Yamaha SL450S Studio Lord, made in Japan 1983, black. This is a lovely LP... no surprise, being a vintage Yamaha and all. The Studio Lord was Yamaha's Les Paul style offerings, made from 1976-83. This one was made in 1983, the last year before they switched over to the Lord Player line instead. As such, you get the 'open book' style headstock and a one piece neck, both cool little touches. This looks classy all dressed up in cream and gloss black... it's a nice change from the standard sunburst fare. The neck is a fairly slim rounded shape, it makes for easy movement and comfy chords without being too shredtastic. The best thing about this is the sound. The neck pickup is bell-like and rich, with a thick attack and sparkling clarity. The bridge is creamy and full with excellent note separation and dynamics while maintaining a convincing warmth. It sounds magical, clean or dirty. This one has had a very tidy nheadstock repair at some point, so it's priced accordingly. The title for Lord of the Dance is taken, but how about Lord(ess) of the Studio?

Model: Yamaha SL450 Studio Lord
Made: Japan, 1983
Serial: 361786
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: agathis, maple top
Neck: agathis, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim 60s shape
Weight: 3.985kg
Mods: headstock repair
Pickups: Yamaha humbucker x2
Accessories: vintage gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the end, edges, back and front, as well as some clouding around some of the tuners and repair lines on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor scuffs and checking on the back, as well as a crack in the clearcoat only towards the nut end on the back. The back has surface scratches in the elbow area and middle of the body, as well as minor scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The front has minor dimples around the knobs and elbow area as well as some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 6/10, normal wear inc minor pitting, playing evenly with no major marks