yamaha sg's

[spark240]

http://forum.musicradar.com/showthre...0S-in-the-loft



ressurected !

[lushery]

Just - "wow" - your loft sounds like an amazing place sparky. I've 2 rics as well

I have come to the conclusion that the S suffix is basically Yamaha's "not for sale in japan/export" line. There are a few clues I've realised/found (I probably watch too much 'Poirot'). But like most things I don't think it was a rule that couldn't be broken. Just think how easy it is to get a Fender Japan into UK now.

They did sell SG 800S in 1982 (http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar...82/en_p02.html)but then very little indeed. They are not listed in this catalogue from 1985 http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar.../en_p1617.html by which time Yamaha had already started making the 'partscaster esque' SG models like the 1600 and 2500. The few S models referred to in http://www.vintageguitar.com/1979/yamaha-sg/ were sold in the west as lower number models (ie. Japan SG800S was a SBG500 in USA.

Second, most are obviously lower spec. I have not seen one that I would take over its non S counterpart. At best I can't tell a difference and they look the same (3000vs3000S) but that's just from the views I have online. Lower spec would make them cheaper and more appealing to Western importers who have to pay duty et al. USA on brink of all out trade war with Japan too at this time so tariffs would have been proper high. Also, I think that the whole range was available in the west (ie NON S models) just that S was only for abroad and not domestic Japan.

Third, the SG1000S has a narrower body than the straight 1000. But there was a model called an SG1000N. The N was to denote a narrow body and also to distinguish it from its export only cousins. http://ameblo.jp/you-gurenomachide/e...108656852.html

This is all just total conjecture and IMHO and I don't mean to slight S models at all - SGs are ******* monsters in all forms. Hit me with any other wacky theories Even after posting this I am finding exceptions - it is a bit like trying to figure Tokai orFender Japan stuff from the 80s, models after price tags+inflation nightmares...

[wtf99]

The "S" suffix denotes the ability to Split coils using push-push switches on the tone controls.

just as the man says,
I've owned a few, from 200's to 2100's first class/premium mij build quality, but the 1000/2000/2100's are very heavy!

[lushery]

Well yeah, I mean I can't think of an S that doesn't split, but it's all the other differences that are negative I'm getting at. I guess what I'm interested in is why did they make S models simultaneously with non S models, both having same number. And what therefore is the difference is between 3000 and 3000S???

[spark240]

Now my SG1500 does have coil taps......but.....I think I had these fitted as an addition when I got back in....errr.....early 80's.