and exceptional playability. Its solid mahogany body resonates with warmth and clarity, making it a perfect companion for various music genres, from blues to rock.

Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, the SG-40 ensures a powerful and clean output, capable of delivering anything from smooth, creamy leads to gritty, distorted rhythms. Its sleek, contoured body allows for maximum comfort during extended play sessions, while the rosewood fretboard provides a smooth surface for effortless fingerwork.

The SG-40 also features a set neck design that enhances sustain, allowing notes to linger longer with a rich, full-bodied sound. The guitar's hardware is both durable and reliable, including a tune-o-matic bridge for precise intonation and stable tuning even under heavy use.

With the Yamaha SG-40, every performance becomes an opportunity to express your musical creativity, making it a staple for any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound output
Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
Set neck design for enhanced sustain
Durable tune-o-matic bridge for stable tuning and precise intonation

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SG-40.

Build quality

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Early Yamaha SGs may lack factory-installed coil splits; verify if the push-push tone controls function properly.
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Models from '83-'86 have thinner bodies, potentially offering more comfort due to reduced weight.
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Some owners have observed that Yamaha SGs may develop cracks in the control cavity or around the output jack over time.
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User experience

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Owners find the balance similar to a Les Paul, with effective neck dive mitigation using a 2.5" leather strap attached from the inner side.
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Some SGs offer a belly carve, enhancing comfort depending on body shape.
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Condition varies greatly among vintage Yamaha SGs, with many preferring the "dinged up" aesthetic of older models over pristine finishes.
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After replacing pickups, one owner experienced a shorted coil split pot, highlighting the importance of careful handling during modifications.
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Comparisons

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Yamaha SGs are generally heavier than modern Les Pauls, with some models weighing over 9 pounds.
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One user compared the Yamaha SGs to Gibson SG Standards in terms of value, suggesting that the original models offer comparable features.
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The dish carve and heel joint of the Yamaha SG are points of comparison for those considering transitioning to or from the Woodrite Warlord.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest experimenting with 300k or 330k pots for a balanced tone, noting that 250k pots slightly darken and 500k pots noticeably brighten the sound.
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Features and functionality

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It's noted that Yamaha SG's original electronics can be complex, indicating potential challenges for those unfamiliar with wiring.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users report that a short circuit in the passive circuit won't cause damage, suggesting focus on fixing specific issues like non-working coil splits.
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Use cases and applications

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Some owners use the Yamaha SG as one of their main gigging guitars, indicating its reliability and performance suitability for live settings.
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Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

Verified via Photo

Color/Finish: Red

Used for one leg of the tour, for the F# tuning previously held by the stolen Travis Beans. By the next leg, this guitar was replaced with another Travis Bean.