Yamaha SG-3 1966 - Coral Red

The 1966 Yamaha SG-3 (initially model S302 in Japan) is a vintage, surf-style solid body electric guitar introduced in April 1966. It features a distinctive asymmetrical, offset double-cutaway hardwood body, a bolt-on maple neck with a 25.5-inch scale, 22 frets plus a zero fret, and a complex electronics package with three single-coil pickups.

Body and Neck

• Body: Hardwood solid body, offset double-cutaway.
• Neck: Bolt-on Maple.
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with 22 frets and a zero fret.
• Scale Length: 650 mm (approx. 25.5 inches).
• Headstock: Matches body finish, usually with a script "motorcycle" Yamaha logo.

Electronics and Hardware

• Pickups/Controls: Three single-coil pickups, with the bridge/middle pair acting as a pseudo-humbucker. Controls include a 3-way switch, master volume, tone, a rhythm/solo switch, and a roller blender for the bridge pickup.
• Bridge/Tremolo: Proprietary roller bridge and vibrato tailpiece system.
• Tuners: Six-on-a-side Yamaha-branded tuners.
• Finishes: Available in Sunburst, Pearl White, or Coral Red.

Judging by the serial number, this example was produced in late 1966. It's original with the exception of the tremolo arm, knobs, rhythm switch, and one tuner (which was adapted from a set of Yamaha strip tuners). One of the original tuners is also missing its cover, and the upper strap buttons is MIA. Lots of dings, dents, and a couple extra strap button holes on this one - refer to the pics. Frets have some visible wear too, but no buzzing. Plays and sounds great, as a matter of fact - the pickups have a hot gold-foil type tone! Neck measures 1.65" wide at the nut. Weighs 8.36 pounds and ships in the newer HSC shown.