Mo Says...

The Japanese were making some serious guitars in the 1970s. This first-year SG2000 is a splendid example, with enough brass, binding and sustain to suggest its designers were preparing for a particularly musical siege.

Notable Particulars

• First-year production model (1976), dating from the inaugural year of Yamaha's celebrated SG2000
• Neck-through-body construction, designed for exceptional sustain and comfortable upper-fret access
• Twin humbucking pickups, with three-way switching and individual volume and tone controls
• Original components throughout, with the exception of replacement tuners. The original tuners are included
• Exceptional condition for its age, finished in elegant black with multi-ply binding, ornate inlays and decorative gold-coloured hardware

The Details

Introduced in 1976, the Yamaha SG2000 is one of the most celebrated Japanese electric guitars of its era, and this example dates from the very first year of production. Developed during Yamaha's ambitious expansion into high-end electric instruments, the SG2000 became particularly associated with Carlos Santana, whose involvement helped establish the model's reputation for exceptional sustain and rich, singing tones.Its construction sets it apart from more conventional double-cutaway guitars. A neck-through-body design provides a continuous structural connection from neck to body, while Yamaha's substantial brass sustain system contributes to the instrument's distinctive character. Two humbuckers deliver everything from warm, rounded cleans to thick, articulate overdriven sounds, making the SG2000 particularly appealing for blues, jazz-rock, classic rock and expressive lead playing.

This particular example is in exceptional condition considering its 50-year history, retaining its beautiful black gloss finish, intricate cream binding, elaborate pearl-style inlays and distinctive gold-coloured hardware. There are some signs of age and use, including light surface marks and natural tarnishing to the hardware, but the guitar has survived remarkably well. All components are original apart from the tuners, which have been replaced, with the original tuners included in the sale. It also comes with a vintage Yamaha hard case, complete with period stickers and the charming evidence of a life spent making music.

An unusually well-preserved, first-year example of one of Yamaha's most important electric guitars, combining historical significance, outstanding Japanese craftsmanship and the unmistakable character that made the SG2000 a classic.