Yamaha SGV-300 2000 - Daphne Blue

2000 Yamaha SGV-300 “Flying Samurai” Daphne Blue – Signed by Takeshi Terauchi

This first-year 2000 Yamaha SGV-300 “Flying Samurai” is an exceptional collector’s example, featuring a naturally aged Daphne Blue finish, a beautifully figured rosewood fingerboard and an apparent signature from legendary Japanese guitarist Takeshi Terauchi.

Serial number QL03143 dates the guitar to May 3, 2000, placing it among the early examples produced during the SGV-300’s introductory year.

The original Daphne Blue finish has naturally yellowed with age, giving the guitar its current Gulf Green appearance. Protected areas retain more of the original blue color, documenting the finish’s transformation over time. This is authentic aging of the original finish—not a refin—and gives the guitar a completely unique appearance with genuine vintage character.

The SGV-300 revived Yamaha’s celebrated 1960s “Flying Samurai” design, with its sweeping asymmetrical body, dramatically extended horn, sculpted matching headstock, three-pickup electronics and proprietary Yamaha vibrato system. It remains one of the most recognizable and collectible designs in Yamaha’s history.

Signed by Takeshi Terauchi

The rear control cover bears what appears to be the autograph of Takeshi Terauchi, accompanied by Japanese writing and a date. This is not a factory signature-series model; it is an individual SGV-300 that appears to have been personally signed by Terauchi.

Known affectionately as “Terry,” Takeshi Terauchi was a pioneering Japanese electric guitarist and one of the central figures of Japan’s 1960s Eleki movement. As the leader of Takeshi Terauchi and the Blue Jeans, he became famous for combining fast, driving instrumental guitar with traditional Japanese melodies. Terauchi was also closely associated with Yamaha’s original Flying Samurai-style instruments, giving his apparent signature special significance on this particular guitar.

The signature has not been professionally authenticated, and no certificate of authenticity is included. It is being represented only as an apparent Takeshi Terauchi autograph and is not guaranteed authentic.

The rosewood fingerboard is absolutely gorgeous, with unusually rich color and dramatic natural figuring throughout. It is considerably more visually distinctive than the fingerboards normally encountered on this model and beautifully complements the guitar’s aged finish.

The guitar is in excellent overall condition aside from the natural yellowing of the original Daphne Blue finish. The body remains remarkably clean, the hardware presents beautifully, and the back of the neck is very well preserved. Any minor evidence of handling is consistent with a carefully maintained instrument of this age.

As with any pre-owned guitar, a professional setup is recommended after delivery. Action, neck relief, intonation and vibrato adjustment are personal preferences and can also be affected by shipping and changes in climate.

Highlights:

• First-year 2000 Yamaha SGV-300 “Flying Samurai”
• Serial number QL03143
• Production date of May 3, 2000
• Original Daphne Blue finish naturally aged toward Gulf Green
• Natural finish aging—not a refin
• Apparently signed by Takeshi Terauchi
• Individually signed guitar—not a signature-series model
• Signature is unauthenticated with no certificate included
• Gorgeous, unusually figured rosewood fingerboard
• Iconic asymmetrical Flying Samurai body
• Matching sculpted headstock
• Three-pickup Yamaha electronics
• Original Yamaha vibrato system with tremolo arm
• Excellent overall condition
• Professional setup recommended after delivery
• Rare and highly distinctive collector’s example

Please zoom in to photos for the best representation of the condition, finish aging, figured fingerboard and signed rear control cover.

An outstanding opportunity for the serious Yamaha collector, Japanese guitar enthusiast or surf-guitar player. This SGV-300 combines first-year production, extraordinary natural aging and a compelling connection to one of the most important guitarists in Japanese music history.

Ships only to the lower 48 U.S. states.