Yamaha SG800S Standard, Made in Japan 1982 – Cherry Sunburst

Up for sale is a beautiful 1982 Yamaha SG800S in a classic Cherry Sunburst finish. These early ’80s Hamamatsu-built Yamahas are consistently impressive, the craftsmanship, materials, and overall build quality from this era are truly world-class, often rivaling or even surpassing many American instruments of the same period.

For a guitar that is over 40 years old, this example remains in remarkably clean cosmetic condition. It has clearly been well cared for and respectfully played. The finish has aged naturally, showing some typical lacquer clouding or slight fading on the body and neck, a very common trait for Yamahas from this era. In natural light, it reads more as an authentic vintage patina rather than a flaw. There are a couple of small nicks visible in the photos, but overall this is a very honest and well-preserved instrument.

The guitar appears to be all original, including the factory-stamped pickups. These SG models are often praised for delivering a tone that rivals classic single-cut guitars - thick, dense, and incredibly full-bodied. This one is no exception. It has that deep mahogany warmth, strong low-end presence, and impressive sustain you’d expect from a high-quality vintage instrument. Clean tones are articulate and rich, while through a driven tube amp it delivers punch, clarity, and complex harmonics.

The instrument has been thoroughly inspected and professionally set up. It plays comfortably and feels solid and inspiring in the hands.

Please note that this listing is for the guitar only (no case included), but it will be professionally packed for safe transit.

This is a serious, professional-grade instrument with character and depth. If you’re looking for the legendary Yamaha SG tone and that unmistakable early-’80s vibe, this 800S is a fantastic choice. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

The following work has been done: full cleaning, lemon oil fretboard treatment, fret polishing and string height setup (2.3 mm at the 12th fret on the low E string), pickup height adjusted for balance and clarity, and a fresh set of D'Addario XL 10/46 strings installed.

Epic Axes is a musician-driven showroom in Los Angeles. Each guitar is personally selected, inspected, and tested to ensure top performance - only instruments we would play ourselves become part of our collection. Text us to book a visit.

Body
• Construction: Solid body, set-in neck
• Wood: Mahogany body with carved maple top
• Finish: Cherry Sunburst, gloss polyurethane
• Top: Arched maple cap
• Weight: approx. 4.1–4.4 kg / 9.0–9.7 lbs
• Contours: Double cutaway SG shape with beveled edges

Neck
• Material: Mahogany
• Joint: Set-neck (glued-in)
• Profile: Medium “C”
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: approx. 12" (305 mm)
• Frets: 22 medium jumbo
• Scale Length: 24.75" (628 mm)
• Nut: Synthetic bone
• Nut Width: approx. 43 mm / 1.69"
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyurethane

Hardware
• Bridge: Tune-o-matic style bridge
• Tailpiece: Stopbar tailpiece
• Tuners: Yamaha sealed tuning machines
• Strap Buttons: Standard
• Hardware Finish: Chrome

Electronics
• Pickups: Original Yamaha factory humbuckers (stamped)
• Controls:
  • 2 Volume
  • 2 Tone
• Switching: 3-way toggle switch
• Output Jack: 1/4" mono
• Configuration: HH

Other
• Model: SG800S Standard
• Year: 1982
• Made in: Japan (Hamamatsu factory)
• Orientation: Right-handed
• Condition: Very good vintage condition; all original electronics and pickups; natural lacquer clouding typical for early ’80s Yamahas; minor cosmetic nicks; no structural issues; professionally inspected and set up
• Case: Not included