Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $650

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the YAMAHA SG500, a solid body electric guitar crafted for musicians who crave precision and versatility. This instrument blends classic design with modern craftsmanship, making it a cherished choice for both emerging and seasoned guitarists. Its robust construction and high-quality components ensure it withstands the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances.

The SG500 is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, delivering a rich, warm tone that can be easily adjusted to suit a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down rhythm tracks, the guitar's dynamic sound profile adapts seamlessly. The set neck construction offers enhanced sustain and stability, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability.

Players will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, from the finely-tuned hardware to the sleek finish that exudes sophistication. The YAMAHA SG500 doesn't just look the part; it plays it with precision and flair. Its intuitive controls allow for easy tone shaping, so you can focus on your creativity without being bogged down by complexity.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar
  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile tone
  • Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Intuitive tone and volume controls
  • High-quality hardware for reliability
  • Suitable for various musical styles, from rock to jazz

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SG-500
Finish Black, Red
Year 1976 - 1980
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, Red
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
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Yamaha SG500 best suited for?

The Yamaha SG500, with its mahogany body and HH pickup configuration, is versatile and excels in rock, blues, and jazz, offering warm tones and powerful sustain.

How does the set-neck construction of the Yamaha SG500 affect its playability?

The set-neck construction provides enhanced sustain and a smoother transition between the neck and body, making it comfortable for playing solos and complex chords.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Yamaha SG500's pickups?

The dual humbuckers on the Yamaha SG500 deliver a rich, full sound with a strong midrange presence, ideal for achieving classic rock and blues tones.

Is the Yamaha SG500 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Yamaha SG500 offers excellent build quality and sound, its features are more suited to intermediate and advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities.

Does the Yamaha SG500 come in different finishes?

Yes, the Yamaha SG500 is available in black and red finishes, both with a glossy style, providing aesthetic options for different preferences.

Dunsys Guitar World

Dunsys Guitar World

Vintage YAMAHA SG500, from 1979 (now I need to try a Yamaha SG2000!)

Video thumbnail for Vintage YAMAHA SG500, from 1979 (now I need to try a Yamaha SG2000!) by Dunsys Guitar World

Vintage YAMAHA SG500, from 1979 (now I need to try a Yamaha SG2000!)

Dunsys Guitar World

Dunsys Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Alex's new old Guitar - 1979 Yamaha SG500 by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Alex's new old Guitar - 1979 Yamaha SG500

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for DEMO YAMAHA SG500 JAPAN 1977 - Guitar Shop Barcelona by Guitar Shop Barcelona

DEMO YAMAHA SG500 JAPAN 1977 - Guitar Shop Barcelona

Guitar Shop Barcelona

Guitar Shop Barcelona

Video thumbnail for 1978 Yamaha SG 500 Black by Guitar Chimp

1978 Yamaha SG 500 Black

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SG500.

User experience

  • The Yamaha SG500 weighs approximately 3.9kg, which might be heavier than some players expect from a double-cut design.

    Source
  • There's a perception that agathis is a "cheap mahogany knockoff," impacting opinions on wood quality.

    Source
  • It's suggested that using an EQ can compensate for any tonal shortcomings related to the agathis wood.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Yamaha SG500 to the Ibanez Artist, noting that while both are loved, the Artist can feel significantly heavier.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Yamaha SG500 is appreciated for its unique shape and feel, which stands out among other double-cut guitars.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SG500 lacks coil tapping, which differentiates it from the SG1000 model.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar uses agathis wood instead of mahogany, impacting its tonal characteristics and potentially its perceived value.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Concerns about the cheaper pickups suggest considering replacements, though specific models aren't mentioned in the discussion.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
fleshwound

Bought at an auction

My grandfather bought this one of these at an auction and I borrowed it and forgot to give it back. Lol. It’s not very good in the condition it’s in; the tuners were loose, I had to glue the nut back into place and something occasionally rattles around in the neck pickup. However, it’s a good guitar when it works and it’s my guitar for Drop C.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charly García uses Yamaha SG500

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via Pinterest
Year: 1980s

Charly García is confirmed to have used a Yamaha SG500, as evidenced by a photo shared by Andrés JR Lara on Pinterest.

See how Bruce Watson uses Yamaha SG500

Bruce Watson

Guitarist

Big Country

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, he is playing his red SG500.

See how Andy Booth uses Yamaha SG500

Andy Booth

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via The Cassandra Complex

Andrew (Andy) William Booth is confirmed to use the Yamaha SG500, as listed on The Cassandra Complex gear page provided by the source author, Rodney.

See how Tommy Tedesco uses Yamaha SG500

Tommy Tedesco

Guitarist

The Wrecking Crew

...
Verified
Color/Finish: Sunburst

According to a list featured on the Drum Forum website, items from guitarist Tommy Tedesco's collection, included in a Heritage Auction, comprise a Yamaha SG500.

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 SG500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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