SG
Development Concept
SG1000, 2000 and SG3000, which was released shortly after, have long been the flagship models in Yamaha’s electric guitar lineup. However, there have been countless changes in the music scene and the emergence of many new music styles since the birth of the SG guitars. Along with such changes we have witnessed huge improvements and changes in amplifiers and effects - suffice to say, players’ demands today are totally different from those when the SG was introduced. To satisfy those demands, and make today’s SG as iconic and relevant as the original models, the SG1820 series was developed. Using direct feedback from Yamaha’s London, LA and Tokyo Artist Relations offices, the guitars are specced with the custom-shop parts that artists want and need and finished with the new simpler cosmetics that players have been asking for.
Featuring Japanese handmade set-neck construction, African Mahogany body and neck and maple top, the new SGs feature totally updated, no-compromise specifications to make the SGs perfect for today’s musicians and finally make the stadium-ready guitars that Yamaha have been producing for artists available to the public.
Sound
Body Material / Structure
While preserving the basic structure of Maple Top/Mahogany Back and SG’s iconic double cutaway design, the body of SG1820 was redesigned to capture the sound and look which today’s guitarists want. The contoured body top curves more deeply than previous models - the top arc of the curve, the center part of the body, has optimized wood-mass to maximise string-body vibration from the from the bridge and tailpiece. The deep curve maintains the guitar’s optimum weight balance and enhances the SG’s stunning shape. The back contour featured on SG1/2/3000, designed for increased comfort when the guitar was played high on the strap, has been modified to a flat back on the new SGs. The new flat back design increases the volume of Mahogany to significantly increase the low-mid response and presence while reflecting ergonomics needed for the lower stance modern players take with SGs.
Pickups
SG1820: Seymour Duncan ‘59
A classic, warm humbucker with smooth midrange and rich high-end. Works perfectly with SG1820 to give a hot-vintage tone with plenty of presence and depth.
SG1802: Seymour Duncan SP90-3
A high-output version of the classic P90 single coil pickup utilizing perfectly balanced ceramic magnets for powerful, punchy tone with incredible dynamics and openness.
SG1820A: EMG-85 (neck), EMG-81 (bridge)
The pickups of choice for modern, high-gain players. Close-aperture coils and balanced magnets (ceramic in the 81, alnico in the 85) give a rich, varied tonal palette with immense detail, clarity and ability to cut through the mix.
Fingerboard
With countless custom-shop artist-specced SGs being produced with Rosewood fingerboards instead of the traditional SG’s ebony board, we selected premium rosewood for the fingerboard on the new SGs. A warm, well-balanced tone and great feel match modern tones and playing styles perfectly.
Electronics
Switchcraft Toggle Switch / Noble Pot
Super-premium electronic parts are selected for the new SG guitars only after meeting Yamaha’s exhaustive testing criteria. Our choice of the finest switches and pots, the same as those chosen by pro guitar techs on stages all over the world, means that you can step on stage night after night confident that all of the little details are taken care of.
I.R.A. / Initial Response Acceleration
If you've ever played another guitarist's instrument and not been able to get the same sound, it's probably because you are playing a different style than what the guitar is used to. After playing the same guitar for years, the guitar adapts to the guitarist's playing style. It takes time for a new guitar to adapt to your own way of playing. Stress found between parts like finish, woods, body, neck, fingerboard, nut, bridge, etc., must be released before all of the parts can resonate together as an instrument. It takes time and a lot of playing for this to happen.Using IRA technology, stresses like those between the finish and wood are release by applying specific vibrations to the completed guitars. Once this treatment is complete, the guitar responds accurately to the guitarist's performance, and produces sound more easily. It also shortens the time needed for the guitar to adapt to your playing style. And it delivers excellent sustain
Hardware
TonePros Bridge / Tailpiece
TonePros’ lighter bridge and tailpiece design enhances the vibration of the guitar’s body by reducing the mass of the metal parts. The locking design ensures the bridge and tailpiece are tightly anchored on their mounting studs for ultra-efficient vibration transfer, maximizing sustain and improving clarity.
Grover Locking Tuners
The SG’s strings are locked in place at the post to ensure zero slippage and complete tuning stability along with quick, efficient string changes.
Graph Tech Nut
Graph Tech captures the best properties of bone nuts - exceptional resonance, amazing clarity and smooth sustain - while improving on them with permanent lubrication, better longevity and easier cutting.
Look
Headstock
The SG’s headstock has been reshaped to a slightly smaller size to improve body balance. The classic ‘flower pot’ head mark has also been down-sized to match with the new headstock size.
Both the SG1820 and 1802 feature traditional SG inlays, perfectly proportioned to the new, smaller headstock. (left)
The SG1820A’s unique outline design perfectly updates the SG’s classic style for a modern, aggressive look. (right)
Control Knobs
Control knobs on all three models complement guitar designs. SG1820: Speed Knob, SG1802: Barrel Knob, SG1820A: Metal Knob
Position Marker
Position marker designs complement the instrument’s looks. SG1820: SG Arrow, SG1802: Vintage Dot, SG1820A: Outlined Arrow.
