Yamaha SG2 replica build

[Sonichris]

The '66-'67 Yamaha SG2 and SG3's are one of my favorite guitars of all time. I just love 'em! I've owned a bunch. I've wanted to build my own for a long time too. I made body, pickguard, and headstock outline templates from a real '67 a couple years ago, but never went any further with the project......Until now!

WorkofFire's Yamaha sG2 builds are a huge inspiration. His were truly badass.

There are several parts that are impossible to find, namely the tremolo, bridge, and pickups. So, I'll be using parts that are more easily attained. Other cool features of the originals like the 22 fret neck with no overhang, zero fret with metal string guide, and v shaped neck profile are being re-created.

I think I'll finish this one in original sunburst style.

So far, this is the spec: Super light alder body, maple neck, Rosewood board. Pickguard cut for Jaguar pickups. I'll probably use the mastery tremolo with their square'r plate.

The pics below are fresh after sealer.








More to come - this thing is going together fast!

[novamax]

The '66-'67 Yamaha SG2 and SG3's are one of my favorite guitars of all time. I just love 'em!

Me, too - subscribed

[antisymmetric]

Nice project, they're beautiful guitars!

...v shaped neck profile....

Didn't know about this, I have a '66 identical to the one in the lead photo and I've had one other in my hands, and both have a very round neck profile. Some were v-shaped? Interesting ...
Also, that black SG-3 you did recently is awesome, the black looks so right on it.

[VPO]

Love this guitar.

[Sonichris]

Nice project, they're beautiful guitars!

...v shaped neck profile....

Didn't know about this, I have a '66 identical to the one in the lead photo and I've had one other in my hands, and both have a very round neck profile. Some were v-shaped? Interesting ...
Also, that black SG-3 you did recently is awesome, the black looks so right on it.

Yes, some were more V than round. Calling it a V neck is probably a poor choice of words. The shoulders are a little flatter than a C shaped neck. I measured the neck profile of the one I copied. It was very different than the usual C shape like on most Fender Jags and JM’s. I really liked it, so I went with that shape. I’ve owned 20-30 SG2’s and 3’s. If I think back, only a few had the “not C” neck.

I really loved that black one I did - If the sunburst goes sideways, this one will be black. If it goes well, then next one will be black.

[Shadoweclipse13]

Oh yeah This is gonna be epic! What do you have in mind for the pickups?

[Rgand]

Looks great already! That clear finish with the white is sooo nice.

[Sonichris]

[Sonichris]

Paint is finished. Mostly happy with the burst. The black ended up a little wide.

I'll let it sit for a day or two, then wet-sand/buff and assemble.
Still need to make the metal string guide, and the cool string tree.
Pickups are on their way, along with the remaining parts.

[Rgand]

That is one of the nicest bursts I've seen. Frankly, I like the wider black. It really accents the center colors.

[antisymmetric]

Very nice burst IMO, much better than the original one on mine.

[marqueemoon]

I like the wider black too. Gives it more of a Mosrite vibe.

[Shadoweclipse13]

Nice I love that you used a Mastery with that plate shape instead of the JM/Jag shape. Looks like it was made to be.

[Sonichris]

Nice I love that you used a Mastery with that plate shape instead of the JM/Jag shape. Looks like it was made to be.

Yes, that Mastery plate even matches the curves of the pickguard. Someone asked if I modded the guard to fit, it was so perfect.

Looking forward to finishing it in the next few days!

[Sonichris]

Finished it yesterday. Played it for a long time last night - It's maybe my favorite build ever.

I made a metal string guide, and an original looking string tree.
Found some aluminum knobs and painted the skirts for a closer look.
The pickups are Fender Pure Vintage '65 with cut out covers for a bit more Yamaha SG2 look.