The Yamaha SG1000 “Rainbow Goblins” Custom

The Yamaha SG1000 “Rainbow Goblins” (1981 Custom) is a highly unique, artist-modified version of the classic SG1000, made famous by Masayoshi Takanaka during his Rainbow Goblins era. Originally a late-1970s SG1000, the guitar was heavily customized in 1981 with a striking rainbow finish and modified electronics for stage performance. It became visually iconic during Takanaka’s theatrical live shows, especially the legendary performances tied to his album The Rainbow Goblins. Sonically, it retained the SG1000’s warm, sustaining tone but gained additional versatility through pickup and wiring changes. Today, the original instrument is considered a rare collector’s piece, with uncertain whereabouts and occasional reappearances fueling its legendary status.

Specs:

• Model Base: Yamaha SG1000 (late ’70s platform)
• Body: Mahogany with carved maple top
• Neck: Set neck (mahogany/maple construction)
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Pickups: Modified (reportedly replaced with aftermarket humbuckers)
• Electronics: Coil-split (“Bi-Sound”) system retained/modified
• Controls: 2× Volume, 2× Tone, 3-way selector + coil-split switching
• Finish: Custom rainbow paint (“Rainbow Goblins” theme)
• Year of Customization: 1981
• Origin: Japan (customized outside Yamaha factory)
• Status: One-off custom / artist-associated vintage instrument