Yamaha SG-1500, Made in Japan 1980s - Persimmon Red

For sale is a Yamaha SG1500, Made in Japan, 1980s production, finished in Persimmon Red. One of the most respected models from Yamaha’s golden SG era and a true “Les Paul killer” in both tone and build quality.

This guitar is in excellent technical condition and has been fully serviced. It plays effortlessly with low action and no buzzing. The frets are in good shape with normal wear; minor spot-leveling was performed on small divots and the frets were polished. The instrument feels solid, stable and extremely inspiring in the hands.

Cosmetically, this is what many would call a natural aged relic. The lacquer has beautifully faded and whitened across the body over time, giving it that unmistakable vintage patina. There are scratches, dings and finish wear throughout (please see photos), but nothing structural - no cracks in the wood, no breaks.

There is a finish crack visible on the back of the neck. This is in the lacquer only and does not extend into the wood. It has been checked and does not affect structural integrity or playability in any way.

Additionally, a small section of binding near the first fret had previously lifted and has been professionally re-glued. The repair is stable and clean, with no impact on playability.

Electronics are original. The pickups retain their serial numbers and SG stamps, confirming originality. These Yamaha SG pickups deliver exactly what made the SG1500 famous, thick, powerful low end, rich harmonic midrange and smooth singing highs. Under gain it sounds massive and authoritative; clean tones are warm and articulate. Sustain is exceptional.

The SG1500 is widely regarded as one of Yamaha’s finest set-neck designs of the era - carved top, premium construction, and the kind of consistency that made these instruments legendary among professional players.

No case included.

If you’re looking for a serious vintage Japanese instrument with tone, build quality and real character — this Yamaha SG1500 delivers.

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-neck
• Wood: Mahogany body with carved maple top
• Finish: Persimmon Red, gloss polyurethane
• Pickguard: None (SG1500 standard configuration)
• Weight: approx. 4.1–4.4 kg / 9.0–9.7 lbs
• Contours: Carved top with dual cutaways, traditional Yamaha SG body design

Neck

• Material: Mahogany
• Joint: Set-neck
• Profile: Medium C profile
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with binding
• Radius: approx. 12"
• Frets: 22 medium jumbo
• Scale Length: 24.75" (628 mm)
• Nut: Original-style synthetic nut
• Nut Width: approx. 43 mm / 1.69"
• Neck Finish: Gloss polyurethane
• Notes: Finish crack on back of neck (lacquer only, not structural); binding near 1st fret previously re-glued professionally

Hardware

• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic style
• Tailpiece: Stopbar
• Tuners: Yamaha sealed tuners
• Strap Buttons: Standard
• Hardware Finish: Gold

Electronics

• Pickups: Original Yamaha SG humbuckers (SG-stamped, serial-numbered)
• DC Resistance (typical range): approx. 8–9 kΩ
• Controls:
  • 2 Volume
  • 2 Tone
• Switching: 3-way toggle switch
• Output Jack: 1/4" mono
• Configuration: HH

Other

• Model: Yamaha SG1500
• Year: 1980s production
• Made in: Japan
• Condition: Excellent technical condition; natural aged lacquer with whitening, scratches and finish wear throughout; lacquer crack on back of neck (cosmetic only); binding near first fret professionally re-glued; frets in good condition with minor spot-leveling and polishing performed; low action, no buzzing
• Modifications: None
• Case: No case included