Re: Yamaha SJ 550 HR - Value

Hey,
I have a 1985 Yamaha SJ-550-HR and I've been using it steady (weekends) for the past 25 years. It's still sounding and performing rock solid. So far, I've had to replace one knob (the pick-up tapping knob) and the guitar cord insert. I've had set-ups done a couple of times and both times I'v ebeen told by the guitar techs that I have a pretty decent guitar. It's been a great guitar for me. I have been playing in a duo that does everything from 60's rock to bluegrass. I especially like the way you can tap the pick-up from single coil to humbucker. Very useful. I get the best of both the Fender and Gibson worlds.
I paid almost $800 for this guitar back in 1985. I actually went into the music store looking for a decent Tele and the salesman talked me into the Yamaha. I haven't regretted my decision from a playing standpoint, maybe I would have preferred a Tele because they are easier to sell on the used market. Today, I would price this guitar slightly lower than a Tele of equal vintage (just because it's a Tele, not because it's any better). So, if you had an '85 Mexican or Japanese Tele, you would probabably ask around $400 to $450 US for it. So I would price the Yamama at around $300- $350 depending on the condition.
Don't sell this guitar short. Mine has the playability and versitility of sound that puts it in the Fender and Gibson class. If you've taken decent care of your Yamaha SJ-550, it should be worth the bucks to someone else.

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