PRE-SALE: Yamaha Studio Lord SL500 - Sunburst, 1979

PLEASE NOTE! This instrument is presented as a pre-sale item. It will undergo luthier work, including, among other things, polishing of the finish, refurbishment of the metal parts and shielding of the electronics. Depending on the assessment of the neck geometry, the original frets will receive an advanced levelling and polishing, or – if levelling (planing) of the fingerboard proves necessary – the instrument will receive a completely new set of frets. The final price includes the above work. This listing does not constitute a commercial offer within the meaning of Article 66 § 1 of the Polish Civil Code.

About the instrument

The Yamaha Studio Lord SL500 is a Japanese electric guitar from 1979. Studio Lord was a Yamaha line with a Les Paul-style body, produced in Japan from around the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. The first version of the SL500, offered up to 1979, was built with a set maple neck and a factory set of Yamaha humbuckers. The example presented here has a Tobacco Sunburst finish, an agathis body with a maple top, a rosewood fingerboard and chrome hardware.

Technical specification

• Manufacturer: Yamaha
• Model: Studio Lord SL500
• Year: 1979
• Body: Agathis / Maple Top
• Neck: Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 22, Standard
• Pickups: 2x Yamaha Humbucker
• Electronics: Passive (2x Volume, 2x Tone, 3-Way Switch)
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic, stop-bar tailpiece
• Tuners: Vintage (die-cast, tulip)
• Hardware: Chrome
• Cosmetic condition: 8 out of 10
• Finish: Tobacco Sunburst (TBS)
• Weight: 3.98 kg

Body and construction

The Les Paul-style body is made of agathis with a maple top and finished in Tobacco Sunburst. Agathis was the factory material in this line – the model documentation describes Studio Lord bodies as layered, with a maple top. The line was built with a set-neck construction. At 3.98 kg this example sits below the typical weights for instruments of this type. In line with the pre-sale arrangements, the finish and the wooden parts will undergo cleaning and polishing in our workshop, and the electronics cavities will be shielded.

Neck and playability

The maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard carrying 22 frets in standard size. Depending on the assessment of the neck geometry, the original frets will receive an advanced levelling and polishing, or – if levelling (planing) of the fingerboard proves necessary – the instrument will receive a completely new set of frets. This will ensure correct intonation and proper string action along the entire length of the fingerboard. The fingerboard surface will be cleaned and conditioned.

Sound

The instrument is fitted with two humbuckers branded by Yamaha, working in a passive circuit, with separate Volume and Tone controls for each pickup and a three-way switch.

• Character: A pair of humbuckers in a body with a maple top gives a voice with a pronounced midrange and limited noise content. Independent control of both channels lets you set the pickups at different volume levels and use the middle position as a separate voice.
• Dynamics: The passive electronics respond in proportion to the strength of the picking attack. The planned servicing of the circuit and the shielding of the electronics cavities will reduce susceptibility to ambient noise.

Additional information

• The Studio Lord line is not featured in Yamaha's official historical materials today, which is why the dating and the specifications are based on collector sources and period documentation.
• The SL500 model came in two versions: the earlier one, with a maple neck, and the later SL500S with a mahogany neck and pickups offering coil splitting. The example presented here corresponds to the earlier version.
• The factory in which this instrument was built is not documented – the attributions to particular factories that circulate are not confirmed in the sources.
• The guitar is offered on a pre-sale basis, which makes it possible to reserve this particular example before the full programme of luthier work in our workshop has been completed.

Hardware

• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic with a stop-bar tailpiece – a design with individually adjustable saddles, allowing intonation and string height to be set. In line with the scope of work, the hardware will undergo cleaning and refurbishment, and the bridge – a full intonation and string height adjustment.
• Tuners: Vintage, die-cast, with tulip buttons. The hardware will be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated to ensure tuning stability.

Condition

• Technical condition: The instrument is currently being prepared for playing (pre-sale). Once the planned luthier work is complete, it will be fully functional mechanically and electronically.
• Cosmetic condition: We rate the cosmetic condition at 8 out of 10. The guitar shows signs of use appropriate to the age of the instrument – details are visible in the photographs.
• Setup and modifications: The planned service work includes: a setup (truss rod, string action and intonation adjustment), cleaning and polishing of the frets, cleaning and polishing of the wooden and metal parts, servicing of the electronics.

Why choose this instrument

• Japanese construction from the 1970s: An example from the period when Yamaha was building its own line of instruments with a Les Paul body outline, with a set neck and a factory set of humbuckers.
• Low weight: At 3.98 kg this is below the typical weights for instruments of this type, which translates into comfort during longer playing sessions.
• Pre-sale offer: Buying on a pre-sale basis means you can reserve this particular example and receive it directly after the luthier work in our workshop has been completed.
• Comprehensive service: Within the agreed price the guitar will undergo all the planned preparation work, which removes the need for any further outlay of your own after collection.