Yamaha SBG700S and SBG500B Electric Guitars
January 29, 1998
Two new Yamaha electric guitars, the SBG700S and SBG500B, are set to turn ears on at this year's NAMM show-just like their legendary forebearers from 1966 and 1996.
In 1966, Yamaha's now-classic SBG became the first imported electric guitar to gratify the discriminating tastes of America's top professional musicians. This groundbreaking electric soon became the guitar of choice for early rock icons. When Yamaha Corporation of America issued their SBG1996 electric guitar (the limited edition Thirtieth Anniversary SBG Reissue), it struck a deep chord with players all over the world. In 1998, Yamaha furthers the lineage with two new models-SBG700S and SBG500B-instantly recognizable as contemporary kin to their vintage Yamaha forerunners.
"Electric guitarists gravitate to the SBG Series because it stands for quality craftsmanship, superior tone, high-performance responsiveness and technical innovation," said Jay Piccirillo, product specialist, Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Department. "The players themselves gave the SBG their stamp of approval over thirty years ago and passion for these guitars has only grown stronger. We've been deluged with requests for an affordable SBG electric guitar. Now we have designed two models for today's most discerning players."
The finely-crafted solid Mahogany body of the SBG700S is enhanced by a carved top and white body bindings and Mahogany was also chosen for the neck. A durable Rosewood fingerboard, detailed with dot inlay, is crowned by a headstock highlighted with handsome Gold die cast tuners. High-grade Yamaha Humbuckers and an advanced control system (four knobs for front and rear Volume and Tone plus a three-position toggle switch) offer a satisfyingly fat sound, no matter what style is played. The bridge, a Tune-O-Matic, is gold. Suggested retail price for the SBG700S electric guitar is $1049. This model is available in Black, Brown, Cherry and Green High Gloss Translucent Finishes.
The SBG500B Electric Guitar features a bolt-on neck and solid body, both fashioned from Nato wood. Like the SBG700S, it has a Rosewood fingerboard, dot inlay and the same outstanding control system. The SBG500B's die cast tuners and Tune-O-Matic bridge are chrome. Available in three High Gloss Translucent Finishes (Black, Cherry, Gold), suggested retail price for the SBG500B is $679. For more information on the Yamaha SBG700S and SBG500 guitars, please visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 98 session, Los Angeles Convention Center, Petree Hall, West Lobby Entrance; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Department, P.O. Box 6600 Buena Park, CA 90620-6600; call (714) 522-9011; or visit the Yamaha Guitar Department web site http://www.yamahaguitars.com. |
