Yamaha SGV 800

3.5 (2)

2 Reviews

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Page last updated May 08, 2026

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Description

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Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fretboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22
Scale: 24.75"
Tuners: Sprezel USA Locking Tuners
Pickups: AlNiCo 5 Soap-Bar Style Pickups
Hardware: Chrome

Videos

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paulhindmarshmusic

Yamaha SGV800 | Line 6 HX STOMP | Mission SP1-L6H | Loop

paulhindmarshmusic

Guitar o't Day #19 '99 Yamaha SGV 800

Steve Kellett

Yamaha SGV800

Simon Clarke Luthier

Yamaha SGV 800 sound demo

Magos Guitar Catalog

Reviews

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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 SGV 800.

Build quality

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The neck has a C shape with a slightly narrower fingerboard, providing a unique feel that some players might find more comfortable.
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The guitar's neck is described as slim, but not as thin as a Rickenbacker 330, offering a distinct feel that some players compare to a needle-like profile.
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The SGV 800 is noted for its narrow, smooth neck with added binding, offering a comfortable playing feel compared to other models.
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Features and functionality

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The Yamaha tremolo system allows for both upward and downward bends, enhancing its suitability for surf-inspired tones and techniques.
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The SGV 800 has a unique wiring setup where both volume knobs control both pickups in the middle toggle switch position, limiting individual volume adjustments.
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The SGV 800 features a unique vibrato system with a ball bearing fulcrum, providing smooth operation, although lacking a locking function.
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Use cases and applications

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The ceramic P90s in the SGV 800 are likened to Jazzmaster pickups, making them suitable for surf rock and providing a Jazzmaster-like sound.
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The guitar gained a fan in the indie rock scene, indicating its appeal beyond traditional genres usually associated with its design.
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The SGV 800 is favored for genres requiring clean tones with bite, suitable for surf and stoner rock.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners report that the original toggle switch is prone to breaking and often needs replacement, with some opting for metric switches to maintain the aesthetic.
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Other

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The SGV 800 is colloquially referred to as the "Flying Samurai," highlighting its distinctive design and cultural impact.
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The red sparkle finish is particularly sought after, with some owners acquiring models from Japan for their unique aesthetic appeal.
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Value and pricing

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Early reissues were heavily discounted due to low demand, but their value has increased significantly, partly due to a Dr. Who episode featuring the model.
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Market prices for the SGV 800 range between $700-1,000 for well-maintained units, with higher-end models justifying prices above 1K.
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User experience

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Multiple owners report the SGV 800's locking tuners maintain tuning stability well, even during extensive play.
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Comparisons

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The SGV 800's pickups are compared to Mosrite-like P90s, offering a different sound than standard single coils.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have upgraded to 500k pots for a more open sound, with a master volume, neck tone, and master bass cut configuration for versatility.
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