1981 Yamaha SG-800 - Translucent Red - Made in Japan - Pro Set Up w Perfect Frets/Action/Intonation!

1981 Yamaha SG 800
Persimmon Red
Serial #: 039839
Ultra Rich Rosewood Fretboard 
Slim Tapered D Profile Neck

Nut: 1.66

Measures .77 at the First Fret and .94 at the Twelfth

Weight: 9 lbs
Comes in a Gig Bag

Check Out the Demo Video

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings,  Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

1981 Yamaha SG800 – Red Stunner with Vintage Swagger!

Step into the spotlight with this gorgeous 1981 Yamaha SG800, draped in a rich, head-turning Persimmon Red finish that oozes vintage cool. This Japanese-crafted icon delivers a perfect blend of classic tone and rock-ready grit, making it a must-have for players chasing that unmistakable ‘80s vibe. With its sleek double-cutaway body and versatile humbuckers, this SG800 sings with warm, punchy lows and searing highs, ideal for everything from bluesy bends to hard-rock riffs.

Since its debut in 1974, the Yamaha SG has been the choice of some of the most influential guitarists. From its rich tone and long sustain to its outstanding playability and stunning design, all of its signature characteristics have stood the test of time, remaining relevant to this day. The Yamaha SG series first debuted in 1973 as a line of solid body, double cutaway electric guitars. They ranged from entry level models with bolt on necks, up to the now legendary SG2000 which was used by Carlos Santana on his landmark recordings from the late 70's to early 80's.

This 1981 Yamaha SG800 has some serious MOJO and is waiting for the perfect player to pick her up so she can ROCK! You can tell the original owner was a serious player who took great care of the instrument over the decades since its build date. This beauty is in excellent condition for its age, with just the right amount of play-wear to give it soul without sacrificing playability. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth and fast, while the set neck ensures sustain that’ll make your solos soar. Whether you’re a stay at home and rock or a gigging musician craving a reliable workhorse, this Yamaha SG800 is ready to steal the show. Collector or pro plsyer friendly and ready to rock with only light play-wear, and little clouding of the finish for this model. I am sure there are a few dings, dents and light surface scratches to remind you how hard it rocks and how much fun it is to play, but they are scarce and hard to find. Most of the wear is on the back. It has a wonderful sonic presence, incredible feel, tone and projection. These are really sexy guitars and the model has always been a perennial favorite, adored by players and professional artists since its inception.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Yamaha’s legendary craftsmanship!

Contact us today to make this Oil Stain Brown beast yours! 🎸

The 1981 Yamaha SG800 was a high-performance solidbody electric guitar produced in Japan, featuring dual humbucker pickups and a coil-tap "Bi-Sound" system for extended tonal options. The standard SG800 was replaced in 1981 by the updated SG800S model. 1981 SG800 (early 1981)The last of the original SG800 models, this guitar was available until being replaced by the "S" variant. 

• Body: Double-cutaway, solid nato (eastern mahogany) body with a carved maple top.
• Neck: Set-in mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fingerboard.
• Frets: 22 frets.
• Inlays: Split pearl triangle inlays.
• Scale length: 24.75" (628mm).
• Pickups: Two covered humbucker pickups.
• Controls: Two volume, two tone, and a three-way pickup selector switch. The coil-tap function was activated via a push-push switch on one of the tone knobs.
• Hardware: Chrome hardware, a tune-o-matic bridge, and a stop tailpiece.
• Finishes: Oil Stain (brown) and Persimmon Red. 

This guitar has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. If needed the frets have been leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 

About The Guitar Dude 

Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).  

Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content. Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. @TheGuitarDude

Our Guarantee  

We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.  

Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)

- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues. 

- Intonation is spot-on.  

- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.  

- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.  

Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy 

We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:  

- You must notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.  

- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.  

- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described.  

We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.  

Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.  

We are a small business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.  

Payment, Shipping & International Duties  

- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.  

- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.  

- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.  

International Shipping Note 

International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. Contact us for a personalized quote.  

Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.