Yamaha SL-800S — Flagship Model of the Late Studio Lord Series

Around 1980, Yamaha reorganized the Studio Lord (SL) lineup.
The two top models, SL-1200 and SL-1000, were discontinued,
and the SL-800, once a mid-tier model, was renamed SL-800S
and promoted to the flagship position.
For convenience, I refer to this generation as the “late SL series.”

It’s easy to distinguish early and late models:
if the model name on the truss rod cover ends with “S” or “C,”
the guitar belongs to the later series.
These late models also feature solid mahogany backs,
unlike the laminated construction of the earlier versions.

This particular example carries an ink-stamped serial number,
suggesting it’s an early production unit within the late series.

The fingerboard was upgraded from rosewood (used on early SL-800s)
to striped ebony, enhancing both appearance and tactile feel.
The body features a two-piece hard maple top,
a two-piece mahogany back, and a maple neck.
Among all the models in the Studio Lord line,
only the SL-800S was fitted with mother-of-pearl inlays.

Weight: 4.59 kg (including strings)
(Updated August 28, 2016)