Photo of Yamaha SG2000 and more gear in a pedalboard, guitar, and amplifier

Yamaha SG2000

$1,477.29 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (10)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Yamaha SG2000

2 community setups

23 wishlisted

35 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (6)

$1,477.29 13 available Used

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Average Price: $1,477

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Yamaha SG2000 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Crafted with precision and passion, the Yamaha SG2000 is a testament to masterful luthiery, hailing from the renowned Yamaha Music Craft workshop in Hamamatsu, Japan. This iconic solid body electric guitar is more than just an instrument; it's an experience. Designed for discerning musicians who crave both tradition and innovation, the SG2000 features Yamaha's Initial Response Acceleration technology. This ingenious technique fast-tracks the guitar's maturation process, allowing it to exude rich, resonant tones that typically take years to develop. With every strum, you'll uncover sonic layers and tonal sweet spots, creating a truly immersive playing experience.

The SG2000 doesn't just sound incredible—it feels remarkable too. Its sleek, contoured body offers supreme comfort, ensuring hours of effortless playability. The maple and mahogany construction provides a balanced blend of warmth and brightness, while the set neck design enhances sustain and articulation. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar's timeless design and robust build will inspire confidence and creativity.

Key Features:

Yamaha's Initial Response Acceleration technology for enhanced tonal maturity
Handcrafted by master luthiers in Hamamatsu, Japan
Maple and mahogany construction for balanced sound
Set neck design for increased sustain and articulation
Contoured body for superior comfort and playability

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	SG-2000
Finish	Black, Brown, Brown Sunburst, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Sunburst
Year	1976 - 1982
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, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
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 are the tonal characteristics of the Yamaha SG2000's pickups?: The Yamaha SG2000 features two Yamaha Alnico humbuckers known for their warm, rich tone and strong sustain, making them ideal for rock and blues genres.
Is the Yamaha SG2000 suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the Yamaha SG2000 is well-suited for advanced players, offering professional-grade build quality, neck-thru construction for superior sustain, and versatile tonal options.
How does the neck profile of the Yamaha SG2000 affect playability?: The Yamaha SG2000 has a set-neck construction with a comfortable, slightly rounded profile that provides smooth playability and easy access to higher frets.
What is the benefit of the Yamaha SG2000's neck-thru body construction?: The neck-thru body construction of the Yamaha SG2000 enhances sustain and stability, contributing to its rich, resonant tone and making it a favorite among professional guitarists.
Can the Yamaha SG2000 handle different music genres?: Yes, the Yamaha SG2000's versatile humbuckers and solid construction make it suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, and jazz.
Does the Yamaha SG2000 offer coil-splitting capabilities?: Yes, the Yamaha SG2000 includes a coil split switch on the tone pot, allowing players to access single-coil tones for added versatility.

Videos

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Britain's Rare Guitars

Yamaha SG 2000 - Best ever 70's guitar?

Britain's Rare Guitars

'79 Yamaha SG-2000: Unboxing a Gibson Les Paul Killer?

Does It Doom?

Yamaha SG-2000 from 1976 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

1977 Yamaha SG2000 Demo

Capsule Music

Guitar Wishlist Episode 3 The Yamaha SG2000

Three Chord Dave

'81 Yamaha SG 2000 Cherry Sunburst | Review & Demo!

Guitar Chimp

1977 Yamaha SG2000 Made in Japan - SOUNDCHECK (no talking)

TheSpaceGuitar

Reviews

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PROS

Revered as the "Les Paul Killer" for its exceptional performance
Iconic tone reminiscent of Santana's signature sound
Stunning sunburst finish with eye-catching craftsmanship
Neck-through design with a mahogany body for deep sustain
Ebony fretboard enhances playability and aesthetic appeal
Brass bridge insert contributes to impressive sustain
Offers the solidity and heft of high-end models
Warm tone with low action for enjoyable playing experience
Comparable to Gibson's top-tier models in quality

CONS

Pickups are not potted, leading to potential squealing at high volumes
Original tuners might require upgrading for better tuning stability
High E string breakage issues at the stop tail
Neck profile might not suit players accustomed to thinner necks
Older models may require fretwork and updates for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SG2000.

Build quality

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The Yamaha SG2000 features a beefy C-shaped neck that is not thin, offering a substantial feel preferred by many players.
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The thick poly finish can develop blushing, particularly on the back and headstock, though it doesn't always affect the underlying wood.
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Features and functionality

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The guitar is equipped with Alnico-V pickups known for their medium output, providing a balanced tone suitable for various music styles.
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Flame maple tops and gold hardware are distinctive features of the SG2000, adding to its premium aesthetic and perceived value.
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Comparisons

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The SG2000 is favorably compared to Gibson Les Pauls, often cited as being slightly superior in build for a fraction of the price.
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The SG2000's through neck design offers enhanced sustain compared to the SG1000's set neck, making it ideal for players seeking prolonged note duration.
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The SG1000 is considered a more straightforward version compared to the SG2000, lacking some of the latter's premium features but still delivering solid performance.
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User experience

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Owners report that the guitar is heavy, akin to a Les Paul, which some find provides a solid playing experience.
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Owners of Yamaha guitars from the '80s, like the SBG200, report long-lasting satisfaction, indicating robust build quality and enduring playability over decades.
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A '78 SG2000 in pristine condition became a user’s favorite guitar, highlighting its lasting appeal and quality.
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Value and pricing

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Reissue models have been acquired for $1350, which is seen as a steal compared to the current $4-$5K listings on Reverb.
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A '79 model was purchased for $1050 on Reverb due to finish blushing, significantly lower than typical market prices.
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Mods and upgrades

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Seymour Duncan pickups are a common upgrade, with some models preferring them for their vintage voicing, enhancing the guitar's tonal versatility.
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Setup and maintenance

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Initial playability is good, but a professional setup could enhance it further for optimal performance.
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Critic Reviews

A Favorite of Carlos Santana, Al Di Meola and John Frusciante, Yamaha’s SG-2000 Was Intended as a Les Paul Killer | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Yamaha SG2000, hailed as a "Les Paul killer," impresses with its innovative design and high-quality craftsmanship, putting many of its American counterparts to shame. Featuring neck-through-body construction, custom pickups, and a brass sustain block, it delivers unparalleled sustain and resonance. While it captures the essence of a premium guitar with its luxurious aesthetics and build, some might find its intricate design unnecessary for casual players. Overall, the SG2000 is celebrated for its unique character and has earned a place in the hands of legends like Carlos Santana and Al Di Meola, marking it as a standout in the hierarchy of electric guitars.

positive

Full Review

Yamaha SG2000 - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Yamaha's SG2000 is a guitar that has stood the test of time, thanks to its robust construction and innovative features like the Sustain Plate and T-Cross System. A favorite of Carlos Santana, its impressive sustain and weightier build make it a standout. Though not entry-level, its price on the used market is competitive with new US-built guitars, reflecting its continued demand and collectibility. However, its status as a vintage instrument might not appeal to those seeking modernity. Overall, the SG2000 remains a beloved choice for players valuing craftsmanship and history.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

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idolate

155

almost 11 years ago

I use this guitar to make some samples.

This is my guitar that i use to make some samples for some of my songs.

jimmarchi1

41029

11 years ago almost 11 years ago

You are lucky! the 2000+ grade yamahas are great instruments that are starting to get expensive on the used market... thorough description and review please?