Despite having a rich history behind them in the guitar industry, Yamaha is not a name most people would immediately associate with the instrument. However, while the likes of Gibson and Fender lead the way, Yamaha does enjoy a portion of the market and is still a respected name when it comes to guitar production.

Yamaha’s First Guitars

Yamaha released their first solid body guitar – they prefixed their models with ‘SG’ – in 1965. The SG-3 was their first real mainstream model, and the detail and appearance was magnificent, particular in comparison to early Fender models. However, the SG-3 remained very much within Japan; very few were exported to the United States and around the world owing to the dominance of Gibson and the emergence of Fender around the same time.

Between 1965 and 1981, further SG models would be released, with 1966’s SG-7 their first electric model.

RGX & RGZ Guitars

From the 1980’s to today, Yamaha have released RGX and RGZ guitars. There have been four generations of the RGX models, although as Yamaha have looked to cater for the widest market possible, there is a lot of crossover between the first three.

The first models were released in 1987, notable for their resemblance to the famous Jackson Soloist and Fender ‘Superstrat’ models. RGX models were also known for having 24 frets – more in some cases – and a bolt-on neck, a feature that even today still fuels much debate around the perceived advantages and disadvantages of it. Yamaha were criticised in some quarters owing to the perception that the design and appearance of their guitars had taken a backward step from the original 1960s models.

The evolution of Yamaha guitars moved quickly at this time. By 1994, the company was working exclusively on their third generation RGX models, and aiming to get back their reputation for delivering great looking detail and features. RGZ models had enjoyed limited success, so were discontinued at this time.

Late 90’s & Today

Production of the third generation RGX models ceased in the late 90’s, and 2003 would see the launch of their first fourth generation RGX, the RGX 121 S. A handful of other guitars would be launched between 2003 – 2005, all of which went back to looking brilliant while also delivering the latest technology and features guitarists around the world expected.

Yamaha have not launched any new models since this time, but haven’t definitively said they’re not going to do so. The history of Yamaha demonstrates they frequently have lengthy gaps between products, which allows them to produce things that are clearly new and updated rather than the same product with a tweak here and there.

It remains to be seen whether we’ll see a new launch of Yamaha guitars in this decade, however.

Image Author: Freebird_71