The “SG” line of solid-body electrics, launched in 1973-74 and discontinued in the late 1980s, played a crucial role in establishing Yamaha’s international reputation among rock musicians. Carlos Santana became a keen user of two SG guitars: the SG-175, and the later SG-2000.

Initially, the range included a handful of models with single-cutaway bodies that were slightly reminiscent of a Gibson Les Paul. But these were soon dropped, leaving the more famous double-cutaway outline (as seen on Santana’s axes, and this SG500B) to establish itself as the classic Yamaha SG shape.

The SG500B debuted in 1976 and remained in the catalog for about three years. This example dates from 1978.